The Quebec Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks recommends that artesian well owners have their water quality tested every fall and spring to avoid several common problems.¹ “When the snow melts, for example, the ground is saturated and its filtering capacity is reduced,” explains Jérôme Guimont, co-owner of Culligan Québec. This is just one of several factors that can affect water quality. Here’s an overview of the various problems affecting well water, as well as the solutions available to address them.
Common Problems
Yellowish or tea-colored water
This unusual discoloration, accompanied by an earthy odor, is caused by decomposing plant matter carried by melting snow. Shallow or leaky wells are particularly at risk. “The problem is generally limited to a change in taste, but the organic matter can also feed bacteria that are harmful to health,” says Eric Roy, Ph.D. in chemistry and scientific director at Culligan International.
Water that leaves brownish or reddish stains
When exposed to oxygen, iron and manganese deposits—which are sometimes present in well water—can oxidize and become insoluble. The water then takes on a metallic taste, can damage plumbing, and may even cause serious health problems. “Health Canada considers that, at high levels, manganese poses a neurotoxic risk to young children,”2 continues Eric Roy.
Eric Roy, Chief Scientific Officer, Culligan International
Water that smells like rotten eggs
Water that gives off this unpleasant odor contains hydrogen sulfide, a gas that forms in oxygen-deprived environments. “For most residential wells, the concentration is low, and it remains a minor nuisance,” explains Mr. Roy. “However, sometimes this problem is persistent and worsens to the point of filling the entire house with a foul odor.”
Water with an aftertaste
Residential artesian wells are not treated with chlorine, unlike municipal water systems. Bacteria can therefore seep into a system that is not properly sealed or that is overloaded by snowmelt and multiply, especially in hot weather. Microbes can attach themselves to the inside walls of pipes and form a biofilm, a thin, slimy layer. “Some bacteria alter the taste and smell of the water, but others, including coliforms, can cause illness,” explains Eric Roy.
The solutions
Visual inspection
Every spring, homeowners should inspect the wellhead—that is, the visible part of the well system. “The cover must extend above ground level, be properly sealed, and be surrounded by a downward slope to prevent water from pooling,” says Mr. Roy.
Well Water Testing
Culligan Québec can perform a free preliminary water analysis in-store or at your home. “A water test provides, in a way, a snapshot of the well’s condition at a specific point in time,” explains Jérôme Guimont. This initial analysis assesses whether the concentration of various minerals and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water, as well as its alkalinity, meets the standards.
In-depth analyses conducted in certified laboratories are also available to detect the presence of bacteria, nitrates, pesticides, PFAS3, arsenic, and other contaminants that could make the water unfit for consumption.
Custom Water Treatment System
Although there are various chemical treatments available for well water, these provide only a temporary solution and do not address the root cause of the problem. Jérôme Guimont instead recommends installing equipment tailored to the results of water analysis. These custom systems typically include:
➭ An ultraviolet (UV) lamp to continuously sterilize well water and control bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet rays.
➭ A water softener paired with various water filters to treat common problems related to hardness, iron, and sulfur.
➭ Reverse osmosis systems built into faucets that improve the smell and taste of water while purifying it of more than 70 contaminants, including microplastics, arsenic, and PFAS.
These devices are designed to work together as a single unit and serve complementary functions. For example, without a filter, iron oxide deposits could stain the UV lamp and interfere with its proper operation.
“Every well is different, and so is the quality of its water; therefore, the solution proposed by our team of specialists is always tailored to the needs and preferences of each homeowner,” emphasizes Jérôme Guimont.
1 https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/eau/potable/depliant/index.htm
2 https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/sante-environnement-milieu-travail/rapports-publications/qualite-eau/manganese-dans-eau-potable.html
3 From the English term “perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances,” used to refer to perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances
This article has been reprinted with the publisher’s permission. The original article, titled « Puits artésiens : les problèmes courants (et leurs solutions) » was published on April 7, 2026, on the La Presse website.
