What drives the price
- Stages: sediment, carbon, membrane, post-filter and alkaline remineralization.
- Tank or tankless: a storage tank needs cabinet space; tankless units are compact. See tankless vs. tank RO.
- Countertop: stone counters may need a hole drilled for the dedicated faucet.
- Water pressure: low pressure may call for a booster pump.
- Extra lines: to a refrigerator or ice maker.
The Greenacres factor: chloramine on the carbon
PBCWUD's 2025 eastern data lists chloramine at a 3.04 ppm running annual average, with results up to 4.53 ppm. Chloramine can damage some RO membranes, so the carbon pre-filter must handle it first. Ask how the pre-filter is sized and how often it is replaced at your usage. A system with undersized carbon can cost more over time in early membrane changes.
Operating costs to ask about
- Pre-filter and post-filter replacement schedule.
- Expected membrane life.
- Water sent to the drain per gallon of drinking water.
- Whether service visits are included.
See RO filter replacement cost and RO operating costs.
How Jorge sizes it
He measures pressure, TDS, chloramine and pH at the kitchen tap, looks at the cabinet and counter, and asks how much drinking and cooking water your household uses. From that he recommends a tank or tankless design and explains the filter schedule. If your household drinks very little water, he will say a smaller setup may be enough.
Compared with bottled water
Many households switch to RO to stop buying bottled water. The way to compare is your weekly use against the filter schedule. The bottled water vs. RO calculator walks through it with your own numbers.
Renters and townhomes
Under-sink RO is the most common system in apartments and townhomes because it stays in the kitchen cabinet. If you rent, ask about permission and whether the unit could move with you. That affects whether installation makes sense for your timeline.
What a fair quote excludes
Ask whether it covers drilling the counter, a fridge connection, a booster pump if needed, a new under-sink shutoff valve if the old one is worn, and the first set of replacement filters. Jorge checks pressure, TDS, chloramine and cabinet space, then gives you a real number. 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 Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist