What changes the scope
| Property | Usual scope |
|---|---|
| Condo or apartment | Under-sink RO; unit-level filter if the line is accessible |
| In-town house | Whole-home chloramine filter, optional kitchen RO |
| Estate with guest house | Larger whole-home system or separate systems per building, plus RO at key sinks |
| Property with irrigation well | Iron filtration on the irrigation line if staining |
Price drivers
- Peak flow: more simultaneous fixtures means more media for chloramine contact time.
- Chloramine level: West Palm Beach lists a highest annual average of 3.2 ppm.
- Plumbing layout: where the main enters and how buildings branch.
- Equipment location: garage, mechanical room or an outdoor equipment area, and any screening.
- Add-ons: RO at kitchens and bars, ice maker lines.
On larger properties, the most important design question is often whether to put one system at the main or separate systems at each building. One larger system is simpler to service; separate systems can make sense when a guest house or cabana is fed by its own line. Either way, the quote should show the reasoning, not only the result.
What you likely do not need
The water is lime-softened at the plant, so a softener should only appear on a quote with a measured hardness number behind it.
The same goes for add-ons that duplicate what the city already does. The plant uses UV and carbon filtration as part of its process; a home quote should explain what each extra component does for your water specifically.
Ownership costs to ask about
- Media and cartridge replacement schedule.
- Service visits, including when the home is unoccupied.
- Power and drain needs.
See annual cost of owning a whole-home filter.
Also ask what happens if a hurricane forces the house to be closed in a hurry. A system with a simple bypass valve, and clear notes on how to put it back in service, avoids a service call later.
Seasonal and managed homes
If a house manager or caretaker handles the property, the quote should say who receives service reminders and how access works when you are away. That is a practical cost question as much as an equipment one.
What a fair quote shows
- Your test results.
- Model and capacity for each building or sink.
- Installation scope, including any permit items.
- Maintenance schedule.
See why quotes differ. 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.
https://www.wpb.org/files/assets/city/v/2/public-utilities/documents/water-quality-reports/2025westpalmbeach-webreport.pdf
https://www.wpb.org/Departments/Public-Utilities
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist