The Value of Water Coalition organized a nationwide day of education and action regarding the U.S. water infrastructure crisis. On Sept. 15, 2016, local utilities, research institutions, schools, restaurants and more are collaborating for Imagine a Day Without Water.
More than 200 organizations have signed up for the movement. These organizations will raise awareness about the value of water and the need for investment in water infrastructure.
Participating organizations will host events, promote social media campaigns, pass resolutions with mayors or city councils, and engage in other activities to educate the public and stakeholders. A petition will also be presented to elected officials and candidates calling for increased funding for water infrastructure.
“This national day of action is educating public officials and engaging citizens about the essential role water plays in our lives, and the threat that aging and underfunded water infrastructure poses to our communities and economy” said Radhika Fox, CEO for the U.S. Water Alliance and director for the Value of Water Coalition.
“Most people can take for granted that when the turn on the tap, or flush the toilet, water systems functions exactly as they are supposed to. But the systems that provide critical water and wastewater services are aging, and we need to take action before it gets worse. Because a day without water is nothing short of a crisis.”
Each community faces distinct challenges and will require locally crafted solutions to solve its biggest water problems. In some communities, families and businesses have already experienced the struggle of a day without water. Imagine A Day Without Water tells their stories, as well as the stories of innovative solutions to the nation’s water challenges.
Many of the nation’s largest water systems were built in the 1800s or early 1900s and are showing the effects of wear. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the U.S. drinking water and wastewater infrastructure a grade “D.” Without further investments, these systems will experience more frequent failures and disruptions as they try to maintain the needs of modern metropolises and rural and agricultural areas.
A list of participating organizations can be found at the Imagine a Day Without Water website here. For more information about events and participating organizations, please contact [email protected].
Source: Value of Water Coalition
