Equipment choices
- Tank or tankless: see tankless vs. tank RO.
- Stages: each one is a filter to buy and change.
- Alkaline stage: adds minerals back for taste.
- Certifications: the exact model's NSF/ANSI 58 listing shows what it is certified to reduce, such as lead, fluoride or PFOA and PFOS.
- Faucet finish.
Why certification can change the price
North Miami's 2025 report includes the federal guidance that a filter certified by an ANSI-accredited certifier to reduce lead is effective in reducing lead exposure. The report also lists PFAS monitoring results. If either is your reason for buying RO, the model has to carry that specific certification, and that can rule out some lower-cost units. Decide what you want the system to do before comparing quotes.
Kitchen factors
| Situation | Effect |
|---|---|
| Stone countertop, no spare hole | Drilling for the faucet |
| Tight cabinet with disposal | May favor tankless |
| Fridge or ice maker hookup | Extra line and fittings |
| Condo | Association approval and building rules |
Ongoing costs
- Pre-filter and carbon changes.
- Membrane on a longer cycle.
- Alkaline stage replacement.
- Water sent to the drain while filtering.
See RO maintenance and operating costs and filter replacement cost.
Condo, house or rental
North Miami has a mix of condo buildings and single-family houses. In a house, you can choose freely and add a whole-home filter later. In a condo, association rules may limit countertop drilling or where a tank can sit, and a tankless unit can solve both. In a rental, a system that removes cleanly matters, and the owner's approval comes first. None of these change the water, but each changes the installation and therefore the quote.
Compare with bottled water
Total a year of bottled water purchases and compare with the RO quote and filter schedule. The bottled water vs. RO calculator helps.
Get a quote
Jorge tests your water, looks at the cabinet and gives you an itemized quote, including the model's certification listing. 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 (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist