City of Peterborough Drinking Water Quality Overview – 2025
Peterborough receives its drinking water primarily from the Otonabee River, treated at the Peterborough Water Treatment Plant. The water meets all provincial standards with strong compliance. While safe, many Peterborough homeowners install premium filtration to improve taste, reduce hardness, and address potential issues from older plumbing.
Quick Facts
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100% Regulatory Compliance in 2025
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Otonabee River Primary Source
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~85,000+ Peterborough Residents Served
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~80–120 mg/L Typical Hardness
Water Source & Treatment
Source: Primarily the Otonabee River, treated at the Peterborough Water Treatment Plant. Some groundwater sources may also supplement supply.
The City of Peterborough operates its own water treatment plant and maintains its distribution system, pumping stations, and local mains.
Original Velora reference chart
The historical chart below is retained with the original overview. Its reference column mixes different kinds of guidance: the current comparison above distinguishes them. In particular, sodium’s 20 mg/L figure is a reporting level, not its 200 mg/L aesthetic objective; Ontario’s lead standard is 10 µg/L. Original summary figures and compliance statements need to be checked against the relevant municipal report.
| Parameters | Typical Level | Ontario Standards (MAC) | Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH | 7.4 – 7.7 | 6.5 – 8.5 | Optimal range |
| Total Hardness: | ~125–130 mg/L | No MAC | Harder than Central Toronto |
| Calcium | 35 - 38 mg/L | --- | Contributes to hardness |
| Sodium | 15–18 mg/L | 20 mg/L (AO) | Low: suitable for most low-sodium diets |
| Lead (at treatment plant) | < 1 µg/L | 5 µg/L | No lead added at plants |
| THMs (average) | < 50 µg/L | 100 µg/L | Disinfection byproduct: well below limit |
Note: All regulated microbiological, chemical, and radiological parameters met Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards in 2025.
Key Water Quality Parameters (2025)
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pH: 7.4–7.7 (optimal)
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Total Hardness: ~80–120 mg/L (moderately soft to moderately hard)
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Calcium: ~25–35 mg/L
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Sodium: Low
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Lead (at source): <1 µg/L (no lead added at treatment)
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THMs: Well below provincial limits
All regulated parameters met Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
Lead Service Lines & Older Plumbing
Treated water contains no lead. Older homes in Peterborough may have lead service lines or pre-1990 solder. The City of Peterborough participates in lead sampling programs. Free testing is available.
Common Resident Concerns
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Chlorine taste and odour
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Seasonal algae-related flavours from the Otonabee River
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Hard water scale and dry skin/hair (in harder areas)
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Trace organics and emerging contaminants
Why Peterborough Homeowners Choose Velora Filtration
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Superior taste and clarity
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Water softening for healthier skin, hair, and longer-lasting appliances
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Extra protection against trace contaminants and distribution variability
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Whole-home benefits for showers, laundry, and plumbing
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Peace of mind for families in both newer and established Peterborough neighbourhoods
Book A Free In-Home Water Analysis!
Velora Water (Vaughan) specializes in custom whole-home and reverse osmosis systems tailored to Peterborough water.
www.velorawater.com — Serving Peterborough and the Greater Toronto Area
We offer:
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Whole-home filtration systems
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Reverse osmosis drinking water systems
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Water softeners and conditioners
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Iron, tannin, and specialty filters
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UV disinfection
Disclaimer
Summarizes official 2025 City of Peterborough reports. Tap water quality can vary by home. Professional on-site testing recommended.
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Original Velora report graphics
These graphics accompany the existing Velora overview. Consult the relevant municipal report for current measurements and sampling details.
