System choices
- Alkaline vs. standard: alkaline adds a remineralization stage.
- Tank vs. tankless: see tank vs. tankless.
- Pre-filtration: chloramine-rated carbon protects the membrane.
- Certifications: NSF/ANSI 58 listings for specific contaminants, if you need them.
More stages are not automatically better; the stages should match your water.
On County water with a chloramine residual, the pre-filter stages are the ones that protect your investment, so they deserve as much attention in a quote as the membrane itself.
Installation factors
- Cabinet space and layout.
- Countertop material for the faucet hole: laminate is quicker than stone.
- Drain access.
- Refrigerator or ice maker line and its route.
- Water pressure; low pressure can call for a pump.
Coconut Creek kitchens range from original builder cabinets to remodeled stone countertops. Stone needs the right drill bit and more care. A refrigerator line that has to run through cabinets or under the floor takes longer than one next to the sink.
Running costs
Ask for the full schedule: sediment and carbon pre-filters, post-filter, remineralization stage and membrane. Membrane life depends on what reaches it, so ask how chloramine is stopped upstream. See RO maintenance and operating costs and filter replacement.
Also ask whether replacement filters are standard sizes and whether the schedule changes if your household grows or you are away part of the year.
Hidden costs to watch for
- Proprietary filters available from only one source.
- Short filter life that means frequent purchases.
- Installation extras that only appear on the final invoice.
A good quote spells these out before you agree.
Ask how long the quote is valid and whether anything depends on what the installer finds under the sink, such as an old shut-off valve that needs replacing. Those small items are where surprise charges usually come from.
Also check what the warranty covers: parts, labor, or both, and for how long.
RO vs. bottled water
Many households compare RO with bottled water or delivery. The bottled water vs. RO calculator uses your own numbers.
The comparison usually comes down to how much bottled water you buy, how many people drink it, and whether you value not carrying cases home.
Questions before you sign
- Which exact model, and where is its listing?
- What does installation include?
- Who replaces filters, and how are they ordered?
- What does the warranty cover?
Get your quote
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 for a free test and an itemized quote.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist