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Frequent Asked Questions
General
Yes. Municipal drinking water is treated and regularly tested to meet strict provincial water quality standards, making it generally safe to drink. While municipal water may meet safety standards, you may still notice concerns such as chlorine taste or odour, hardness, staining, or an unpleasant taste. These are easily treatable.
Municipal water can be either hard or soft, depending on where the water comes from and how it is treated. Many municipal water supplies in Ontario are considered moderately hard to hard due to naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium.Hard water is not generally considered unsafe to drink, but it can cause scale buildup, spotting on fixtures, dry skin, and reduced soap efficiency.If you're experiencing these issues, a water hardness test can determine the hardness of your water and help determine whether a water softener is appropriate for your home.
A water softener reduces the minerals that cause hard water, primarily calcium and magnesium. This can provide several benefits throughout your home.A properly sized water softener can help:Reduce scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, showerheads, and appliancesProtect water heaters and plumbing from mineral buildupHelp soaps and detergents work more effectivelyLeave skin and hair feeling softerReduce water spotting on glassware, fixtures, and shower doorsExtend the life and improve the efficiency of water-using appliancesA water softener isn't necessary for every home. The best way to determine if you would benefit from one is to test your water hardness and size the system according to your home's water usage and water quality.
Chlorine is commonly added to municipal water supplies to help keep drinking water safe. While the levels used are regulated, some homeowners notice a chlorine taste or smell, particularly when showering or using hot water.A carbon filtration system is one of the most common and effective ways to reduce chlorine taste and odour. Activated carbon media adsorbs chlorine as water passes through the filter, improving the taste and smell of your water.For homes that want chlorine reduction throughout the entire house, a whole-home carbon filtration system can treat the water before it reaches your taps, showers, and appliances.The right system depends on factors such as your water quality, flow rate, household size, and chlorine levels. Water testing can help determine the appropriate filtration solution for your home.
RO stands for Reverse Osmosis. It is a water purification process that uses a specialized membrane to reduce many dissolved contaminants and impurities from your drinking water.A Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking water system is typically installed under the kitchen sink and can provide highly purified water directly from a dedicated drinking-water faucet.Benefits can include:Improved taste and odourReduction of dissolved minerals and saltsReduction of certain contaminants such as nitrates, fluoride, and some heavy metalsCleaner-tasting water for drinking and cookingA convenient alternative to purchasing bottled waterRO systems are designed to treat drinking water at a specific point of use, rather than the entire home. The exact contaminants an RO system can reduce depend on the specific system and membrane.If you're considering an RO system, water testing is a great first step to determine what is in your water and whether reverse osmosis is the right solution for your home.
If your water has tested positive for bacteria, it is important to address the issue before continuing to use the water for drinking.For homes on a private well, one of the most effective ways to provide ongoing protection against bacteria is a UV (ultraviolet) water disinfection system. UV systems use ultraviolet light to inactivate bacteria and other microorganisms as water passes through the system—without adding chemicals to your water.A properly sized UV system can provide continuous disinfection for your entire home, helping protect the water you use for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household purposes. Depending on your test results and well conditions, we may also recommend well disinfection, sediment pre-filtration, or additional treatment to ensure the UV system operates effectively.Not sure what you need? We can test your water, assess your water quality, and recommend a properly sized UV disinfection system based on your home's flow rate and water conditions.
Discoloured well water is often caused by iron, tannins, or a combination of both.Orange or reddish-brown water is commonly associated with iron. Iron can oxidize when exposed to air, creating rust-coloured staining on sinks, toilets, bathtubs, laundry, and other fixtures.Yellow or tea-coloured water is often associated with tannins. Tannins are naturally occurring organic compounds that can enter groundwater from decaying vegetation, wetlands, and surrounding soil. They can give your water a yellow, amber, or brown appearance.The right treatment depends on what is causing the colour and how much is present. Different types and concentrations of iron and tannins require different treatment methods.
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