Your water source comes first
On HPS Water, RO receives treated, chlorinated Biscayne Aquifer water. Carbon pre-filters handle the chlorine, and the membrane does the rest. On a private well, heavy iron, sulfur or hardness can shorten membrane life, so the well may need treatment before RO. That upstream equipment is a separate line item and often the bigger one. See well water treatment in Homestead.
Design choices that change the price
- Stages and membrane capacity. More stages and higher output cost more.
- Alkaline remineralization. Living Water's under-sink systems are alkaline RO; see alkaline vs. standard RO.
- Tank or tankless. See tankless vs. tank RO.
- Certification for any specific claim, under NSF/ANSI 58, verified on the exact model's listing.
Kitchen factors
- Whether the sink has a spare hole for the RO faucet or the countertop must be drilled.
- Room under the sink, especially with a disposal.
- Drain and cold-water valve condition.
- A line to the refrigerator or ice maker.
- Rules in Homestead's townhome and apartment communities.
What an RO quote should list
| Item | Why ask |
|---|---|
| Exact model and certifications | To verify each claim on the listing |
| Faucet and drilling | Countertop work can be the hidden extra |
| Fridge or ice maker line | Extra parts and labor, priced separately |
| Well pretreatment, if any | Often the larger part of a rural job |
| First filter set and warranty | What you get before the first replacement |
Line-by-line quotes are easy to compare; see how to compare water treatment quotes.
Upkeep to price in
RO's long-term cost is mostly maintenance. Ask how often each pre-filter, post-filter and membrane is replaced at your usage, whether parts are proprietary, how much water goes to the drain and whether service visits are included. On well water, add the upkeep of any pretreatment. Our guides on RO operating costs and RO filter replacement list the questions.
Making the comparison
Many families weigh RO against the bottled water they buy now; try the bottled water vs. RO calculator. Living Water offers financing through its financing partners with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you. For an itemized quote, call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.homesteadfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6143
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/drinking-water/private-wells/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist