The quality of my well water and my responsibilities…
The Urban and Land-use Planning Department would like to remind well owners of the importance of checking the quality of their water.
Water is a resource as precious as it is vital. As the owner of an individual well or a small network serving fewer than 21 people, you have a responsibility to ensure its quality, with a view to protecting your health and that of your loved ones.
When water from a surface or tubular well (commonly called an “artesian well”) is intended for human consumption, it must be of good quality and comply with the standards set out in the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water (Q-2, r.40). In fact, under section 3 of this regulation, the owner must provide potable water for his family and visitors.
Although it may appear clear and limpid, and have no particular odour or taste, the water collected may contain elements that can have undesirable effects on health, such as pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses or protozoa) and nitrate-nitrite.
Groundwater, which is generally of better quality than surface water (lake, river, stream) thanks to the filtering capacity of the soil, can be vulnerable to contamination, and precautions must be taken to ensure a good-quality water supply at all times.
A contamination event may occur sporadically, and only water analysis can reveal it. The Ministry therefore recommends that you have your water tested by an accredited laboratory:
- at least twice a year for microbiological parameters, in spring and fall;
- at least once during the period of use of a well for physico-chemical parameters that are related to soil characteristics and vary little.
In addition, you should have additional tests performed when you notice sudden changes in the taste, odor or appearance of the water, or when modifications are made to the well or surrounding soil.
Microbiological parameters
- E. coli bacteria
- Enterococcus bacteria
- Total coliforms
Physico-chemical parameters
- Arsenic
- Manganese
- Barium
- Nitrate-nitrite
- Chlorides
- Sodium
- Iron
- Sulfates
- Fluorides
- Total hardness based on calcium and magnesium content
Water analysis alone is not enough to guarantee the quality of your drinking water. In addition to the recommended analyses, you must regularly check the condition of your well and septic system, examine possible sources of contamination in the well environment and take appropriate corrective action.
If you have any questions, please e-mail [email protected].
Information document: https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/eau/potable/depliant/feuillet-eau-puits.pdf (in French only)
Source: Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/eau/potable/depliant/index.htm