Quantity and quality now on tap in Saint-André-d’Argenteuil

The tap water in Saint-André d'Argenteuil will be flowing in high quantities following the inauguration of a new water reservoir that promises to deliver a cache of 3.8 million litres of water.

It represents a major increase from the former reservoir's capacity, which was limited to 450,000 litres.

"Water is one of the greatest riches that a citizen can enjoy and here in Saint-André-d'Argenteuil we are blessed with good quality water," said Saint-André d'Argenteuil Mayor André Jetté.

"This new reservoir is an advantage for our citizens that offers them clean drinking water and enough quantity of water to help our fire department efficiently combat fires."

According to Jetté, the new water reservoir, which is expected to last for at least 30 years, will provide enough of a quantity to multiply the current size of the municipal population eight times and still leave an ample water supply.

"The incredible quantity of water here is much greater than the need, and creeks running out of the basin attest to the fact that our wells will not be going dry this summer," said Jetté, adding the new water source will help the municipality attract more residents to develop its industrial and commercial sectors.

Using two basins of water that collect and store ground water, the new reservoirs work on a system that is largely fed by gravity. They do not require pumps or a treatment facility and virtually no chemicals. The new installation cost more than $1.6 million and was financed through provincial grants and an investment of $309,760 by the municipality of Saint-André-d'Argenteuil.

The town will be testing the well water twice each week and a provincial inspector will check the site twice a year to test for impurities and to guard against contamination.

The former reservoir remained intact and in operation throughout the installation of the new, adjacently-located facility. With a smaller capacity that no longer met the demands of the population, the former reservoir had exceeded its life span after 50 years of use.