4 Essential Water-Quality Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

Congratulations! You’re in the market for a new home. You’re likely thinking about the number of bathrooms your new house might have, hoping your windows face south or crossing your fingers for a high basement ceiling. And while these factors can make or break your decision to buy, it’s essential to also consider where your water comes from. Think about it! You use water indoors for everything from bathing to cooking, from drinking to cleaning to laundry.

Where Does the Water Come From?

In Canada, your water will typically come from one of two sources: an on-site well or the municipal system. Municipal water is regulated by the city, meaning your water has to meet certain thresholds of safety and quality, as established by Health Canada in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial departments1.

For homeowners with a well, instead of the government managing the maintenance and quality of the water, homeowners are responsible for regularly testing and treating the well water. Depending on the well’s age and how long you plan to live there, you may need to replace parts of the well and pump or even dig a new one. Having a sense of the size and features of the well is also important.

Does the Home Already Have a Water-Treatment System in Place?

The previous owners may have already installed a water treatment in the house — examples range from a whole-home filtration system to water softeners to reverse-osmosis systems installed under a sink. If the system is in good working order, it’s a huge bonus — it could not only continue to provide better tasting water when you move in, but it could also add value to the home. Find out when the systems were installed and if they’re still under warranty and working well.

Have There Been Any Water Issues in the Neighbourhood?

You can often learn a lot about the history of the home and the area by asking the people who live close by. Many homebuyers swear by this practice, asking neighbours about school districts, crime in the area and proximity to services. But water quality is just as important. Your neighbours may know how the water is treated in the area, about the quality and taste, and past contaminations.

Which Organization Does the Current Homeowner Use to Test the Water?

Knowing the history of the water quality can give you valuable information about the future of the water quality. Ask if the homeowners have tested the water before and, if so, which company they used. Standard water tests generally look for high levels of minerals, such as calcium, which can lead to damaging buildup in appliances such as dishwashers; iron, which can cause rust damage to water fixtures and laundered clothes; and chlorine content.

Once you have all the information you need, you can make a more educated decision about the property. And after a mortgage has been approved and you’re ready to move in, just Call on Reliance™ to hear about all the water-purification options that will work for your new home.

Want to learn more about home water purification? Be sure to read our Ultimate Water Purification Guide and visit our Water Purification Products page!

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