Kitchener-Waterloo Has the Hardest Water in Ontario—Here’s How to Fix It

The primary reason? 80% of the region’s drinking water comes from groundwater. Unlike surface water, which is typically softer, groundwater naturally contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium.

Hard water isn’t harmful to drink, but it does create major issues for your home, appliances, and even your body:

✅ Scale buildup in pipes and appliances – Shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers.
✅ Dry skin and brittle hair – Hard water strips moisture, making your skin feel tight and irritated.
✅ Soap scum everywhere – Hard water prevents soap from lathering properly, leaving residue on dishes, clothes, and shower doors.

Discoloured Water—What’s Going On?

If you've ever turned on your tap and seen yellow, brown, or reddish water, you're not alone. Kitchener-Waterloo residents often experience this due to:

🔹 Iron & manganese buildup – These naturally occurring minerals get stirred up in water mains.
🔹 Water main flushing or breaks – The city flushes mains periodically, which can cause temporary discolouration.
🔹 Changes in pressure – If there’s a water main break, fire, or major repair, it can disturb settled minerals and turn your water brown.

While this discoloured water isn’t necessarily dangerous, it’s definitely not pleasant to drink, cook with, or bathe in.

What’s the Solution?

To truly fix Kitchener-Waterloo’s water issues, you need the right filtration system in place. Here’s what we recommend:

1️⃣ Water Softener – A must-have for every home to prevent scale buildup, protect appliances, and improve skin/hair health.
2️⃣ Iron Filter – Eliminates iron and manganese to prevent staining and improve taste.
3️⃣ Carbon Filter – Removes chlorine, chemicals, and unpleasant odours.
4️⃣ 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis (RO) System – Provides the purest drinking water by removing contaminants and adding back essential minerals for great taste.

The Bottom Line

If you're tired of dealing with hard water damage, soap scum, dry skin, or questionable tap water, it's time to take action. Installing a water softener and proper filtration system will save you money, protect your home, and improve your overall water quality.

Want to test your water or learn more about filtration options?