The sixth annual ‘Imagine a Day Without Water,’ advocacy day is returning this Wednesday, Oct. 21, with likely thousands of individuals, companies and organizations expected to take part in highlighting the importance of water and the need for investment.
Imagine a Day Without Water is a national education campaign that takes place one day a year and brings together diverse stakeholders to illustrate how water is essential, invaluable and in need of investment. This year, the day of action will include events, resolutions, student contests, social media engagement, and more, all across the country. The campaign also aims to connect elected officials, drinking water and wastewater providers, community leaders, business and labor groups, policy experts, advocacy organizations and infrastructure experts to promote the value of water.
Since water infrastructure is largely invisible, it’s out of sight, out of mind for most people. While nature provides water, it takes pipes, pumps, equipment, and people working 24/7 to deliver clean water to homes and businesses, and then remove and treat wastewater so it can safely be reused or returned to the environment.
Imagine a Day Without Water was created by the Value of Water Campaign, administered by the US Water Alliance. The campaign first launched in 2015 and has expanded its reach every year since. In 2019, social media activities throughout the day generated nearly 10 million impressions using #ValueWater and #ImagineADayWithoutWater. In addition, at least 35 proclamations and resolutions were issued from across the political spectrum, including participation from 27 mayors, several congressional representatives and the governors of Tennessee and West Virginia.
The campaign encourages creativity as participants share interesting statistics on social media highlighting the value of water, articles, original videos (see a great example from Garney Construction above!) and more to help spread the word. Visit imagineadaywithoutwater.org to lean how you can get involved and ideas for how you can participate.
The Value of Water Campaign on will also host on Oct. 21, a National Forum to commemorate the 6th annual Imagine A Day Without Water. The forum will feature several speakers including water leaders from across the country who will discuss critical water issues, innovative policies and investments. Click here for more information on the National Forum and to register.
According to a recent study by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Value of Water Campaign, the funding gap for water and water infrastructure is growing daily and is currently at $81 billion.
Learn more at imagineadaywithoutwater.org.
