Press Release

PUC Joins 7th Annual “Imagine a Day Without Water” to Raise Water Awareness

Published on 10/21/2021

Filed under: Consumer Education Water and Wastewater

Nationwide day of education, advocacy on value of water is Oct. 21

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is joining elected officials, water utilities, community leaders, educators, and businesses from across the country on Thursday, October 21, as part of the seventh annual "Imagine a Day Without Water," a nationwide day of education and advocacy about the value of water.

Led by the Value of Water Campaign, the PUC joins more than a thousand organizations across the country today to raise awareness about the role of water infrastructure in our lives and the importance of investment.

“This national day of action educates our neighbors and public officials about the essential role water plays in all of our lives,” said PUC Commissioner Ralph V. Yanora. “The focus of this year’s campaign is to invite people to learn more about where our water comes from and where our wastewater goes.”

“We’re grateful to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for being a part of this year’s Imagine a Day Without Water,” said Oluwole (OJ) McFoy, Board Chair of the US Water Alliance. “Raising awareness about the state of water infrastructure is a crucial step to ensuring water systems keep flowing for generations to come. Even though we cannot see the pipes and sewers beneath our feet, water cannot be taken for granted. High-quality water service is a critical part of every thriving community. Today we encourage everyone to take a minute to learn more about their local water system, where their drinking water comes from and where their wastewater goes.”

“Imagine a Day Without Water” was envisioned as an advocacy and education day that asked Americans to think about what it would mean to go without water for a day. There are already two million Americans living without water service, and with the stress of climate change and the challenges of maintaining water infrastructure that is a century old in some places, there is growing concern about the stability of water supplies and service.

According to the 2021 Value of Water Index, 83% of Americans said ensuring a stable supply of water should be a top federal priority. They also ranked addressing water contamination and investing in infrastructure as top priorities.  Learn more at imagineadaywithoutwater.org and follow the conversation on social media at #ValueWater.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov