💦 Hard Water in Cambridge: What It Is and Why You Should Care

💧 What Is Hard Water, Anyway?

Hard water is simply water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium—two naturally occurring minerals. While not dangerous to drink, hard water can cause major headaches for your plumbing, appliances, and even your skin and hair.



In Cambridge, Ontario, our water is considered very hard, often registering over 20 grains per gallon (GPG). That’s well above the threshold where problems begin to show up.

🧪 Is Cambridge Water Really That Hard?

Yes—and it's not just a theory. According to regional data:

• Cambridge's municipal water supply comes from groundwater sources, which are naturally high in mineral content.
• The Region of Waterloo lists most neighbourhoods as having hard water over 300 mg/L of calcium carbonate, classifying it as very hard.
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In plain terms: if you live in Cambridge, you're dealing with hard water—whether you know it or not.

⚠️ 6 Signs You Have Hard Water at Home

Not sure if hard water is affecting you? Look for these signs:

1. White, chalky buildup on faucets and showerheads
2. Spots or film on dishes even after using the dishwasher
3. Soap that doesn’t lather well or rinses poorly
4. Dry skin and brittle hair, especially in winter
5. Reduced water pressure due to mineral buildup in pipes
6. Clothes fading or feeling stiff after washing

If you’re seeing even two or three of these, it’s time to take action.

🛠️ How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing System

Hard water isn’t just a nuisance—it can damage your home’s infrastructure. Here's how:

1. Clogs and Scale in Pipes

Calcium deposits build up inside your pipes, especially in older copper or steel systems. This can lead to:

• Low water pressure 🚿
• Frequent clogs 🪠
• Higher risk of corrosion 🧪
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2. Appliance Damage

Your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater are especially vulnerable to scale. Hard water:

• Reduces efficiency 💡
• Shortens appliance lifespan ⏱️
• Increases energy bills 💸
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3. Water Heater Problems

Sediment from hard water settles at the bottom of your water heater tank. This:

• Forces the unit to work harder
• Increases heating time
• Shortens its life dramatically
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🧼 How It Affects Your Skin, Hair & Laundry

It’s not just your pipes—hard water affects your daily comfort too.

• Leaves soap residue on skin, which can clog pores
• Causes dry, itchy skin and flaky scalp
• Makes hair feel coarse or dull
• Causes clothes to fade faster or feel stiff
• Makes towels and bedding less absorbent

No one likes feeling “unclean” after a shower—even when you are.

✅ Solutions: How to Combat Hard Water in Cambridge

Thankfully, there’s a proven fix: installing a water softener.

A softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water through a process called ion exchange. The result? Soft water that’s easier on pipes, skin, and appliances.

💡 Benefits of a Water Softener:

• 🚿 Softer skin and shinier hair
• 🧺 Brighter, cleaner laundry
• 🧼 Spot-free dishes
• 🔧 Less wear and tear on plumbing
• 💰 Lower energy and repair bills
• 🔁 Longer appliance lifespan

🧰 Water Softener Installation in Cambridge

At Reliant Plumbing, we install and service high-efficiency water softeners designed for Cambridge’s extremely hard water.

Here’s what we offer:

• Free in-home water hardness testing
• Expert advice on unit size and capacity
• Full installation and setup
• Regular maintenance and salt delivery (if needed)

We serve homes in Galt, Hespeler, Preston, and surrounding areas.

💬 Real Customer Example

A homeowner in Galt was experiencing low water pressure, white spots on dishes, and dry skin. We tested their water—22 GPG hard—and installed a softener suited to their home’s needs.

✅ Within days:

• Water pressure improved
• Dish residue disappeared
• Skin and hair felt noticeably better
• Their water heater ran quieter and more efficiently

📞 When to Call Reliant Plumbing

If you're seeing signs of hard water—or you’ve already replaced a water heater or dishwasher early—you’ll likely benefit from softening your water.

Let us help with:

• Water testing
• Softener installation
• Maintenance or salt refills
• Water heater flushing (to remove mineral buildup)
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✅ Final Thoughts

Cambridge’s hard water isn’t going anywhere—but the problems it causes can. With a professionally installed softener from Reliant Plumbing, you’ll protect your pipes, your appliances, and your peace of mind.



📍 Serving Galt • Hespeler • Preston • Cambridge • Kitchener • Waterloo
📞 519-778-3828
🌐 www.reliantplumbing.ca