In a nutshell
Toronto treats water drawn from Lake Ontario, and it arrives moderately hard. Calcium and magnesium leave scale in kettles, shower heads, dishwashers and the bottom of water heaters. The water is safe to drink. Whether to soften it is a matter of comfort and appliance care, not health.
Hardness gets reported as calcium carbonate, either in mg/L or in grains per gallon. Lake water is softer than many well supplies north of the city, so a Toronto softener can usually be set gently. Some households find the main payoff is in the water heater and dishwasher, where scale quietly cuts efficiency year after year. Others mostly want spot-free glass shower doors. Knowing which matters to you helps you decide what to spend.
Working through it
1. Check current figures
The City publishes water quality reports, including hardness.
2. Descale fixtures
Unscrew aerators and shower heads and let them sit overnight in vinegar.
3. Flush the tank
A yearly water heater flush removes settled scale.
4. Protect appliances
Use the dishwasher rinse aid and descale coffee makers.
5. Decide on a softener
Weigh the comfort against salt, space and upkeep.
Clues worth noticing
- Crust building on faucet tips.
- A water heater that crackles.
- Shower heads spraying sideways.
- Soap that will not lather.
Signals that it needs a licensed plumber
If scale is costing you appliances, a softener may be worthwhile. See water softener installation.
Calls we field, answered plainly
Will softened water change the taste?
Some people notice a slight change. Many keep one unsoftened tap for drinking.
Will a filter fix hardness?
Most filters do not. Softeners use ion exchange.