Frequently Asked Questions

Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium — two minerals that cause:

• Soapy scum on glasses
• Lime residue on bathroom fixtures
• Mineral build-up in water heaters and pipes
• Reduced water flow and heating efficiency
• Poor soap lathering and cleaning performance
• Stiff laundry and dull appearance
• Dry, itchy skin and lifeless hair

If you live in Ontario, you have Hard Water. Here are the water hardness levels for cities we serve:

• Kitchener: 24 gpg
• Waterloo: 26 gpg
• Cambridge: 30 gpg
• Guelph: 28 gpg
• South Barrie: 9.5 gpg
• North Barrie: 15 gpg
• Orillia: 10 gpg
• Midland: 8 gpg
• Collingwood: 4.5 gpg
• Newmarket: 10.5 gpg

A water softener provides numerous benefits for your home and family:

• Reduced soap and detergent usage (up to 75% less needed)
• Softer skin and silkier hair after showering
• Brighter, softer laundry with longer-lasting clothes
• Extended appliance lifespan (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines)
• Lower energy bills (up to 30% savings on water heating)
• Reduced scale buildup in pipes and fixtures
• Easier cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens
• Better-tasting beverages and ice
• Spot-free dishes and glassware

A water softener uses a medium that serves to exchange "ions" of calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium. This occurs in four steps:

1. Water flows through a resin bed of small plastic beads covered with sodium or potassium ions. These ions swap places with calcium and magnesium ions.
2. When the beads are saturated with calcium and magnesium, they need to regenerate using a salt solution rich in sodium or potassium.
3. The calcium, magnesium, dirt, and sediments are flushed from the beads into the drain during backwash.
4. A final rinse prepares the system for the next cycle.

Our smart water softeners use Demand History Technology to learn your actual water usage, optimizing salt and water consumption.

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems purify water through a multi-stage process:

1. Pre-filtration removes sediment, silt, and dirt
2. Carbon filtration removes chlorine, minerals, and contaminants
3. The RO membrane filters out dissolved solids, including:
• Lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals
• Sodium and other minerals
• Bacteria and microorganisms
• Pharmaceuticals and chemicals
4. Final carbon polish improves taste and removes any remaining odors

Our RO systems effectively remove a wide range of contaminants:

• Up to 99% of dissolved solids
• Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic)
• Chlorine and chloramines
• Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial chemicals
• Microplastics
• Bacteria and cysts
• Fluoride
• Nitrates and sulfates
• Total dissolved solids (TDS)

Maintenance for our RO systems is straightforward:

• Pre-filters (sediment & carbon): Replace annually
• RO Membrane: Replace every 3-5 years
• Post-carbon filter: Replace annually

With a water softener, filter life is extended:

• Pre-filters: 18-24 months
• RO Membrane: 5-7 years

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and the highest quality drinking water.

While chlorine is effective at combating waterborne diseases, it can have several drawbacks:

• Health Concerns:
  • Can be absorbed through skin during showers
  • Creates trihalomethanes (THMs) when interacting with organic compounds
  • May affect respiratory health when inhaled as vapor
• Cosmetic Effects:
  • Dries out skin and hair
  • Can cause itchy skin and eyes
  • May affect hair color

We offer two effective solutions for chlorine removal:

• Chlor-a-Soft Water Softener:
  • Removes chlorine from all household water
  • Protects from shower/bath vapor exposure
  • Softens water simultaneously
  • Learn more about Chlor-a-Soft
• Reverse Osmosis System:
  • Removes chlorine from drinking water
  • Also removes other contaminants
  • Provides pure, great-tasting water
  • View our RO systems
• Chemical Removal Filters:
  • Dedicated chlorine and chemical removal
  • Whole-house protection
  • Automatic backwashing system
  • View Chemical Removal Solutions

Municipal and well water can contain various contaminants:

• Chlorine and fluoride additives
• Detergents and personal care products
• Industrial pollutants
• Pharmaceuticals
• Heavy metals
• Microplastics

We offer several solutions for these contaminants:

• Lead & Heavy Metals Removal
• Reverse Osmosis Systems
• UV Sterilization Systems
• View All Specialty Filters

There are several types of iron found in well water:

• Ferrous (Clear Water) Iron: Dissolved iron that's clear when drawn but turns red/brown when exposed to air
• Ferric (Red Water) Iron: Oxidized iron that appears red/brown immediately
• Bacterial Iron: Caused by iron-feeding bacteria, creates slime and severe staining
• Organic Iron: Bound to organic matter, often causing yellow/brown coloration

Sulphur odors are caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which can come from:

• Bacterial activity in the well
• Natural deposits in groundwater
• Chemical reactions in water heaters
• Decaying organic matter

While primarily an aesthetic concern, high levels can be corrosive to plumbing.

We offer chemical-free solutions for iron and sulphur removal:

• Air Iron Filters: Best for moderate iron levels (1-5 ppm)
• Ozone Iron Filters: Superior treatment for high iron levels (>5 ppm) and sulphur

UV (Ultraviolet) water treatment is a chemical-free method that uses UV light to:

• Deactivate harmful microorganisms
• Prevent bacteria from reproducing
• Provide safe drinking water

The process works by exposing water to UV light, which penetrates the cells of harmful organisms, destroying their ability to reproduce and effectively killing them.

UV systems are highly effective against a wide range of harmful microorganisms:

• Bacteria: E.coli, Coliform, Salmonella, etc.
• Viruses: Hepatitis, Rotavirus, etc.
• Parasites: Giardia, Cryptosporidium
• Other: Algae, Mold spores, Yeast

Our UV systems provide up to 99.99% reduction of harmful microorganisms.

UV systems require minimal maintenance:

• Annual UV lamp replacement (after 9,000 hours)
• Quartz sleeve cleaning (during lamp replacement)
• Pre-filter changes (if installed)

Pre-treatment may be necessary depending on your water quality:

• Sediment filtration for turbid water
• Iron removal if levels exceed 0.3 ppm
• Water softening if hardness is above 120 ppm
• Tannin removal if present

Clear water ensures maximum UV light penetration and effective disinfection.

Recommended service intervals vary by system type:

• Water Softeners:
  • Annual inspection
  • Clean injectors every 12-18 months
  • Replace resin every 8-10 years
• RO Systems:
  • Replace pre-filters annually
  • Replace membrane every 3-5 years
• UV Systems:
  • Replace UV lamp annually
  • Clean quartz sleeve during lamp change

Salt requirements depend on several factors:

• Water hardness level
• Household water usage
• Softener efficiency rating
• Brine tank size

Typically, check salt levels monthly and add salt when the tank is 1/3 full. Most households need to add salt every 6-8 weeks.

If you notice issues with your system:

1. Check basic settings (time, salt level, bypass valve position)
2. Verify power supply and connections
3. Look for visible leaks or unusual sounds
4. Contact our service department for assistance

The cost of a water treatment system depends on several key factors:

• Type and size of system needed
• Water quality issues being addressed
• Household size and water usage
• Installation requirements
• Additional treatment needs

Our installation process is thorough and customized:

1. Initial consultation and water testing
2. Site assessment of plumbing configuration
3. Custom solution design
4. Professional installation by certified technicians
5. System setup and homeowner training
6. Follow-up water testing and adjustments

Most installations are completed in one day with minimal disruption to your household.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Debit
• E-transfer