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.

Guelph Water Problems

Common water issues in Guelph, and how to fix them

Since the passage of the 2002 Drinking Water Act, Guelph has dedicated more than $24 million to water safety and quality. But that doesn’t mean the city’s groundwater sources are completely devoid of all issues.

Hard Water

Hard water is a nuisance, especially for your appliances, dishes, and skin. It can be responsible for:

• Buildup on water fixtures, like sinks and showerheads
• Unsightly residue on glassware and dishes
• Itchy, dry skin
• Laundry that’s scratchy or stiff
• Issues with certain appliances

Stained, Discoloured Water

Groundwater can often collect minerals and deposits that affect the colour of your water. You certainly don’t want anything but pure, clear water coming from your faucet.