The majority of Canadians are unaware of the condition of water systems outside their own homes, according to the Royal Bank of Canada’s 2015 Canadian Water Attitudes Survey.

The annual report polled a sample of more than 2,000 Canadians across the country from various backgrounds and age groups.

Although 54 per cent of Canadians understand the condition of water pipes in their own homes, results show a majority at 64 per cent lack of knowledge of storm water systems, sewage systems managing waste water and treatment plants servicing communities.

Other findings show only half of all Canadians are wary about pollution of water infrastructure due to agricultural runoff, a statistic that mirrors other results such as, only one in ten Canadians think water systems need major upgrades.

Such conditions garner more concern in Winnipeg where people believe major investments are needed, whereas other regions like Vancouver and Calgary are on the opposing side, supporting only minor investments for upkeep purposes.

At the same time, more than a third of Canadians are willing to pay more taxes for these upgrades based on safety reasons.

In terms of government funding, the majority place the most priority on drinking water, which is still behind hospitals, but more important than roadways, schools the production of green energy, public transit and extreme weather recovery.

Further information on these findings can be accessed in the RBC report.