The Omnipure Q5486 is the dual-purpose Q-Series cartridge that handles both carbon filtration and scale reduction in a single cartridge slot. Granular activated carbon reduces chlorine, taste, and odor in tap water, while a phosphate-based scale inhibitor reduces the lime and calcium scale buildup that destroys espresso machines, coffee equipment, ice makers, and steamer equipment in hard-water areas.
For commercial coffee shops, restaurant espresso bars, and any foodservice installation in a hard-water region, scale buildup is the silent killer of beverage equipment — repair and descaling costs add up fast, and equipment failures during service hours hurt revenue. The phosphate scale inhibitor in the Q5486 reduces that buildup at the water-entry point, extending equipment life dramatically.
Fits standard Omnipure Q-series filter heads — twist in, replace expired cartridge, twist back. Made by Omnipure in Caldwell, Idaho. Pair with the Q5605 sediment pre-filter for a complete 2-stage protection setup for premium beverage equipment.






