Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis in Homestead

An under-sink reverse osmosis system gives a Homestead kitchen a separate faucet for drinking and cooking water, filtered through sediment and carbon stages and a fine membrane. On HPS Water, which is chlorinated Biscayne Aquifer groundwater, RO is mainly about taste, dissolved solids and specific concerns you choose to address. On a Redland well, it is usually the final stage after the well itself is treated. Living Water's systems are alkaline RO and fit in a standard sink cabinet.

Who chooses RO in Homestead

Families tired of hauling bottled water from the store.
Townhome and apartment residents in Homestead's newer communities, where whole-home equipment may not be practical or allowed.
Homes on private wells that want a polished drinking water tap after the main well treatment.
Offices and gyms, which Living Water's RO systems are also designed for.

How the stages work

Sediment stage catches particles.
Carbon stages reduce chlorine, which HPS Water uses as its disinfectant, and protect the membrane.
RO membrane separates water from most dissolved solids.
Alkaline remineralization adds minerals back and raises pH for taste.
Dedicated faucet on the sink.

Compare designs in alkaline vs. standard RO and tankless vs. tank RO.

RO on a well: put it last

An RO membrane is not designed to handle heavy iron, hydrogen sulfide or very hard water by itself; those shorten membrane life. On a Redland or rural well, Jorge looks at the whole well test first. For questions about bacteria, read UV vs. reverse osmosis for well water, and remember Florida's Department of Health recommends yearly certified lab testing of private wells for bacteria and nitrate.

Specific concerns and certification

Some people want RO because of something they read in their water report. Homestead's 2025 report, for example, lists PFAS results from federal UCMR5 monitoring. For any specific contaminant, only trust a model whose NSF/ANSI 58 listing names that claim, and check the exact model. See PFAS filters and fluoride filters in Homestead.

RO or bottled water?

Many Homestead households already buy bottled water by the case. RO replaces that with a faucet that is always on, which also helps for cooking, coffee and ice if it is connected to the fridge. Whether it saves money depends on how much bottled water you buy today; our bottled water vs. RO calculator lets you work through your own figures. If you buy very little, a simpler option may make more sense, and Jorge will say so.

Upkeep and next steps

Plan for pre-filter, post-filter and membrane changes on a schedule, and expect some water to go to the drain as part of how RO works. Ask for the schedule in writing. Cost factors are on reverse osmosis cost in Homestead.

Get a free in-home test: call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

Sources:
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

Common questions

Does RO work on Homestead city water?

Yes. Carbon stages reduce the chlorine HPS Water uses, and the membrane reduces dissolved solids. It serves a dedicated kitchen faucet.

Can I put RO on my Redland well?

Usually as the last stage, after iron, sulfur and hardness are handled. Otherwise the membrane can wear out quickly.

Will RO fit in my apartment kitchen?

In most cases it fits inside a standard sink cabinet. Check with your landlord or association first.

How often are RO filters changed?

It depends on use and water quality. Ask for the replacement schedule for each stage in writing.

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