The Village of Masset’s drinking water system met federal and provincial guidelines in 2025, but aging infrastructure continues to pose long-term challenges.
According to the village’s annual water quality report, treated water remained within acceptable limits for most parameters, with regular testing confirming the system is safe for consumption.
However, the report notes that levels of disinfection byproducts known as trihalomethanes, or THMs, exceeded guideline levels at times during the year. THMs can form when chlorine reacts with organic material in the water and are monitored as part of routine testing.
While occasional exceedances are not uncommon in small systems, the report highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and system improvements to reduce long-term exposure.
A key issue identified in the report is the age of the distribution network. Approximately 21 per cent of Masset’s water system is still made up of asbestos-cement pipe, a material widely used in older infrastructure that is now being phased out.
The village continues to carry out repairs and upgrades as funding allows, with a focus on replacing older pipe sections and improving overall system reliability.
The report also points to the importance of maintaining treatment processes and infrastructure to ensure water quality remains consistent as the system ages.
No boil water advisories were issued during the reporting period.
