National City Woman Receives Deposit Refund After Water Filter Dispute

NBC 7 Responds helps Olegaria Herrera get her $250 deposit back after an unsatisfactory water filter purchase.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Olegaria Herrera, a National City resident, purchased a nearly $4,000 water filtration system from a door-to-door salesperson. After the system was installed and did not meet her expectations, Herrera tried to return it but was told the installation voided the guarantee. With the help of NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 Responds, Herrera was eventually able to return the water filter and receive her $250 deposit back, and the rest of the $4,000 transaction was canceled.

Why it matters

This story highlights the potential risks of making large purchases from door-to-door salespeople, where consumers may not fully understand the terms and conditions. It serves as a cautionary tale for others to be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and to thoroughly review any contracts before signing.

The details

Herrera said a salesperson knocked on her door and described a water filtration system that interested her, but the nearly $4,000 price tag was too much to commit to without seeing the product first. The salesperson offered a $250 deposit that Herrera would get back if she didn't like the product. After the system was delivered and installed, Herrera said the water did not taste much different from tap water and the setup was not what she expected. When she tried to return the filter, she was told the installation voided the guarantee. With the help of NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 Responds, Herrera was eventually able to return the water filter and receive her $250 deposit back.

  • Herrera made the nearly $4,000 purchase in early 2026.
  • About a week after the system was installed, Herrera called the company to return the filter.
  • Herrera reached out to NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 Responds for assistance.

The players

Olegaria Herrera

A National City resident who purchased a nearly $4,000 water filtration system from a door-to-door salesperson.

NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 Responds

The consumer advocacy teams that helped Herrera get her $250 deposit refunded after she was unable to return the unsatisfactory water filter.

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What they’re saying

“Truth is, I never saw the product. He described it and how it would work, and it interested me.”

— Olegaria Herrera (nbcsandiego.com)

“It's all good," he said. "You only have to give a $250 deposit." Which he said I would get back in case I didn't like it. "He said, 'But you have 30 days. Make sure that before those 30 days, if you don't like it, you call me and we'll do the work'.”

— Olegaria Herrera (nbcsandiego.com)

“It was a little hose. I thought the product would be hooked to the faucet, and the clean water would come out of there. But it was more like a miniature faucet on the side, a small tube.”

— Olegaria Herrera (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

Herrera hopes her experience will encourage others to be cautious when dealing with door-to-door salespeople and to thoroughly understand the terms before making any large purchases.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of consumer vigilance when it comes to high-pressure sales tactics and the need for clear, written documentation of any purchase agreements, especially for expensive items. It serves as a reminder to take time, ask questions, and get everything in writing before signing on the dotted line.