Frequently asked questions
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When selling a property with a well, or a water supply source other than the aqueduct, financial institutions require at least a 1-Potability (microbiology) analysis. A certificate of analysis that is less than 3 months old is generally required.

If the owner has never performed a physico-chemical health and aesthetics analysis, we recommend that you do so in order to have a complete 6-Overview (complete analysis) of the water you will consume and use, although this is generally not a requirement for the transaction.

A newly dug well needs to be sanitized once the entire water collection system is up and running (plumbing and pump connected). This is often done by the contractor. If you need to do it yourself, follow the procedure to sanitize a well.

​​Following sanitization, the water should circulate through the plumbing system normally, and a 6-Overview (complete analysis) should be carried out after 30 to 60 days. It is not recommended to drink the water before the bacteriological analysis has been carried out. A second sanitization may be necessary if the microbiological quality of the water is not sufficient.

Before swimming in a lake, it is advisable to assess its microbiological characteristics. The 11-Swimming analysis package includes six E.coli analyses to determine bathing water quality, according to the standards of the Programme environnement-plage of the Ministère de l’Environnement du Québec.

You will need to take at least three samples at two different depths (3×2 = 6 samples). The geometric mean of the results obtained will be used to establish a bathing grade:

• A – Very good (0-20 UFC E.coli/100ml)
• B – Good (21-100 UFC E.coli/100ml)
• C – Poor (101-199 UFC E.coli/100ml)
• D – Polluted ( ≥ 200 UFC E.coli/100ml)

You must use the sampling containers provided by the laboratory at the time of purchase.

Unless you have tested your water before, we recommend that you perform the 6-Overview (complete analysis) at least once.

Thereafter, we recommend testing basic potability 1-Potability (microbiology), once or twice a year.

If you notice stains or deposits in your toilet or faucets, or if your water changes appearance, taste or odor, we recommend that you take Package 3-Aesthetics (Physical Chemistry).

If you’ve never had any problems before, and the changes occur, we recommend you also test the potability, if you haven’t already done so. You can combine the two in package 5-Potability & Aesthetics (combined).

If you would like to know whether your water contains substances and organisms that have an impact on your health, we recommend that you test your water with Package 4-Potability & Health. Then, once or twice a year, we recommend basic potability testing with Package 1-Potability (microbiology).

Treatment systems must be tailored to your needs. A system should never be installed until it has been determined whether there are any issues, and what those issues are.

The so-called aesthetic analysis 3-Aesthetic (Physico-chemistry) will allow us to target the physico-chemical properties of the water that may have an impact on your home (deposits, stains), or the properties that make it unsuitable for consumption (taste, appearance and odor) but have no impact on your health.

Potability analysis 1-Potability (microbiology) will allow you to assess whether the presence of certain bacteria renders your water unfit for drinking, or diminishes its quality by rendering it non-conforming to expected standards. You can combine aesthetic and potability analyses in the 5-Potability and aesthetics package. Before installing a treatment system for bacteria (potability), you can try disinfecting the well. If the problem reoccurs after a few analyses, we recommend that you install a treatment system.

Once you have the test results, you can then refer the matter to a company specializing in water treatment, who will offer you a suitable solution. You’ll find a register on the Association des entreprises spécialisées en eau du Québec (AESEQ) website.

Purchase online from our online store. Pick up your containers at the laboratory you have selected, or have them delivered to your home.

Once your sample has been collected, return it to the laboratory within 24 hours, or use the packing slip provided (with delivery option). See our addresses and delivery turnaround times here.

Visit one of our locations to purchase your kit.

Please note that the quickest and easiest way to purchase your kit is through our online store. You can also pick up your kit at any of our stores, or have it delivered directly to your home!

• Analysis of 1-Potability (microbiology) should be carried out once or twice a year.
• The analysis of physico-chemical contaminants 2-Health and/or 3-Aesthetics should be carried out at least once during the period of use of your well, or if changes are observed (taste, color, odor). Physico-chemical analysis can be combined with potability testing. See combined packages 4- Potability & Health and 5-Potability & Aesthetics.
• Package 6-Overview (complete analysis) combines all three packages and is recommended if you have never carried out any test before.

You should have your well water analyzed 1-Potability (microbiology) at least twice a year: preferably during spring, when snow is melting, and during fall, when it rains heavily. However, you can have your water analyzed at any time of the year.

Please note that it is recommended that you have your water analyzed if you notice any change in taste, odour or appearance, or if any work is being carried out on or near the well. In this case, a 5-Potability & Aesthetics (combined) test would be recommended.

Analysis times are calculated from receipt of your sample at the processing laboratory*. Allow one (1) additional day for receipt at another H2Lab location. Delivery times are given in open business days. Click on the selected offer for more details.

*Treatment laboratories : Joliette, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Rouyn-Noranda

Drinking water analysis

• 1-Potability (microbiology): 5 working days (3 working days express delivery, applicable charges)
• 2-Health (Physico-chemistry): 15 working days (5 working days for express delivery, fees apply)
• 3-Aesthetics (Taste, odor, color) (Physico-chemistry): 15 working days (5 working days for express delivery, applicable charges)
• 6-Overview (complete analysis): 5 working days for receipt of certificate of 1-Potability (microbiology); 15 working days for receipt of certificate of analysis including packages 2-Health (Physico-chemistry) and 3-Aesthetics (Physico-chemistry) (express turnaround possible, fees apply).
• Metals: 15 working days (5 working days express, charges apply)
• Sulfides: 15 working days

Lake water analysis

• 10- Lake sanitation: 15 working days
• 11- Swimming: 5 working days
• A3- E.coli: 5 working days

Yes, we offer standard or express delivery options for most packages. Please refer to the FAQ section: How long does it take to receive my results?

Additional charges apply for express delivery times:

• 1-Potability (microbiology): 2 or 3 business days
• 2-Health: 5 business days
• 3-Aesthetics: 5 business days
• 6-Overview: 5 working days
• Metals: 5 business days