An extensive study of Quebec's infrastructure estimates it would cost five times the price of the new Champlain bridge just to fix up the dilapidated water and sewer lines in the province.
A report sanctioned by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs says it would cost 25 billion dollars to replace the nearly 10,000 km of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure classified in poor condition around Quebec.
This is based on a study of 100 municipalities and extrapolated to the rest of Quebec, but a full study of Quebec municipalities will be completed by the end of the year.
The average age of water lines in Quebec is 43 year old, according to the report.
The amount of piping in poor condition in Quebec, if stretched end to end, would reach the Ivory Coast in Africa from Montreal. It is also about a quarter the length of the Equator.