Water networks are at the end of their rope

Réseaux d'eau désuets
In Quebec, the housing crisis has been raging for decades. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has only worsened. Numerous factors are directly linked to the crisis, including excessive demand for housing, soaring construction material prices and labor shortage. Despite these factors, a significant aspect of the crisis must be attributed to a less visible player: the outdated water infrastructure system.

Construction frozen in place

Across the province, many municipalities find their urban development plans frozen. In addition to all the issues mentioned above, the water systems are at their full capacity. In other words, the water infrastructures are in such a state that they cannot handle any further demand.

In a survey conducted in 2025 by the Union des Municipalités du Québec, 43 of the 139 participating municipalities reported being unable to begin construction projects due to their outdated infrastructures1.

Photo infra désuète
In La Prairie, housing construction has restarted, but under a royalty-based model. Rather than waiting for more investment from governments, the city charges developers a share of the infrastructure costs, which in turn increase prices for buyers. Opinion is divided on this method, since it avoids raising taxes for residents, but it also means that tenants of the new housing developments will pay more2. The question then arises: How can this problem be resolved?

Some solutions to the problem

According to the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation au Québec (APCHQ), certain solutions can be put in place quickly to curb the problem. The most important (and most expensive) is infrastructure upgrades3. This process involves the modernization of drinking water distribution systems and is funded by the Programme de transfert pour les infrastructures d’eau et collectives du Québec (TECQ). The funds allocated to municipalities through this program are intended for bringing drinking water networks up to standard, as well as for road maintenance.

Despite these funds, the estimated 2025 cost of $49 billion related to the replacement of water infrastructures remains very high4. The APCHQ also proposes the installation of closed-loop water systems, to save as much water as possible. Again, this process is costly and does not guarantee a quick solution to the problem. Finally, volumetric pricing was discussed. This pricing scheme would target the largest water consumers and encourage Quebecers not to overconsume their drinking water.

Photo surconsommation

Overconsumption is an issue

A large part of the premature wear and tear of Quebec's drinking water systems is due to excessive consumption. According to the latest data collected in 2023, an average Quebecer consumes 245 litres of water per day5. By comparison, the Canadian population, as a whole, consumes an average of 223 litres of water per person, per day, according to the 2021 Statistics Canada report6. This difference of 22 litres per person is equivalent to one full dishwasher wash cycle, per day7. This overuse of the networks leads to breakdowns that ultimately age and deteriorate the infrastructures.

In short, it is imperative to have good drinking water consumption habits to preserve our infrastructures. The construction of new housing relies on strong networks capable of adapting to demand.

To do your part as a citizen, a few simple actions can make a significant difference:

• Install a low-flow faucet on sinks and showers,
• Prioritize the use of front-load washing machines since they consume 50% less water than top-load washing machines7,
• Avoid the use of hot water when washing dishes,
• Take short showers and reduce baths.

References

1. https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2025-05-12/infrastructures-desuetes/l-eau-coule-l-essor-immobilier.php


2. https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/crise-de-l-habitation/la-construction-freinee-par-les-egouts-et-l-aqueduc/2025-02-25/infrastructures-de-l-eau/des-pistes-de-solution.php


3. 12 concrete solutions to combat the housing crisis in Quebec – Québec habitation


4. https://afg.quebec/actualites/nouvelles/crise-des-infrastructures-en-eau-liees-au-logement-mise-sur-pied-dun-groupe-tactique/


5. Quebec Drinking Water Conservation Strategy (QSWSS) 2019-2025 – 2023 Annual Report on Drinking Water Use in brief


6. The Human Factor | Is too much drinking water wasted?


7. https://www.quebec.ca/habitation-territoire/chauffage-consommation-energie/conseils-consommation-energie-maison/appareils-eclairage/eau-chaude

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