This content is intended for the public covered by the exceptions of the Charter of the French language and its regulations. If you read on, you confirm that you fall within one of these exceptions.
Shortage or contamination of drinking water
Several factors can lead to a contamination or shortage of drinking water. Under extreme heat conditions or when the region is affected by flooding, it’s important to exercise increased caution.
When to boil water before drinking it
Residents are advised to boil their water for at least one minute if:
- It gives off a smell.
- It doesn’t taste right.
- It has a colour.
If you suspect a chemical contamination, please do not consume the tap water and contact 311.
How the City of Laval informs its residents
When drinking water is affected by a water main break, a chemical spill into the water reservoir, a flood or a drought, the City of Laval can issue three types of notices:
- A boil water advisory
- A drinking water advisory
- A temporary water interruption notice
When the city plans to cut the water supply, it leaves a door hanger (small poster) at the entrance to your home to notify you.
For further information about guidelines or to receive alerts related to an important notice or an emergency situation, please view the Web page concerning drinking water.
Please observe the following guidelines to ensure your health and safety:
- Comply with the notices.
- Follow the 72-hour autonomy program by keeping a reserve of bottled drinking water at home.
- If your water comes from an individual well, an artesian well or a surface well, exercise caution and have it analyzed on a regular basis, then disinfect your wells as needed.
In the event of extreme heat
Under extreme heat conditions, it is vital that Laval residents have access to a plentiful supply of water to drink and cool off. For that reason, the city may issue watering restrictions to ensure that water reserves are earmarked for residents.
These restrictions are applied during drought periods and communicated on this page. Residents can also sign up to receive alerts from the City of Laval.
In the event of flooding
Flooding can cause the municipal water supply to become contaminated. Before consuming the tap water, view the drinking water notices and advisories issued by the City of Laval.
Drinking water wells
When water supply wells are submerged in floodwaters, the drinking water can become contaminated. When contamination does occur, wait for the waters to recede before cleaning and disinfecting the wells, then conduct a water quality test to ensure that the water is safe for consumption.
When supply wells are contaminated, residents must wait for confirmation from the City of Laval that the advisory has been lifted before consuming the water again.
Septic tanks
A flood can choke septic tanks, which in turn can cause a significant drop in pressure and even render plumbing fixtures unusable.
The following steps should be taken while waiting for the septic tank to become fully functional again:
- Reduce or even stop your use of certain equipment that discharges water toward the septic system (toilet, shower, washer, etc.).
- Avoid all contact with waters from septic systems.
- Do not drain the septic tank.
- Do not consume the water if you suspect a chemical contamination.
Private wells
After a flood, it is safer to assume that your well water is non-potable, even if it appears clear and odor-free. Until you can disinfect your well and have your water tested by a certified laboratory, you should:
- Drink bottled water.
- Consume water that has been boiled for at least one minute.
