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 Sudbury, and how to fix them
The city of Sudbury goes to great lengths to ensure its drinking water is safe for area residents. The water is sourced from both the Wanapitei River and Ramsey Lake, and is treated at two separate surface water treatment facilities that are subject to regular inspection — both announced and unannounced. However, even after being thoroughly treated, the water that pours from Sudbury taps can still retain a few traits that could potentially lead to issues around the house.
Stains or Discoloured Water
Discoloured water can be the result of pressure changes that loosen the sediment around water mains and pipes, while water with high mineral content, such as iron, can leave rust-red stains on laundry.
Sulphur or Rotten Eggs
Water that smells like sulphur — or rotten eggs — is incredibly unappealing to drink. The odour could be caused by the buildup of debris in the drainage system or bacterial growth leaching its way into your water.
Hard, Poor-Quality Water
Surface water sources often contain a high concentration of dissolved minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron. Although these minerals don’t pose any extreme health risks, they are the culprit behind hard water, which can lead to several issues around the house, including:
- White scale and buildup on fixtures
- Unusually high utility bills
- Soap scum in showers and bathtubs
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.
