IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER

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 Can You Really Imagine A Day Without Water?

Water Connects Every Part of Our Lives

October 15, 2026 is the day to Imagine a Day Without Water. 

Imagine a Day Without Water is part of the U.S. Water Alliance's Value of Water campaign, inspiring Americans to appreciate our water and the need for investment.

Every year, Imagine a Day Without Water reminds us to think about how important water is to our everyday activities--by seeing what life would be without it. 

But can we really imagine this? I believe it's difficult, at least for most of us in the U.S.

Just think. . . no morning shower. No coffee. No flushing (oh, no)!

Dehydration. Illness (no handwashing). No clean dishes or laundry. 

Businesses and industries have to shut down. Schools have to close. 

No hospitals. No water to fight fires.

Water is Critical - But Almost Invisible

Daytona Beach Water Treatment Plant
Daytona Beach Water Treatment Facility - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak
While water is critical to our life, we hardly notice it unless something goes wrong.

Water treatment facilities are often out of sight in outlying areas. Water distribution systems are underground.

We turn on the tap, the washing machine, the dishwasher or the hose and expect the water to flow. 

Behind the scenes are millions of dollars of technology and sophisticated infrastructure.

There's also a team of professionals that keep treatment plants, pumps, and pipes working properly to provide clean water to every tap--and to transport and treat the wastewater we produce.

How to Participate - Imagine a Day Without Water

No - you don't have to turn off your water service to participate! But there may be some fun and educational activities.

Check with your local utility. Some are offering treatment plant tours, games or have learning centers.

Charlotte County Utility - Imagine a Day Without Water Family Fun DayFor instance the Charlotte County Utilities Department is hosting a Family Fun Day on October 12 featuring slides, games, touch-a-truck, free drinks and snacks.

Also, the Imagine a Day Without Water website has printable activity sheets, coloring sheets and water worksheets for kids. 

If nothing else, take a few minutes to really think about what life would be like without our easy access to water. 

Also, Consider Those Who Must Walk for Water

Even in the U.S., and especially in other countries, millions of people do not have access to clean water. 

I've been working with Global Water Works (GWW) for the last six years. In addition to promoting water technology, and highlighting the next generation and women in water, GWW has been installing rainwater harvesting systems in Africa. 
Celebrating the Rainwater Harvesting System in Kenya - Global Water Works
These are ARSCA designed systems for communities. They provide access to clean drinking water for those that have previously had to walk long distances to get water from a dirty river. Local labor is used to help with installation, and training is provided to ensure the system continues to work properly. 

GWW is not a huge company. In fact, the African Water Projects are completed with a few experts and  local labor. In the last several years, 27 communities now have access to clean water from a tap.


If you have the opportunity, whether here in the U.S. or abroad, to provide someone with clean water - please take it.

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