What drives the price
- Stages: sediment, carbon, membrane, post-filter and alkaline remineralization.
- Tank or tankless: a storage tank needs cabinet space; tankless units are compact. See tankless vs. tank RO.
- Countertop: stone counters may need a hole drilled for the dedicated faucet.
- Water pressure: low pressure may call for a booster pump.
- Extra lines: to a refrigerator or ice maker.
The Lantana-specific factor: chloramine
Chloramine can damage some RO membranes if it reaches them, which is why carbon pre-filters come first. With Lantana's 2025 samples ranging from 3.0 to 4.7 ppm, the carbon works harder than it would on lower-residual water. Ask how the pre-filter is sized and how often it is replaced at your usage. A cheaper system with undersized carbon can end up costing more in early membrane replacement.
Operating costs to ask about
- Pre-filter and post-filter replacement schedule.
- Expected membrane life.
- Water sent to the drain per gallon of drinking water.
- Whether service visits are included.
See RO filter replacement cost and RO operating costs.
How Jorge sizes it
He measures pressure, TDS, chloramine and pH at the kitchen tap, looks at the cabinet and counter, and asks how much drinking and cooking water your household uses. From that he recommends a tank or tankless design and explains the filter schedule. If your household drinks very little water, he will tell you a smaller setup may be enough.
Compared with bottled water
Many households switch to RO to stop buying bottled water. Compare your weekly use with the system's filter schedule. The bottled water vs. RO calculator walks through it with your own numbers.
Condos, seasonal homes and rentals
In condos, check association rules first. In seasonal homes, ask how the system should be handled when the home sits empty for months, since water left in filters and tanks for long periods may need flushing on return. In rentals, ask about permission and whether the unit can move with you.
What a fair quote excludes
Ask whether it covers drilling the counter, a fridge connection, a booster pump if needed, a new under-sink shutoff valve if the old one is worn, and the first set of replacement filters. Then Jorge gives you a real number. 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