The Municipality uses, among other things, an automated warning system to warn the population in case of emergency.

This system is very useful for issuing instructions in the event of a boil water advisory, no water consumption notice, gas leakage or any other emergency situation. The automated alert can be deployed by sector or even by street; This makes it possible to target the citizens concerned by the emergency measure. In case of absence, a message is left by voicemail.

You can choose the way you want to be notified (email, SMS, voice message) and the language of your choice (French / English).

It should be noted that the information provided is confidential and only used for citizen alerts purposes. At any time, you can modify your personal file and ensure that your contact information is updated.

Boil Water Advisory

When a boil water advisory is in effect, it is important to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. Once boiled, the water can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

A new advisory allowing the consumption of tap water (lifting of the boil advisory) will be issued when the situation is back to normal.

When to use boiled water or tap water?

Boiled water

• drinking, preparing beverages
• preparing formula and baby food
• washing and preparing raw food (fruits, vegetables, etc.)
• preparing foods that do not require prolonged cooking (canned soups, jellied desserts, etc.)
• brush your teeth
• for your pets

Tap Water

• wash your hands with soap and dry them well
• washing dishes in hot water (wipe clean)
• washing machines
• Take a shower or bath (be careful not to swallow the water and wash young children with a washcloth)

Lifting the boil advisory

Once the situation has been resolved, a notice will be sent out informing that the tap water is once again safe to drink.

Before drinking the water, there are a few additional precautions you may want to take:

• Open all cold water faucets and let the water run for a few minutes before using it to allow the pipes to drain completely. The same procedure applies to outdoor faucets, garden hoses and drinking fountains.
• Change filters if you have a water treatment or filtration system (pitcher, tap or under-sink filter, fridge with water dispenser, etc.) following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Non Consumption Advisory

During a non consumption advisory, you should not drink tap water, even if it is boiled.

The water may contain chemicals that are hazardous to your health even though it could be colorless, odorless and has no particular taste.

The use of bottled water is therefore necessary during such an advisory.

When to use bottled water or tap water?

Bottled Water

• drinking or preparing beverages, bottles.
• washing fruits, vegetables, dishes.
• brushing your teeth
• for your pets

Tap Water

• wash hands with soap and dry them well
• washing machines
• take a shower or bath (be careful not to swallow the water and wash young children with a washcloth)
• flush the toilet

For food establishments: do not use tap water to clean equipment or facilities.

Lifting the Non Consumption Notice

You have received notification that your tap water is safe to drink.

Before drinking the water, there are a few extra precautions to take.

• Be sure to follow the rinsing instructions specific to the nature of the contamination that will be provided by the Town.
• Change filters if you have a water treatment or filtration system (pitcher, filter at the tap or under the sink, fridge with water dispenser, etc.).
• Clean the aerators (filter that unscrews from the end of the faucet), when possible. Some faucets may be different or may not have an accessible aerator.

Do Not Use Advisory

If there is a Do Not Use Advisory, you should not consume or use tap water under any circumstances, even if it is boiled.

Tap water may contain chemicals that are hazardous to your health even though it is colorless, odorless and has no taste.

Use only bottled water for ALL your uses.

When to use bottled water or tap water?

Use bottled water for all your needs.

Bottled Water

• drinking, preparing beverages, bottles, food.
• wash fruits and vegetables
• cleaning surfaces, dishes or clothes
• brushing your teeth, washing your hands, taking a shower or a bath
• for your pets

Tap Water

• flush toilets unless otherwise notified by the Municipality.

Lifting of Non-Use Notice

You have received notification that your tap water is safe to drink.

Before drinking the water, there are a few extra precautions you should take.

• Be sure to follow the rinsing instructions specific to the nature of the contamination that will be provided.
• Change the filters if you have a water treatment or filtration system (pitcher, filter at the tap or under the sink, fridge with water dispenser, etc.).
• Follow the instructions that will be given to proceed with the emptying of the hot water tanks.
• Clean aerators (filter that unscrews at the end of the faucet), when possible. Some faucets may be different or may not have an accessible aerator.

Water interruption notice

During waterworks, a notice of interruption of drinking water service may be issued in your sector or on the entire territory of the Municipality.

During a planned interruption, the beginning and end of the interruption will be mentioned in the notice.

Lifting the water interruption notice

You have received notice that the water service interruption has been lifted, but you notice that your water is cloudy or coloured. Let the cold water run until it becomes clear and colorless.

If you notice a drop in pressure, make sure your aerator (filter that unscrews from the end of the faucet) is clean. Some faucets may be different or may not have an accessible aerator.

If the pressure drop persists, please contact the Municipality.

Notice of Green-Blue Algae

Blue-green algae, also known as “cyanobacteria”, are naturally present in Quebec’s water bodies. They multiply especially in summer. When they become very abundant, blue-green algae form what are called blooms, which can spread over part or all of a body of water. The water turns green and its texture becomes similar to paint or broccoli soup. Foam may also appear on the surface of the water. It is usually when scum starts to appear that blue-green algae blooms can pose a health risk.

Health Effects

Some species of blue-green algae blooms may pose a health risk. For example, a person may experience symptoms of gastroenteritis or skin or throat irritation after drinking or coming into contact with water from a blue-green algae bloom.

If you have been in direct contact with blooms or scum or have swallowed water in areas affected by blooms, watch for the following symptoms:

• stomach ache
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• headache
• fever
• skin irritation
• throat irritation

If you experience any of these symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of contact with contaminated water, you can call Info-Santé 811 or seek medical attention. Indicate that you have been in direct contact with blue-green algae blooms or that you have swallowed water in the areas affected by them.

Swimming and water activities

You may swim and participate in water activities in areas of a body of water where you do not see blooms or scum. However, in areas where they are visible :

• Keep at least 10 feet away from blooms or scum. Please refer to the authority in place (lifeguards) before entering the water
• Avoid any activity that could bring you into contact with them.

You may resume swimming and water activities in an area where the blooms or scum have disappeared, but only 24 hours after they have disappeared.

Other precautions

If you have touched blue-green algae blooms or an object or animal that has come into contact with them:

• avoid putting your hands to your mouth
• Wash your hands as soon as possible

For more information, please consult the following link: Gouvernement du Québec – Algues bleu-vert