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Val-d'Or Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Water Hardness

soft

~0–59 mg/L

Soft

estimated · not lab-verified

Source

river

pH Level

7

neutral = 7.0

Lead

0.005 mg/L

✓ Below action level

TDS

15.9 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 Val-d'Or, your appliances are currently losing 4% efficiency due to mineral buildup.

ApplianceIn Val-d'OrSoft 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 Val-d'Or compares to its nearest neighbours

CityHardnessMineralizationRisk
Val-d'Or, Quebec≈ 0–59 mg/LLow🟢 Soft
Amos, Quebec≈ 120–179 mg/LMedium🟠 Hard
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec≈ 60–120 mg/LLow🟡 Moderately Hard
Temiskaming Shores, Ontario≈ 120–179 mg/LHigh🟠 Hard
Petawawa, Ontario≈ 180+ mg/LVery High🔴 Very Hard

National Benchmark

How Val-d'Or compares to the Canada average

BenchmarkHardnessAppliance Risk
Val-d'Or≈ 0–59 mg/L🟢 None
Canada National Avg140 mg/L🟠 Moderate
Vancouver Top Rated3 mg/L🟢 None

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What Makes Val-d'Or's Water Unique?

Local geology and source profile

Source: RiverTDS: 15.9 mg/LpH: 7

The Ville de Val-d'Or supplies its residents with water drawn from the Bourlamaque River and a local reservoir on Abitibi lake. This raw water undergoes a multi-stage treatment process at the Val-d'Or water treatment facility before being distributed to homes and businesses. The facility is designed to ensure the water meets all provincial and federal drinking water quality standards, providing a safe and reliable supply for the community.

This water originates from the Precambrian Abitibi greenstone belt in northern Quebec. This geological formation is primarily composed of ancient volcanic and sedimentary rocks, predominantly igneous types. The mineral composition of these rocks results in water that is naturally very soft, with a low concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are the primary contributors to water hardness.

Because the water is so soft, you might notice that soap and detergents lather up more easily, which is a good thing for cleaning. However, very soft water can sometimes be corrosive to metal pipes over time, potentially leading to leaching of metals into the water. Homeowners may also find that very soft water doesn't have the mineral taste that some people prefer. If you have concerns about potential corrosivity, your water utility can provide guidance on maintaining optimal water chemistry.

Geology & Source: Precambrian Abitibi greenstone belt; igneous rock produces soft water

Other Quebec Water Reports

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Val-d'Or's water safe to drink?
Yes. Val-d'Or'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 Val-d'Or?
Val-d'Or'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 Val-d'Or compare to the Canada average?
The Canada national average is 140 mg/L. Val-d'Or (≈ 0–59 mg/L) is 110 mg/L below the national average. The softest major city is Vancouver at just 3 mg/L.