The city of Montreal's water infrastructure is in an advanced state of disrepair after years of neglect. The city loses 40 percent of its water each year because of leaks and breaks in the water pipes. Sixty-seven percent of the system of water lines will have reached the end of its useful life span within 20 years; 33 percent has already done so. More over, water treatment plants must be upgraded to comply with provincial drinking water quality regulations.