Start with what you are solving
Coral Gables water from the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is treated to meet standards and disinfected with chloramine. Common reasons people add a drinking-water system here:
- Chloramine taste in water, coffee and ice
- Wanting to stop buying bottled water
- Reducing dissolved solids for taste
- Specific concerns, such as PFAS or fluoride, that require certified equipment
Options side by side
| Option | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher filter | No installation; low entry cost | Small batches; frequent filter changes; chloramine and contaminant performance vary by model |
| Refrigerator filter | Built in; covers ice and the door dispenser | Small cartridge; limited contact time |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Multi-stage; membrane plus carbon; dedicated faucet; can feed the fridge | Needs cabinet space and a drain; filter and membrane changes |
| Whole-home filter | Every tap and shower; targets chloramine | Not a membrane system; usually paired with RO for drinking water |
Why RO is the usual pick for drinking water
Living Water's alkaline RO system combines carbon pre-filtration, a reverse osmosis membrane and an alkaline stage, delivered through its own faucet. It suits single-family homes, condos and offices. If you want reduction of a specific contaminant, check that the exact model is certified for it under NSF/ANSI 58.
Coral Gables details that change the answer
- Fluoride: WASD stopped adding fluoride in June 2025; natural levels are about 0.1 to 0.3 ppm. See fluoride filters.
- PFAS: WASD reports PFAS results; only NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certified models should be trusted for PFOA and PFOS. See PFAS filters.
- Older kitchens: some Gables homes have tight cabinets or stone counters; RO placement is planned during the visit.
A simple way to decide
- Only taste matters and you drink little tap water: a certified pitcher may be enough.
- You want filtered water on tap for drinking, cooking and ice: under-sink RO.
- You also dislike the shower smell: add a whole-home filter.
Compare whole-house vs. under-sink filters and bottled water vs. RO.
Keep any system working
Every drinking-water option depends on changing filters on time. A pitcher or fridge cartridge that is past its life does little, and an RO membrane that is overdue loses performance. Whatever you choose, set reminders based on the manufacturer's schedule, and ask the installer what a service visit includes. See RO filter replacement cost for what drives upkeep.
Get advice for your kitchen
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974. He tests your water free, looks at your sink setup and recommends what fits, or nothing at all.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/water-supply-and-treatment.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist