The Importance of Water Quality in Your Home and How to Get Your Water Tested

Did you know? Babies are composed of about 78% water by weight at birth and by the time we reach adulthood, our bodies are still made up of 50–60% water.¹

In effect, every human must consume a certain amount of water to survive and thrive. From regulating internal body temperature and flushing waste from our organs, to lubricating joints and acting as a shock absorber for our brains and spinal cords, humans wouldn’t get very far without water.

Read on to learn about how testing and treatment can ensure the best-possible water quality in your home. Fill out the form on this page to schedule your FREE, in-home water test with Reliance™ today.

Where Does Drinking Water Come From?

Much of Canada’s potable water (i.e., water that’s safe to drink and/or use for food preparation) comes from aquifers buried below the water table. These subterranean sources get replenished by surface water in the form of rain and snow melt that accumulates in rivers, streams and lakes.

While Canada’s water is considered to be of excellent quality, it’s important to recognize that all natural water sources have some level of contaminants, including things you can see (e.g., dirt, silt) as well as things you can’t (e.g., dissolved solids,). And though municipalities are responsible for water testing and treatment to ensure the water sent to your home is healthy and safe for consumption² , those guidelines still allow for a certain level of acceptable contaminants. What’s more, if your water supply comes from a well or spring, you’re responsible for the quality, not the municipality.

As a result, a proportion of households deal with impurities that can lead to issues like hard water, stains on plumbing fixtures, and even a funny smell coming from faucets and taps.

What to Do If You’re Concerned About Water Quality

First and foremost, don’t panic! Most issues can be easily managed by a water purification system. But to start, you’ll need to identify the underlying problem, and that requires testing.

Have your water tested if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:

• Requires more detergent to lather and clean properly
• Chalky residue or rust stains on plumbing fixtures, water-consuming appliances (e.g., dishwasher, washer and dryer), toilet bowls, shower stalls or tiles, dishes, cutlery and glasses
• Soap doesn’t seem to be doing a good job of cleaning anymore, and residue is sometimes left behind on your skin, hair or laundry
• Cloudy water, sometimes containing rust-like particles or sediment that settles to the bottom
• Odd smell and flavour, including bleach or rotten egg/sulphur odours

Water Testing—What to Know

Here’s what to expect when you book a free in-home consultation:

1. A Reliance™ Water Purification Advisor will review your concerns with you and may complete on-site tests to determine water hardness and whether high levels of chlorine, iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide are present in your drinking water. (Should your concerns fall beyond the scope of immediate in-home testing, the Advisor may choose to send a sample away for more in-depth lab testing.)
2. Based on test results, the Advisor will provide recommendations on the appropriate solution to fit your water purification needs. These may include:
   • A whole home chlorine filter – a simple solution for some of the most common water concerns
   • A water softening system – to combat the problems that come with hard water
   • A reverse osmosis system – for more pure, on-demand drinking water
   • A whole home iron/manganese filter – Eliminate the metallic taste, improve water clarity and odour, and reduce yellow, brown or black stains on plumbing fixtures, appliances and laundry

If you’ve had any concerns, large or small, about the water you and your family are consuming every day, now is the time to prioritize your concerns, with a free, in-home water assessment.

A Reliance Water Purification Advisor can help you to choose the water purification solution that’s right for your home and family’s needs. Book your in-home water assessment today!

Interested in learning more about Water Purification solutions available? Be sure to read our Ultimate Water Purification Guide!

¹Learn more about the “Water in You” here
²As outlined in Canada’s drinking water quality guidelines