Imagine a day without water, a vital part of everyday life for most Americans. On October 16, the Iowa Utilities Commission joins utilities, community leaders, educators, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) in recognizing the 11th annual Imagine a Day Without Water nationwide observance. The day is dedicated to highlighting the value of water and the need for continued investment in our nation's water infrastructure.
Imagine a Day Without Water encourages consumers to consider how important water is and how it is used, from drinking to sanitation. The observance is organized by the Value of Water Campaign and aims to build awareness about the urgent need for reliable water systems and equitable access for all households, NARUC stated.
NARUC is "committed to advancing awareness and policy solutions that promote access, affordability and the long-term sustainability of water systems," it said in a news release.
"Water connects every home, every business, and every community," said NARUC President Tricia Pridemore of Georgia. "This observance reminds us that reliable access to clean, safe water should be guaranteed for everyone and that our work to support a strong water infrastructure across the nation must continue."
The 2025 Value of Water Index found that support for prioritizing reliable water access outranks all other key issues presented to voters; 96% of voters believe that water investment is critical for public health, and 95% believe it is important to community well-being. NARUC has consistently called on Congress to maintain and strengthen funding for programs that assist low-income households, including the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.
More information, including downloadable activities for children, is available through the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign.