Importance of the soil test

  • Adapt the system to the land
  • Compliance with the law: requirement of regulation Q-2, r.22.
  • Prevent costly mistakes: a wrong choice leads to expensive corrective work.
  • Protect the environment: avoid contaminating Lanaudière’s rivers and groundwater.

Who is Soluo?

Soluo is a multidisciplinary team of 35 septic system experts, operating across all regions of Québec. Since 1995, the team has inspected, designed, and installed more than 500 septic systems every year.

Test de sol pour fosse septique - Soluo

Steps of the Soluo Soil Test

The first step of a soil test is to study the land configuration: the slope, distances between the house, the well, watercourses and property boundaries, and the presence of sensitive areas such as streams, marshes or wetlands.

In the Lanaudière region, the topography varies greatly: there are sloping terrains in the areas of Saint-Donat and Rawdon, wooded zones in Sainte-Béatrix or Chertsey, and flatter agricultural land near Joliette and Berthierville.

This analysis makes it possible to determine the ideal location for the septic system and ensure its compliance with municipal and environmental regulations.

The percolation test assesses the speed at which water infiltrates the soil. It is a crucial step to determine whether the land can accommodate a conventional system or whether a specialized system is required.

In Lanaudière, soil types vary greatly: the sandy soils of Saint-Côme and Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez allow rapid infiltration, while the more clayey soils near L’Assomption or Repentigny often require a suitable solution.

This test ensures that the future system will be efficient, durable and compliant with the requirements of Regulation Q-2, r.22.

Particle size analysis involves measuring the proportions of sand, silt and clay present in the soil.

This step is essential because a soil that is too compact or too fine will poorly filter wastewater. For example, the mountainous terrains of Saint-Donat often contain rocky soils, while those of Saint-Jean-de-Matha or Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci have a more mixed composition.

Thanks to this analysis, it is possible to design a system that respects the exact characteristics of the land.

Once the analyses are completed, a complete technical report is prepared and submitted to the relevant municipality (e.g. Rawdon, Saint-Côme, Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Joliette, Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie).

This report presents the collected data, test results and recommendations for the type of septic system to install.

It is required by municipalities before the installation permit is issued and complies with the standards of Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment.

Following the evaluation, personalized recommendations are provided based on the nature of the soil, the slope and the intended use of the property.

A cottage on the shores of Lake Archambault in Saint-Donat might require an advanced tertiary treatment system, while a house in Joliette could be well served by a conventional system with a drainage field.

The goal is to propose an ecological, efficient and durable solution perfectly adapted to the realities of the soil and climate of Lanaudière.

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Serviced areas

Our services cover the Lanaudière region and surrounding areas

We perform your soil tests in the main cities:

  • Joliette
  • Rawdon
  • Saint-Donat
  • Berthierville
  • Saint-Lin-Laurentides
  • L’Assomption
  • Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
  • Crabtree
  • Saint-Félix-de-Valois

FAQ

A complete soil test in the Lanaudière region usually takes between 1 and 2 hours on‑site, depending on site accessibility and terrain.

The official report submitted to the municipality is generally delivered within 5 to 10 business days.

For example, a clear lot in Joliette or Berthierville lends itself to a quick analysis, while a more rugged site in Rawdon, Saint-Côme or Sainte-Béatrix may require a little more time due to the terrain relief and soil variability.

Yes, the soil test is mandatory throughout Quebec, including in Lanaudière, before installing or replacing a septic tank.

The municipalities of the region such as Saint-Donat, Rawdon, Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Saint-Félix-de-Valois or Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie require an engineering or technologist report compliant with Regulation Q-2, r.22 before issuing a permit.

This step ensures that the future septic system will be safe, durable and environmentally friendly.

The cost of a soil test in the Lanaudière region averages between $1,250 and $1,500 for a complete service including:

  • the on‑site visit;
  • the percolation tests and soil sampling;
  • the particle size analysis in a laboratory;
  • and the writing of the technical report intended for the municipality.

This amount represents an essential investment to ensure the system’s compliance and avoid costly long‑term problems.

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