Understanding Uxbridge's water
Uxbridge's urban area is supplied by three municipal wells, 58 to 77 metres deep, drilled into the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Region adds sodium silicate for iron and uses chlorine, plus UV disinfection at two of the wells.
Durham doesn't publish hardness for the Uxbridge 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 (0.06 to 0.11 mg/L in 2025)
- Free chlorine in the pipes: 0.69 to 1.84 mg/L
- Sodium: 5.76 to 12.8 mg/L
- Lead: One distribution sample in April 2025 was above half the limit but below it; there were no exceedances
Source: Region of Durham, Uxbridge Drinking Water System 2025 Annual Report.
Why Uxbridge homes treat their water
Outside the town itself, almost every Uxbridge home is on a private well. Groundwater here comes from the moraine, and the Region's own wells need iron treatment.
Recommended water treatment for Uxbridge homes
We recommend systems based on where your water comes from. Your free in-home test confirms the fit before anything is installed.
Uxbridge homes on the municipal wells
Uxbridge town, Quaker Hill, Elgin Park
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
Goodwood, Leaskdale, Zephyr, Glen Major and the rest of rural Uxbridge
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 Uxbridge
Nearby areas we also serve
Questions
How hard is Uxbridge water?
Durham Region doesn't publish a hardness figure for Uxbridge. Groundwater in north Durham is usually harder than lake water. Our free in-home test measures your tap.
Does Uxbridge add fluoride to the water?
No. Durham's 2025 report shows fluoride not added (0.06 to 0.11 mg/L in 2025).
Is there free well water testing in Uxbridge?
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 Uxbridge 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