Kenora Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Kenora Drinking Water System, serving Kenora, Ontario, draws its raw supply from Lake of the Woods. This vast freshwater reservoir is the sole source for the Kenora Water Treatment Plant, located at 5 7th Street South. The plant, with a daily capacity of 25 million litres, processed 2,332,904 cubic metres of water in 2023. The busiest day for the system was May 30, when it delivered 8,204 cubic metres.

The water originates from Lake of the Woods, a feature of the Canadian Shield. This ancient geological region, characterized by Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks like granite and gneiss, contains very few soluble minerals. Unlike areas with limestone deposits, the Canadian Shield's bedrock and the thin soils covering it mean that surface water, like that in the Lake of the Woods, is naturally soft. Runoff from the region's extensive forests contributes little to mineral content.

Residents might notice that this soft water doesn't produce much lather with soap, and laundry may come out feeling softer. While generally good for pipes as it's less corrosive than hard water, very soft water can sometimes leach metals from older plumbing. If you prefer a slightly "harder" feel or find your dishes aren't as spot-free as you'd like, a whole-house water softener can be considered, though it's often not a necessity for this supply.