Sodium Levels in Treated Water

Sodium is often found naturally in surface and groundwater as it is present in most rocks and soils across southern Ontario. In water, sodium has no smell or colour, however it can make the water taste salty at certain levels.  Sodium in drinking water is not a health concern for most people, but it may be an issue for persons with specific underlying health concerns or those on a sodium-restricted diet.

The Regional Municipality of York tests the sodium levels in water at the source and in the community four times a year. According to the federal guidelines and provincial standards for drinking water quality, the aesthetic objective for sodium is 200 mg/L.  According to provincial regulation, York Region is required to advise the local Medical Officer of Health of any water systems where the test results for sodium exceed 20 mg/L.  To see the test results for sodium in your community please click here.

The following table summarizes sodium concentrations in York Region water supplies:

Location	Average Sodium(mg/L)*
Ansnorveldt	40.1
Aurora	15.33
Ballantrae	8.41
Georgina and Sutton	24.02
Holland Landing	21.4
Keswick	24.61
King City	9.53
Kleinburg	25.39
Mount Albert	11.96
Newmarket	17.24
Nobleton	16.48
Queensville and Sharon	19.83
Schomberg	19.58
Stouffville	34.06
Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan	15.27