Common Water Problems in Ontario

Hardness & Scale

Hard water is one of the most common water quality issues in Ontario, with the Waterloo Region experiencing some of the highest hardness levels in North America, often exceeding 34 grains per gallon. This naturally occurring problem is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals picked up as water moves through limestone and dolomite rock formations. While not a health concern, hard water can cause significant problems in homes and businesses, leading to increased energy costs, shortened appliance lifespans, and poor cleaning performance.

Signs of Hard Water:

• White, chalky scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and appliances
• Soap and shampoo don't lather properly, requiring more product
• White spots on dishes, glasses, and cutlery after washing
• Dry, itchy skin and lifeless, dull hair after showering
• Higher energy bills due to scaled heating elements
• Reduced water flow from clogged pipes and fixtures
• Scratchy, stiff laundry with faded colors
• Coffee makers and kettles require frequent descaling
• Water heaters making unusual noises
• Visible scale around drains and toilet bowls
• Shorter lifespan of water-using appliances
• Poor performance of cleaning products

Impact of Hard Water:

• Up to 30% higher energy costs for water heating
• Appliances may last 20-40% less time
• Increased soap and detergent usage (up to 2-4 times more)
• Frequent replacement of fixtures and faucets
• Higher maintenance costs for plumbing systems
• More frequent cleaning required

Recommended Solutions:

• Water Softeners
• Chemsoft™ Smart Water Softener

Chlorine & Chloramines

While chlorine and chloramines are essential for municipal water disinfection, these chemicals can create unpleasant tastes, odors, and potentially harmful by-products. Many Ontario municipalities, including Waterloo Region and Barrie, use these disinfectants to ensure safe drinking water. However, once water reaches your home, these chemicals are no longer necessary and can be safely removed to improve water quality and taste.

Signs of Chlorine/Chloramine Issues:

• Swimming pool smell in water
• Dry, itchy skin after showering
• Faded clothing from laundry
• Dry, brittle hair
• Strong chemical odor when running hot water
• Rubber items deteriorating faster than normal
• Plants showing signs of stress from tap water
• Unpleasant taste in drinking water
• Eye and nose irritation during showers
• Chemical smell from dishwasher

Health & Home Impacts:

• Formation of harmful trihalomethanes (THMs)
• Respiratory irritation from shower steam
• Skin sensitivity and dryness
• Damage to rubber seals in appliances
• Affects taste of coffee, tea, and cooking
• Can harm aquarium fish and plants

Recommended Solutions:

• Premium Chemical Removal Filter
• Superior Chemical Removal Filter

Iron & Manganese

Iron and manganese are among the most common water quality issues in Ontario well water, particularly prevalent in rural areas around Barrie and Simcoe County. While not health hazards, these minerals can cause significant aesthetic problems and damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances. Iron can exist in several forms, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Manganese often occurs alongside iron and can cause even darker staining.

Types of Iron:

• 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

Signs of Iron & Manganese:

• Red, brown, or orange stains on fixtures and laundry (iron)
• Black or dark brown stains (manganese)
• Metallic taste in water
• Water appears clear when drawn but turns colored after standing
• Clogged pipes and reduced water pressure
• Slime in toilet tanks or water softeners (bacterial iron)
• Tea-colored water that doesn't clear up
• Stained dishes and utensils
• Dark stains on driveways when watering

Recommended Solutions:

• Premium Ozone Iron Filter
• Premium Air Iron Filter

Sulphur & Odors

Sulphur odors are particularly common in well water throughout Simcoe County and rural areas, especially in deeper wells and areas with organic-rich soil. The characteristic "rotten egg" smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, which forms when bacteria break down organic matter in oxygen-depleted environments. While primarily an aesthetic concern, high levels can be corrosive to plumbing and potentially harmful to health. The problem often becomes more noticeable during periods of low water usage or seasonal changes.

Signs of Sulphur Water:

• Distinct rotten egg smell, especially in hot water
• Tarnished silverware and copper surfaces
• Yellow or black staining on fixtures and laundry
• Metallic or bitter taste in water
• Corrosion of plumbing fixtures and pipes
• Dark water or discoloration
• Slime buildup in toilet tanks
• Stronger odors in the morning or after periods of non-use
• Discolored or corroded brass and copper components
• Green staining on fixtures (when copper is affected)

Recommended Solutions:

• Premium Ozone Iron Filter
• Superior Ozone Iron Filter

Acidity & Corrosion

Acidic water is a significant concern in many parts of Ontario, particularly in areas with granite bedrock or where acid rain has affected groundwater. This problem is especially prevalent in regions with shallow wells and areas affected by industrial emissions. While not directly harmful to health, acidic water can cause serious damage to plumbing systems and may leach harmful metals from pipes into drinking water.

Signs of Acidic Water:

• Blue-green stains on fixtures and sinks (copper leaching)
• Pinhole leaks in copper pipes and plumbing
• Metallic or bitter taste in water
• Corroded fixtures, especially brass and copper
• Green or blue-tinted water
• Rapid deterioration of metal plumbing components
• Staining of light-colored items in washing machine
• Premature failure of water heaters
• Rust stains from iron pipes
• Elevated levels of copper or lead in water tests

Recommended Solutions:

• Acidic Water Neutralizing Filters

Heavy Metal Contaminants

Heavy metal contamination is a serious concern in various regions of Ontario, particularly in areas with historical industrial activity, older infrastructure, or specific geological formations. Lead contamination is common in homes built before 1975, while arsenic and uranium can occur naturally in certain bedrock formations. These contaminants pose significant health risks and require specialized treatment approaches for effective removal.

Signs and Symptoms:

• No visible signs - most heavy metals are colorless and odorless
• Metallic taste (particularly with high lead levels)
• Blue-green staining (copper contamination)
• Health symptoms may develop over time
• Only detectable through water testing
• Scale buildup with unusual coloring
• Staining of light-colored fixtures
• Plumbing corrosion

Common Sources:

• Lead: Pre-1975 plumbing, old service lines, lead solder (pre-1990)
• Arsenic: Natural deposits, mining areas, industrial sites, agricultural runoff
• Uranium: Granite bedrock, mining areas, natural deposits
• Copper: Corroding pipes, industrial discharge
• Mercury: Industrial contamination, historical mining

Recommended Solutions:

• Lead Removal Filter
• Arsenic Removal Filter
• Uranium Removal Filter

Sediment & Turbidity

Sediment and turbidity issues are especially common in well water systems throughout Ontario, particularly in areas with clay soil or after heavy rainfall. These problems can range from visible particles to microscopic suspended solids that create a cloudy appearance. While not always directly harmful to health, turbid water can interfere with disinfection systems, protect bacteria from treatment, and cause significant wear on plumbing fixtures and appliances. The problem often worsens during spring thaw and after storms when groundwater movement increases.

Signs of Sediment & Turbidity:

• Cloudy or murky water appearance
• Visible particles settling in glasses
• Sand or grit in faucet aerators
• Reduced water pressure over time
• Wear on pump components
• Discoloration after heavy rain
• Gritty feeling in water
• Staining in toilets and sinks
• Sediment buildup in water heaters

Impact of Turbid Water:

• Cloudy or murky appearance
• Sediment accumulation in tanks
• Clogged fixtures and appliances
• Reduced effectiveness of disinfection
• Potential bacterial growth

Recommended Solutions:

• Turbidity Removal Filters

Tannins & Water Color

Tannins are naturally occurring organic materials that can give water a distinctive tea-like color. They're particularly common in areas near wetlands, forests, and in shallow wells throughout Ontario, especially in regions with high organic content in soil. While tannins themselves aren't harmful to health, they can cause significant aesthetic issues, interfere with water treatment systems, and may indicate the presence of other contaminants. The problem often intensifies during wet seasons when organic material decomposition increases.

Impact on Water Quality:

• Can interfere with water treatment effectiveness
• May bind with iron causing persistent staining
• Can reduce UV system performance
• Often indicates surface water infiltration
• May cause permanent staining of laundry
• Can affect taste and odor of water

Signs of Tannins:

• Yellow to brown tinted water
• Tea-like appearance
• Slight bitter taste
• Yellow staining on fixtures
• Color remains after settling

Recommended Solutions:

• Tannin Removal Filters

Bacteria & Microorganisms

Bacterial contamination is a serious health concern that affects many well water systems throughout Ontario, particularly in rural and agricultural areas. Spring thaws and heavy rainfall events can increase the risk of contamination. While municipal water systems are treated for bacteria, private wells require vigilant monitoring and appropriate treatment systems to ensure safe drinking water. E. coli, coliform bacteria, and other microorganisms can cause severe illness if not properly addressed.

Signs of Bacterial Contamination:

• Water appears cloudy or has particles floating in it
• Unpleasant taste or odor (especially sulfur smell)
• Gastrointestinal illness symptoms
• Positive bacteria tests
• Slime or biofilm formation in toilets or tanks
• Changes in water quality after heavy rain
• Recurring illnesses in household members
• Surface water infiltration near well

Common Sources:

• Surface water infiltration
• Damaged well casings
• Septic system proximity
• Agricultural runoff
• Flooding events

Recommended Solutions:

• Signature Premium UV System
• Signature Ultimate UV System

Chemical Contamination

Chemical contamination is an increasing concern in both municipal and well water systems across Ontario. Urban areas may face issues with chlorination by-products and industrial pollutants, while rural areas often deal with agricultural chemicals and naturally occurring contaminants. Modern lifestyle products, including pharmaceuticals and personal care items, are also emerging as significant water quality concerns. While municipal treatment addresses many chemical issues, some contaminants may persist or form during the treatment process itself.

Signs of Chemical Contamination:

• Chemical or chlorine taste and odor
• Rainbow sheen on water surface
• Unusual colors or cloudiness
• Chemical smell, especially in hot water
• Staining of fixtures or laundry
• Soap doesn't lather properly
• Dry, itchy skin after showering
• Discolored ice cubes
• Film on glass or dishes

Common Chemical Contaminants:

• Chlorine and chloramines (municipal water)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Industrial solvents
• Petroleum products
• Pharmaceuticals

Recommended Solutions:

• Premium Chemical Removal Filter
• Superior Chemical Removal Filter

Microplastics

Microplastics are an emerging concern in both municipal and well water systems across Ontario. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic fibers from clothing, and personal care products. Recent studies have found microplastics in most water sources, including bottled water. While the long-term health effects are still being studied, there's growing concern about their potential impact on human health.

Sources of Microplastics:

• Synthetic clothing fibers from laundry
• Breakdown of larger plastic items
• Personal care products (microbeads)
• Industrial processes
• Plastic packaging degradation
• Tire dust and road runoff
• Synthetic textiles

Concerns and Impacts:

• Particles small enough to enter bloodstream
• Can absorb and concentrate other pollutants
• Present in both tap and bottled water
• May carry harmful chemicals and bacteria
• Potential long-term health effects
• Can accumulate in body tissues
• Difficult to detect without specialized testing

Recommended Solutions:

• Smart Purifier Plus Tankless RO
• Premium RO System

Nitrates

Nitrate contamination is a serious health concern, particularly prevalent in agricultural areas of Ontario. The Waterloo Region, with its extensive farming activities, faces significant challenges with nitrate levels in well water. This contamination often increases during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall when agricultural runoff can infiltrate groundwater. While municipal water systems regularly test and treat for nitrates, private well owners must be especially vigilant about monitoring and treatment.

Signs and Risks of Nitrate Contamination:

• No visible signs - nitrates are colorless, odorless, and tasteless
• Can only be detected through water testing
• May indicate presence of other contaminants
• Particularly dangerous for infants and pregnant women
• Risk increases near agricultural areas
• Seasonal variations in concentration
• Can affect both shallow and deep wells
• May be accompanied by pesticide contamination

Sources of Nitrates:

• Agricultural fertilizers and crop residues
• Animal feedlots and manure storage
• Malfunctioning septic systems
• Natural soil and rock deposits
• Industrial and food processing waste
• Stormwater runoff from farming areas
• Lawn and garden fertilizers
• Decomposing plant material

Recommended Solutions:

• Nitrates Removal Filter

Water Testing & Maintenance

Regular water testing is essential for maintaining safe drinking water, especially for well water systems.