(Kansas City, Mo.) – Today KC Water announced its participation in the national advocacy and educational event, Imagine a Day Without Water. Across the country, organizations, elected officials, corporations, environmental advocates, and more are joining together to educate people about how water is essential, the challenges facing water and wastewater systems, and the need for investment.
Many people take water service for granted. Clean, safe, reliable, and affordable water comes out of the tap and flows down the drain without a second thought. But, the massive infrastructure, much of it underground, which brings water to homes and businesses, takes it away, and treats it, is aging.
A water main breaks somewhere in the U.S. every two minutes. Most pipes have an average life expectancy of 50 years, but in many major cities, water pipes are more than 100 years old. Communities cannot afford to go a day without water if those systems reach their breaking points.
“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 are thrilled that KC Water is joining Imagine a Day Without Water. The truth is, of course, we can’t go a day without water. For homes, that would mean no water to take a shower, make coffee, clean, do laundry, or flush the toilet. For businesses from restaurants to manufacturing plants, water is essential to daily operations,” said Radhika Fox, Director of the Value of Water Coalition. “During Imagine a Day Without Water, we’re speaking with one voice across the nation about how water is essential, invaluable, and needs investment.”
From October 6-8, groups are hosting events, elected officials are issuing proclamations and resolutions, water advocates are spreading the message over social media, and everyone from schools to aquariums are joining in the effort. Everyone participating in Imagine a Day Without Water is coming together to educate the nation that water is essential and that we must invest in it for future generations.
More information about Imagine a Day Without Water can be found here: http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org/
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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