By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Richmond is taking proactive steps to protect its drinking water sources with a new five-year plan aimed at preventing contamination. The initiative, backed by a $29,750 grant from the provincial government, ensures the town meets updated environmental regulations while safeguarding its underground water supply.
“The goal of the grant was to develop a plan to protect our potable water sources,” said Richmond Directeur général et greffier-trésorier Rémi-Mario Mayette in a recent interview. “We have three municipal wells located in the canton, and we need to make sure they remain uncontaminated. That means keeping chemicals, agricultural activity, and other potential pollutants away.”
According to a press release, Richmond sources its drinking water from underground wells rather than surface water, making contamination prevention crucial. The plan includes measures such as monitoring activities near the wells, limiting industrial and agricultural use in designated protection zones, and working with stakeholders like the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) to mitigate risks from road salt. Specific objectives include sealing or elevating wellheads above the 100-year flood line, tracking nearby road activity, and implementing well protection measures. Richmond is also aiming to reduce per capita water consumption to align with provincial averages and has assessed risks associated with activities within the protection zones.
“There’s a railway in the area as well, so we need to ensure the railway company is aware of our concerns,” Mayette explained. “If there were a spill or accident near the wells, we’d need to be notified immediately to prevent any impact on our water supply.”
The plan is a response to new government regulations rather than any immediate threat. “This isn’t because we’re facing a crisis,” Mayette clarified. “It’s a precautionary measure to ensure we don’t face issues in the future. There are some risks—like nearby agriculture, the railway, and road salt—but nothing alarming at this time. A quarry is also located just outside the protection zone, though it does not pose an immediate concern.”
Beyond setting up protective measures, Richmond’s plan also involves raising awareness among residents and property owners near the wells. “There are only five or six property owners directly affected, and they’re already aware of the importance of water protection. This plan just strengthens that awareness,” Mayette noted.
As part of the broader effort, Richmond is working with the municipality of Cleveland to ensure protection measures are incorporated into zoning regulations. “We’ve sent the plan to Cleveland so they can integrate it into their land-use planning,” Mayette said. The MRC is also involved in reviewing and implementing aspects of the plan.
The initiative was developed with support from hydrogeologists who previously worked on Richmond’s third well in 2017-2018. Their expertise helped shape the protection strategy, ensuring long-term water security for the town.
“This is about long-term protection,” Mayette emphasized. “An accident can happen anytime, whether it’s a train derailment or a chemical spill. What we can do is minimize risks and ensure our water remains safe for the 3,400 residents who rely on it.”