Water treatment systems have been installed in Canada for decades, but as new technology is introduced, it’s important to stay up to date on best practices.
n What is water treatment?
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n Adding water treatment to your business plan
n Latest water quality products
Water purification systems remove contaminants from untreated water to produce safe drinking water.
Keeping up to date on the latest water quality treatment solutions will help ensure you leave your customers happy.
By Shelley Peters
Water treatment in Canada has been applied for decades. Even so, there are still too many improper installations, misapplied equipment, and sales being made when there isn’t a need for treatment.
The lack of knowledge surrounding private wells at the consumer level can be an issue for water quality experts. Consumers may have just purchased a home in the country and moved from the city and know nothing about dealing with a well and the possible contaminants or issues that may be lurking. Some believe all well water is fine; others are diligent in getting it tested for pathogens and bacteria, but forget about contaminants such as arsenic, lead, manganese, and uranium, to name a few. Health Canada and the provincial governments try very hard to help educate the consumer on well water and what is in
tap water, but typically that education comes down to the water treatment professional to test, select, install and service the equipment to ensure that the end-user doesn’t get sick. Thatwatertreatmentsupplierneedstohavethe education and credentials to properly assess the need for water treatment. The end-user needs to have confidence in the professional to put the right piece of equipment that is sized properly to meet the needs of the family or the business. Many businesses depend upon water treatment for their processes, or hospitals for ensuring water is safe for kidney dialysis or having pure water for electroplating. There are many different water treatment needs and processes
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besides treating water in the home.
Let’s take a stab at defining water treatment. As an umbrella term, water treatment can be defined as any process that improves the quality of water to make it appropriate and safe for a specific end-use. Water treatment means removing any of the contaminants previously mentioned or any undesirable components that might be found. This can be done, and should be done, at any level of the building market — residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional levels. Collectively, water treatment is the process that makes water more acceptable for an end-user, which may be used for drinking, cooking, bathing, or industrial processes.
The processes involved in treating water for drinking purposes may be solids separation using physical processes such as precipitation, settling and filtration; chemical processes such as ion exchange, disinfection and coagulation; or membrane filtration.
Water purification is the removal of contaminants from untreated water to produce drinking water that is safe enough for the most critical of its intended uses — usually for human consumption. Substances that are removed during the process of drinking water treatment include suspended solids, bacteria,
"Education comes down to the water treatment professional to test, select, install and service the equipment to ensure that the end-user doesn’t get sick."
algae, viruses, fungi, minerals like calcium, iron, manganese and sulfur, and other chemical pollutants.
The Guidelines for Canada Drinking Water Quality, which was published in August 2024 by Health Canada, establishes the health-based parameters for drinking water quality that are used by the provinces and territories to establish their own standards or objectives. These guidelines need to be the manual that anyone involved in providing water treatment has readily available to use as a reference and/or a learning tool. Find the resources that are out there and use them to elevate everyone’s knowledge.
Public drinking water systems use various methods of water treatment to provide safe drinking water for their communities. Water is treated differently in different communities depending on the quality of the water in that area.
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There is only so much safe water on the planet, so proper water treatment applications are critical.
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Every community water supplier must provide an annual report, sometimes called a consumer confidence report, to its customers. For some municipalities or small system communities, the water quality is excellent. It may never need to have any form of water treatment added, however, in some instances, the end-user might want to enhance their water. Maybe they don’t like the smell of chlorine or the musty smell, so water treatment could be applied to enhance their drinking water. Any time that water treatment is added, a proper water analysis should be completed. There are two types of tests — field tests that are performed in the home or business and laboratory testing that are performed by accredited labs. Obviously, these tests come at a cost which sometimes deters the end-user from getting the water testing, but time and again the saying, “better safe than sorry” will apply.
New players in the game
There have been some new contaminants that have been reported, like perand polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), by Health Canada. There has been an increase in arsenic in the groundwaters of Atlantic Canada, as well as chromium showing up in water supplies and of course lead from aging infrastructure. All of these contaminants, as well as other aesthetic contaminants, make it necessary to
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have your water tested regularly and addressed by a professional when needed. There is only so much safe water that the planet has to work with (the same water that existed on the earth millions of years ago is still present today), so proper water treatment applications are critical.
If you currently offer water treatment in your business, or are thinking about it, ensure that you do your research and learn as much as possible. There have been too many installations where the drain isn’t properly installed, or the equipment is too small for the application, or no water test was completed, and the equipment installed just will not work. So, it is key to ensure that your business is doing it correctly and safely. One way to ensure that is to work with key companies that have experience providing water treatment options. That could be your municipality, a manufacturer, wholesaler or association. The more that everyone does it right, the more your business and industry will elevate.
Shelley Peters, is the executive director at the Canadian Water Quality Association. She has been in the water treatment business for 30 years and has held various roles over her tenure in the industry. Shelley can be reached at s.peters@cwqa.ca.
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ACi Distributing Inc. is a Canadian company headquartered in Calgary, AB since 1999. We are the exclusive master distributor of A.O. Smith Water Treatment and Hague Quality Water International Products. ACi distributes water treatment systems nationwide from reputable brands including A.O. Smith PRO®, WaterBoss®, AquaMaster® and Hague®. All water treatment systems are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA at the GrovePort, OH, A.O. Smith facility since 1956.
Viqua, Guelph, Ont., introduces its latest residential UV water treatment system to market. The Viqua Arros provides customers with streamlined installation thanks to its tidal chamber, which aligns the inlet and outlet ports on a single plane. The Viqua Arros is also equipped with a PolyProtect shield that blocks UV light, allowing the Arros to plumb directly to PEX and other polymer materials. The Viqua Aros also features a flow rate of 15 gpm and a connection size of 3/4-inches MNPT.
Viqua u www.viqua.com
Water Depot, Barrie, Ont., unveils its Chloramax twin whole home system to customers. Explicitly designed for municipal water, the Chloramax reduces chlorine, chloramines and by-products without using salt, which maintains the natural minerals found in water. The Chloramax has a one-inch valve, a flow rate of 27 gpm, and is available with or without a back-washable control valve. The Chloramax is also available in upflow or downflow configurations.
Water Depot u www.waterdepot.com
High-capacity, water-softening resin
Aldex Chemical, Granby, Que., announces the debut of its C-800 water-softening resin, a high-capaci ty, gel-type cation resin manufactured without chlorinated solvents. The C-800 has very low TOC leakage and meets U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements due to its low impact regarding colour, taste, and odour. The C-800 also features a softening capacity of 30,000 grains when regenerated with 15 lbs of NaCl per cubic ft. and 20,000 grains with six lbs of NaCl per cubic ft. Aldex u www.aldexchemical.com
Halo Water Systems, Carlsbad, California, introduces the Halo 5 filtration system to the market. The Halo 5 filtration system filters and conditions influent water for the home, removing contaminants and chemicals to undetectable levels while addressing hard water issues. Utilizing Halo’s proprietary ION water conditioner, the Halo 5 transforms aggressive water into non-corrosive, mineral-friendly water, protecting plumbing, appliances, and fixtures from scale and corrosion.
Halo Water Systems u www.halowater.com
Novo Water, Regina, Sask., announces its newest tankless reverse osmosis system is available to customers. The Aqua Flo CRO-800UX6 utilizes a high-capacity reverse osmosis membrane allowing for better tasting water on demand. The Aqua Flo features high-efficiency of two purified: one drain, a leak alarm, integrated manifold design, filter life indicator lights, high flow rate and quick change disposable filter cartridges.
Novo Water u www.novowater.com
Luminor, Guelph, Ont., unveils its latest UV-filtered rack systems to market — the Blackcomb, Rainier, Everest, and Glacier UV/LED series. Featuring Luminor’s high-output 5.1 controller for dealer customization and branding, modular expandability, and protected repeat lamp sales, the rack systems provide an all-in-one system for whole-home water filtration and UV disinfection. Luminor’s rack systems also feature a one-piece filter head for a leak-free design, an integrated drain port for easy filter changes, and a universal mounting direction for left or right inlet access. Luminor u www.luminoruv.com
Clearwater Enviro Technologies, Inc., Acheson, Alta., introduces its ScaleBlaster electric water conditioner. It can be installed in one or more areas to be treated, depending on the installation. A signal cable is wrapped around the outside of the pipe and is connected to the enclosure. The unit produces a unique sound wave that alters the calcium molecules in the water, causing them to lose their “adhesive” properties. This removes existing limescale and keeps it from forming again. It requires no maintenance, salt, chemicals, or any filters to replace.
Clearwater Enviro Technologies u www.clearwaterenviro.com
AO Smith, Fergus, Ont., introduces its line of water softeners. Salt sensing technology adapts to the water usage, which means less salt, water, and energy consumed. Self-cleaning pre-filters mean there will be no need to change the filter. Adding a water softener to the water treatment plan will help reduce scale buildup, water stains and spots, and extend the life of the appliances. It features a patented, single-use design with bypass design.
AO Smith u www.aosmith.com
EcoWater Systems, Woodbury, Minnesota, launches its new ESD2800 water softener. This latest model is now equipped with a larger one-inch valve on all 2800/2802 models. Key features of the ESD2800 model include a salt monitor, which alerts users to low salt levels, customizable regeneration, flow rate information that monitors water flow in real-time, daily gallon tracking to show how much water has been consumed, cycle duration indicator, and lastly, a valve position indicator to simplify maintenance checks. Incorporating patented AI technology, the ESD2800 adapts to individual water usage patterns, optimizing regeneration cycles and reducing operating costs.
EcoWater Systems u www.EcoWater.com
Addingwaterconditioningtoyourplumbingbusiness canhelpstabilizeincomeandincreaseyourbottomline.
By John Cardiff
Whenyouownasmalltomedium-sizedplumbingbusiness,growthisalwaysonyourmind.Particularlywhen itcomestoopportunitiesthathelpstabilizeyourincomeandmakeyoulessreliantonservicecallsasaprimary source of revenue. Offering water conditioning equipment is one of those revenue opportunities that can help. In addition to the equipment mark-up and installation fee, maintenance plans or scheduled service calls help grow revenue from within your existing customer base and provide additional year-round income security.
As a trusted water expert, you’re in a unique position to help your customers solve all their water problems. According to the Water Quality Association’s (WQA) 2023 consumer opinion study, lack of knowledge about water conditioning is one of the major deterrents for homeowners who don’t have water conditioning in their home. A simple discussion about the benefits of water conditioning for their home and health as part of a regular plumbing call can be a great way to build relationships with your customers and help them feel confident about making a purchase.
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Introducing water quality products to your customer doesn’t have to mean cold calling, it can be as simple as discussing the equipment at the end of regular calls or appointments.
If you aren’t already offering water conditioning as part of your product and service offering, there’s no better time than now to get started.
While your company already has a strong foundation in plumbing, water conditioning systems require specific knowledge and expertise. Training andcertification programs can help you install, maintain, and troubleshoot thesesystemseffectively Therearecomprehensivetrainingcoursesavailable thatcoverarangeofwaterconditioningtopics,includingwaterassessment basics, application and sizing, and drinking water contaminants.
These self-directed, online courses range in time commitment from 12 to 24 hours and give up to a year to complete the content and final exam. Talktoassociations,manufacturers,andyourlocalwholesalerforonlineor hands-on training opportunities.
Once you and your team feel confident about the basics of water conditioning, the critical first step in determining water conditioning requirementsiswatertesting.Whenconditioningisnecessary,thetestwill helpdeterminethetypeandsizeofequipmentthatwillberequired.Testing for hardness is easy and should be done even if there is already a softener in the home.
Small, inexpensive portable test kits take about one minute to get an accurate hardness test result. If the test shows a hardness of more than 3.5 grains per gallon, you have something to discuss with the homeowner. Either they need a softener, or their current one is not working and may need replacing.
Besides hardness, there are a variety of kits available for testing other common water problems right in the field. The most common tests are for problems associated with iron, manganese, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and tannins.
Many equipment suppliers offer free water testing for these and other common working water problems. If there are any concerns about the safetyorpotabilityofthewatersupply,itwouldbewiseforthehomeowner to get the water tested at a provincial or local health lab. Such tests are usually available for a small fee. These test results can be provided to your wholesaler who will work with an equipment supplier to recommend the right system.
Bothresidentialandcommercialwaterconditioningsolutionsaddressthree key areas — hard water, disinfectants, and harmful contaminants. Water softeners help prevent scale buildup on pipes, appliances, and fixtures; prevent spots on dishware, glasses, and shower doors; make laundry soft and bright; and give you softer, healthier skin and hair.
Filtration systems remove chlorine and chloramine used by municipalities to provide potable water to residents. Reverse osmosis units provide high-quality drinking water by removing contaminants, including PFAS, lead, microplastics, and chromium.
Even before you test the water, you can use municipal water reports to help understand the water composition in your community. This, along with what you see happening in the home, can be a great conversation starter about water conditioning options and benefits.
When looking for a supply chain partner, ask about the experience of the supplier’s field sales representatives, water testing services, system
certifications, commercial engineering capabilities, whether or not they charge for sales materials, the experience of their customer service teams, and the quality and reliability of their equipment. It’s also important to consider the ease of installation, maintenance, and customer satisfaction when selecting products.
There are some key products to highlight to your customers. Water softeners are ideal for areas with hard water; these systems reduce mineral
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"While your company already has a strong foundation in plumbing, water conditioning systems require specific knowledge and expertise. Training and certification programs can help you install, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems effectively."
Have you noticed some staining or scale build-up appearing on your bathroom fixtures? Is your tap water cloudy? Do you have a cottage or rural property and wonder if the water is safe for drinking? Did you know that 85% of Canadian households have hard water?
A residential water treatment system can solve all these problems, and more:
•reduce hardness, turbidity, colours, taste and odour in water
•reduce chemicals used in municipal water treatment
•create potable water that is safe for drinking
At Water Depot we have been providing water treatment solutions since 1989. Our line of water treatment equipment includes:
We are your residential and commercial water treatment experts with 37 locations across Ontario and online at www.waterdepot.com
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content, and extend the lifespan of plumbing systems and appliances. Whole-house filtration systems filter all the water entering the home, addressing issues like sediment, chlorine, chloramines and odours. Pointof-use filtration is installed at specific locations, like kitchen sinks, to provide clean drinking water. Lastly, there are reverse osmosis systems that offer comprehensive filtration, making them a top choice for customers concerned with contaminants and healthy drinking water.
Once you’re confident in your knowledge and have chosen a supplier, you’re ready to start talking to your customers about water conditioning. Many homeowners are unaware of the benefits of water conditioning systems or may not even realize they have water quality issues.
Introducing water conditioning to your customers doesn’t have to mean cold calling or hard sell tactics. Ending regular calls or appointments with a discussion about water conditioning or providing product brochures can be a very effective marketing approach. Offering a free water test while you’re in the home can also help a homeowner understand how a water conditioning system can address their needs and improve their home’s water quality.
Another effective way to introduce water conditioning products is by bundling them with your existing products and services. For example, when
performing a water heater installation or a major plumbing repair, you can suggest a water conditioning system that enhances the overall performance and longevity of the customer’s plumbing or appliance. Offering package deals or discounts when customers purchase a water conditioning system along with other services can also encourage sales.
Adding residential water conditioning products to your plumbing business is a smart move that can diversify your services, increase revenue, and enhance customer satisfaction. By choosing the right products, investing in training, educating your customers, and effectively marketing your new offerings, you can position your business as a trusted provider of comprehensive water quality solutions. With careful planning and execution, this expansion can lead to significant growth and success in the long term.
John Cardiff , has been in the water treatment industry for 42 years, starting with Water Conditioning Canada ltd., now known as Canature WaterGroup (CWG). He is the executive vice president of sales and business development for North America. John can be reached at john.cardiff@ canaturewg.com.
UV systems offer a low environmental impact as a water treatment option, which in today’s political and cultural landscape is an attractive bonus.
By Robert Woodland
Water is essential for life, yet ensuring its safety for consumption is a global challenge. With increasing concerns about waterborne pathogens, chemical contaminants, and the overall quality of drinking water, various methods of disinfection have been developed over the years. One of the most effective and increasingly popular methods is ultraviolet (UV) water disinfection.
UV water disinfection is a method that uses ultraviolet light, at a germicidal wavelength of 254 nanometers, to inactivate microorganisms in water, making it safe for drinking. Unlike chemical disinfectants like chlorine, UV disinfection relies on physical processes to neutralize harmful pathogens. At this wavelength, UV light penetrates the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, disrupting their DNA and preventing them from reproducing. Once their DNA is damaged, these microorganisms are unable to multiply and cause infection, effectively rendering them harmless.
The UV disinfection process is simple yet highly effective as water passes through a chamber where it is exposed to UV light. The exposure time is typically very short, ranging from just a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the flow rate and the intensity of the UV light.
UV water disinfection presents an attractive method to areas where other methods may not be feasible or desirable.
Advantages and challenges
The advantage behind the installation of a UV lies in its effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, many of which are resistant to chemical disinfectants like chlorine. In addition, UV systems have a low environmental impact, which in today’s political
UV disinfection is commonly used in residential systems, especially in rural areas on well water.
and cultural landscape is an attractive bonus. UV systems are also relatively low maintenance. The main requirement is the periodic replacement of the UV lamp, which typically lasts about a year. There are no ongoing chemical costs or complex maintenance procedures. While UV disinfection is a powerful tool for ensuring safe drinking water, it is not without its challenges. The effectiveness of UV disinfection can be impacted by the quality of the water being treated. Turbidity (cloudiness) or high levels of suspended particles can shield microorganisms from UV light, reducing the system's effectiveness. In such cases, pre-filtration is necessary to ensure the water is clear enough for UV treatment.
Although UV systems are cost-effective in the long run, the initial installation cost can be slightly higher compared to other methods like chlorination. However, the ease of maintenance and not having to deal with chemicals is a plus.
The effectiveness of UV disinfection can be impacted by the quality of the water being treated. It can be ideal to include UV systems with some type of filter to get rid of any particles.
For households relying on private wells as their primary source of drinking water,regularwatertestingiscrucial.Unlikemunicipalwatersystems,which aremonitoredandtreatedbylocalauthorities,theresponsibilityfor ensuring the safety of well water falls entirely on the homeowner. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada recommend testing well water atleastonceayear,especiallyforcontaminantslike coliformbacteria,nitrates,andotherpotentialhazards.
Testingisimportantbecausethequalityofwellwatercanvarysignificantly over time. Several factors can affectthis,includingseasonalchanges,rainfall patterns, nearby agricultural activities, and the integrity of the well structure itself.Forexample,heavyrainscancauserunoffthatintroducescontaminants intothegroundwater,whileadryspellmightconcentratecertainmineralsor pollutants.Eventheageandconditionofthewellcanplayarole,asolderwells maydevelopcracksorcorrosionthatallowcontaminantstoenter.
When contamination is detected in a well, one common method of disinfection is chlorination. Thisprocessinvolvesaddinga chlorinesolution tothewelltokillbacteriaandotherpathogens.
Toprovidecontinuousprotectionagainstmicrobialcontaminationinwell water, installing a UV disinfection system is highly recommended. Unlike chlorination, which only treats water at the time of application, a UV system providesongoingdisinfectioneverytimewaterpassesthroughit.Thisensures that the homeowner is always protected from harmful microorganisms, regardless of changes in water quality. UV disinfection is a chemical-free process, meaning it doesn’t introduce any substances into your water. This eliminates the risk of chemical residues or by-products and preserves the naturaltasteandqualityofyourwater.
UV systems are highly effective at inactivating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa,includingthosethatareresistanttochlorine.
www.plumbingandhvac.ca
Municipal water systems play a crucial role in providing safe drinking water to millions of households. However, many of these systems are aging and face significant challenges in maintaining water quality. Across North America and other parts of the world, municipal water infrastructure is often decades old, with pipes and treatment facilities dating back over a century. This aging infrastructure is prone to leaks, breaks, and contamination, which can compromise water safety.
One of the most visible signs of these challenges is the increasing frequency of boil water advisories. These advisories, issued when there is a potential risk of contamination in the water supply, are a direct consequence of failing infrastructure. These advisories can last from a few hours to several days, during which residents are instructed to boil their water before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing their teeth. While these advisories are a necessary precaution, they highlight the vulnerabilities in the municipal water supply system.
Given the challenges with municipal water, many consumers are taking matters into their own hands by improving the quality of the water in their homes. One common approach is de-chlorination, where homeowners use filtration systems to remove chlorine from their tap water. Chlorine is widely used in municipal water treatment as a disinfectant, but it can leave an unpleasant taste and odour, which some people find objectionable.
However, while de-chlorination improves the taste and smell of water, it also removes the residual disinfectant protection that chlorine provides. This creates a new set of risks, as any microorganisms that might enter the water after it leaves the municipal treatment plant are no longer being neutralized by chlorine. Without this defence, homeowners could unknowingly expose their families to harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
As municipal water systems continue to age and face challenges, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to ensure the safety and quality of their drinking water. While de-chlorination is a popular choice for improving taste, it leaves water vulnerable to contamination.
By integrating a UV disinfection system into their home water treatment setup, consumers can enjoy the best of both worlds: clean, great-tasting water that is free from harmful chemicals and pathogens. This combination provides a comprehensive approach to water safety, giving families the confidence that their water is as safe as it is refreshing. Is it time to change how you think about the water you use and drink each day?
Robert Woodland, is the director of sales for North America at Luminor Environmental Inc. He is also the director of the Canadian Water Quality Association. Robert can be reached at rwoodland@ luminoruv.com.
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