Guide: water quality
Hard Water in Toronto: Effects on Fixtures
Toronto’s water is moderately hard. This page covers its effect on fixtures and appliances, and when a softener is worth it.
- Chalky white deposits on taps, shower heads and kettles
- Spots on dishes and glass shower doors
- Soap that barely foams
- Reduced flow from aerators and shower heads
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What hard water is
Hardness comes from calcium and magnesium dissolved as water passes through rock and soil. Lake Ontario water, which supplies Toronto, picks up moderate amounts. It is safe to drink yet leaves scale when heated or evaporated.
Signs of hard water
- Chalky white deposits on taps, shower heads and kettles
- Spots on dishes and glass shower doors
- Soap that barely foams
- Reduced flow from aerators and shower heads
- Water heaters that rumble from sediment
Effects on appliances
Scale builds up in water heaters, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Tankless heaters need regular descaling. Dishwashers and washing machines work harder. Fixtures and cartridges wear faster.
Options
- Regular cleaning of fixtures and aerators.
- Flushing tank water heaters once a year.
- Descaling tankless units on schedule.
- Installing a softener to reduce hardness throughout the house.
See water softener installation and tankless descaling.
Questions we get about this
Is hard water bad for my health?
Hardness minerals are not considered a health concern. The issues are scale, soap use and wear on fixtures and heaters.
Will a softener make my water taste salty?
Softened water contains a little added sodium. Most people do not notice it, but some keep one unsoftened tap for drinking and cooking.
Do shower filters soften water?
Most shower filters target chlorine rather than hardness. They will not stop scale the way a softener does.