Route 215 drinking water source reopened!
The Route 215 drinking water source had been closed on October 8, because its manganese concentration had slightly exceeded the standard permitted by the Canadian government. The last two tests indicate that the level has fallen below the limit, so the source was reopened on Friday, October 24.
The Public Works and Fixed Assets Department will continue to closely monitor this water source, where manganese concentrations are found to fluctuate regularly close to the limit.
Government of Canada standards
According to Health Canada, “a maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.120 mg/L (120 µg/L) has been established for total manganese in drinking water”. As a precautionary measure in the event of manganese levels being exceeded, Health Canada and Environnement Québec recommend using an alternative water source for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and for babies up to 1 year of age, or for bottle-feeding. Boiling water to remove manganese is unnecessary, and may actually increase the amount in the water. For more information, visit the Quebec government’s page on manganese.
Please note that this source is not connected to the municipal water system.
News item October 8, 2025 – Route 215 water source temporarily closed