La Cité-Limoilou Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
Source
river
pH Level
7.6
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.005 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
175.3 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.22
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 La Cité-Limoilou, your appliances are currently losing 11% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In La Cité-Limoilou | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 6.9 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -19% |
| Washing Machine | 10.6 yrs | 12 yrs | -12% |
| Water Heater | 12.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -17% |
Regional Water Comparison
How La Cité-Limoilou compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | Mineralization | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ La Cité-Limoilou, Quebec | 81 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
| Québec, Quebec | 81 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
| Beauport, Quebec | 79.5 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
| Les Rivières, Quebec | 81.5 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
| Lévis, Quebec | 82 mg/L | Medium | 🟡 Moderately Hard |
National Benchmark
How La Cité-Limoilou compares to the Canada average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ La Cité-Limoilou | 81 mg/L | 🟡 Low |
| Canada National Avg | 141 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Vancouver Top Rated | 3 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes La Cité-Limoilou's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
La Cité-Limoilou (a central borough of Ville de Québec encompassing Old Québec and the historic lower town) receives its drinking water through Ville de Québec, drawing from the St. Lawrence River via the Charlesbourg-Est and Sainte-Foy water treatment plants. Water undergoes coagulation, sedimentation, ozonation, granular activated carbon filtration, and chlorination, fully complying with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). Hardness measures 81 mg/L (4.7 gpg) — classified as moderately hard by Health Canada, consistent across Québec City's distribution zones.
La Cité-Limoilou encompasses the Cap Diamant promontory and the historic lower town on the St. Lawrence, where significant Precambrian Shield tributary inflow from the Laurentians — primarily via the Rivière Saint-Charles — dilutes the Ordovician limestone-influenced St. Lawrence mainstream, producing Québec City's characteristically moderate hardness. The historic lower town and the Limoilou flats draw from the same integrated Ville de Québec supply network as all city boroughs, with consistent hardness throughout.
At 81 mg/L, La Cité-Limoilou residents experience only moderate scale deposits in kettles and on tap fittings — descaling two to three times a year is generally adequate. Hot water tanks operate reliably at this hardness without dedicated treatment. The borough's historic housing stock — including many 19th-century and early 20th-century buildings in the Old City and lower town — warrants particular attention to Health Canada lead guidance, as older properties may retain lead service pipes; Ville de Québec operates an active lead service line inspection and replacement programme.
Geology & Source: Supplied by Ville de Québec from the St. Lawrence River via the Charlesbourg-Est Water Treatment Plant — Laurentian Shield tributary dilution of Ordovician limestone Lowlands supply produces moderately hard water at 81 mg/L (4.7 gpg).