Everything you want to know about your home's tap-water quality in the GTA

There’s nothing like an ice-cold glass of Toronto water, straight from the tap. Am I right? If you’re shaking your head, disagreeing with me, then this story is for you.

It seems relatively simple: you turn on the faucet and water flows. But tap water quality is actually an important topic with many things to consider.

Think about your tap water — is there a taste? Is it cloudy? Does it cause stains? And what exactly is limescale?

The first step to a tasty glass of yummy GTA tap water is to understand your water situation. So, here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know.

The tap water journey

For us here in Toronto and the GTA, water is first collected from Lake Ontario through intake pipes deep below the water. Lake water is then passed through screens to remove debris and is then disinfected with either chlorine or ozone.

Following the addition of poly-aluminium chloride and the longer process of filtration, to remove suspended impurities and micro-organisms, the water is almost ready to be distributed to homes and businesses.

Chlorine is added to destroy bacteria and viruses, fluoride to prevent tooth decay, phosphoric acid for corrosion control, and ammonia to ensure chlorine levels remain present as the water is distributed. After this, you’re ready for a thirst-quenching glass of H20.

Tap water quality and concerns

Cloudy, murky, or even grey-coloured water isn’t pretty to look at, and it could be cause for concern. It’s usually caused by dissolved or suspended solids or excess air in the water — and the higher the concentration is, the darker your water may appear.

The city of Toronto states that discoloured tap water could be a plumbing issue, but cloudy-looking water is “usually safe to drink and use.”

Earthy and musty-smelling water can also occur in the late summer or early fall, potentially due to naturally occurring algae and high water temperatures in Lake Ontario. However, taste and odour can be caused by multiple issues, including private plumbing.

In Toronto, one of the top complaints is water hardness, the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. Since Toronto’s water is sourced from the lake, it should have a relatively low mineral count. However, if these minerals build up, they can lead to increased hardness.

Discover your water score

Curious about the tap water in your home? This personalized quiz from Kinetico can help you find out your water score. “What’s Your Water Score” is Kinetico’s trademarked program that pinpoints any issues with your water and improves quality.

As an active member of the Canada Water Quality Association since 1981, Kinetico is a trusted, local company that provides free, no-obligation, in-home water consultation. Backed by science with non-electric, efficient, and tailored systems, Kinetico is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to improve their water.

Learn more about your tap water and head over to Kinetico’s website to get a free, in-home consultation today.