Annex Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~120–179 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
lake
pH Level
7.7
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
227.9 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
energy & soap waste
Source: Health Canada Water Quality · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Annex, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Annex | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.8 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -20% |
| Washing Machine | 9.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -20% |
| Water Heater | 12 yrs | 15 yrs | -20% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Annex compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Mineralization | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Annex, Ontario | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | High | 🟠 Hard |
| Casa Loma, Ontario | 72 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
| Yonge-St.Clair, Ontario | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | High | 🟠 Hard |
| Wychwood, Ontario | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | High | 🟠 Hard |
| Palmerston-Little Italy, Ontario | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | High | 🟠 Hard |
National Benchmark
How Annex compares to the Canada average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Annex | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Canada National Avg | 140 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Vancouver Top Rated | 3 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Annex's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
The water supplied to the Annex neighbourhood in midtown Toronto comes from Lake Ontario. This supply is processed through the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant before reaching residents. Aggregated data suggests that the water in this part of Toronto is very hard, with measurements around 14.0 grains per gallon (gpg). This level of hardness is consistent with the overall water supply characteristics found throughout central Toronto.
The hardness of the water is largely influenced by the geological makeup of the region. The water sources, including Lake Ontario and various groundwater aquifers, are fed by runoff from bedrock formations. These formations are notably rich in limestone, a type of rock that readily dissolves minerals like calcium and magnesium into the water. This geological process, particularly the presence of Devonian limestone, is the primary reason for the hard water experienced in much of Ontario, especially in southwestern areas.
Residents might notice scale buildup in appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can reduce their efficiency and lifespan. For those sensitive to hard water effects, a water softener system is often recommended. This can help mitigate issues with soap lathering and prevent the mineral deposits that can clog pipes and fixtures over time. While general provincial averages for hardness are noted, specific detailed quality parameters for the Annex were not available in the provided data.
Geology & Source: Lake Ontario; limestone bedrock; moderate to high hardness
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