Ontario Water Quality Facts and Drinking Water Problems

Published: July 5, 2020
water drop falling and impacting on a body of water close up. Bellingham WA

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 Woodstock, and how to fix them

Woodstock receives its water from three area wells via a series of underground water mains. Groundwater, while safe to drink, is no stranger to a number of unique water issues, some of which Woodstock’s residents are all too familiar with.

Spotty, Cloudy Glassware

A common hard water problem, cloudy glassware is often caused by high levels of dissolved minerals, leaving your glasses spotty and streaky, even after several runs through the dishwasher.

  • Soap scum and residue
  • Limescale buildup
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Starchy, stiff laundry

Hard, Poor-Quality Water

Poor-quality water can affect your entire home, from the water you drink to the water that runs in your shower. Hard water is often the culprit behind common household nuisances, including:

Low-Performing Appliances

Hard water is tough on appliances. The same dissolved minerals that can make your glassware spotty build up in your plumbing and appliances, causing them to become more sluggish over time and lead to higher energy costs.

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.

Resources for homeowners in Woodstock

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Our Culligan water experts are ready to help you find the right solution for your water, starting with your free in-home water test and consultation.

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