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what's
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water quality report card

Prepared for:	John Doe
Analyzed Package:	Homeowner Treatment System Testing Kit
Location name:	Cozy Cottage
Location description:	Old well with treatment system in cozy cottage in the woods
Address of sample:	123 Unknown Rd. Cozywood ON PST NUM
All detailed results	Appendix A
Report date:	March 21, 2022
Sampling date:	March 3, 2022

HOW WE GRADE YOUR WATER SUPPLY SOURCE

The Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI) is an effective method to rate the water quality and determine its suitability for drinking purposes. CWQI measures a wide variety of parameters of water quality and then cumulatively translate them into one score.

The CWQI method requires a group of parameters that have drinking water objectives that have been set either by the Canadian government or a province to ensure that the water intended for human consumption.

Health- Related Standards: shall not contain disease-causing organisms or unsafe concentrations of toxic chemicals
Aesthetic Objectives: should be aesthetically acceptable and palatable
Operational Guidelines: should not contain undesirable concentrations of parameters that, if not controlled, may negatively affect the efficient and effective treatment, disinfection, and distribution of water

RATING	CWQI VALUES
Excellent	94-100
Good	80-94
Fair	60-79
Marginal	45-59
Poor	0-44

The CWQI calculates three factors based on these objectives:

the number of parameters that fail their objective,
the proportion of samples that fail their objectives,
the relative magnitude of any failures.

These factors are combined to give an overall rating.

HOW TO READ YOUR REPORT CARD

A summary of the results is presented in a donut-like chart.
The colouring system is represented by:

Green — All parameters that are below the objectives/standards
Red — A parameter that has a concentration above the local provincial or the Canadian objective

The sample example provided has a CWQI of 62 (out of 100). The quality is fair.
A detailed summary of the parameters tested, why each parameter is important, and treatment options are provided in Appendix A.

water quality report card

Prepared for:	John Doe	Location name:	Cozy Cottage	Location description:	Old well with treatment system in cozy cottage in the woods
Analyzed Package : Homeowner Treatment System Testing Kit			Address of sample:	123 Unknown Rd. Cozywood ON PST NUM

Prepared for:

John Doe

Location name:

Cozy Cottage

Location description:

Old well with treatment system in cozy cottage in the woods

Analyzed Package :

Homeowner Treatment System Testing Kit

Address of sample:

123 Unknown Rd.
Cozywood ON
PST NUM

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Bacteriological Quality:

Your water did not contain any coliform including E. coli.

Health Quality:

Your water contained elevated concentrations of Lead. Concentrations for Lead exceeded the recommended limit of 0.005 mg/L (reported concentration was 0.105 mg/L)

Your CWQI result for health parameters is Marginal. Marginal indicates that caution must be taken to protect human health and sufficient water treatment should be conducted to raise the water quality to acceptable levels, prior to drinking. It is recommended that a water treatment specialist reviews this report card.

Aesthetic and Operational Parameters:

Your water contained elevated concentrations of Sodium, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Hardness (as CaCO3) and True Colour.

Your CWQI result for aesthetic and operational parameters is Poor. Poor indicates that the water will have an undesirable taste and/ or smell.In addition, the water may negatively affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatment, disinfection, and distribution of the water. It is recommended that a water treatment specialist reviews this report card.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that a water treatment specialist review this report card.
If you have outstanding questions or concerns, you can schedule an appointment to discuss results with a My Water Quality specialist (licensed hydrogeologist) using the link below.

Click here to schedule a meeting
with a Hydrogeologist

water quality report card

A: HEALTH RELATED PARAMETERS

Maximum Acceptable Concentration [MAC objective] is established for parameters which when present above a certain concentration, have known or suspected adverse health effects.

Health Related Water Quality Results

RAW

TREATED

RAW

TREATED


Parameter	Unit	MAC Objective	Your Result (RAW)	Your Result (Treated)
Aluminum	mg/L	2.9	0.002	0.002
Aluminum is an extremely abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Levels of aluminum in water are generally low, but can vary across Canada. Aluminum can leach from rock and soil to enter any water source. It can also enter water sources through human activity such as mining or industrial manufacturing processes.			British Columbia is the only province that has a standard for aluminum, which is 9.5 mg/L. The Canadian recommended standard for aluminum is 2.9 mg/L, and is based on neurological effects observed in rats. Studies in humans have found possible associations between aluminum ingestion and diseases of the nervous system. However, these studies have a number of design limitations and do not provide strong evidence that aluminum can cause these diseases. Studies in animals have consistently observed adverse effects on the nervous system following ingestion of high levels of aluminum, which supports effects seen in human studies.
Antimony	mg/L	0.006	Not detected	Not detected
Antimony is a metal that is present naturally in small quantities in water, rocks, and soils. The most common source of antimony in drinking water is the corrosion of antimony-containing plumbing materials. In groundwater, sources of antimony also include mining wastes, manufacturing effluent, leaching of fertilizers, leaching of landfills, and fossil fuel combustion products.			Health basis of MAC: Microscopic changes in organs and tissues (thymus, kidney, liver, spleen, thyroid)
Arsenic	mg/L	0.01	Not detected	Not detected
Arsenic is a natural element found in the Earth’s crust. Some areas of Canada have a greater potential for elevated arsenic levels in drinking water. The most common source of arsenic in groundwater is through erosion and weathering of soils, minerals, and ores. Industrial effluents and pesticide runoff may also contribute arsenic to water in some areas.			Health basis of MAC: Cancer (lung, bladder, liver, skin) (classified as human carcinogen) Other: Skin, vascular and neurological effects (numbness and tingling of extremities)
Barium	mg/L	1	0.144	Not detected
Barium is a common element in the earth’s crust, although only trace levels are normally found in natural waters. Barium compounds are often used in oil and gas well drilling operations. Industrial effluents may also contribute to barium in water in some areas.			Health basis of MAC: Increases in blood pressure, cardiovascular disease
Boron	mg/L	5	0.024	0.023
Boron is a naturally occurring element found in rock and soil. Boron present in groundwater may be natural or due to coal combustion products, municipal sewage, leaching of landfill materials, and the production of fertilizers and pesticides.			Health basis of MAC: Reproductive effects (testicular atrophy, spermatogenesis)
Cadmium	mg/L	0.005	Not detected	Not detected
Cadmium is a naturally occurring element found in very low concentrations in most rocks. The main source of cadmium in drinking water is through corrosion of plumbing materials with galvanized steel/iron components such as service lines, pipes, brass fittings, cement mortar linings and well components such as casings and drop pipes. Other sources of cadmium in groundwater include: mining and smelting operations, industrial operations, burning of fossil fuels, fertilizer application, sewage sludge disposal, and leaching of landfills.			Health basis of MAC: Kidney damage and softening of bone
Chromium	mg/L	0.05	0.004	0.004
Chromium is a metal found naturally in ores, soils, and plants. Chromium compounds from natural sources are usually found in groundwater in trace amounts only. The most common man-made sources of chromium in groundwater are burning of fossil fuels, mining effluent, and effluent from metallurgical, chemical, and other industrial operations. Chromium may affect the taste or smell of well water, but not at levels normally found in groundwater.			Health basis of MAC: Hyperplasia of the small intestine from chromium (VI).
Copper	mg/L	2	0.013	0.026
Copper is found naturally in rock, soil, plants, animals, water, sediment, and air. Copper is frequently found naturally in groundwater, however, levels are generally very low. Common synthetic sources of copper include pesticide and mining processing waste. Copper is often used in household plumbing materials, such as pipes and faucets. Corrosion of copper pipes is the greatest source of copper in drinking water. If the source of copper is corrosion of plumbing materials, be aware that other metals, such as lead or cadmium.			Health basis of MAC: Gastrointestinal effects (short-term), liver and kidney effects (long-term).
Escherichia coli	CFU/100mL	N/A	Not detected	Not detected
E. coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. E. coli is short for Escherichia coli. The presence of E. coli in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage may contain many types of disease-causing organisms.			The presence of E. coli indicates recent faecal contamination and the potential presence of microorganisms capable of causing gastrointestinal illnesses; pathogens in human and animal faeces pose the most immediate danger to public health.
Fluoride	mg/L	1.5	Not detected	Not detected
Fluoride is a negative ion of the element fluorine, which can be found in various chemical compounds. It is present in air, water, soil, and most foods. Fluoride found in well water in Canada occurs naturally. The concentration of fluoride in a well water sample depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of fluoride present in the rock through which the groundwater has passed and whether the water chemistry is favorable for fluoride to remain dissolved.			Basis of MAC: Moderate dental fluorosis (based on cosmetic effect, not health).
Free Cyanide	mg/L	0.2	0.002	0.001
Cyanide is a chemical unit that can be released into groundwater from natural processes. Mining can also be a source of cyanide pollution to ground and surface water. Cyanide is also used in electroplating, photographic development, making plastics, mining processes, and herbicides. It is also released in car exhaust.			Health basis of MAC: rapid breathing, tremors and other neurological effects (short-term), weight loss, thyroid effects, nerve damage (long-term).
Lead	mg/L	0.005	0.0001	0.105
Lead is a naturally occurring element. However, naturally occurring lead is rarely found dissolved in drinking water sources. The main source of lead in drinking water is through corrosion of plumbing materials with lead or brass components, such as in some pipes, solder, faucets, fittings, and older galvanized well liners.			Health basis of MAC: Reduced intelligence in children measured as decreases in IQ is the most sensitive and well established health effect of lead exposure. There is no known safe exposure level to lead. Other: Possible effects include behavioral effects in children. Reduced cognition, increased blood pressure, and renal dysfunction in adults are also possible. Classified as probably carcinogenic to humans
Manganese	mg/L	0.12	Not detected	Not detected
Manganese is a naturally occurring essential element found widely in air, water and soil. It is prevalent across Canada in surface water and groundwater. The most common sources of manganese in drinking water are naturally occurring and can be attributed to weathering of manganese bearing rocks and soils. Other less common sources of manganese can be attributed to human activities including mining and industrial activities, leachate from landfills and sewage effluent. Manganese can make your water smell metallically, or like oil or asphalt.			Health basis of MAC: Effects on neurological development and behaviour; deficits in memory, attention, and motor skills. Other: Formula-fed infants (where water containing manganese at levels above the MAX is used to prepare formula) may be especially at risk.
Mercury	mg/L	0.001	Not detected	Not detected
Mercury is the only common metal which is liquid at ordinary temperatures. Possible sources of mercury in drinking water include air pollution from coal combustion, waste incineration and from metal refining operations and from natural mineral deposits in some hard rock areas. Mercury can cause a metallic smell in water.			Health basis of MAC: Irreversible neurological symptoms.
Nitrate (as N)	mg/L	10	3.98	3.93
Nitrate is a naturally occurring chemical made of nitrogen and oxygen and are found in air, soil, water, and plants. In groundwater, nitrate primarily comes from decomposing plant and animal material, agricultural fertilizers, manure, and domestic sewage. Groundwater wells can be contaminated by leaching of chemical fertilizers, leaching of animal manure, and improperly treated septic and sewage discharges.			Health basis of MAC: Methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and effects of thyroid gland function in bottle-fed infants. Other: Classified as possible carcinogen under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation
Nitrite (as N)	mg/L	1	Not detected	Not detected
Nitrite is a naturally occurring chemical made of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen and nitrogen compounds, such as nitrite, are found in air, soil, water, and plants. In certain conditions, when oxygen is unavailable, nitrate may be converted to nitrite. Therefore many sources of nitrate are also potential sources of nitrite. Sources of nitrite in groundwater include: leaching of chemical fertilizers, leaching of animal manure, improperly treated septic and sewage discharges, decaying plant or animal material, and erosion of natural deposits.			Health basis of MAC: Methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and effects of thyroid gland function in bottle-fed infants. Other: Classified as possible carcinogen under conditions that result in endogenous nitrosation.
Selenium	mg/L	0.01	0.0005	Not detected
Selenium is found naturally in small quantities in rocks and soils and the presence in groundwater depends of the rock and soil in the area. Other sources of selenium in groundwater include contamination from copper and lead refinery effluent, municipal wastewater, hazardous waste sites. For most people, food is one of the main sources of ingested selenium.			Health basis of MAC: Chronic selenosis symptoms in humans following exposure to high levels. Other: Hair loss, tooth decay, weakened nails and nervous system, disturbances at extremely high levels of exposure
Strontium	mg/L	7	0.24	Not detected
Strontium is a naturally occurring trace element found in seawater and soil. Strontium can occur naturally in groundwater and surface water sources through the weathering of rocks and soils or as a result of human activities such as mining and manufacturing operations.			Health Basis of MAC: Bone effects (adverse effects on bone formation in infants as well as rickets, osteomalacia)
Total Coliform	CFU/100mL	N/A	29	Not detected
Total Coliform is a large collection of different kind of bacteria that are common in the environment (soil and vegetation) and are generally harmless. If a lab detects only coliform bacteria in drinking water, the sample should also be tested for the presence of E.coli.			Total coliforms are not used as indicators of potential health effects from pathogenic microorganisms; they are used as a tool to determine how well the drinking water treatment system is operating and to indicate water quality changes in the distribution system.
Uranium	mg/L	0.02	Not detected	Not detected
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that exists in soil and rock throughout Canada. Naturally occurring uranium in groundwater comes from the dissolving of minerals that contain uranium. Some human activities are also sources of uranium – mill tailings, emissions from the nuclear industry, and the combustion of coal and other fuels.			Health basis of MAC: Kidney effects (various lesions); may be rapidly reversible after exposure ceases.
Zinc	mg/L	3	0.009	0.005
Zinc is a metal normally found in small amounts in nature. Although zinc occurs naturally, most zinc finds its way into groundwater because of human activities. Galvanized liners or fittings or metal pipes coated with zinc, present in many older wells or plumbing systems, can leach zinc into drinking water.Well water may also be contaminated through processes, such as: mining, lead-zinc smelters, steel production, coal burning, and hazardous waste disposal.			British Columbia is the only province that has a MAC for zinc, which is 3 mg/L. This value is specific to the protection of human health and water derived using a toxicological referenced value protective of adults.

Your raw water exceeds the drinking water objectives for 1 parameters resulting in a general health CWQI rating of 100 (Excellent).NOTE:Your raw drinking water supply is not potable due to the presence of bacteria.
Your treated water exceeds the drinking water objectives for 1 parameters resulting in a general health CWQI rating of 52 (Marginal).
Your treatment system does not appear to be effective. It is recommended that your have your water treatment system inspected.


Treatment	Suitable for parameters
Distilation	Lead
Reverse Osmosis	Lead
Water Softener	Lead

water quality report card Health parameters of concern
Lead	Lead is a naturally occurring element. However, naturally occurring lead is rarely found dissolved in drinking water sources. The main source of lead in drinking water is through corrosion of plumbing materials with lead or brass components, such as in some pipes, solder, faucets, fittings, and older galvanized well liners.	Health basis of MAC: Reduced intelligence in children measured as decreases in IQ is the most sensitive and well established health effect of lead exposure. There is no known safe exposure level to lead. Other: Possible effects include behavioral effects in children. Reduced cognition, increased blood pressure, and renal dysfunction in adults are also possible. Classified as probably carcinogenic to humans

water quality report card

B: AESTHETIC RELATED PARAMETERS

Aesthetic Water Quality Results

Aesthetic Objective [AO] AOs are established for parameters that may impair the taste, odour or colour of water or which may interfere with good water quality control practices.

RAW

TREATED

RAW

TREATED

Parameter	Unit	AO/OG Objective	Your Result (RAW)	Your Result (Treated)
Chloride	mg/L	250	163	161
Chloride is a common non-toxic material present in small amounts in drinking water and produces a detectable salty taste at the aesthetic objective level of 250 mg/L. Chloride is widely distributed in nature including from salt-bearing geological formations and salt water intrusion. However, chloride can aslo enter the groundwater from salt used for road de-icing and contributions from wastewaters.
Copper	mg/L	1	0.013	0.026
Copper occurs naturally in the environment but is rarely present in raw water. Copper is used extensively in domestic plumbing in tubing and fittings and is an essential trace component in food. Drinking water has the potential to be corrosive and to cause copper to dissolve in water. At levels above 1.0 mg/L, copper may impart an objectionable taste to the water.
Dissolved Organic Carbon	mg/L	5	2.9	2.7
The aesthetic objective for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in drinking water is 5 mg/L. High DOC is an indicator of possible water quality deterioration during storage and distribution due to the carbon being a growth nutrient for biofilm dwelling bacteria. High DOC is also an indicator of potential chlorination by-product problems.
Iron	mg/L	0.3	0.1	0.033
Excessive levels of iron in drinking water supplies may impart a brownish colour to laundered goods, plumbing fixtures and the water itself; it may produce a bitter, astringent taste in water and beverages. In addition, the precipitation of iron can also promote the growth of iron bacteria in water mains and service pipes.
Manganese	mg/L	0.02	0	0
Like iron, manganese is objectionable in water supplies because it stains laundry and fixtures black, and at excessive concentrations causes undesirable tastes in beverages.
Sodium	mg/L	200	75.4	239
Sodium is a common element in the natural environment and is often found in food and drinking water. In drinking water, sodium can occur naturally or be the result of road salt application, water treatment chemicals or ion-exchange water-softening units. At concentrations greater than 200 mg/L the water will have a strong salty taste.
Sulphate	mg/L	500	14.7	14.4
As water moves through soil and rock formations that contain sulfate minerals, some of the sulfate dissolves into the groundwater. The presence of sulfate in drinking water above 150 mg/L may result in noticeable taste. High levels of sulfate may be associated with calcium, which is a major component of scale in boilers and heat exchangers. In addition, sulfate can be converted into sulfide by some anaerobic bacteria creating odour problems and potentially greatly accelerating corrosion.
Total Dissolved Solids	mg/L	500	750	640
Naturally occurring; sewage, urban and agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater. TDS above a concentration of 500 mg/L can effect taste and result in excessive scaling in water pipes, water heaters, boilers and appliances.
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)	mg/L	80 - 100	334	0.9
The operational guideline for hardness in drinking water is set at between 80 and 100 mg/L as calcium carbonate. Hardness is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium, and is expressed as the equivalent quantity of calcium carbonate. On heating, hard water has a tendency to form scale deposits and can form excessive scum with regular soaps. However, certain detergents are largely unaffected by hardness. Conversely, soft water may result in accelerated corrosion of water pipes. Hardness levels between 80 and 100 mg/L as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are considered to provide an acceptable balance between corrosion and incrustation. Water supplies with a hardness greater than 200 mg/L are considered poor but tolerable. Hardness in excess of 500 mg/L in drinking water is unacceptable for most domestic purposes.
True Colour	TCU	5	6.9	5.1
The aesthetic objective for colour in drinking water is 5 TCU (True Colour Units). Water can have a faint yellow/brown colour which is often caused by organic materials created by the decay of vegetation. Sometimes colour may be contributed to by iron and manganese compounds produced by processes occurring in natural sediments or in aquifers. The presence of organic materials is the main cause of disinfection by-products when water is treated with chlorine.
Zinc	mg/L	5	0.009	0.005
Zinc is naturally occurring but can also be released through industrial and domestic emissions as well as leaching from galvanized pipes, hot water tanks and brass fittings. Water containing zinc at concentrations in excess of 5.0 mg/L has an undesirable astringent taste and may be opalescent and develop a greasy film on boiling.
pH	pH	6.5 - 8.5	7.48	7.61
pH is a parameter that indicates the acidity of a water sample. The operational guideline recommended in drinking water is to maintain a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. The principal objective in controlling pH is to produce a water that is neither corrosive nor produces incrustation. At pH levels above 8.5, mineral incrustations and bitter tastes can occur. Corrosion is commonly associated with pH levels below 6.5 and elevated levels of certain undesirable chemical parameters may result from corrosion of specific types of pipe. With pH levels above 8.5, there is also a progressive decrease in the efficiency of chlorine disinfection and alum coagulation.

Your raw water exceeds the drinking water objectives for 3 parameters resulting in an aesthetic CWQI rating of 100 (Excellent).
Your treated water exceeds the drinking water objectives for 4 parameters resulting in an aesthetic CWQI rating of 41 (Poor).
Your treatment system does not appear to be effective. It is recommended that your have your water treatment system inspected.

Treatment	Suitable for parameters
Distilation	Sodium, Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
Reverse Osmosis	Sodium, Total Dissolved Solids
Water Softener	Total Hardness (as CaCO3), True Colour

what's
in your
water?

water quality report card

HOW WE GRADE YOUR WATER SUPPLY SOURCE

HOW TO READ YOUR REPORT CARD

water quality report card

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

water quality report card

RAW

TREATED

RAW

TREATED

water quality report card

Health parameters of concern

Health parameters of concern

water quality report card

Aesthetic Water Quality Results

RAW

TREATED

RAW

TREATED

water quality report card

Aesthetic/Operational Parameters of Concern

Aesthetic/Operational Parameters of Concern

water quality report card

Laboratory notes:

663 MILLION

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water quality report card Aesthetic/Operational Parameters of Concern
Parameter	Description	Treatment Options
Sodium	Sodium is a common element in the natural environment and is often found in food and drinking water. In drinking water, sodium can occur naturally or be the result of road salt application, water treatment chemicals or ion-exchange water-softening units. At concentrations greater than 200 mg/L the water will have a strong salty taste.	Distilation, Reverse Osmosis
Total Dissolved Solids	Naturally occurring; sewage, urban and agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater. TDS above a concentration of 500 mg/L can effect taste and result in excessive scaling in water pipes, water heaters, boilers and appliances.	Reverse Osmosis
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)	The operational guideline for hardness in drinking water is set at between 80 and 100 mg/L as calcium carbonate. Hardness is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium, and is expressed as the equivalent quantity of calcium carbonate. On heating, hard water has a tendency to form scale deposits and can form excessive scum with regular soaps. However, certain detergents are largely unaffected by hardness. Conversely, soft water may result in accelerated corrosion of water pipes. Hardness levels between 80 and 100 mg/L as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) are considered to provide an acceptable balance between corrosion and incrustation. Water supplies with a hardness greater than 200 mg/L are considered poor but tolerable. Hardness in excess of 500 mg/L in drinking water is unacceptable for most domestic purposes.	Water Softener, Distilation
True Colour	The aesthetic objective for colour in drinking water is 5 TCU (True Colour Units). Water can have a faint yellow/brown colour which is often caused by organic materials created by the decay of vegetation. Sometimes colour may be contributed to by iron and manganese compounds produced by processes occurring in natural sediments or in aquifers. The presence of organic materials is the main cause of disinfection by-products when water is treated with chlorine.	Water Softener

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what's in yourwater?

water quality report card

HOW WE GRADE YOUR WATER SUPPLY SOURCE

HOW TO READ YOUR REPORT CARD

water quality report card

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

water quality report card

RAW

TREATED

RAW

TREATED

water quality report card

Health parameters of concern

Health parameters of concern

water quality report card

Aesthetic Water Quality Results

RAW

TREATED

RAW

TREATED

water quality report card

Aesthetic/Operational Parameters of Concern

Aesthetic/Operational Parameters of Concern

water quality report card

Laboratory notes:

663 MILLION

People in the world live without clean water.

Join Our Newsletter

what's
in your
water?