How Gatineau is built
- Before 1961 14%
- 1961–1990 44%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 27%
Wells in Gatineau
Gatineau is mostly on municipal water, but the city has private-well owners: its own laboratory tests well water for them, and it has offered free tests to wells in flooded areas.
Local program: City of Gatineau laboratory tests well water for total coliforms and E. coli for any well owner for a $42 fee (free for eligible flood-affected wells during flood recovery; page undated).
How testing works in Quebec
There's no free provincial service: send samples to a lab accredited by Quebec's environment ministry (the CEAEQ list), which supplies the bottles. The ministry recommends testing for bacteria at least twice a year, in spring and fall, plus a chemical analysis while the well is in use.
What to test for
- Bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli): at least once a year, and after flooding, heavy rain or work on the well.
- Nitrate, especially near farmland or septic systems.
- Metals and naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, uranium or manganese when a well is new and every few years after, depending on local geology.
Well water testing in Gatineau: common questions
Is well water testing free in Quebec?
There's no free provincial service: send samples to a lab accredited by Quebec's environment ministry (the CEAEQ list), which supplies the bottles. The ministry recommends testing for bacteria at least twice a year, in spring and fall, plus a chemical analysis while the well is in use.
How often should I test my well?
For bacteria, at least once a year and after flooding, heavy rain or well work; many health units recommend more often. Test chemistry when the well is new and every few years after.
Are private wells common in Gatineau?
Gatineau is mostly on municipal water, but the city has private-well owners: its own laboratory tests well water for them, and it has offered free tests to wells in flooded areas.