74 km of shoreline, no town water
The MRC de Papineau puts Lac Simon's shoreline at 74 km. That represents a large number of waterfront properties. Quebec's environment ministry lists no municipal water system for Lac-Simon, so the water comes from each property's own well. When a pump stops working, the property has no water. Our wells and pumps page covers what to check before you call.
Municipal sludge measurement
The Municipality of Lac-Simon monitors the septic tanks on its territory. Every summer someone hired by the municipality measures the scum and sludge in the tanks on its territory (sealed holding tanks excepted) and does a visual check. When a tank needs pumping, a company under contract with the town does it.
If the municipality considers that a system is no longer working properly, it sends the owner a notice. It can require an inspection by a professional, or a replacement. Replacing means a site study signed by a professional and a permit. We then handle the excavation and installation: see septic systems.
On Île du Canard Blanc the tanks are sealed holding tanks. Owners have to contact the municipality every year to book a pump-out date.
Digging near the water
Sixteen lakes in Lac-Simon have official names, Lac Barrière and Lac Lafontaine among them. Near a lake, the shoreline buffer is regulated by the town, so we check the permits before bringing in any equipment (excavation). For a cottage that stays closed in winter, see our thawing and heat cable page.