Temiskaming Shores Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Temiskaming Shores provides water to about 10,000 residents in New Liskeard, Haileybury, and Dymond. Its water supply is a mix, mainly drawing from local wells that tap into fractured bedrock aquifers. This groundwater is supplemented by surface water from Lake Timiskaming and the Ottawa River watershed. The Haileybury Water Treatment Plant is the primary facility, with the city’s public works department overseeing distribution. The local watershed is part of the Timiskaming Graben, a significant Proterozoic rift valley bordered by Precambrian Shield granites. This area is covered by Ordovician-Silurian limestones, shales, and dolomites, which readily dissolve and leach calcium and magnesium. These minerals contribute to the water's characteristically hard nature. Glacial deposits from the last ice age also play a role, influencing water flow and mineral pickup.

Homeowners in Temiskaming Shores often notice scale buildup in their pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, which can affect efficiency and shorten appliance lifespans. Boilers and tankless water heaters are particularly susceptible to damage from mineral deposits. You might also see visible scale on fixtures and soap scum in sinks and tubs. To combat this, homeowners can try regular descaling with vinegar or installing magnetic conditioners. For those looking to prevent spotting on glassware and extend the life of their appliances, a water softener is generally recommended. The water's pH typically ranges between 7.2 and 7.8, and it meets Ontario Drinking Water Standards.

Treatment processes at the Haileybury Water Treatment Plant are comprehensive, starting with screening, followed by coagulation, sedimentation, and dual-media filtration. Disinfection is achieved using UV light and chloramination to maintain a residual disinfectant level throughout the distribution system. While lead and copper levels are compliant following 2016 sampling, corrosion control is managed with orthophosphate. The utility also addresses occasional manganese or iron from groundwater sources through filtration and chlorination. No PFAS data has been reported for this supply.