Understanding Port Perry's water
Port Perry and Prince Albert run on three municipal wells, 37 to 70 metres deep, south of town. The Region adds sodium silicate at each well to keep naturally occurring iron in solution, and chlorinates the water.
Durham doesn't publish hardness for the Port Perry wells. Groundwater in this part of Durham is typically harder than lake water and can carry iron, which is why the Region treats its own wells for it. A free in-home test gives you your number.
What the 2025 report shows
- Fluoride: not added (0.05 to 0.08 mg/L in 2025)
- Sodium: 14.3 to 33.2 mg/L, with three samples above the 20 mg/L level reported to the Medical Officer of Health
- Lead: One distribution sample in April 2025 came back above the limit; the Region flushed and resampled and the retests met the standard
Source: Region of Durham, Port Perry Drinking Water System 2025 Annual Report.
Why Port Perry homes treat their water
Durham Region is studying a new well and a new water treatment plant for Port Perry specifically to improve the taste, odour and colour of the existing supply. Until that's built, home treatment is the fix.
Recommended water treatment for Port Perry homes
We recommend systems based on where your water comes from. Your free in-home test confirms the fit before anything is installed.
Port Perry homes on the municipal wells
Port Perry, Prince Albert, Scugog Island
Hard groundwater and iron are the two things to deal with: a softener (with carbon for the chlorine), an iron filter if your test shows iron getting through, and reverse osmosis for drinking water.
Homes on private wells
Blackstock, Caesarea, Nestleton, Seagrave, Utica and rural Scugog
Private wells need their own plan: iron and manganese removal, softening, tannin treatment if the water is tea-coloured, and UV disinfection for bacteria.
Iron & Manganese Filter
Birm media removes iron, manganese and the orange or black stains they leave.
See Iron & Manganese Filter
SoftBlu Water Softener
High-capacity softener that stops scale on fixtures, kettles and appliances.
See SoftBlu Water Softener
UV Pro
Ultraviolet disinfection for well water: bacteria, viruses and cysts.
See UV Pro
Tannin Eliminator
Clears tea-coloured water and yellow stains caused by tannins.
See Tannin EliminatorPopular in Port Perry
Nearby areas we also serve
Questions
How hard is Port Perry water?
Durham Region doesn't publish a hardness figure for Port Perry. Groundwater in north Durham is usually harder than lake water. Our free in-home test measures your tap.
Does Port Perry add fluoride to the water?
No. Durham's 2025 report shows fluoride not added (0.05 to 0.08 mg/L in 2025).
Is there free well water testing in Port Perry?
Yes. Durham Region Health Department tests private well water for bacteria for free. Pick up a bottle at a Region service location. Our in-home test covers iron, hardness and other minerals.
Free in-home water test
Find out what's in your Port Perry water
We test your water at your home, show you what's in it, and recommend the system that fits.
- Free
- About 30 minutes
- No obligation