Cysts, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are protozoan parasites found in intestinal tracts of animals. The feces of infected animals contaminates surface waters such as lakes, streams and ponds, shallow wells and ground water under the influence of surface water (GUDI). Both Cryptosporidium and Giardia...
Would you know how to sterilize water during an emergency? Although uncommon in Canada, hurricanes, floods and even water mains breaking can interrupt regular water service. Typically, in an emergency situation, the authorities recommend that you drink sterilized water, or bottled water, to avoid any disease-causing...
Water quality and your home's heating system seem like they wouldn't have anything in common, but they collide right inside your water heater and any water-based heaters you might have, such as geothermal systems. If the water is too hard or too acidic, it can...
Boil water advisories are issued when there is a chance that your drinking water could be contaminated. To avoid illness, you should do the following six things: 1. Boil your tap water before you drink it! Make sure you boil your water for at least one minute before...
Dull, cloudy glassware. Clogged shower heads. Tub and sink stains. Dry, itchy skin. Brittle hair. Stiff laundry. Poor appliance performance. Soap that just won't lather. You've tried cleaning products, detergents, moisturizers and conditioners - but nothing seems to help. Sound familiar? You probably have [ninja-popup ID=16505]hard...
[caption id="attachment_157" align="alignleft" width="300"] The average roof collects nearly 2,000 litres of fresh rainwater per each inch of downfall during a single storm - why not reuse some of it in your home?[/caption] Feeling burdened by your hydro bill? Or are you exploring new ways to reduce...
Not sure what's in your water - or how to get rid of it? These handy charts are sure to help! Chart #1: What's your water like? [table id=1 /] Chart #2: Is your home urban or rural? [table id=2 /] Have a question? We're here to help! Call one of our...
Most municipally treated water supplies in Canada use [ninja-popup ID=12585]chlorine[/ninja-popup] for water disinfection. [ninja-popup ID=12585]Chlorine[/ninja-popup] is a popular additive for several reasons. Firstly, it is effective at killing and reducing the growth of many microbes including bacteria, viruses and [ninja-popup ID=12589]cysts[/ninja-popup]. It also stays in...
Let's preface this post by saying that municipal water across Canada tends to be very high-quality. That said, if your home was built before 1986, it may have [ninja-popup ID=12588]lead[/ninja-popup] pipes, fixtures and [ninja-popup ID=12588]lead[/ninja-popup]-based solder. Over time, water and [ninja-popup ID=16494]chloramines[/ninja-popup] corrode [ninja-popup ID=12588]lead[/ninja-popup] plumbing,...