Start with what Sunrise delivers
The City of Sunrise Utilities Department softens Biscayne Aquifer water at its Springtree, Sawgrass or Southwest plant and disinfects it with chloramine. It meets drinking water standards. So for drinking water, you are usually choosing for taste, lower dissolved solids, and convenience over bottled water.
The options compared
| Option | Good for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | Low cost, renters | Small volume; many are not designed for chloramine |
| Fridge filter | Convenience | Small cartridge, short contact time |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Drinking and cooking water; lower dissolved solids | One faucet; filters to maintain |
| Whole-home filter | Chloramine at every tap | Not designed as a drinking-water polisher |
Why many Sunrise homes do both
A whole-home system removes the chloramine that is noticeable in showers and laundry. An under-sink RO then polishes drinking water. Condos often start with the RO alone. See whole-house filtration vs. RO.
Condo, townhouse or house: what usually fits
- Condo or apartment: an under-sink RO is the usual choice. It needs cabinet space, a drain connection and a faucet hole, and it leaves the building's plumbing alone. Ask your association before drilling a countertop.
- Townhouse: RO in the kitchen, and a compact whole-home system if there is a practical spot on the main line.
- Single-family house: the full combination is most practical here, a whole-home city water system on the main line plus RO at the kitchen sink, and a refrigerator line if you want filtered ice.
Whichever you choose, plan for the timing of Sunrise's yearly free-chlorine period. Pre-filters keep working during those weeks, but it is a sensible time to check filter dates, because many people notice the water more then.
How to choose
- List what bothers you: taste, smell, bottled water cost, spots.
- Test at your tap.
- Check certifications for any specific contaminant: NSF/ANSI 42 for taste and chloramine, 53 for health-related reductions, 58 for RO.
- Compare upkeep, not just purchase price.
Living Water's drinking water system
The compact alkaline RO is multi-stage with a dedicated faucet and an alkaline stage after the membrane. See RO in Sunrise and what drives RO cost.
Questions to ask any seller
- Which exact model is this, and what is it certified to reduce?
- How is chloramine handled before the RO membrane?
- How often are filters changed, and what does a change include?
- What is the warranty, and who services it locally?
Jorge answers these in writing with your itemized quote.
Bottled water vs. a home system.
Many Sunrise households compare RO with buying cases of water. The comparison depends on how much you drink and cook with, plus filter changes over time. Use the bottled water vs. RO calculator to run your own numbers.
https://www.sunrisefl.gov/departments-services/utilities/water-quality
https://www.sunrisefl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11722/639149626652530000
https://www.sunrisefl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11718/639149626229270000
https://www.sunrisefl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11720/639149626492970000
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist