Drinking water and the care of our wells
by Benoît Bleau (October 2013)
The water we drink, like the air we breathe, is a vital element which is essential to our survival. It is therefore natural that we give it paramount importance. However the regulations governing drinking water in a rural environment are fairly limited. Regulation Q2-r.6 concerning the collecting and piping of underground water (see article 21 below) requires the owner of a well to have water quality analysed when a well is being drilled. Subsequently there are no particular regulations in place to oblige an owner to have the water from his well analysed. There is certainly a regulation governing the quality of drinking water (Q2-R40) which requires close control ot the quality of water intended for human consumption, but this applies only to water distribution systems serving more than 20 people.
What must we do if we want to make sure that our water is suitable for human food supplies? First of all make sure that pumping and filtration systems installed when the well was drilled are in good condition and work properly. As stated in Article 21 of Regulation Q2-r.6, the owner is obliged to have the water in his new well analysed for at least 13 constituents. If any defects are discovered the contractor will propose some practical modifications which will require regular periodical maintenance. When these constituents have been checked the water will have to be analysed every year so as to ensure that the quality is constant. These analyses relate mainly to fecal coliforms and E-coli bacteria which are the most frequent cause of intestinal troubles. More detailed testing can be done if we suspect our well has been contaminated by pesticides or fertilisers. Unfortunately these analyses are more costly than any basic analysis.
Several laboratories offer water analysis services, but costs and the number of constituents analysed vary from one to another. It used to be possible to obtain an analysis kit at the village pharmacy, but this service is no longer available and we now must contact the laboratories direct. AquaWaterEau of St-Michel of- fers a biochemical analysis service in 5 parameters at a cost of $65.43 if you collect the kit at their store, or for $69.96 if you wish it to be delivered. In both cases the bottle of water to be analysed must be returned within 48 hours of taking the sample. This company can be reached by calling 514-272-2782.
On the other hand for the analysis of fecal coliforms and E.Coli there are new technologies such as Coliplates kits from the Canadian EBPI company which are easy to use and which are not expensive (less than $20.00 per test). As the kits are sold in packets of 8 it might be more interesting for us to form groups so as to reduce costs. If you wish to join a group to purchase these kits, let me know by email or by telephone, and we will prepare an order according to the number of people interested.
21. The owner of a water-collecting installation must, between the second and thirtieth day after starting up pumping equipment, have samples of the underground water taken and analysed by a laboratory accredited by the Minister in pursuance of article 118.6 of the law on the quality of the environment (Chapter Q-2).
The analysis must cover the following parameters:
- total coliform bacteria
- Escherichia coli bacteria
- Enterocoque bacteria
- arsenic
- barium
- chlorides
- iron
- fluorides
- manganese
- nitrates and nitrites
- sodium
- sulfates
- total hardness based on calcium and magnesium content
The laboratory sends to the owner and transmits to the Minister the results of the analyses of the water samples referred to above, within 10 days of taking the sample in the case of samples intended for checking for bacteria or, in the case of samples intended for checking other parameters, within 60 days of taking the sample.
The owner of a water collecting installation referred to above must ensure that water intended for human consumption respects the provisions of article 3 of the Regulation relating to the quality of drinking water (chapter Q-2, r.40).
Sources: Stéphane Gingras M.Sc., Municipal and Environment Inspector, Hemmingford Township, and Catherine Stratford, Hemmingford Environment Committee.