Ontario Water Quality Facts and Drinking Water Problems

The most populous province, Ontario shoulders the largest provincial water sourcing and distribution burden in the country. Bordering four of the Great Lakes, these massive bodies of water supply 80% of Ontarians with drinking water. The province relies not only on lakes but also on Ontario’s many rivers and its proximity to Hudson and James bays to provide water for regional mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

With much of Ontario’s water serving many purposes, the likelihood of contamination and water quality issues can be high. As a result, the province has struggled with a history of moderate groundwater pollution as a result of municipal waste, industry runoff, and fertilizer contaminants. While many of these concerns have been addressed, it’s still common for residents’ tap water to be hard or of generally poor quality. In some areas, water supplies may be impacted by dissolved solids and metal content, which can leave stains behind and cause slight discolouration. In addition to mitigating factors affecting Ontario’s water resources, it’s estimated roughly 140,000 residents across about 42 rural communities don’t have municipal water systems — they rely on independent (sometimes unregulated) or well water systems for use in their homes and businesses.

Your local Ontario Culligan Water Expert is an expert on your water, can test it to determine any problems, and provide the best way to address them.

Common water issues in Cambridge, and how to fix them

Water in Cambridge meets all the necessary health and safety requirements of the Ontario Drinking Water Standards. But that doesn’t stop a few pesky water problems from bubbling to the surface.

Hard, Poor-Quality Water

Hard water is also hard on your appliances, dishes, and skin, often causing:

• Buildup on fixtures, like showerheads and faucets
• Cloudy deposits on glasses and dishes
• Dry, irritated skin
• Stiff and starchy laundry
• Appliance issues

Stained, Discoloured Water

Sulphur or Rotten-Egg Smell

Mid-nineteenth century settlers in the area called the water in the region “stinky water,” due to its high sulphur content. This smell is related to high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide.

Ready for Better Water?

Schedule an appointment now for your free in-home water test or phone consultation. Your local Culligan water expert will help you find the best solution for getting cleaner, safer water in your home