Water is not just a resource, but a lifeline. Still, it is often taken for granted
Imagine A Day Without Water, a national day of action, aims to highlight the significance of water in our daily lives and draw attention to the urgent need for investment in water infrastructure.
Christy Harowski, Director at the Value of Water Campaign, emphasized the importance of this day and the challenges faced by millions of Americans who lack access to adequate and safe drinking water.
"For more than two million Americans, living a day without water is a harsh reality," Harowski stressed. "Water is not just a resource, it is a lifeline for us... It takes people, and it takes working infrastructure to deliver it equitably."
Communities of color and low-income communities are particularly affected, as they are more likely to lack access to safe drinking water and have inadequate indoor plumbing.
Moreover, recent severe weather events have ravaged water systems across the country, resulting in the need for significant investment in repair and replacement.
To address these challenges, Harowski acknowledged the federal government's recent investments in water projects through the bipartisan infrastructure law.
"About $50 billion was included in the bipartisan infrastructure law for water projects such as replacing lead service lines or aging water mains," Harowski said.
However, she emphasized that this funding is only a drop in the bucket, and it is crucial for citizens to advocate for water investment and funding at various levels.
As part of the national day of action, Harowski encouraged listeners to engage in the conversation. She urged them to share information about Imagine A Day Without Water with their networks and to use the hashtag #ImagineADayWithoutWater on social media platforms.
Moreover, she suggested that individuals take a moment to learn about their local water challenges and solutions by visiting the websites of their local water utilities.
For more information about Imagine A Day Without Water and ways to support water funding, visit imagineadaywithoutwater.org.
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