Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are my water characteristics?
- Is our water safe to drink?
- Is the water in Mississauga, Brampton and Bolton hard?
- Should I buy a water softener?
- Why does the water sometimes look "cloudy" or "milky"?
- Is fluoride added to my water?
- Why is my kettle stained inside?
- Where can I get more information about drinking water and related issues?
- What can I do at home about my water quality?
1. Is our water safe to drink?
To protect public health, the Ministry of the Environment has established the Ontario Drinking Water Standards (ODWS). These objectives help ensure that water used by the public is free from disease-causing organisms, hazardous amounts of toxic chemicals and radioactive materials.
The Region of Peel is proud to report that it has met these standards in 2005.
Our water is safe to drink.
2. What are my water characteristics?
| South
Peel Water Parameters 2005 |
| |
MAC/IMAC |
Type of Objective |
Result |
Unit |
| Turbidity |
1 NTU |
OG |
0 - 0.99 |
NTU |
| Comments: Measure of
water clarity. Caused by the presence of suspended tiny
particles that scatter light and make the water appear
cloudy. |
Alkalinity
(as CaCO3) |
30 - 500 |
OC |
80 - 89.1 |
mg/L (CaCO3) |
| Comments: Measure of
resistance of the water to the effects of acids added
to water (change in pH) |
| Conductivity |
- |
- |
339 |
uS/cm |
| Comments: Related to
inorganics dissolved in water |
Hardness
(as CaCO3) |
6 - 9 |
OG |
8.28 - 9.03 |
grains/ gallon |
| 80 - 100 |
120 - 131 |
mg/L (CaCO3) |
| Comments: Naturally
occurring |
| pH |
6.5 - 8.5 |
OG |
6.52 - 8.17 |
- |
| Comments: Indicates
the acidity of water |
| Sodium |
200 |
AO |
12.5 - 27 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Naturally
occurring or water softening. Softening using a domestic water softener increases the sodium level in drinking water. The Medical Officer of Health is notified when Sodium concentration exceeds 20 mg/L. |
| Chloride |
250 |
AO |
22.8 - 39.7 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Naturally
occurring, may produce salty taste at higher levels |
| Iron |
0.30 |
AO |
<0.06 - 0.014 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Naturally
occurring |
| Manganese |
0.05 |
AO |
<0.001 |
mg/L |
Comments: Naturally occurring |
| Sulphate |
500 |
AO |
16.3 - 37.4 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Naturally occurring |
| Nitrate |
10 |
HR |
0.436 - 0.9 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Natural decay of organics or fertilizers |
| Nitrite |
1 |
HR |
0.017 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Natural decay of organics or fertilizers |
| Fluoride |
1.5 |
HR |
0.3 - 1.18 |
mg/L |
| Comments: Naturally
occurring or added to prevent tooth decay |
| Lead |
0.01 |
HR |
ND |
mg/L |
| Comments: Lead plumbing |
| Mercury |
0.001 |
HR |
ND |
mg/L |
| Comments: Industrial
pollutant, from coal combustion, metal refining operations
and from natural mineral deposits in some hard rock
areas. |
MAC = Maximum Acceptable Concentration
MAC objectives are established when substances are present above levels that are known or suspected to have an adverse effect on health.
IMAC = Interim Maximum Acceptable Concentration
IMAC objectives are established when there is not enough information to set a MAC with certainty.
AO = Aesthetic Objectives
AOs are established for substances that affect the taste, smell and colour of water or interfere with water quality control practices. These substances do not affect health.
HR = Health Related Perameter
Health related perameters are a concern for acute and/or chronic exposure.
OG = Operational Guidelines
OGs are established for substances that need to be controlled to ensure the efficient treatment and distribution of water.
|
NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
ND = Not Detected
TCU = True Colour Units
BDL = Below Detection Limit
uS/cm = microsiemens per centimetre
mg/L = milligram per litre
|
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