Six drinking-water plants on the Island of Montreal treat water from the St. Lawrence River, Lac-Saint-Louis and Rivière-des-Prairies.  The water is filtered, disinfected and distributed to the population by way of approximately 50 drinking-water distribution networks.

On the Island of Montreal, the quality of drinking water is good.  Those responsible for the distribution systems test water samples every month to ensure that the water is free from pathogenic bacteria and that the standards established in the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water  by the ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs are respected.

However, there may be occasional advisories instructing people in certain areas to boil their water for a few days because of bacteria.  A preventive boil-water advisory could also be issued following construction work or breakage of water pipes.

To top

Did you know?

In some homes on the Island of Montreal the concentration of lead in tap water may be higher than the Quebec standard of 10 µg/L (micrograms per litre).  This can be the case for houses connected to the water system with lead piping.  For further information, go to Foire aux questions Plomb dans l'eau Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre. . 

To top

Are you a health professional?

If you are interested in learning more on this subject, read the drinking water fact sheet Ce lien ouvre une nouvelle fenêtre.  on the Website of the Director of Public Health for the Montréal region (Website in French only).

To top

Practical advice

How should we protect ourselves when a boil-water advisory is issued for the area where we live? 

  • Boil tap water for at least one minute before consumption, or use bottled water.
  • Use water boiled for at least one minute or bottled water for the following: 
    • Making ice, juice, tea or coffee;
    • Preparing nursing bottles;
    • Washing raw fruits and vegetables if their skins are to be eaten (apples, peaches, tomatoes, beans, etc.);
    • Brushing your teeth;
    • Providing water for your pets to drink.
  • Use tap water without boiling for the following: 
    • To cook food that requires boiling for at least one minute: soups, pasta, etc.;
    • To wash fruits and vegetables whose skins, rinds or peels will be removed and not ingested: oranges, bananas, avocados, etc.);
    • To wash your hands, provided that you use soap, wash them thoroughly and dry them immediately;
    • To take a shower or bath; however, you must be careful not to swallow any water;   therefore, it is preferable to wash very young children with washcloths;
    • To wash the dishes with detergent; you should nevertheless dry the dishes carefully before you use them; if you use a dishwashing machine, the hottest cycle is recommended.
    • To wash your clothes with detergent.

Where can I find additional reliable information?

Who can I contact if I need help? 

For further information on drinking water, contact the City of Montreal by calling 311 or contact your municipality’s public works department.