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Saguenay Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

soft

~0–59 mg/L

Soft

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

reservoir

pH Level

7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.005 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

85.5 mg/L

Est. Daily Cost

$0.08

energy & soap waste

Source: Health Canada Water Quality · Updated 2026

soft~0–59 mg/LSoft · 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 Saguenay, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn SaguenaySoft Water CityEfficiency Loss
Kettle
8.2 yrs
8.5 yrs-4%
Washing Machine
11.5 yrs
12 yrs-4%
Water Heater
14.4 yrs
15 yrs-4%

Regional Water Comparison

How Saguenay compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessMineralizationRisk
Saguenay, Quebec≈ 0–59 mg/LLow🟢 Soft
Chicoutimi, Quebec≈ 0–60 mg/LLow🟢 Soft
Jonquière, Quebec≈ 60–120 mg/LMedium🟡 Moderately Hard
Alma, Quebec≈ 0–60 mg/LLow🟢 Soft
Sainte-Monique, Quebec≈ 120–179 mg/LMedium🟠 Hard

National Benchmark

How Saguenay compares to the Canada average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Saguenay≈ 0–59 mg/L🟢 None
Canada National Avg140 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Vancouver Top Rated3 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Saguenay's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: ReservoirTDS: 85.5 mg/LpH: 7

The water for Saguenay, Quebec, comes from the Lac Kenogami and Rivière Chicoutimi catchments. These sources feed into the Ville de Saguenay's treatment facilities, which process the water before it is distributed to residents. The vast network of reservoirs and rivers ensures a consistent supply for the community's daily needs.

This water originates from the Laurentian Plateau, characterized by ancient Precambrian Shield rocks. Specifically, the geology consists of granite and gneiss formations belonging to the Grenville Province. This type of rock is known for its low solubility of minerals like calcium, which means very little hardness is imparted to the water as it flows through the region.

Because the water is exceptionally soft, you'll notice that soaps and detergents lather easily, and there's minimal buildup of scale in your appliances. This also means you might use less soap for laundry or dishes. While you won't need a water softener, you might find that certain cleaning products work more effectively with this type of water. Enjoy the benefits of soft water in your home!

Geology & Source: Laurentian Plateau Precambrian Shield granite and gneiss; Grenville Province rock dissolves virtually no calcium, yielding very soft water

Other Quebec Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saguenay's water safe to drink?
Yes. Saguenay's water meets all federal safety standards. The hardness is ≈ 0–59 mg/L (Soft), which is safe to drink. High hardness affects appliances and taste, but poses no health risk.
Do I need a water softener in Saguenay?
Saguenay's water is soft at ≈ 0–59 mg/L. A water softener is generally not necessary, though a carbon filter can improve taste and remove any remaining chlorine.
How does Saguenay compare to the Canada average?
The Canada national average is 140 mg/L. Saguenay (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 110 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Vancouver at just 3 mg/L.