Northwood Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~120–179 mg/L
Hardestimated · not lab-verified
Source
lake
pH Level
7.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.003 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
225.5 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 Northwood, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Northwood | 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 Northwood compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Mineralization | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Northwood, Ontario | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | High | 🟠 Hard |
| Thunder Bay, Ontario | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | Low | 🟢 Soft |
| Shuniah, Ontario | ≈ 180+ mg/L | High | 🔴 Very Hard |
| Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | Low | 🟢 Soft |
| Kenora, Ontario | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | Low | 🟢 Soft |
National Benchmark
How Northwood compares to the Canada average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Northwood | ≈ 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 Northwood's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Residents of Northwood receive their water from the City of Thunder Bay or a local Thunder Bay District water system. The primary source for this supply is a local lake or reservoir, which is then processed at a treatment facility before distribution to homes.
The water's hardness, measured at 9.5 grains per gallon (gpg), suggests a geological makeup common to northern Ontario. This hardness is characteristic of water sourced from lakes or groundwater in regions with specific rock types that readily dissolve minerals into the water, contributing to its mineral content.
This level of hardness can lead to scale buildup in appliances like kettles and water heaters over time. You might notice soap and detergent don't lather as easily. To combat this, regular descaling of appliances is recommended. For significant scale reduction and improved appliance lifespan, a water softener is often a worthwhile investment for homeowners in the Northwood area.
Geology & Source: Northern Ontario lake or groundwater supply; hard water (9.5 gpg)
Other Ontario Water Reports
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