Provided are filtration matrixes formed from adsorptive media, such as activated carbon, and polymeric binder for use in water filtration systems. A first aspect of the invention provides methods of making a filtration matrix comprising: mixing an adsorptive media with a polymeric binder to form a mixture; impulse filling a mold with the mixture; and processing the mixture to form the filtration matrix. Filtration matrixes formed from this method are also provided. Another aspect includes methods of making a filtration matrix comprising: mixing adsorptive media with a polymeric binder to form a mixture; filling a mold with the mixture; and applying heat and pressure the mixture to form the filtration matrix, wherein the step of applying pressure to the mixture comprises compressing the mixture until a desired final shape of the filtration matrix is obtained.