Water Treatment Q&A

Please reach us at service@wildcatwater.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What could be in my water?

Common Components in Alberta Water

1. Hardness Minerals

Calcium and Magnesium: These are the primary contributors to hard water, which is common across Alberta.
- Hardness levels range from 7 to 17 grains per gallon (gpg) or higher depending on the city.
- Effects: Scale buildup, cloudy glassware, dry skin, reduced appliance efficiency.

2. Treatment Chemicals

Chlorine or Chloramine: Used for disinfection in municipal systems.
- May cause taste or odor issues.
- Can react with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs).

3. Heavy Metals

Lead, Iron, Copper: Often from aging infrastructure or corroded pipes.
- Symptoms: Metallic taste, staining, rusty water.

4. Microbiological Contaminants

E. coli and Coliform Bacteria: Especially a concern in private wells or during water advisories.
- Can cause serious health issues if untreated.

5. Agricultural Runoff

Nitrates, Pesticides, Herbicides: More common in rural areas.
- Risk to infants and long-term health concerns.

6. PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Persistent industrial chemicals found in some Alberta water sources.
- Linked to cancer and other health risks at high exposure levels.

7. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Includes minerals, salts, and organic matter.
- High TDS can affect taste and may indicate other contaminants.

Water Testing Recommendations

Municipal Water: Regularly tested and regulated under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and Health Canada’s Drinking Water Guidelines. [open.alberta.ca]
Private Wells: Should be tested for bacteria, nitrates, metals, and pH at least once a year. [environmen...alberta.ca]

Is my well water safe to drink?

Not always — and that’s why regular testing and proper treatment are essential.

Well water safety depends on many factors, including your location, nearby land use, and the condition of your well system. Unlike municipal water, private wells are not regulated, so it's up to the homeowner to ensure the water is safe.

Common risks include:

Bacteria like E. coli or coliform
Nitrates from fertilizers or septic systems
Heavy metals like lead or arsenic
Hard water minerals and sediment
Chemical contaminants from agriculture or industry

The best way to know if your well water is safe? Get it tested by a certified lab and consult with a water treatment professional.

How often should I test my well water?

Regular testing is essential to ensure your well water remains safe and clean. In Alberta, both provincial health authorities and Health Canada recommend the following testing schedule:

Recommended Testing Frequency:

Bacteria (Total Coliform & E. coli): Twice per year
- These tests check for harmful microorganisms that can cause illness.
Chemical & Trace Metals (e.g., arsenic, lead, nitrates): Every 2 to 3 years
- These contaminants can be naturally occurring or result from human activity.
General Water Quality (e.g., pH, hardness, iron, chloride): Every 2 years

Should I shock my well and how often?

Yes — but only when necessary and with proper precautions.

Shock chlorination (or “well shocking”) is a method of disinfecting your well by adding a concentrated chlorine solution to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli and coliforms. It’s a common and effective way to sanitize your well water system.

When Should You Shock Your Well?

Annually as a preventative measure to control bacterial growth and biofilm.
After flooding or heavy rain events that may introduce surface contaminants. [myhealth.alberta.ca]
After repairs to the well, pump, or plumbing system.
If water tests show bacteria or other contamination. [albertahea...ervices.ca]
When water smells bad or tastes off, such as a sulfur or metallic odor.

Important Notes for Alberta Well Owners

Deep wells are less likely to be contaminated, but still require testing and maintenance.
Shocking is not a cure-all — if contamination keeps returning, you may need to address structural issues or biofilm buildup in the well casing. [myhealth.alberta.ca]
Use proper safety gear (gloves, goggles, ventilation) and avoid draining chlorinated water into your septic system.
Consult a licensed well contractor if you're unsure or if it's your first time.

Do I need to service my water treatment systems and how often?

Yes, regular servicing of your water treatment system is essential to ensure safe, clean, and efficient water for your home or business in Alberta.

Recommended Service Frequency:

Residential Systems: Typically require annual servicing, including filter changes, system inspections, and water quality testing.
Commercial Systems: May need quarterly or biannual servicing, depending on usage volume, system complexity, and regulatory requirements.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters:

Ensures consistent water quality and safety.
Prevents buildup of contaminants like iron, sediment, and bacteria.
Extends the lifespan of your equipment.
Helps comply with Alberta’s water safety standards.

Regulatory Context in Alberta:

Water treatment systems in Alberta are regulated under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Potable Water Regulation (Alta Reg 277/2003). These regulations require system owners to:

Maintain water quality in accordance with Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
Use certified operators for system maintenance when applicable.
Keep records of system performance and maintenance activities. [canlii.org]

Wildcat Water Solutions Tip:

We recommend scheduling a water analysis and setting up a custom maintenance plan tailored to your system type and water source. Whether you're on a well, cistern, or municipal supply it's important to ensure your system is operating correctly.

What type of treatment system is best for my water problems?

The ideal water treatment system depends on the source of your water (well, municipal, cistern) and the specific contaminants present. Here are common water issues and recommended solutions:

1. Hard Water (High Calcium & Magnesium)

Symptoms: Scale buildup, dry skin, soap not lathering well.
Solution: Water Softener
- Removes hardness minerals through ion exchange.
- Ideal for homes with well or municipal water.

2. Iron, Manganese, or Sulfur

Symptoms: Rust stains, metallic taste, rotten egg smell.
Solution: Iron/Sulfur Filters, Air Injection Systems or Continuous Chemical Injection Systems
- Oxidizes and filters out iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.

3. Sediment or Turbidity

Symptoms: Cloudy water, particles in water.
Solution: Sediment Filtration System
- Removes sand, silt, and other particulates.

4. Bacteria or Microorganisms

Symptoms: Health concerns, especially with well or surface water.
Solution: UV Disinfection System
- Kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without chemicals.

5. Chlorine or Chemical Taste/Odor

Symptoms: Unpleasant taste or smell.
Solution: Activated Carbon Filter
- Removes chlorine, VOCs, and improves taste and odor.

6. Nitrates, Arsenic, or Other Contaminants

Symptoms: Health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women.
Solution: Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
- Provides high-purity drinking water by removing dissolved solids.

Wildcat Water Solutions Tip:

We offer water testing to identify your specific water issues and recommend a custom treatment plan. Whether you're dealing with hard water, iron staining, or bacterial contamination, our systems are tailored to Alberta’s unique water conditions.

What are the benefits of water treatment in my home

Investing in a home water treatment system offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond just better-tasting water. Here’s how it can improve your daily life:

1. Health & Safety

Removes harmful contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, lead, and chlorine.
Ensures clean, safe drinking water for your family.
Reduces risk of waterborne illnesses, especially in well or cistern systems.

2. Better Taste & Odor

Eliminates unpleasant tastes and smells caused by chlorine, sulfur, or iron.
Makes water more enjoyable for drinking and cooking.

3. Protects Plumbing & Appliances

Prevents scale buildup from hard water, extending the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Reduces corrosion and staining in pipes and fixtures.

4. Saves Money Over Time

Reduces the need for bottled water.
Lowers maintenance and replacement costs for appliances and plumbing.
Improves energy efficiency of water-using appliances.

5. Eco-Friendly

Minimizes plastic waste from bottled water.
Reduces chemical use in cleaning and laundry.

6. Improves Skin & Hair

Soft water is gentler on skin and hair.
Helps reduce dryness, irritation, and soap residue.

Wildcat Water Solutions Tip:

Whether you're on a well, cistern, or municipal supply, our custom water treatment systems are designed to solve Alberta-specific water challenges. We offer water testing to help you choose the right solution for your home.

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