Imagine a Day Without Water

Water plays an essential role in nearly everything we do in our daily lives. From making coffee when we wake up to getting ready for bed at night, we depend on water for countless everyday tasks. It helps us prepare food, clean our dishes and homes, and maintain our yards and gardens. Beyond these necessities, water also gives us opportunities to unwind – whether through a cool shower on a warm day or a relaxing soak in a spa.

Water is essential, but because it is available whenever we turn on the tap, it can be easy to take for granted. That’s why water providers across the country take time annually to recognize Imagine a Day Without Water, this year on October 15.

Safe

Providing safe drinking water is a fundamental part of a water provider’s responsibilities. At Desert Water Agency (DWA), we test more than 2,500 water samples each year to make sure the water is safe to use. All water agencies in California must meet federal and state water quality regulations. California has some of the strictest water standards in the world.

Local water agencies share their water quality information with the public in an annual Water Quality Report, so customers can understand what is being tested and how their water is being monitored. Check your local water provider’s website for information on water quality in your area.

Reliable

Reliable water service requires constant planning, maintenance and investment. Your local water provider is dedicated to keeping the system that delivers your water operational.

For example, at DWA, we manage infrastructure that provides water to approximately 24,000 active services, including reservoirs, 27 active wells, and more than 425 miles of pipeline. Right now, we are actively replacing aging pipelines to improve reliability, reduce water loss and decrease repair costs.

In addition to dependable delivery systems, reliability also means preparing for conditions that may affect water supplies in the future.

Sustainable

Through a variety of long-term water management practices, conservation programs and collaborations like CV Water Counts, the region’s water agencies work together to help ensure a sustainable water supply for generations to come. These efforts include importing water to the groundwater basin to replenish what we use. Even with these strategies, community conservation plays a key role in the Coachella Valley’s water future.

Now, imagine a day without water. No drinking water. No showers. No clean dishes. No thriving communities.

It’s hard to imagine – and that’s the point.

Water touches nearly every part of our lives. Let’s take a moment to recognize its value and consider what we can do today to help protect it for tomorrow.