Why RO is popular here
Many Hialeah Gardens families buy bottled water out of habit or because they dislike the disinfectant taste. The city's water is Miami-Dade County water, disinfected with chloramine (WASD's 2025 report lists 2.5 ppm in the main system), and the city's report notes it can occasionally take on a light yellow tint from natural organic material. An RO system addresses taste and appearance at the one tap you drink from, without touching the rest of the plumbing.
Stage by stage
| Stage | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sediment | Catches particles that would clog the later stages |
| Carbon | Reduces chlorine or chloramine taste and protects the membrane |
| RO membrane | Reduces dissolved solids such as salts and minerals |
| Alkaline or mineral stage | Adds minerals back for taste |
| Dedicated faucet | Keeps RO water separate from the regular tap |
See Living Water's compact alkaline RO.
Fitting it in a local kitchen
- Cabinet space: tank systems need room for the storage tank; tankless designs are slimmer. Compare in tankless vs. tank RO.
- Faucet hole: granite tops may need a hole drilled, or an existing sprayer hole can sometimes be used.
- Drain connection: RO sends some water to the drain during filtering.
- Rentals: get the owner's permission first; RO is usually easy to remove when you move.
Certification and claims
If you want an RO unit for a specific contaminant, check that the exact model is certified for it under NSF/ANSI 58 and look up the listing. Ask Jorge for the certification details of the model he recommends. For PFAS and fluoride questions, see PFAS filters and fluoride filters.
RO or whole-home first?
They solve different problems. RO is for the water you drink and cook with; a whole-home filter is for every shower and faucet. If the chloramine smell in the shower bothers you as much as the taste, start with whole-home and add RO in the kitchen. If you only drink bottled water because of taste, RO alone may be enough. A test of your tap helps you decide which to do first.
Upkeep
Pre-filters and post-filters are changed on a schedule, and membranes last longer. Ask for the replacement schedule in writing, and ask how you will know when a filter is due. If the water ever tastes different, or flow at the RO faucet slows, that is usually the first sign a filter needs attention. To book, call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.cityofhialeahgardens.com/home/showpublisheddocument/3026/639160153849070000
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist