Four options compared
| Option | Good at | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher filter | Easy start, no install | Small capacity; chloramine reduction varies by model; frequent cartridge changes |
| Refrigerator filter | Convenient cold water and ice | Limited contact time; easy to forget the change date |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Chloramine taste, dissolved solids, dedicated faucet | Needs cabinet space and a drain; filter schedule |
| Whole-home system | Chloramine at every tap and shower | Not a substitute for RO if you want lower dissolved solids |
What Boca Raton's water means for the choice
The City of Boca Raton softens, filters and disinfects its water before delivery. The main thing you taste is chloramine, listed at 2.0 to 3.5 mg/L. Hardness is moderate at 3.8 to 4.7 grains per gallon. So the drinking-water question here is mostly about taste, odor and how "clean" you want the glass to taste, not about fixing a failing supply.
Because chloramine is harder on simple carbon than plain chlorine, check that a pitcher or fridge filter lists chloramine reduction for its exact model.
Why RO is the usual pick
- Multi-stage carbon handles chloramine taste and odor.
- The membrane lowers total dissolved solids.
- The alkaline stage adds minerals back for taste.
- It feeds a dedicated faucet and can supply the refrigerator and ice maker.
Living Water's alkaline RO systems are multi-stage with a dedicated faucet, for homes, condos, offices and gyms. See under-sink RO in Boca Raton.
When something else fits better
- Renters: a certified pitcher may be the practical answer.
- Whole-house comfort: if showers bother you more than the glass, start with whole-home filtration.
- Private well: the well's test decides the system, often with RO at the kitchen as the last step.
- A specific contaminant: choose a model certified for it under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 and check the listing.
Questions to ask any seller
- What is the exact model, and what is it certified for?
- How often does each filter get changed?
- How much water goes to drain?
- Who services it?
Then compare: bottled water vs. RO.
Try it with a free test
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. He tests your tap water, explains the results and recommends the option that fits, even if that is the simplest one.
https://www.myboca.us/389/Water-Quality
https://www.myboca.us/DocumentCenter/View/43632/2025-Annual-Water-Quality-Report-
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist