Up-front drivers
- Model, stages and alkaline stage.
- Certifications: a model certified under NSF/ANSI 58 for particular contaminants is a specific choice; compare listings, not marketing.
- Tank vs. tankless and cabinet space.
- Faucet and countertop: stone may need a professional hole.
- Extras: ice-maker line, second faucet.
- Community rules: some associations require licensed, insured installers.
How Boynton water affects upkeep
The carbon prefilter handles chloramine most of the year and free chlorine during maintenance weeks, and it protects the membrane, so its interval matters. The membrane's workload depends on dissolved solids; the 2025 report lists sodium at 43.2 ppm. A sediment prefilter also catches what hydrant flushing can stir up. Jorge's TDS reading at your tap shows what the membrane will face.
Ownership costs to ask about
| Part | Ask |
|---|---|
| Sediment and carbon prefilters | Interval at my use |
| Membrane | Expected life at my TDS |
| Post-filter and alkaline stage | Interval and part numbers |
| Drain water | Ratio for this model |
See RO filter replacement cost and RO operating costs.
Drain water and your bill
RO sends some water to the drain. The city's Investing in Your Water page explains a rate adjustment and shows that bills include water and sewer usage charges. That makes a model's drain ratio worth comparing. Ask for it in writing, along with whether the model shuts off automatically when the tank is full.
Kitchen details that change the installation line
Older homes may have stiff or corroded shutoff valves under the sink that are best replaced while the plumber is there. Many newer kitchens have quartz or granite counters, where the dedicated faucet can use an existing soap-dispenser hole or needs a professional cut. A refrigerator far from the sink needs a longer ice-maker line. None of this changes the system you need, but each can change the installation line, which is why Jorge looks under the sink before quoting.
RO vs. buying water
Count all drinking, coffee, ice and cooking water, then compare with RO upkeep. Include the trips to the store, the storage space and the recycling, which are real costs even if they are not on a receipt. The bottled water vs. RO calculator uses your own numbers.
A clean quote
Exact model and listing, installation scope, filter schedule and part numbers, and warranty in writing. 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 (305) 793-5974. See under-sink RO in Boynton Beach.
https://www.boynton-beach.org/DocumentCenter/View/4063/2025-Water-Quality-Report-for-the-City-of-Boynton-Beach-9
https://www.boynton-beach.org/742/Chlorine-Maintenance-FAQ
https://www.boynton-beach.org/922/Investing-in-Your-Water
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist