Beware of Door-to-Door Sales
Some residents have reported door-to-door salespeople attempting to gain access to their homes to conduct water sampling tests in order to sell in-home water purification equipment. Additionally, advertisements frequently appear offering "free home water testing", which are generally tactics to sell water purifiers or water softeners.
Ontario Ban on Door-to-Door Sales of Some Goods and Services
As of March 1, 2018, a ban on unsolicited door-to-door sales on select products and services came into effect in Ontario. This means that certain products and services can no longer be offered or sold at your home. These restricted products and services include:
- furnaces
- air conditioners
- air cleaners
- air purifiers
- water heaters
- water treatment devices
- water purifiers
- water filters
- water softeners
- duct cleaning services
- any good or service that performs or combines one or more of the above functions
There are some exceptions to the ban including where you already have a contract in place or if you, the consumer, initiate the transaction (calling or emailing a business to come to your home).
False Representation
Door-to-door water purifier/softener salespeople are NOT Town employees and the Town does not endorse their activity. If any person appears at your home and claims to be an employee of the Town, you should ask to see their Town-issued ID showing their photo, name and department they work for. You are welcome to contact the Town to confirm this information.
Only Town-employed Certified Licensed Water Operators are permitted to represent the Town’s Water Department – these employees carry proper Town identification, and they DO NOT sell in-home water purification equipment.
Town Water Quality
Water purifier salespeople may claim that there are issues with the quality of water. This information is false. The Town’s drinking water continually meets and exceeds the stringent water quality standards set out by the Province of Ontario.
Consumer Protection
Consumer Protection Ontario provides additional information on door-to-door water testing and purification system sales, as well as your general rights as a consumer. For example, consumers in Ontario have the legal right to cancel a door-to-door sales or home service contract signed at the door within 10 days of signing.
For more information, or if you wish to file a complaint about a door-to-door experience, please visit the Consumer Protection Ontario.