Our Blog
Our Blog
Introducing the AquaFlow™
Limescale. Calcium buildup. Hard water. It goes by many names, but the result is the same: scale deposits that damage appliances, clog pipes, and reduce efficiency throughout your home. If you’ve noticed buildup on your faucet, showerhead, kettle, or cloudy spots on dishes and glassware — that’s limescale caused by hard water. And while hard water isn’t harmful to your health (in fact, it can provide beneficial minerals), it can significantly affect your plumbing system by: Reducing heating efficiency Causing dry skin and dull laundry Leaving soap scum and residue Decreasing water pressure Accelerating corrosion in pipes and appliances For years, water softeners were the go-to solution — but they’re bulky, salt-dependent, and require regular maintenance. Today, there’s a better way. 🚿 Meet the AquaFlow™ Whole-Home Water Descaler from WyckomarCompact. Eco-friendly. Maintenance-free. AquaFlow™ uses a proprietary alloy core powered by water pressure to change how calcium and magnesium behave — preventing new limescale and gradually removing what’s already there. ✅ No salt✅ No electricity✅ No chemicals✅ No maintenance You’ll enjoy clearer pipes, better-performing appliances, and healthier water — all while retaining the natural minerals your body needs. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution for hard water. 📌 Shop now
Recent Findings: Hidden Risks in Drinking Water and Why Whole-Home UV Treatment is the Safer Choice
A recent article revealed that over 90% of America’s drinking water contains contaminants — from chemical byproducts of disinfection, to heavy metals, to trace pharmaceuticals. So, what's the solution?
Pathogen Profiles: Legionella – The Waterborne Bacteria You Can Breathe In
You may never have heard of Legionella pneumophila, but this airborne pathogen is one of the most dangerous bacteria found in untreated water systems—and it doesn’t enter your body the way most do.
Pathogen Profiles: Giardia, The Cottage Country Parasite
Known by its nickname “beaver fever,” Giardia lamblia can cause severe gastrointestinal illness—especially in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. If you’re drawing lake or river water into your cottage, you may be at risk without even knowing it.
Pathogen Profiles: Leptospira, the Wildlife-Borne Threat in Your Tap
When we talk about bacteria in drinking water, names like E. coli come to mind quickly. But there’s another dangerous pathogen that often flies under the radar—Leptospira interrogans, the bacteria responsible for the disease leptospirosis. Leptospira may not be as well-known, but it's a serious and growing concern in rural, agricultural, and even urban environments—including right here in North America. What Is Leptospira? Leptospira is a corkscrew-shaped bacterium that thrives in warm, moist environments. It’s shed in the urine of infected animals, contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water. Once introduced into the environment, it can survive for months or even years, particularly in places where standing water and wildlife intersect. Humans and animals can become infected through: Drinking contaminated water Skin contact with infected water (even through small cuts) Contact with infected animals or soil Leptospira can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe complications like liver or kidney failure. Who’s at Risk? The risk of infection is higher for: Farmers, trappers, hunters, and rural residents Pet owners with unvaccinated animals Recreational swimmers, boaters, and anglers Anyone relying on wells, cisterns, or surface water sources Even household pets can carry the bacteria and potentially spread it to humans. North American Risk Is Real Contrary to the belief that leptospirosis is limited to tropical areas, recent studies show it's a growing concern in North America: A Canadian study found notably higher infection rates in Ontario (9.6%) and Nova Scotia (18.5%) in canine test results (PLOS ONE, 2022). In the U.S., hotspots have been identified in the East, Midwest, and Southwest, particularly in areas with dense wildlife and surface water access (dvm360). These numbers highlight a growing public health concern, especially in regions where water storage systems like cisterns are common and may be accessed by wildlife. Why UV Disinfection Works Best While chemical treatment and boiling are traditional methods for disinfection, they come with limitations: Chemicals like chlorine can produce harmful by-products and require careful handling. Boiling is impractical for daily use and energy-intensive. UV disinfection offers a cleaner, safer alternative. It uses ultraviolet light to neutralize pathogens, including Leptospira, without adding anything to your water. A UV Dose of just 6 mJ/cm² is enough to inactivate Leptospira—and all Wyckomar UV systems exceed this threshold, making them a reliable and chemical-free choice for whole-home water safety. Protect Your Home from Wildlife-Borne Pathogens Because Leptospira can infect through skin contact, point-of-use filters aren't enough. A whole-home UV disinfection system ensures that all water—drinking, bathing, laundry—is safe. Wyckomar’s systems are: ✅ Easy to install and maintain ✅ Energy-efficient and cost-effective ✅ Trusted across Canada and internationally for 40+ years Want to learn more? Explore our line of whole-home UV systems and find a solution that keeps your water safe from wildlife-borne threats—24/7. Next week: Up next, we’ll look at Giardia—a tiny parasite that causes big trouble for backcountry adventurers and private well owners alike.
Pathogen Profiles: E. coli, The Gut-Wrenching Guest
When it comes to drinking water, E. coli should never be present. The acceptable count? Zero. If your water tests positive for coliform bacteria (often an indicator that E. coli may be present), immediate action is required.
Celebrating 45+ Years of Canadian Water Innovation
At Wyckomar Canada, we’re proud to stand on guard for your water. This year marks over 45 years of dedication to clean water solutions—not just here at home in Guelph, Ontario, but across the globe. As we reflect on our journey, we’re honoured to share a legacy of innovation, education, and service in the water treatment industry. A Canadian Pioneer in UV Water Treatment In the early days, Wyckomar emerged as one of Canada’s first manufacturers of UV (ultraviolet) water treatment systems for residential use. While UV disinfection technology had gained traction in other parts of the world, it was virtually unknown in the Canadian market. Wyckomar helped change that—introducing UV treatment to homes across Canada and North America, where it quickly became a sought-after solution. This innovation was more than technical—it was a cultural shift, offering Canadian families a chemical-free alternative to traditional disinfection methods like chlorine. It was a perfect fit for the growing environmental awareness and “healthy living” movement of the time. The 1980s: Growth, Education & Environmental Focus From the late 1970s through the 1980s, Wyckomar entered a dynamic period of product development and customer education. As environmental consciousness rose, so did the desire for safer, more natural water treatment methods. We focused heavily on informing homeowners about the many benefits of UV systems, emphasizing their effectiveness, simplicity, and sustainability. This era laid the groundwork for the trust we continue to build with our customers to this day. Inventor, Visionary, Leader: Gerry Ottema Wyckomar was founded by Mr. Gerry Ottema, a Canadian of Dutch heritage with a brilliant mind for invention and a deep passion for solving real-world problems. His commitment to clean water led him to develop several groundbreaking residential UV disinfection models—many of which are still in use today, trusted by early adopters around the world. Gerry’s legacy continues to guide our mission: innovating thoughtfully and staying true to our values of safety, sustainability, and service. Expanding Our Reach: From Homes to Industry As demand grew, so did our product line. Through the 1980s and into the 2000s, we expanded our systems to meet the needs of commercial and industrial customers—from restaurants and care homes to processing plants and public facilities. This evolution culminated in the early 2000s with the launch of our custom UV system design service, a turning point for both Wyckomar and the broader industry. Custom systems allowed businesses and organizations to benefit from tailored solutions that fit their exact water treatment needs—whether in the oil and gas sector, agriculture, food and beverage production, or even military applications. Today, our custom UV systems are one of the most powerful drivers of our business, proving that smart, flexible solutions often outperform one-size-fits-all products. A Commitment to Collaboration and Innovation Throughout our history, we’ve formed strong partnerships with technology providers and industry experts to continue offering new, effective solutions to the common challenge of water quality. As innovation evolves, so does the Wyckomar product line—empowering customers to access cutting-edge systems that prioritize health, safety, and efficiency. Looking Ahead: Educating and Empowering the Next Generation We’re not just focused on systems—we’re committed to educating people about the importance of clean, safe water. Water truly is the essence of life, and we believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy, easy-to-understand information on how to protect it. To support that mission, we’re excited to offer a free downloadable guide: “FAQs About Water”—a practical resource that answers the most common questions we hear from homeowners, families, and businesses alike. Click the download button below to learn everything from what’s in your water to how to choosing the right treatment system for your needs. As we move forward, Wyckomar will continue to advocate for smarter water solutions and offer tools, guidance, and support for Canadian families and global industries alike. Thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you’re new to Wyckomar or have been with us from the beginning, we’re honoured to support your path to safer, healthier water.
How to Manage Lead in Your Drinking Water
Lead contamination in drinking water is an issue that still affects many households across Canada and beyond. While we’ve come a long way in improving water safety, homes built before the late 1980s are especially at risk due to aging infrastructure. If your home has old plumbing, it’s worth understanding how lead may be entering your water—and what steps you can take to protect your family.
Water Treatment
Removal of Solid Contaminants Making drinking water safe involves physically removing solid contaminants such as rust and dirt with the proper sediment filtration, removing inorganic and organic dissolved sub-stances with separation processes (ion exchange and adsorption), and killing biological microbial pathogens with high intensity UV light, much like the sun. 1. Solid Material, Sediments Filtration is used to remove solids and particulate matter from water. Sediments down to 5 microns are removed by MF (Micro Filtration). Anything smaller is not solid and is removed by separation. UF (Ultra Filtration) or RO (Nano Filtration) are not an option for particulate matter removal. Types of Sediment Filtration Methods Filtration systems typically comprise of 2 filters, one for solids and one for dissolved contaminants. The first filter housing contains a sediment filter that removes solid substances by direct interception down to 5 microns, where the particles run into a physical barrier and are captured in the filter. This mechanical retention is called sieving. Principles of Sediment / Particulate Matter Filtration The sediment filter cartridge removes any solids by direct interception, where the particles run into a physical barrier and are captured in the filter. The 5-micron sediment filters are the perfect size to remove most debris and solids from the water without clogging up quickly. It is also the required size for the UV process so that particles in the water can not be used by organisms to shade against the killing rays of the UV lamp. Removal of Dissolved Chemicals and Organics Retention filters can not physically remove dissolved substances, instead, ion exchange and a chemical reaction based on adsorptive retention are used. It is when molecules attach to the filter surface and change their molecular structure by losing ions to the media. 2.1 Harmless Dissolved Chemicals, Minerals and Heavy Metals Hardness is not a contaminant but an aesthetic problem. Iron and Manganese can be aesthetic problems and are removed by the activated carbon in the second filter of a typical filter set to some degree. Carbon filters can also remove Hydrogen Sulfate (H2S - rotten eggs) and other odour. 2.2 Harmful Dissolved Chemicals, Minerals and Heavy Metals Arsenic and Lead, Fluoride and Contaminants of emerging concern”, when occurring in the drinking water, need to be reduced or removed as much as possible. Average levels of these contaminants can be reduced by the carbon filtration in the water treatment system. 3.1 and 3.2 Harmless and Harmful Dissolved Organics 3.1. Not harmful organic contaminants - Tannins and Lignins The cation-ion exchange treatment method used in softening systems is effective at removing tannins to a certain degree. If no softener is installed, the activated carbon in the carbon block filter cartridge can reduce these to some degree.Elevated levels can be removed with extra treatment. 3.2 Toxic organic substances (humic acid particles and coagulants, VOCs, disinfection byproducts), are removed by the sediment and carbon filtration to a high degree. Removal of Pathogens The two most common methods for the removal and destruction of disease-causing pathogens in drinking water are Chemical-based solutions (adding chlorine and chloramine to the water) UV disinfection, employing ultra-violet light 4. Removal of Pathogens and Biological Contaminants in the Water While chemical-based solutions have been employed for a very long time, UV disinfection (without using any chemical) has quickly become the favoured method of water disinfection due to its inherent safety, ease of use and the extremely low cost per liter of treated water. Other methods for at least partial reduction and removal of pathogens include UF and RO systems however they can be expensive and quite wasteful of water due to their design and function. How Does UV Disinfection Work? A UV disinfection system, also called sterilizer or purifier, is designed to expose the water running through the unit to a specific wavelength of UV light at 254 nanometers. To achieve this, a translucent UV emitting light source (UV lamp) is placed inside a stainless steel reaction chamber. The UV light is penetrating the water thoroughly while it flows by and the wavelength of the UV rays are effectively disrupting the DNA or RNA of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause infections. Conclusion The vast majority of households will benefit greatly using a basic, low-cost, whole home water treatment system made up of a dual filtration system (sediment and carbon block filters) and a properly sized UV disinfection system. This will serve to process all the water in the home, all the time to ensure a high-quality of drinking and wash-up water is always available, in unlimited quantities. Households with specific issues whether related to water hardness, clarity, chemical or radiological contaminants, may contact us for additional information and guidance.
Solid and Dissolved Contaminants in Water
Once we have established what may be in the water (and we are only talking about drinking water), let's see how this applies to our water so we can make a strategy to remove the challenges, and have clear clean and safe water at all taps in the house. Refresh - the water can have insoluble or solid contaminants (1), dissolved chemicals (2) or organics (3), biological contaminants or pathogens (4) and radiological contaminants (5). 1. Solid Contaminants These occur only in water from surface sources or wells. City water typically does not contain solids. Solid, insoluble substances or sediments are small impurities like sand, rust, dirt, silt or scale. They are generally not harmful for human health but can be considered an aesthetic contaminant and are physically filtered out. 2.1 Generally Harmless Dissolved Chemical Contaminants Soluble chemical substances can be present in all water for drinking (city water, well water, surface water) in various concentrations. They come in form of molecules and formulas and can not be filtered out with physical filtration methods. There are harmless chemicals and minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium), harmless heavy metals (iron, manganese), and harmless gases (hydrogen sulfide), they show up as scale or precipitation, colourization or they impart odour. These can be removed for aesthetic reasons. 2.2 Harmful Dissolved Chemical Contaminants There are harmful chemicals and heavy metals (arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium, antimony, mercury, fluoride) and harmful gases (carbon dioxide, radon). “Forever chemicals” Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are part of a large group of man-made chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals need to be removed for safety resons if the concentration is above the MCL (Maximum Concentration Level) set by the EPA. 3. Organic Contaminants Organic Contaminants are substances containing carbon and hydrogen. They are dissolved and appear as chemical compounds. Some are naturally occurring, others are man-made, and there can be a combination of both. Organic chemicals reach the water supply from industrial and agricultural runoff, from improper disposal of household products (paint and cleaning products), or domestic animals. They include pesticides, herbicides, solvents, petroleum-derived products, and many other types of compounds. There are two main categories of organic contaminants: Total Organic Carbon (TOCs) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). TOCs are all-organic carbon compounds including decaying plant and animal matter. High TOC levels may be found in some surface water supplies (streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs) VOCs are contaminants like solvents, hydrocarbons, alcohols and other industrial compounds (eg. Benzene, Trichlorethylene, Vinyl chloride, Styrene, Tetrachlorethylene.) 3.1 Not Harmful Organics Decaying plant matter shows up in the water as tannins and lignins, they are seasonal and climate dependent. These are generally not a health hazard, even in higher concentrations, but are an aesthetical problem, they have staining quality and can have an effect on the taste and smell of the water. Tannins are easily removed from drinking water. 3.2 Harmful Organics There can be harmful chemical compounds or byproducts of chemical reactions and traces of industrial processes in the water supply (solvents, cleaning agents, paint removers, chemical extractors, adhesive components), resulting in toxic pollution. Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals may be present in some cases, they accumulate in the water over time. Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides are organics from runoff that can contaminate the water supply. 4. Pathogens / Biological Contaminants Biological contaminants are any organisms that are in the water, they can be bacteria, parasites, protists, viruses or fungi. Bacteria and viruses are everywhere in our environment, including in surface waters and groundwater. They are microbial, so they will not be caught in a filter. Typically they are harmful, especially in high concentrations, so they need to be removed from drinking water to make it safe. 4.1 Bacteria Bacteria that can be present in drinking water are Bacillus anthracis, Campylobacter jejuni, Cyanobacteria, Escherichia coli, Legionella, Listeria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella dysenteriae, Vibrio cholerae and many more. It is not practical to test drinking water for every type of pathogen, but it is simple to test drinking water for coliform bacteria. The presence of coliform bacteria can indicate there may be harmful pathogens in the water. 4.2 Pathogenic Protists and Parasites Some severe diseases of humans are caused by protists and parasites in drinking water (protists are primarily blood parasites): Malaria, Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Toxoplasmosis, Amoebic dysentery. Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Acanthamoeba spp. (cysts), Chlorella vulgaris, Naegleria fowleri (cysts), Paramecium spp, Toxoplasma gondii are pathogenic protists. 4.3 Viruses and Fungi Microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit viral diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Pathogenic viruses in water can be Coxsackie, Enterovirus, Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Hepatovirus, Hepevirus. Pathogenic fungi are Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Exophiala dermatitidis, microsporidia. Biofilms are an important habitat for fungi in drinking water. Their development is influenced by many factors including temperature, nutrient concentration, pipe material and water flow rate.
Water Chemistry 101
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, making the chemical symbol H2O. Apart from the basic hydrology, water can also contain other physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter. These are called contaminants, but despite the word having a more negative implication, there are are also healthy substances in water, so we must define them regarding harmful vs. harmless. General categories of drinking water contaminants Water can have soluble and insoluble substances other than the molecule H2O. All insoluble substances are solid while soluble substances are dissolved.(Review of Physical and Biological Contaminants) Insoluble Insoluble physical contaminants are suspended solids like sediment or particulate matter and are visible in the water. They are measured in NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) because they affect the turbidity and clarity of the water. Water with high NTU values looks unpleasant, water that has low levels of NTU (below 1) looks crystal clear. Soluble These substances can be inorganic or organic, they can be ionised (electrically charged) or non-ionised. They are present in the water in form of ions or molecules of various sizes. They are measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/l (milligram per litre) and the comprehensive value of all soluble substances is the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Ref Organic contaminants are pollutants and pesticides in the water that result from natural decay of plants (tannins) and soil erosion, from traces of industrial processes or from runoff (eg. nitrite, nitrate, potassium, glyphosates). They are soluble, measured in ppm (parts per million) and are visible as colourisation only in high concentration. Organic substances in the water can be harmless yet aesthetically unpleasant (tannins) or harmful (eg. solvents, pharmaceuticals). Ref When you boil and evaporate water, you are being left with the contaminants, which are now a dry residual, of the dehydrated soluble substances. Sea water has a sizeably quantity of dry residual, it can be 35g to 40g per litre of sea water. River or lake water on the other hand has a residual of 50 to 500 ppm or mg/l. The dry residual are the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and are measured in ppm (parts per million) So, in terms of these numbers, sea water has a TDS of 3500 ppm and lake water has a TDS of approx. 500 ppm. Biological contaminants Biological contaminants are organisms like microbes, bacteria, protozoa, viruses, parasites(Paramecium, E. coli, Coliform, Hepatitis, V. cholerae, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Legionella, Nematode and many more9). Radiological contaminants Radiological contaminants are elements with an unbalanced number of neutrons and protons and can emit ionizing radiation, like cesium, plutonium, uranium.
Drinking Water Sources
The Water We Use: Clean, fresh, and safe drinking water is a hallmark of good health, and its importance cannot be overstated in our busy everyday lives. In this post we discuss the various sources of the water that reaches your tap.
