Start from the county's report
- Chloramine, 3.8 ppm: needs carbon stages rated for chloramine.
- Disinfection byproducts: HAA5 56.1 and TTHM 54.1 ppb, in compliance; check model claims if you want them lower.
- Fluoride, 0.845 ppm: RO is the common method if you want less.
- PFOA and PFOS, 0.0078 and 0.02 µg/L: look for NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 PFAS claims.
- Lead: 1.65 ppb at the 90th percentile and no lead service lines, but home plumbing varies; look for a lead claim if you have older fixtures.
Compare the options
| Option | Strength | Limitation here |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | Cheap to start | Many are rated for chlorine, not chloramine |
| Fridge filter | Convenient | Same issue; small cartridge |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Broadest claims, own faucet | Cabinet space, filter schedule |
| Whole-home filter | Chloramine at every tap | Not a drinking water system alone |
Why RO fits most homes here
RO combines carbon stages, which handle chloramine and taste, with a membrane that holds back most dissolved solids. Living Water's system adds an alkaline remineralizing stage for taste. Everything you drink and cook with comes from one faucet. See under-sink RO in Lauderdale Lakes.
Condos and houses
Lauderdale Lakes has a large share of condos and apartments, and that changes the decision. In a condo or apartment, under-sink RO is usually the whole solution, since it does not touch shared plumbing. In a single-family house, many families pair a whole-home filter for showers and laundry with RO in the kitchen.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is the carbon stage rated for chloramine, not just chlorine?
- Which NSF/ANSI standards and claims are on the exact model's listing?
- How often are cartridges changed, and what does each change involve?
- Does the system need a separate faucet or a fridge line?
- What does the warranty cover?
Read the listing, every time
Any claim that matters to you should appear on the exact model's certification listing, not only on the box. Change filters on schedule; an expired cartridge does not perform as listed. See carbon vs. RO.
Taste the difference
Jorge tests your tap free and shows you the options side by side. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist