If you live in the heart of London, St. Thomas, or the surrounding areas, you are likely drinking surface water from the Great Lakes. While our municipal systems work hard to keep this water safe, “safe” and “ideal” are not always the same thing. Consequently, understanding what is in your pipes is the first step toward protecting your family.
The Chlorine Factor
First, let’s discuss treatment. Surface water is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria. While this is effective, it is not a perfect solution. For instance, parasites like Cryptosporidium are often resistant to chlorine. Furthermore, many of my customers dislike the “swimming pool” taste and smell that remains after treatment.
The Hardness Reality
Next, we must consider mineral content. Even though we use lake water, it is rarely “soft.” Most tests I run in London and St. Thomas show water that is “moderately hard.” This is enough to leave scale on your fixtures over time. However, it is not nearly as aggressive as the 30 grains of hardness found in Woodstock’s well water.
The Ghost of Plumbing Past: Lead and Sediment
This is where my 25 years in the trade becomes vital. If you live in an older neighborhood, your water travels through miles of aging infrastructure. Therefore, the water may leave the plant in perfect condition but change significantly before it reaches your glass.
- Lead Service Lines: If your home was built before the mid-1950s, you might have a lead pipe connecting you to the city main. Consequently, low levels of lead can leach into your drinking water over decades.
- Sediment Accumulation: Older pipes often collect grit. If you notice cloudy water after a nearby water main repair, you are seeing the “history” of our city’s plumbing in your glass.
Why “Broad” Filtration Often Fails
I often tell my customers that there is no single “best” filter. Instead, there is only the right filter for your specific home. For example, a filter that removes chlorine taste might do nothing for lead or hardness minerals. Furthermore, these minerals can slowly choke your water heater and reduce its lifespan.
Ready for a Water Refresh?
Understanding your water source is half the battle. In my next post, I will break down the specific technologies—from Reverse Osmosis to Whole Home Systems—that actually work for our unique local profile.
Want me to check your water? If you are curious about the hardness or lead levels in your specific home, we are here to help. I have been testing water in London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock for two decades, and I am happy to provide the facts.
Contact Triton Home Service Today:
Watch & Learn: See our systems in action at youtube.com/@tritonhomeservice.
Call us: 226-270-6424 to book a water quality test.
Online: Visit tritonservice.ca to schedule an appointment.
Meet the Expert
Hi, I’m Aron Oretan. With 25 years in the plumbing trade, I’ve seen the “history” of London’s pipes firsthand. I founded Triton Home Service to give our community honest, expert advice and high-quality water solutions. If you have questions about your water or just want a second opinion, I’m always happy to help.
Give me a call at 226-270-6424—let’s make sure your home’s water is at its best.