Canada is known for its pristine lakes, clean rivers, and safe drinking water, so you and your loved ones likely grew up drinking tap water without a second thought, assuming it was safe or mostly safe.
But “mostly safe” and “safe for your kids” aren’t always the same thing.
It all began with a major investigation involving more than 120 journalists who tested water in homes across 11 Canadian cities and found that one-third of roughly 12,000 tests since 2014 exceeded Canada’s lead safety guideline. Some results in cities like Montreal and Regina were even higher than levels recorded during the Flint, Michigan water crisis.
And in most cases, the families living there had no idea what they were actually drinking. And you probably don’t either.
That’s why more homeowners are turning to experienced water quality specialists like Superior Plumbing & Heating to test their water and install reliable water treatment systems.
Water Contaminants Every Parent Should Know About
While lead is one of the biggest concerns in drinking water, especially in older homes, it’s not the only thing you as a parent should be aware of.
Depending on where you live and where your water comes from, there may be other contaminants that can affect your family’s health without changing the taste, smell, or appearance of the water.
Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
Nitrates
If you use well water and live near farms, pay attention to nitrate levels, especially if you have a baby under 6 months old. Nitrates are dangerous and can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
If you have a newborn at home and rely on well water, nitrate testing is something you shouldn’t put off.
Chlorine and chloramines
If your tap water sometimes smells like a swimming pool, chlorine or chloramines are usually the reason. You probably know that municipal water systems add them to kill bacteria, which is why serious waterborne illnesses are rare in Canadian cities.
Chlorine and chloramines are not dangerous at typical municipal levels, but they can affect taste and smell, and these steps help reduce them.
PFAS chemicals
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in many everyday products like non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they stay in the environment and the human body for a very long time.
In 2025, a study published in PNAS linked PFAS-contaminated drinking water to risks such as premature birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
Bacteria and viruses
If you get your water from a well, you should regularly check for bacteria. For instance, E. coli can enter your well through septic leaks or flooding, and you won’t know it’s there until someone in your home gets sick.
In young children, an E. coli infection can quickly result in severe kidney complications. Symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear within days of exposure, leading to dehydration.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring mineral found in groundwater, especially in private wells across several parts of Canada, including Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and parts of BC. It comes from natural rock deposits or from nearby industrial and agricultural activities.
You can’t see, smell, or taste arsenic in water, so your family may be exposed without knowing it. Over time, long-term exposure has been linked to certain cancers, memory problems, mood changes, and developmental effects in children.
Simple Steps You Can Take Right Now to Protect Your Family and Children
When it comes to your child’s health, small daily habits and the right water setup are definitely your best protection.
Here’s what you can do to make your water as safe as possible:
- Install a water treatment system
You can install a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink, which is one of the most effective ways to protect your drinking and cooking water. It helps reduce contaminants like lead, nitrates, PFAS, chlorine, and other impurities.
This is especially important if you’re pregnant or have an infant on formula. Health Canada recommends using bottled water or a certified treatment system (NSF/ANSI) for PFAS removal if there is any concern about contamination in your area.
- Replace filters on time
If you use pitcher or faucet filters, change the cartridges regularly to keep them working properly. Over time, old filters lose effectiveness and can no longer reduce contaminants as intended.
- Run cold water before use
Let cold water run for 30 to 60 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially in the morning. This helps flush water that has been sitting in your pipes.
- Test your water regularly
If you have a private well, test at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, and metals like lead. If you use municipal tap water, consider testing as well if you live in an older home or notice any changes in taste, smell, or colour.
- Check your local water report
Search your city name plus “drinking water quality report” to see what is being tested and reported in your area.
The Safer Your Water, the Safer Your Kids Are
Tap water in Canada is mostly safe to drink. However, what is generally safe may not be safe for your child, especially when it comes from your home’s pipes.
Check your water quality if:
- You have an infant, especially one drinking formula made with tap water
- Your home was built before 1990
- You use well water in a rural or agricultural area
- Your water has recently changed in taste, smell, or appearance
And if something about your water has been bothering you, well, trust that instinct. Testing it is always worth it.
If you want to learn more or take a first step toward improving your water quality for your kids, you can always reach out to experienced professionals like Superior Plumbing & Heating for guidance and a consultation.
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