Hamilton Water Quality Services

Water Quality Experts Serving Ontario

Have you thought about what may be in the water you use to cook, clean, and bathe? You deserve the peace of mind of knowing your home’s water is clean, safe, and contaminant-free. 

If you have concerns about your home’s water quality, BOONSTRA can help. Our Hamilton water quality services include the installation, maintenance, and repair of advanced water purification and filtration systems. After carefully testing and assessing your home’s water supply, we can recommend and implement a solution that sets you up for success. 

We offer a no-hassle satisfaction guarantee, so you can trust we will do everything we can to deliver clean, quality water! Book an appointment online or call (289) 802-6257 today.

Signs Your Home’s Water Quality Needs Help

A variety of warning signs can signal that your home’s water may be compromised. Recognizing these signs early and taking appropriate measures, such as scheduling prompt water testing and treatment, can help ensure your home's water remains safe and clean.

You may need our Hamilton water quality services if you notice any of the following problems:

• Unpleasant taste or odours. Water should ideally be tasteless and odourless. If you begin to notice a metallic, sulphuric, or chlorine-like taste or smell, it may point to the presence of contaminants such as bacteria, chemicals, or heavy metals.
• Discoloured water. Clear water is not just aesthetically preferable – it is also a sign of purity and safety. Water that appears cloudy, tinted, or rusty may be contaminated and should be tested by a professional. Sediments, rust from old pipes, or the presence of algae and other microorganisms can cause discolouration. 
• Stains on fixtures and laundry. Persistent stains on sinks, tubs, and even laundry can indicate water quality issues. Brown, red, or orange stains often point to high iron content, while blue or green stains suggest copper in the water. These contaminants can cause unsightly stains and damage your plumbing and appliances over time.
• Frequent illness or skin irritation. If you or your family members experience recurring gastrointestinal issues, skin irritations, or other unexplained health problems, it could be due to waterborne pathogens or chemicals in your water supply. If you cannot rule out other causes, stop using your tap water until you can get it professionally tested.
• Low water pressure. A sudden or gradual drop in water pressure can be a sign of scale build-up or corrosion within pipes. This not only affects the water supply but can also indicate greater underlying issues with your home's plumbing system, often tied to poor water quality.
• Strange noises from plumbing. Unusual sounds such as banging, whistling, or gurgling from your pipes could indicate the presence of trapped air or sediment build-up, both of which can stem from compromised water quality. Addressing these noises early can also help prevent more serious plumbing issues.

What Causes Poor Water Quality?

From external environmental factors to internal household practices, several elements can contribute to the deterioration of your home's water quality. The specific cause of a compromised water supply will inform how we address and resolve the problem. Our team at BOONSTRA uses advanced diagnostic tools to find the root cause of water quality issues.

Common causes of poor household water quality include:

• Heavy metals. Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, can infiltrate your home's water supply through various sources. Lead pipes, for example, are a well-known culprit in degrading water quality. When these pipes corrode, lead can leach into the water. Mercury contamination can derive from industrial sources or natural deposits, while arsenic naturally occurs in the earth’s crust and can be dissolved into nearby water supplies. Each of these contaminants can pose serious health risks to children and adults. Regularly testing your water for these contaminants and using appropriate filtration systems is crucial to help maintain safety.
• Hard water. Hard water, characterized by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, can wreak havoc on your plumbing and appliances. This type of water leaves scale deposits in pipes, water heaters, and other fixtures, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Additionally, hard water can diminish the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, leaving clothing and skin feeling dirty.
• Chemical pollutants. Chemical pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can enter your home's water supply through agricultural runoff. These chemicals pose long-term health risks, including endocrine disruption and an increased risk of cancer. Residual pharmaceuticals and personal care products can also leach into water supplies, particularly if they are improperly disposed of.
• Sediment. Sediment can accumulate in your water supply due to soil erosion, construction activities, or natural occurrences like flooding. Suspended particles of sand, silt, and clay can make your water appear cloudy and impede the performance of water filtration systems. While sediment is generally not harmful to health, its presence can indicate other underlying water quality issues.

How Does Professional Water Quality Testing Work?

We can use sophisticated techniques and equipment to professionally test your water and identify contaminants. Our process usually begins with an initial consultation, where you provide details about your water usage, any specific concerns you might have, and the source of your water. One of our technicians will generally collect water samples from different points in your home, such as the kitchen tap, bathroom, and outdoor faucets. 

These samples are then transported to a certified laboratory, where they undergo a series of tests. These tests can include microbiological analysis to detect harmful bacteria and pathogens, chemical analysis to identify the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants, and physical assessments to measure properties like pH, turbidity, and hardness. Advanced technologies such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy are often employed to achieve highly accurate and reliable results.

Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory compiles a detailed report outlining the findings. This report typically includes information on detected contaminants, their concentrations, and how they compare to safe drinking water standards. Based on these results, we can recommend appropriate measures to improve your water quality, such as installing filtration systems or taking steps to address external sources of contamination.

We Install Effective Water Quality Solutions

Ensuring your home receives the highest quality water is an important part of protecting your health and safety and that of your family. Our professionals are dedicated to delivering powerful solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. 

Each installation process is carefully executed with the goal of achieving optimal performance and longevity of the system. By leveraging industry-leading products and cutting-edge technology, we strive to deliver superior results that enhance both the safety and taste of your water. We also want to help your water quality solution continue to operate at peak efficiency, and with 24/7/365 service, our team will always be here for you when you need us.   

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are a popular choice for improving water quality due to their effectiveness in removing a wide range of contaminants. These filters primarily use activated carbon, a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption. 

Adsorption is a process where molecules adhere to the surface of the carbon particles, effectively removing contaminants from the water as they pass through the filter. Carbon filters can remove chlorine, chloramine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. 

The lifespan of a carbon filter depends on the level of contaminants in the water and the volume of water processed, but most filters need replacement approximately every six months to a year. We can help install, maintain, and repair carbon filter systems. 

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective water purification process that removes a wide range of contaminants from water by utilizing a semipermeable membrane. This technology is founded on the principle of osmosis, where water naturally moves from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration to achieve equilibrium. In reverse osmosis, this process is reversed by applying pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind and allowing only pure water to pass through. 

Reverse osmosis is capable of removing a wide array of contaminants, including dissolved salt and minerals, heavy metals, organic contaminants, microorganisms, fluoride, and nitrates. If water testing reveals high concentrations of harmful substances such as lead, arsenic, or nitrates, a reverse osmosis system may be the most effective solution. Reverse osmosis can also significantly improve the taste and odour of water by removing minerals and contaminants that can cause unpleasant sensory qualities. 

Maintaining a reverse osmosis system involves periodic replacement of the pre-filters, reverse osmosis membrane, and post-filters to ensure continued efficiency. The frequency of replacement depends on the water quality and usage but generally ranges from six months for pre-filters, two to three years for the reverse osmosis membrane, and annually for post-filters. Our team can handle the complete installation of a reverse osmosis system and help you stay on top of routine maintenance.

Water Softeners

Water softeners are designed to address hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions. These ions can cause scaling, reduce the efficiency of heating systems, and negatively affect the texture of laundry and the taste of water. 

A water softener typically uses a process known as ion exchange to remove hardness-causing minerals and replace them with sodium or potassium ions, resulting in softened water. Water softeners can improve a household’s water supply in several ways. By preventing scale build-up, water softeners can help extend the lifespan and efficiency of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, and plumbing systems. Softened water enhances the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, requiring less product to achieve a rich lather and thorough cleaning results. Clothes washed in softened water also tend to feel softer and look brighter, as hard water minerals can dull colours and stiffen fabrics. Bathing and showering in softened water can improve the feel of skin and hair, reducing the drying effects associated with hard water. Additionally, softened water helps prevent unsightly mineral stains and spots on dishes, glassware, and fixtures, making household surfaces easier to clean and maintain. 

You may need to consider a water softener if you notice persistent scaling problems, soap scum build-up on bathroom surfaces, irritated skin after bathing, or dull-looking laundry. If testing reveals hard water in your house’s water supply, installing a water softener may be the best path forward.

Think something may be wrong with your water? Request our Hamilton water quality services by calling (289) 802-6257 or booking an appointment online.