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 Kitchener, and how to fix them
Water is a decidedly important resource for Kitchener-Waterloo — it’s even in the name! For a city that derives much of its drinking water (about 90%) from nearby groundwater and artesian wells, it’s important to know the water problems associated with this water source, and how to avoid them.
Hard, Poor-Quality Water
Hard water isn’t dangerous, but it’s not great for you, your appliances, your dishes, or your family. It can cause:
- White scale and lime buildup on showerheads, sinks, and other fixtures
- Cloudy residue on glassware and dishes
- Itchy, dry skin
- Scratchy or stiff laundry
- Potential issues with water-using appliances
Stained, Discoloured Water
You never want to see anything but pure, clean, clear water. If your water is discoloured, it could be due to:
- Excess mineral deposits
- Pipes that are rusted or in disrepair
Sulphur or Rotten-Egg Smell
Water is definitely one thing you don’t want to have a smell, especially one as potent as sulphur or rotten eggs. How does this happen?
- “Sulphuric” water is caused by an excess of hydrogen sulphide
- It may not hurt you, but it won’t taste great, either
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.
