'Imagine a Day Without Water'

On Sept. 15, 500 organizations across the country, and thousands of individuals, participated in Imagine a Day without Water. The Value of Water Coalition conceived the event to raise awareness about the severe challenges facing water systems from coast to coast.

Communities that have faced severe water challenges, from drought to toxic algae blooms to tainted water supplies, know that we can no longer take that water service for granted.

Across the country on September 15, organizations hosted a variety of events to shine a spotlight on water in their communities. Water utilities opened their doors and invited the public in for tours of their facilities. Some organizations hosted beer tasting events to showcase recycled water. Schools taught a water-focused curriculum. There were rain barrel giveaways and partnerships with local businesses, like coffee shops, that rely on water.

"I am thrilled with the breadth of groups who are joining the Imagine a Day Without Water effort. While the water challenges we face are vast – aging infrastructure, water quality issues, drought, and more – our capacity for innovation is greater,” said Radhika Fox, Director of the Value of Water Coalition and CEO of the US Water Alliance.

“We have the solutions we need to solve our water problems, but it isn't going to be easy or free. We need public officials, the private sector, and communities to stand up and prioritize investment in water systems. Because no community should ever have to go a day without water," she said.

See a list of participating organizations here. Watch the official Imagine a Day without Water video here. And view the petition that demands public officials prioritize investment in water systems here.