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Farnham Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

hard

~120–179 mg/L

Hard

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

river

pH Level

7.7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.002 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

284.5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.40

energy & soap waste

Source: Health Canada Water Quality · Updated 2026

hard~120–179 mg/LHard · est.

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 Farnham, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn FarnhamSoft Water CityEfficiency 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 Farnham compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessMineralizationRisk
Farnham, Quebec≈ 120–179 mg/LHigh🟠 Hard
Cowansville, Quebec≈ 120–179 mg/LMedium🟠 Hard
Granby, Quebec≈ 60–120 mg/LMedium🟡 Moderately Hard
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec≈ 120–179 mg/LMedium🟠 Hard
Chambly, Quebec≈ 0–60 mg/LLow🟢 Soft

National Benchmark

How Farnham compares to the Canada average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Farnham≈ 120–179 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Canada National Avg140 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Vancouver Top Rated3 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Farnham's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: RiverTDS: 284.5 mg/LpH: 7.7

The Ville de Farnham municipal service manages the water supply for approximately 8,500 residents in Farnham and nearby areas of Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality, Quebec. Their water originates entirely from groundwater, drawn from two primary production wells tapping into the regional aquifer system within the Chateauguay River watershed. The Ville de Farnham's water treatment plant, located on rue de l'Aqueduc, processes this groundwater through filtration, chlorine disinfection, and pH adjustment. Unlike many communities, Farnham does not utilize any surface water reservoirs or rivers for its supply.

The groundwater in Farnham is sourced from Paleozoic sedimentary formations, specifically the Beekmantown Group limestones and Potsdam Group dolomites. These Cambrian-Ordovician rocks are part of the St. Lawrence Lowlands and are known for leaching significant amounts of calcium and magnesium ions as water percolates through the fractured bedrock and overlying glacial tills. This natural mineral content, characteristic of southern Quebec's geological transition zone, results in a hard water profile for the community's supply.

This hard water means homeowners in Farnham often deal with scale buildup in appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can reduce their efficiency and shorten their lifespan. You'll likely notice white deposits on kettles and faucets, and soap doesn't lather as easily, requiring more product for cleaning. Hot water appliances are particularly susceptible to scale formation. To manage these effects, regular descaling with vinegar, annual flushing of water heaters, and using low-flow aerators can help. For a more comprehensive solution and to prevent spotting, improve cleaning, and extend appliance life, installing a water softener is highly recommended by the municipality.

Geology & Source: Paleozoic sedimentary rocks; Beekmantown Group limestone and Potsdam Group dolostone contribute calcium and magnesium ions, resulting in hard water.

Other Quebec Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Farnham's water safe to drink?
Yes. Farnham's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Farnham?
At ≈ 120–179 mg/L (Hard), Farnham's water will cause significant limescale on kettles, washing machines, and water heaters. A water softener or descaler is strongly recommended to extend appliance lifespan and reduce energy bills by up to 20%.
How does Farnham compare to the Canada average?
The Canada national average is 140 mg/L. Farnham (≈ 120–179 mg/L) is 10 mg/L above the national average. The softest major city is Vancouver at just 3 mg/L.