Photo by CVD Photography
For 25 years, Simply Pure Water has been a trusted name in St. Thomas when it comes to clean, safe, and affordable water solutions. What began as a family-owned venture in 2000 has grown into a full-service water store dedicated to both saving families money and supporting the local community.
Owner Chris Patriquin has seen that journey firsthand. He first joined the business shortly after its founding by his aunt and uncle, Darlene and Hank Van Pelt.
After years of building the company from the ground up in sales and business development, Patriquin and his wife Jame, became full owners in 2019. Today, they continue to expand the company’s offerings while holding firm to the values that built their success: customer service, innovation, and community involvement.
“Simply Pure Water is really about everything water,” Patriquin explains. “From refills to reverse osmosis systems, softeners, iron filters, and UV sterilizers — if it involves water, we’ve probably got a solution for you.”
One of their most popular offerings is the reverse osmosis drinking water system, which delivers bottled-water quality straight from the tap. Patriquin says families quickly see the financial benefits of installing such systems. “You don’t need to buy cases of bottled water or haul heavy jugs anymore. It’s safe, convenient, and pays for itself.”
Water softeners are another way customers save money. By reducing the need for detergents, shampoos, and cleaning supplies, softeners lower household expenses while improving water quality for both health and home. “Half of most soaps and detergents are designed just to soften the water,” Patriquin says. “When you already have soft water, those products go twice as far.”
But Simply Pure Water’s vision goes beyond treatment systems. In 2021, the team launched its “Refill, Not Landfill” division — a refill station offering everything from laundry soap and dish detergent to shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Customers bring in their own containers, pay by the gram, and leave knowing they’ve made a positive impact.
The initiative, which was Jame’s idea, addresses the growing plastic problem. “There’s a misconception that when you put plastic in the blue bin, it’s recycled,” Patriquin says. “The truth is only about 9 percent actually gets recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or waterways.”
By offering a closed-loop refill system where suppliers take back and reuse containers, Simply Pure Water has already helped divert an estimated 43 million bottles from landfills. Patriquin says the impact is huge — and achievable for families. “Nobody can do it perfectly, but every bottle refilled is one less bottle in a landfill. Every little bit helps.”
Community involvement is another cornerstone of Simply Pure Water’s approach. From sponsoring kids’ sports teams to supporting local events, the business invests time and resources back into St. Thomas and Elgin County. “This is our community — it’s where our bread is buttered,” Patriquin says. “Shopping local and giving back is part of who we are.”
Looking back on 25 years, Patriquin says the biggest factor in their longevity has been service. From helping customers carry jugs to their cars to greeting people by name, the business prides itself on old-fashioned customer care. In fact, their very first customer still stops in regularly. “He told us the reason he’s stuck with us all these years is simple: the service,” Patriquin recalls.
With two and a half decades behind them, Simply Pure Water shows no signs of slowing down. Whether through water treatment systems, refill programs, or community partnerships, the business continues to make an impact both in people’s homes and across the region.
For more information, visit mywaterguy.ca or refillnotlandfill.ca.
You can listen to more of our conversation below.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
