The options
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | Renters, light use | Small capacity; many list chlorine, not chloramine |
| Fridge filter | Convenience | Listing and change schedule |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Condos and houses | Cabinet space, filter changes, drain water |
| Whole-home | Houses | Not usually possible in a unit |
| Bottled or delivery | Short stays | Carrying, storage, recycling |
Chloramine changes the shortlist
WASD's main system averaged 2.5 ppm chloramine in 2025, and that is the water the Town buys. Many basic filters are rated for chlorine taste and odor only. Check that the exact model lists chloramine reduction, or choose a system with carbon designed for chloramine.
The same goes for shower filters and fridge filters: a listing for chlorine alone tells you little about chloramine.
Why the faucet is the right place in a building
The Town's Public Works guide notes that commercial booster pumps can introduce air, and building pipes and tanks add their own character. A point-of-use system treats water after all of that, at the faucet you drink from. It is also the option least likely to need association involvement beyond normal unit-work rules.
It also means your drinking water does not depend on when the building last cleaned a storage tank or replaced a riser; those are association responsibilities, and they still matter, but your glass is treated either way.
Condo checklist
- Association rules for plumbing work in units.
- Cabinet space and a working cold-water shutoff.
- A leak stop under the sink.
- A plan for months away: close the valve, flush on return.
- Who changes filters if the unit is rented.
What Living Water offers
Living Water installs multi-stage alkaline RO with a dedicated faucet, and whole-home city water systems for houses. Specific contaminant claims depend on each model's certification; see PFAS if that is your concern. Compare in whole-house vs. under-sink filters and run your numbers with the bottled water vs. RO calculator.
Ownership over time
The best system is one you will maintain. Pitchers need frequent cartridges, fridge filters need changes on the maker's schedule, RO needs pre-filters, a membrane and an alkaline cartridge at set intervals, and whole-home media lasts longer but costs more to replace. If you split the year between Surfside and another home, pick something easy to shut off and flush on return.
Choose with a test
Jorge tests at your tap free and recommends what fits, including "keep what you have" when that is the honest answer. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.townofsurfsidefl.gov/docs/default-source/town-news-articles/water-quality-explained-by-public-works.jpg
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist