The Cleaner, Greener, More Affordable Water Cooler for London & Toronto

Prior to 1873, a private company, Furniss Works, handled the procurement and distribution of Toronto drinking water from Lake Ontario. In 1873, the municipal government assumed responsibility and quickly expanded the system as the population grew.

In the 20th century, Toronto developed its water infrastructure, including the R.C. Harris Treatment Plant (completed in 1941), the R.L Clark Treatment Plant (completed in 1968), the Island Treatment Plant (completed in 1977), and the F.J Horgan Treatment Plant (completed in 1980).

Today, Toronto drinking water ranks as some of the finest in the world when it leaves treatment plants. However, like many older cities, the tap water travels through older cast iron pipes, susceptible to corrosion and biofilm contamination. These water service lines, built before the 1950s, may contaminate water with lead, according to Toronto Water Quality reports.

To combat the corrosion and biofilm contamination that has become synonymous with cast iron pipes, many municipal water departments add high levels of chlorine, which gives Toronto water a medicinal taste. In addition, residents have become concerned by the 2012 International Joint Commission report, warning of potential pollution caused by sewage discharged into the Great Lakes.