Start with what you want to change
- Taste and smell of chloramine in coffee, ice and water bottles: most Miami households.
- Fewer bottles to carry up from the garage or parking deck: a big one for condo owners.
- Lower dissolved minerals or a specific contaminant: RO territory, with certification checked.
- The whole house, including showers: a whole-home system.
The four options compared
| Option | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher filter | Small households, renters | Small capacity; many are rated for chlorine, not chloramine |
| Refrigerator filter | Cold water and ice | Check the listing for chloramine; replace on schedule |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Drinking and cooking water from its own faucet | Needs cabinet space and a drain; filter changes |
| Whole-home system | Every tap and shower | Needs main-line access; usually paired with RO for drinking |
Condo vs. house in Miami
In a Brickell, Downtown or Edgewater condo you usually cannot touch the building's main line, so under-sink alkaline RO is the practical upgrade. It lives in the kitchen cabinet and serves a dedicated faucet. Check association rules before install.
In a single-family house in Coconut Grove, Little Havana or Morningside, a whole-home system handles chloramine everywhere, and an RO unit in the kitchen polishes drinking water further. That pairing is the most complete setup.
What the 2025 changes mean for drinking water
WASD stopped adding fluoride effective May 29, 2025, so if fluoride was your reason to filter, part of that question is now answered at the utility. WASD's latest report also includes PFAS monitoring results as federal rules phase in. If PFAS is your concern, only choose a model certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFOA and PFOS reduction and check its listing. See PFAS filters in Miami.
How to choose in three steps
- Test. Jorge measures disinfectant, hardness and dissolved solids at your tap, free.
- Match. Pick the option that addresses what you actually notice and fits your space.
- Check the listing. Whatever you buy, confirm the exact model's certification for the claims that matter to you.
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 to book.
https://www.miamidade.gov/water/library/reports/water-quality-2024.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/water-supply-and-treatment.page
https://www.epa.gov/water-research/identifying-drinking-water-filters-certified-reduce-pfas
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist