How Québec City is built
- Before 1961 20%
- 1961–1990 50%
- 1991–2000 11%
- 2001 or later 19%
Wells in Québec City
Most of Québec City is served by municipal water networks, but the city also includes semi-rural fringe areas.
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 Québec City: 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 Québec City?
Most of Québec City is served by municipal water networks, but the city also includes semi-rural fringe areas.