Water filtration in Saint-Colomban
Saint-Colomban is a special case in the Laurentians: the vast majority of homes are connected to no municipal network and draw their water from a private well.
Drinking water in Saint-Colomban
No river here, and no surface treatment plant. The City operates five small networks — Phelan, Chénier, Larochelle, Downing and Bédard — plus two former private systems. But in 2018 the municipal network served slightly more than 1,500 people out of a population near 18,000. In other words: most residents are responsible for their own water.
The municipal networks themselves have seen documented exceedances. On 11 August 2025, a Laurentians public health notice targeted the Châtelet network after 0.239 mg/L of manganese was detected. In November 2024, a Phelan network sample showed 85 µg/L of trihalomethanes against an 80 standard. Preventive boil-water advisories have affected several networks, and a private operator ceased operations in March 2025.
On a private well, nobody tests your water for you. Iron, manganese and hardness are common in Laurentian bedrock, and high levels foul a reverse osmosis membrane prematurely. That's exactly why our water test is free and done before any quote: without knowing what's in your well, nobody can honestly recommend a system.
Frequently asked questions — Saint-Colomban
Not always on its own. Reverse osmosis removes iron, manganese, hardness and the vast majority of dissolved contaminants, but high levels foul the membrane prematurely — a suitable pre-filter is then recommended upstream. More importantly, reverse osmosis is not a certified disinfection barrier: if your well shows coliforms, UV treatment is needed as well. The free water test settles this before any purchase.
Make the switch
30 minutes at your home, clearly explained results, zero obligation. We get back to you within one business day to set the appointment.