Start with what the test shows
NMB Water already softens and membrane-treats much of its supply, according to its 2025 Water Quality Report. That can mean the right answer for your house is a single whole-home filter for chloramine, or just an under-sink RO, rather than a filter plus a softener. The cheapest correct system is the one that matches your test results, and a good quote should show those results.
What drives the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| System type | Whole-home, under-sink RO, softener, or a combination |
| Chloramine sizing | Catalytic carbon needs contact time; bigger homes need more media |
| Peak flow and pipe size | More bathrooms and wider pipes need larger tanks and valves |
| Installation location | Outdoor install by the main, garage, or interior utility space |
| Plumbing condition | Old galvanized lines or corroded valves can add work |
| Permits and building rules | Condos and associations may have requirements |
What a fair quote includes
- The test results it is based on, with where they were taken.
- The exact model and its documentation for the claims you care about.
- Installation details: bypass valve, connections, drain, electrical if needed.
- What is not included, such as plumbing repairs found during installation.
- Filter and media replacement schedule, and how service works.
- Warranty terms for equipment and labor.
For a side-by-side method, see how to compare water treatment quotes.
Ownership costs to ask about
The installed price is only part of it. Ask how long the media lasts at your household's usage, what replacement involves, how often RO pre-filters and membranes are changed, and whether service visits are included. The annual cost of owning a whole-home filter guide lists the questions.
Local details that affect the job
- Older single-family homes may have the main line at the front yard and aging shutoff valves.
- Condo units usually limit you to under-sink systems.
- Restaurants and shops along the city's commercial corridors need installs planned around business hours.
- Homes with irrigation wells may want separate treatment for the sprinkler line, which is a different job from filtering drinking water.
None of these change the basic rule: the system is chosen from the test, and the quote should explain each line item in plain words. If something on a quote is unclear, ask what it does for your water specifically.
Financing and booking
Living Water offers financing through its financing partners: you apply with a credit application, and a co-applicant can apply with you. To start, call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for the free test and an itemized quote.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist