The municipality of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac is responding to public concern following several recent episodes of discolored tap water affecting residents over the past few weeks. Mayor François Robillard acknowledged the situation in a statement and outlined both immediate interventions and long-term plans aimed at improving water quality in the community.
According to municipal officials, the issue tends to reoccur each spring, a seasonal phenomenon linked to increased water usage. However, this year’s discoloration appears to be more pronounced than in previous years, prompting authorities to accelerate their search for solutions.
Technical Interventions Underway
The city is working with experts from the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), Polytechnique Montréal, and consultants from Veolia Canada to address the issue at its source. One key intervention has been the replacement of a filtering medium at the municipal water treatment plant—part of a series of upgrades to the facility’s infrastructure.
While these adjustments are expected to improve water clarity, municipal officials caution that residents may not see immediate changes. Mayor Robillard expressed hope for noticeable improvements by the end of the current week but emphasized the need for patience as the system stabilizes.
Spring Surge in Consumption Adds Pressure
The municipality has identified a spike in residential water consumption as a contributing factor to the discoloration. Warmer weather, particularly over the weekend of May 3–4, led to a marked increase in demand, as residents began activities such as lawn watering and pool filling.
The surge in usage increases the flow through the water network, which can stir up natural sediments in the pipes and result in discolored water. City officials advise residents who encounter such water to let it run until it clears before using it for drinking or cooking. Additional information is available on the city’s website.
Major Investments Planned
Beyond emergency measures, the city has committed to long-term investments aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. Over the coming years, Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac plans to invest $15 million in water infrastructure upgrades.
This figure includes $7.5 million from the provincial PRIMEAU 2023 program to construct a new potable water reservoir. An additional $6.9 million will go toward upgrading treatment and distribution facilities, with funding from the Québec gas tax and contribution program (TECQ 2024–2028).
Community Cooperation Critical
In his statement, Mayor Robillard expressed regret over the disruption and stressed the importance of public cooperation in preserving water quality. Measures such as tightening regulations on water use, increasing the frequency of preventive maintenance, and promoting responsible consumption habits are all part of the city’s strategy moving forward.
“We recognize the concerns this has caused among residents and want to reassure the community that every effort is being made to resolve the issue,” said Robillard. “Our team is working diligently, and we are confident that with collective responsibility, we will see improvements soon.”
The mayor called on citizens to respect municipal guidelines for outdoor water use, particularly during designated time slots for watering, in order to avoid further stress on the system.
As Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac works to modernize its infrastructure and address immediate concerns, the situation highlights the complex balance between seasonal demand, aging systems, and the need for sustainable water management in growing communities.
