Granular activated carbon (GAC) is a coconut shell derived carbon for the removal of dissolved organic contaminants from water, wastewater and process liquids. These contaminants include taste and odor compounds, chlorine, organic color, total organic carbon (TOC) and industrial chemicals such as chlorinated solvents (TCE, PCE). The pore structure enables it to be used for adsorption of both high and low molecular weight impurities from waters and liquids. The carbon is especially effective for adsorbing trace organic compounds such as vinyl chloride, methylene chloride.