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KC Water Joins National “Imagine a Day Without Water” Campaign

Posted on September 12, 2016

(Kansas City, Mo.) – This week, KC Water joins elected officials, drinking water and wastewater providers, community leaders, business and labor groups, policy experts, advocacy organizations, and infrastructure experts participating in Imagine a Day Without Water. Thursday, September 15th is a national day of action to educate the public about the water infrastructure crisis currently facing the United States.

Frequently, public attention on infrastructure typically focuses on the things we see every day, like roads, bridges, and tunnels. Yet the hidden infrastructure that reliably brings clean water to homes and businesses is showing the effects of a century, or more, of running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A water main breaks somewhere in America every two minutes. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave a grade of “D” to our drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Without further investments, these systems will experience more frequent failures and disruptions as they try to keep up with the needs of both the modern metropolises and rural and agricultural areas they serve.

“Safe and reliable drinking water is an essential part of a healthy community and a resource we often take for granted,” said KC Water Director Terry Leeds. “While we often overlook the treatment plant, pump stations, and 2,800 miles of underground pipe that deliver water right to our taps, this is an intricate system that makes almost everything we do on a daily basis possible. This week is an important time to remember the vital role water plays in our daily lives.”

“We’re thrilled that KC Water is joining Imagine a Day Without Water,” said Radhika Fox, CEO of the US Water Alliance and Director of the Value of Water Coalition. “Most people can take for granted that when they turn on the tap, or flush the toilet, water systems functions exactly as they are supposed to. But the systems that provide critical water and wastewater services are aging, and we need to take action before it gets worse. Because a day without water is nothing short of a crisis.”

More information about Imagine a Day Without Water can be found here: http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org/

The Value of Water Coalition is a group of thirty water and wastewater providers, water-reliant businesses, and policy organizations dedicated to educating and inspiring the nation about how water is essential and in need of investment. The Value of Water Coalition is coordinated by the US Water Alliance, a national non-profit dedicated to securing a sustainable water future for all.

For more information, please contact Brooke Givens, Media Relations Coordinator, at brooke.givens@kcmo.org or 816.513.0284.

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KC Water maintains and operates water treatment and distribution systems, stormwater management systems, and wastewater collection and treatment systems for residential and business customers in Kansas City and for wholesale customers in the Kansas City area. KC Water is primarily funded by fees charged to customers based on their use or impacts on the three utility systems.

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