The options side by side
| Option | Good for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher filter | Low cost, renters | Small cartridges; check chloramine certification |
| Fridge filter | Convenience | Limited contact time; certification varies |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Drinking and cooking water | Kitchen tap only; filter changes |
| Whole-home system | Chloramine at every tap | Does not lower dissolved solids like RO |
Why chloramine shapes the choice here
The town forms chloramines by adding chlorine and then ammonia, and its 2025 samples ranged from 3.0 to 4.7 ppm. Chloramine is more stable than chlorine and harder for small carbon filters to handle. Whatever you choose, check that the model is certified for chloramine reduction, not just chlorine. See chloramine filters in Lantana.
Why RO is the usual pick
Lantana's plant does not use reverse osmosis, so a home RO system is the step that lowers dissolved solids. Its carbon stages handle chloramine taste, the membrane does the rest, and Living Water's compact alkaline RO adds minerals back for taste. It has its own faucet and fits houses, condos and apartments. A TDS meter reading at the regular tap and then at the RO faucet shows you the difference in plain numbers, which is how Jorge demonstrates it rather than asking you to take his word for it.
Pick by household
- Condo or rental: under-sink RO, with permission.
- Family home: under-sink RO plus a whole-home system if the shower smell bothers you.
- Seasonal home: RO with a plan for flushing on return.
- Private well: treat the well first, then add RO.
Specific contaminants
If you want reduction of a specific contaminant such as lead, PFAS or fluoride, the model must be certified for it under the right NSF/ANSI standard; check the exact model listing. The town's report notes that a filter certified by an ANSI-accredited certifier to reduce lead is effective in reducing lead exposure. See PFAS and fluoride in Lantana.
Bottled water vs. a system
Many households buy bottled water mainly for taste. RO gives you drinking water on tap; whether it saves money depends on how much you drink. The bottled water vs. RO calculator walks through it. Jorge tests your tap and explains which option fits. 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