Riverview Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Riverview Water Utility, serving over 20,000 residents in Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada, draws its primary supply from the Petitcodiac River. This surface water is processed at the Irishtown Water Treatment Plant. Supplemental water comes from local wells that tap into the Memramcook Aquifer and overburden sands, ensuring a consistent supply for residential, commercial, and industrial users east of the Petitcodiac River.

The Petitcodiac River watershed, covering 2,300 km², is underlain by Carboniferous Pictou Group sandstones, shales, and some limestone. These Carboniferous formations, dating back to the Pennsylvanian period, release bicarbonates and sulfates as they weather, contributing to the water's mineral content. Glacial drift aquifers, found in tills and eskers, also add to the water's ionic load. This geological makeup results in moderately hard water, which can be further influenced by seasonal runoff and baseflow from tributaries containing limestone.

This moderately hard water can lead to limescale buildup in appliances like kettles, dishwashers, and water heaters, potentially decreasing their efficiency by 20-30% and raising energy costs. You might notice that laundry doesn't feel as clean without using extra detergent. Simple descaling with vinegar can help manage this, and some homeowners opt for magnetic conditioners. If scaling becomes an issue for your pipes or you desire spot-free dishes, installing a water softener is recommended. The water's pH typically ranges from 7.2 to 7.8, meeting Health Canada guidelines. While lead and copper levels remain below maximum acceptable limits, occasional turbidity issues can arise from the Petitcodiac River source. No PFAS data is available, and rare instances of arsenic or uranium have been noted in groundwater during provincial monitoring.