Around our country, people care deeply about water—regardless of how we may be divided in other ways. Water is a rare topic that has the power to unify us through shared experience, from its power to hydrate us, drive our industries, and create foundations for recreational and community gatherings. These days, we are experiencing water in our daily lives like never before. Be it from extreme weather or failing pipes, no corner of the nation has escaped the impacts of our changing climate and aging infrastructure.

The data supports our collective attitude on the subject: according to the 2024 Value of Water Index, 88 percent of Americans across political parties rank access to safe and clean water as a top-three voter issue alongside reducing inflation and strengthening the economy. Indeed, water has historically been a nonpartisan issue, and it largely remains that way. It’s one of the only topics on which voters across the political spectrum align on funding needs and priorities.

Yet, we have failed to invest in water as though our lives depend on it. Like many good things, we tend to take water for granted. It’s out of sight and out of mind, delivered to and removed from our homes in underground pipes and appearing on demand when we turn on the tap.

Imagine a Day Without Water is a National Day of Action designed to change that. And over the last 10 years, people across the country have rallied to raise awareness about our most essential resource. Each of those drops in the bucket, combined with the efforts of water advocates and sector leaders, drove major progress: $55 billion of federal investment in water through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; the first national program to remove lead from drinking water lines; and the creation of coordinated centers across the country to help connect communities in need with available funding for water projects.

There is more to be done. The influx of federal funds, while worthy of celebration, is but a down payment for the nearly two trillion dollars of investment still needed to improve our nation’s water infrastructure. There remain more than two million Americans who do not have reliable access to drinking water or wastewater services. And a water main breaks every two minutes somewhere in this country. But a healthy water future is within our reach if we can collectively learn the true value of water in our lives.

Today, each one of us can help build an unstoppable movement in support of water. By participating in the tenth anniversary of Imagine a Day Without Water, we can raise the level of awareness that will drive action and, ultimately, investment. On October 17, take a moment to consider what your day might look like without a shower, a coffee, or a working bathroom. Then visit imagineadaywithoutwater.org to find out how you can add your drop to the bucket.

Learn more about Eden's water system by contacting Utilities Manager Melinda Ward at 336-627-1009.