Your city water, briefly
Fort Lauderdale runs its own utility. It draws from the Biscayne Aquifer and, since September 2026, has been moving production to the new Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, which uses nanofiltration and ion exchange and is designed to improve clarity and taste. The water is treated to meet drinking water standards and, per the 2025 report, disinfected with chloramines. The city stopped adding fluoride before July 2025. So the reasons to add a drinking water system here are mostly taste, the disinfectant, and any specific reduction you want, chosen by certification.
Compare the options
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | Renters, small households | Small batches, frequent cartridges |
| Fridge filter | Cold water and ice | Does not treat the kitchen tap; check certifications |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Drinking and cooking at a dedicated faucet | Needs cabinet space and a drain; some water goes to the drain |
| Whole-home filter | Chloramine reduction at every tap and shower | Not the same polishing as RO |
Picking by home type
- Oceanfront or downtown condo: under-sink alkaline RO fits in the kitchen cabinet without building approval for outside equipment.
- Single-family home: RO in the kitchen plus a whole-home system for showers and laundry.
- Vacation rental: RO with an easy filter schedule your property manager can follow.
- Office: RO sized to the number of people.
Specific concerns
- Fluoride: see fluoride filters in Fort Lauderdale.
- PFAS: choose only models certified for PFOA and PFOS reduction; see PFAS filters.
- Lead from home plumbing: the city's report recommends filters certified by an ANSI-accredited certifier to reduce lead and notes its service line inventory at ftlcity.info/serviceline. Check the model's listing for lead.
Questions before you buy
- What is this exact model certified for?
- How often are filters and the membrane changed at our usage?
- Can it feed the fridge and ice maker?
- How much water goes to the drain?
Cost factors are covered in RO cost in Fort Lauderdale. Living Water's under-sink systems are multi-stage alkaline RO units with a dedicated faucet. Jorge tests your water free and recommends only what fits; call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/files/d3f21c58-5644-4f14-9cf9-49b1020de2fd/2025-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/Residents/City-News/Fort-Lauderdale-Celebrates-Opening-of-Prospect-Lake-Clean-Water-Center
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist