What changes the price
- Tank or tankless: different designs, space needs and flow. Compare in tankless vs. tank RO.
- Stages: sediment, carbon, membrane, alkaline remineralization, polishing.
- Carbon for chloramine: Wellington's water carries chloramine, so the pre-filters need to handle it to protect the membrane.
- Faucet and counter: stone counters may need professional drilling.
- Extras: a line to the refrigerator or ice maker.
Your water changes the upkeep
Pre-filter life depends on what the water brings in. On village water the main load is chloramine; Wellington's 2025 samples ranged from 0.21 to 4.4 ppm. On a private well, iron or sediment can shorten pre-filter life unless the well is treated first. Jorge measures TDS and chloramine at the tap so the replacement schedule is realistic.
Ongoing costs to ask about
- Replacement schedule for each filter and the membrane.
- Whether you can change filters yourself or need a visit.
- Water sent to the drain by the membrane.
- What the warranty covers.
See RO maintenance and operating costs and filter replacement cost.
Compared with bottled water
Many households compare RO with what they spend on bottled or delivered water. Use the bottled water vs. RO calculator with your own numbers.
Installation details that move the number
Under-sink space in some Wellington kitchens is shared with a disposal, a water heater for the sink or a large trash pull-out. Tight spaces may favor a tankless design. A long run to a refrigerator on the far wall adds tubing and labor. Jorge looks at the cabinet, the counter material and the fridge location during the free visit so the quote reflects the real install.
Village water vs. well
If your home is on a private well rather than Wellington Utilities, an RO is usually the last stage after the well is treated. Its cost then depends partly on how well the upstream equipment protects it. Quoting the RO alone without looking at the well can leave you replacing pre-filters far more often than expected.
A quote you can compare
Ask any installer to list the model, stages, filter schedule, installation work and warranty. With that, two quotes can be compared fairly. 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