The water decides the system
Because both of North Miami's sources are softened and disinfected before delivery, the common goals are chloramine taste and odor and better drinking water. A softener only enters the quote if your tap test shows hardness worth treating. Testing first keeps stages you do not need off the bill.
Cost drivers by system
| System | What moves the price |
|---|---|
| Whole-home chloramine filter | Flow rate, media volume, valve, number of bathrooms |
| Under-sink RO | Tank or tankless, stages, alkaline stage, faucet, countertop work |
| Softener | Hardness, household or business use, resin, brine tank, drain |
| Combination | How stages are combined and plumbed |
Installation factors in North Miami homes
- Older plumbing: in an older house, the condition of the pipes at the main line can affect the work. The city's lead page notes that lead plumbing was common in homes built until the mid-1950s.
- Main line location and room for equipment out of the weather.
- Irrigation split so you do not filter lawn water.
- Drain and outlet for softeners and some filters.
- Condo rules on drilling countertops or installing equipment.
What a fair quote lists
- Exact equipment model and size.
- Installation labor and materials.
- Any plumbing changes or permits.
- Filter and media replacement schedule.
- Warranty terms in writing.
See why installation quotes differ and how to compare quotes.
Ways to keep it reasonable
- Buy for your test results, not a generic package.
- In a condo, start with under-sink RO; it may be all you need.
- Separate irrigation so a whole-home system only treats indoor water.
- Fix plumbing problems, such as an old galvanized line, as plumbing jobs rather than expecting a filter to solve them.
- Take advantage of free city programs, such as the showerhead exchange at City Hall, alongside any water equipment.
Ownership costs to ask about
- Carbon media life at your water use.
- RO pre-filters, carbon stages and membrane.
- Softener salt, if you have one.
- Any routine service visits.
See the annual cost of owning a whole-home filter.
Get your quote
Jorge tests first, then gives you an itemized quote. 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.
Sources:
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23256/Water-Quality-Report-2025-PDF
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/281/Water-Plant
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/1347/Lead-and-Copper-Rules-Revision-Project
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23256/Water-Quality-Report-2025-PDF
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/281/Water-Plant
https://www.northmiamifl.gov/1347/Lead-and-Copper-Rules-Revision-Project
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist