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Can You Drink the Tap Water in Niagara Falls in 2024?

Marianne Giordano Updated on

Has the question, “Can you drink the tap water in Niagara Falls” ever entered your mind? Well, you’re not alone.

Many travellers to the area have the same question, and understandably so. After all, you want to be sure that you stay healthy and hydrated while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders.

We visit Niagara Falls several times a year with the kids, and while the water may taste a little different than what we are used to, we have never had any issues with it.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the question of whether or not it’s safe to drink the tap water in Niagara Falls.

Is it Safe to Drink Niagara Water?

Yes, it is safe to drink the water in Niagara Falls.

The water in Niagara Falls comes from four of the great lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. It is treated by the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant before being distributed to the public.

The water treatment process ensures that the water is safe for consumption and meets all of the standards set forth by the Canadian government as well as Health Canada.

In fact, the water in Niagara Falls is regularly tested to ensure that it’s free of harmful contaminants and that the drinking water quality is safe for human consumption.

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Where Does Niagara Falls Get its Drinking Water?

Niagara Falls gets its drinking water from four of the great lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. These lakes empty into the Niagara River, eventually plunging over the falls.

The water is drawn from the lake and treated by the Niagara Water Treatment Plant. The water treatment process includes a series of steps such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to remove impurities and make the water safe for consumption.

Once the water has been treated, it is distributed to the public through a network of pipes and pumps, providing clean drinking water to residents and visitors of Niagara Falls alike.

Can You Drink Water Straight from Niagara Falls?

No, it is not recommended to drink water straight from Niagara Falls.

The water in the falls is not safe drinking water, as it has not been treated for human consumption and may contain harmful contaminants.

Not only that, but the water is moving at a high speed and can be dangerous to approach.

While it may be tempting to drink the water from the falls, it’s important to remember that it’s not safe to do so.

If you’re in need of drinking water while visiting Niagara Falls, there are many public water fountains available throughout the area that provide safe, treated water for consumption.

Niagara-River

Can You Drink Tap Water From the Hotel in Niagara?

Yes, you can generally drink tap water from the hotels in Niagara Falls.

Most hotels in the area receive their water from the same water treatment plant as the rest of the city and are subject to the same standards and regulations set forth by the Canadian government.

The water is regularly tested to ensure it meets these standards and is safe for human consumption.

Of course, if you have any concerns or preferences regarding your drinking water, you can bring your own reusable water bottle or purchase bottled water from the hotel or nearby stores.

Why Does Niagara Falls Tap Water Taste Different?

The taste of water can vary depending on a range of factors, including the source of the water, the treatment process, and the distribution system.

In the case of Niagara Falls, the water comes from the Niagara River. The water has a unique chemistry and composition due to its proximity to the Great Lakes and the surrounding geology, which may affect the taste.

The taste of water can also be influenced by the treatment process. This process may involve the addition or removal of minerals and other substances, altering the water’s taste.

Another factor that can affect the taste is the age and condition of the pipes that transport the water. The pipes may accumulate minerals or impurities over time, affecting the quality of the water.

Lastly, personal preferences and sensitivity to taste can also influence how you may perceive the taste of water. Some people prefer bottled water over tap water, while others finding tap water perfectly suitable.

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How Clean is Niagara Falls Tap Water?

Niagara Falls tap water is generally considered safe and clean for human consumption.

The water is sourced from the Great Lakes, which are freshwater lakes that do not contain significant levels of contaminants such as salt or minerals.

The water is then treated and tested regularly by the Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant to ensure that it meets all regulatory standards for safety and quality.

Can I Drink Hot Water from the Tap in Niagara Falls?

Yes, technically you can drink hot water from the tap in Niagara Falls.

The city’s hot water supply comes from the same source as its cold water supply, and both are subject to the same rigorous treatment and testing standards.

It’s important to note that hot water from the tap can contain higher levels of metals, such as lead or copper, due to leaching from pipes or solder.

To minimize your exposure to these metals, it’s recommended that you use cold water for drinking and cooking. It is also helpful to run the tap for a few seconds before collecting hot water to help flush out any accumulated metals.

If you’re concerned about the quality of your hot water, you may want to consider using a water filter

Additionally, if you’re in a building with old or outdated plumbing, there may be some risk of lead contamination in hot water.

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Is Costco Water Niagara Water?

Yes, Costco brand bottled water is made with Niagara water.

The water source for Costco’s bottled water is listed as the “Niagara Bottling LLC, Ontario, California” on the label.

Niagara Bottling LLC is a company that sources its water from various locations, including the Great Lakes region, which includes the Niagara Falls area.

So, if you’re a fan of Costco’s bottled water, you can rest assured that the water is sourced from the same region as Niagara Falls tap water and is subject to rigorous quality and safety standards.

Is Niagara Falls Water Hard or Soft?

Niagara Falls water is generally considered to be moderately hard.

According to the Niagara Region’s Annual Water Quality Report, the average hardness level for the region’s water supply in 2020 was approximately 178 milligrams per litre, which falls within the range of moderately hard water.

The hardness of water refers to the amount of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, present in the water.

While hard water may not be harmful to drink, it can cause issues such as mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, and affect the performance of soaps and detergents.

If you prefer, you can use a water softener to reduce the hardness of your water supply.

Toronto-Tap-Water-Green-glass-filled-in-sink

Does Niagara Drinking Water Have Fluoride in it?

Yes, the drinking water in Niagara Falls does have fluoride in it.

Fluoride is added to the water supply as a public health measure to promote dental health and prevent tooth decay.

The amount of fluoride in the water is carefully monitored to ensure that it’s within the safe and effective range recommended by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).

Does Niagara Water Have Chemicals?

Niagara water, like all tap water, may contain some chemicals, but the levels are carefully regulated and monitored to ensure they are safe for human consumption.

The water in Niagara Falls is treated at the Niagara Water Treatment Plant, where it undergoes a series of processes to remove impurities and contaminants.

During this process, chemicals such as chlorine may be added to the water to disinfect it and kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.

However, the levels of these chemicals are carefully monitored and controlled to make sure that they are within safe and effective ranges.

Water-person-holding-glass-of-water

Does Niagara Water Have Chlorine in it?

Yes, Niagara water does contain chlorine.

Chlorine is added to the water during the treatment process as a disinfectant to kill any bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that may be present in the water.

While chlorine is an important part of the water treatment process, it can sometimes affect the taste or smell of the water.

But as we mentioned previously, the levels of chlorine in the water are carefully monitored to make sure that they are always within safe and effective ranges.

How Acidic is Niagara Water?

The pH of Niagara water varies depending on the specific location and source of the water.

However, the average pH of the water in Niagara Falls is around 7.5, which is slightly alkaline or basic.

This is within the normal range for drinking water and is considered safe for human consumption.

While some sources of water in the region may have a slightly lower or higher pH, the water is regularly monitored and treated to ensure it meets all regulatory standards for safety and quality.

restaurant-glass-of-water-and-bottle

Is Niagara Water Salty?

No, Niagara water is not salty.

The water in Niagara Falls is sourced from the Great Lakes, which are freshwater lakes and do not contain significant levels of salt or other minerals found in seawater.

While some sources of water in the region may have a slightly higher or lower mineral content, the water is regularly monitored and treated to ensure it meets all quality and safety standards.

Is There Lead in Niagara Falls Water?

Niagara Falls takes steps to ensure the water supply is free of lead.

The city’s water treatment plant and distribution system are regularly monitored and tested to ensure that lead levels remain below Health Canada’s maximum allowable concentration of 0.005 milligrams per litre.

Lead can enter drinking water from aging infrastructure, such as pipes and solder, particularly in older homes.

However, the Niagara Region provides information and resources to help residents and businesses identify and reduce their exposure to lead.

If you have concerns about lead in your tap water, you can request a free lead testing kit from the Niagara Region Public Health Department. You cab also speak with a licensed plumber to check your home’s plumbing for lead.

It’s always a good idea to take precautions to minimize your exposure to lead, especially if you have young children (or a pregnant women) at home. This is because even low levels of lead can have harmful effects on health over time.

Toronto-Tap-Water-outdoor-tap-dripping

Are There PFAS in Niagara Falls Tap Water?

There have been concerns about the presence of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in tap water in many parts of the world, including Niagara Falls.

In 2021, the Niagara Region Public Health Department conducted a study of tap water in the region and found low levels of PFAS in some samples. However, the levels were below the health advisory limit set by Health Canada, which is 200 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and 600 ppt for PFOA.

The Niagara Region takes the issue of PFAS seriously and as a result, has put in place measures to reduce exposure to these chemicals.

For example, the region has upgraded its water treatment plants to include granular activated carbon filters, which are effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

The region also continues to monitor the levels of PFAS in tap water to ensure that they remain within safe levels.

Niagara-Falls-Both-Falls-from-level-views

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Niagara Falls – Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the answer to the question, “Can you drink the tap water in Niagara Falls?” is a resounding YES.

The water in Niagara Falls is safe to drink and meets all of the drinking water standards set forth by the Canadian government and Health Canada.

And because, the tap water in Niagara Falls is regularly tested, you can enjoy your time exploring this beautiful natural wonder without worrying about the quality of your drinking water.

As always, it’s essential to stay hydrated, especially when travelling, so feel free to fill up your reusable water bottle at any of the many public water fountains located throughout the area. Thanks for reading, and happy travels!

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Marianne Giordano is the founder and writer for The Journeying Giordano's. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has travelled to all 10 Canadian provinces. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's travel itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A Canadian native, Marianne shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do in Canada.