Farnham Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
~120–179 mg/L
Hardestimated · 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
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.
| Appliance | In Farnham | 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 Farnham compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Mineralization | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Farnham, Quebec | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | High | 🟠 Hard |
| Cowansville, Quebec | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | Medium | 🟠 Hard |
| Granby, Quebec | ≈ 60–120 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
| Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec | ≈ 120–179 mg/L | Medium | 🟠 Hard |
| Chambly, Quebec | ≈ 0–60 mg/L | Low | 🟢 Soft |
National Benchmark
How Farnham compares to the Canada average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Farnham | ≈ 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 Farnham's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
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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