Victoriaville Secures Fifteenth Consecutive Five-Star Drinking Water Award
Victoriaville earned a 15th five-star drinking water rating and a three-star wastewater distinction, according to a report by Vingt55. The municipal water facility secured the recognition through an ongoing voluntary improvement program administered by Réseau Environnement. The city also directed 5.2 million dollars toward upgrading ozone and oxygen generators at the Hamel water plant.
Infrastructure Investments Modernize Hamel Plant Operations
The municipal administration dedicated 5.2 million dollars to replace the ozone and oxygen generators at the Hamel water plant over recent years. These equipment updates optimize treatment processes while reducing reliance on specific chemical agents. The city council views these capital projects as part of a long-term strategy to ensure facility reliability, longevity, and high performance.
“Obtaining this attestation 5-star for a 15th year is a great pride,” Vincent Bourassa, mayor of Victoriaville, stated in a municipal release cited by Vingt55. “This recognition reflects the professionalism, rigor and commitment of our teams who work tirelessly to guarantee top-quality drinking water to our population.”
Wastewater Management and Research Initiatives
Beyond drinking water production, the municipality collected a three-star rating, phase two, for its wastewater treatment operations for the fifth straight year. Vingt55 reported that this distinction marks the highest score awarded within that category for the current evaluation period.
Victoriaville is participating in collaborative research projects aimed at identifying and tracking emerging contaminants.
“This 15th 5-star attestation is the result of continuous improvement work,” Olivier Bergeron, city councillor and member of the Strategic Commission for Sustainable Development, told Vingt55. “Whether it is modernizing our equipment, participating in research projects, or anticipating new water-related issues, we make the choice of proactivity to offer the population an exemplary service.”
Drummondville Receives Two Regional Distinctions
Neighboring Drummondville also secured recognition in the 2025–2026 program cycle, earning two distinctions, which is one fewer than the previous year, according to Vingt55. The city received a three-star phase-two rating for wastewater treatment via aerated ponds, alongside a one-star phase-two rating through the Municipalité Écon’eau program for reducing drinking water consumption. In contrast to its 2024 results—which included a three-star drinking water award—Drummondville did not appear on the official recipient list for drinking water performance during the current cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Municipal Water Rankings
What criteria determine the five-star drinking water rating?
The rating relies on the evaluation of treatment results, including turbidity measurements that track suspended particles in the water, alongside indicators tied to disinfection and facility performance.
Does this voluntary distinction replace mandatory government inspections?
No. The five-star rating serves as a recognition of superior performance within a voluntary continuous improvement program and does not replace the mandatory regulatory controls required for all Quebec municipalities.
What inspired the evaluation framework used in Quebec?
The Drinking Water Treatment Excellence Program, administered by Réseau Environnement, stems from a North American initiative modeled after the Partnership for Safe Water developed by the American Water Works Association.