Drinking water
What should you do if you notice a change in your tap water? What types of advisories inform residents of the steps to take in the event of contamination or a service interruption? Learn everything you need to know about drinking water in Montréal.
In order to provide quality drinking water, the city carries out regular tests at its six water treatment plants:
- Atwater (Sud-Ouest)
- Charles-J.-Des Baillets (LaSalle)
- Dorval
- Lachine
- Pierrefonds
- Pointe-Claire
In spite of the precautions that are taken, changes in drinking water are occasionally observed. Maintenance work on the water supply system can also require service interruptions and affect the water’s appearance.
Colour
Tap water can sometimes appear white, grey, yellow, brown or orange in colour. Several potential causes can come into play. It is preferable to contact 311 to find out what precautions you should take based on the situation and to plan a course of action, if required.
Decrease in water pressure
Various factors can contribute to a decrease in water pressure. They include work operations in progress and the presence of rust in water mains. Residents can contact 311 to report a problem. Corrective measures will be applied as required.
Water service interruptions
The drinking water supply is sometimes interrupted during work operations on the supply system. These interruptions are usually of short duration. In the event of a more prolonged water service interruption, residents will be notified about measures taken to provide them with drinking water.
Notices to residents
The city is sometimes required to issue warnings concerning drinking water consumption in the event of work operations, a breakage, defective equipment or water contamination. The instructions to follow are outlined in advisories distributed to residents.
The city issues four types of advisories:
- Boil-water advisory
- Water service interruption advisory
- Drinking water advisory
- Water use advisory
A notice is issued when regular services are restored, and new guidelines for drinking or using tap water are provided.
Information and services
Tips and articles
- Boil-water advisory
- Drinking water advisory
- How to deal with shortage of drinking water
- Notice of Watering Ban
- Regulations concerning water use : What you need to know
- Replace your lead water-service entry: Montréal provides financial support
- Rosemont reservoir : last phase of construction work
- Water service interruption advisory
- Water use advisory
- What to do if your tap water is discoloured
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