Compare
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | Light use | Must be certified for chloramine |
| Fridge filter | Convenience | Small capacity |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Daily drinking and cooking | Cabinet space, drain |
| Whole-home | Every tap and shower | Does not lower dissolved solids |
Countertop and faucet-mount filters suit renters and small kitchens. Whatever you choose, the certification listing and the cartridge schedule matter more than the brand on the box.
West Miami specifics
The city reports its disinfectant residual at 1.5 to 2.2 ppm, and WASD describes it as chloramine, so cheap filters certified only for chlorine may disappoint. West Miami's 2023 tap sampling found 0 of 67 homes above the lead or copper action levels; your own fixtures still matter, so if lead is a concern, choose a model certified for lead reduction and consider a lab test. Fluoride has not been added since June 6, 2025.
WASD lists sodium at 33 ppm in its main system. If you compare tap water with bottled water labels, that is a useful reference; RO water is much lower in dissolved minerals before the alkaline stage adds some back. WASD also publishes a PFAS table; if PFAS is your concern, only a model certified for PFOA and PFOS reduction under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 counts.
Our usual advice
Daily drinkers and cooks: an under-sink alkaline RO. Shower smell too: add whole-home filtration later. Light use: a certified pitcher, and Jorge will say so.
If you are unsure, start small. Many families begin with an under-sink RO, live with it for a few months, and then decide whether showers and laundry are worth treating too. Jorge does not push the bigger system on day one.
For families with infants, ask your pediatrician about water for formula; Jorge can explain what each system does, but feeding guidance belongs with your doctor.
Bottled water math
Count the cases you buy each month and compare with an RO filter schedule. Our bottled water vs. RO calculator walks you through it.
Remember to include delivery fees, storage space and the time spent carrying and recycling bottles; those are real costs even if they never appear on a receipt.
Decide
- Name what you want to change.
- Check certification for that claim.
- Compare filter schedules.
- Test your tap.
Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Older faucets and valves can matter too; replacing an old kitchen faucet is sometimes sensible alongside any filter.
Jorge will test water from any filter you already own next to your untreated tap, so you can see whether it is still doing its job before you buy anything new.
https://westmiamifl.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/%7B43D8A331-4B65-45FE-843C-E0F6FE3CD0E8%7D/uploads/2025_WATER_QUALITY_REPORT_FOR_THE_CITY_OF_WEST_MIAMI.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist