Start with measured hardness
Softeners are sized by how much hardness they need to remove between regenerations. WASD's 2025 report says water at the Alexander Orr, Jr. plant, which serves Kendall, receives lime treatment to reduce hardness. That means a Kendall home on county water may need a smaller system than a home on an untreated private well, or may decide a softener is not needed at all. A hardness reading at your tap settles it.
What changes the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hardness level | Higher hardness needs more resin or more frequent regeneration |
| Household size and use | More people and bathrooms mean more water to soften |
| Control valve | Demand-based valves regenerate by actual use; timer valves on a schedule |
| Install location | Garage, side yard or utility room, with a drain and electrical nearby |
| Bypass for irrigation | Lawn water should not be softened |
| Combined treatment | Pairing with chloramine filtration adds equipment |
Ownership costs to ask about
- How much salt the system uses per month at your hardness, and whether potassium is an option.
- How often the resin is expected to need service.
- Water and drain use during regeneration.
- Service visits included, and warranty terms.
For a broader look, read water softener cost in Florida.
Questions that keep a softener quote honest
- What hardness number was this system sized for, and was it measured at my tap?
- Is the valve demand-based, and how often will it regenerate at my usage?
- Is the irrigation line bypassed?
- What is included: installation materials, drain line, bypass valve, first bag of salt?
- What does the warranty cover on the tank, resin and valve?
A softener that is oversized for Kendall's lime-softened county water wastes salt and water at every regeneration, and one that is undersized runs out of capacity. Good sizing protects you on both ends.
Homes and businesses
Living Water installs ion-exchange softening plants for homes and for businesses such as restaurants, laundries, gyms, schools and offices along Kendall's commercial strips. Commercial sizing starts with daily water use and the equipment being protected, which changes the quote significantly compared with a house.
Before you pay for a softener
If your main complaint is chloramine taste, a softener will not fix it; see softener vs. filter in Kendall. If it is spots and scale, read hard water spots in Kendall. Financing is available through Living Water's financing partners with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you. To book a free test, call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/water-supply-and-treatment.page
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist