Charleston – Today, representatives of the International Union Painters and Allied Trades District Council 53 joined elected officials, water utilities, community leaders, educators, and businesses representatives at the state Capitol as part of the 5th 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, 1,000 organizations across the country work to raise awareness about not taking water for granted and the crucial need for investment in our nation’s water systems.
“An investment in our drinking water and wastewater systems is essential to our national health, safety, environment, and economic prosperity,” said IUPAT Business Manager Dan Poling. “Clean water is life itself.”
In recognition of “Imagine a Day Without Water,” IUPAT held a press conference at the West Virginia State Capitol with representatives of agencies in the water and wastewater industry, along with legislators, including Kanawha Senators Glenn Jeffries and Corey Palumbo.
The senators presented a proclamation about the importance of clean water and infrastructure to representatives of the WV Water Development Authority and the WV Rural Water Association.
Turning on the tap for clean, safe drinking water, and flushing the toilet with no second though about what happens to wastewater, are actions most Americans take for granted every day. But drought, flooding, and population changes are stressing our water and wastewater systems. While most Americans enjoy reliable water service, our nation’s water infrastructure is aging and in need of investment. A day without water service is a public health and an economic disaster: a single nationwide day without water service would put $43.5 billion in economic activity at risk.
IUPAT 53 joined Imagine a Day Without Water to draw attention to West Virginia’s aging infrastructure and the consequences of a water outage.
“Our water systems are aged, dilapidated and in need of major investment,” said Brian Stanley, IUPAT Director of Organizing.
“We're thrilled that Charleston is a part of Imagine a Day Without Water,” said Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance and Director of the Value of Water Campaign. “This national day of action educates our neighbors and public officials about the essential role water plays in all of our lives.”
Imagine a Day Without Water is an opportunity for diverse organizations, from environmental advocates to coffee shops, aquariums to car washes, city halls to water utilities, to talk about what water is important to them. Over the past five years, it has provided a platform for educating the public and advocating for leaders to prioritize investing in water today, so in the future no American will have to imagine a day without water. Learn more at imagineadaywithoutwater.org and follow the conversation on social media at #ValueWater.
Other Media Contacts
Abigail Gardner |Value of Water Campaign Communications Director| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Imagine a Day Without Water began in 2015 as a project of The Value of Water Campaign. In 2018, more than 1,000 organizations signed up to participate in the annual day of advocacy and education.
The Value of Water Campaign educates and inspires the nation about how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Spearheaded by top leaders in the water industry, the Value of Water Campaign is building public and political will for investment in America's water infrastructure. Follow the Value of Water Campaign on Twitter and Facebook.