Equipment factors
- Stages: sediment, carbon, membrane, post-filter, and an optional alkaline stage.
- Storage tank or tankless: see tankless vs. tank RO.
- Output: larger households may need a higher-capacity model.
- Faucet style and finish.
Alkaline remineralization adds a cartridge to the system and one more item to the replacement schedule. Many households think it is worth it for taste; others are happy with standard RO. Compare alkaline vs. standard RO.
Installation factors
- Cabinet space and plumbing layout under the sink.
- Countertop material for the faucet hole.
- Distance to the refrigerator for an ice-maker line.
- Drain connection for reject water.
- Water pressure; a booster pump only if pressure is low.
Tankless models need power and save cabinet space; tank models store a reserve and need no outlet. That choice alone can change both the install and the parts list.
How Belle Glade's water affects it
PBCWUD's 2025 report shows the Western Region water is treated at the western plant and chlorinated, with a running annual average of 2.57 ppm. Carbon pre-filters handle that chlorine before the membrane. If a hardness test comes back high, scale can shorten membrane life, and Jorge will tell you whether that changes the setup. Sodium, listed at 61.9 ppm, is one of the dissolved solids an RO membrane reduces.
Where your kitchen sits relative to the refrigerator and drain also matters: a short, direct run is quicker than routing a line across a room or under a floor.
Running costs to ask about
Ask for the schedule and part numbers for every filter and the membrane, in writing, and who supplies replacements. Read RO filter replacement cost and maintenance and operating costs.
Questions worth asking: Which filters are proprietary? Can I change them myself? What happens if I miss a change? What is the membrane's expected life on my water? Clear answers make quotes comparable. See why quotes differ.
Versus bottled water
Run your own household numbers in the bottled water vs. RO calculator.
Count everyone in the house, plus coffee, cooking and pets, for an honest estimate.
Quote and financing
Living Water offers financing through its financing partners; you apply with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist