Imagine a city without the lifeblood that flows through its veins.
Hospitals would face a crisis as sanitation becomes impossible. Restaurants would shut down, unable to prepare food hygienically. Schools would close their doors, fearing the spread of disease without proper handwashing. While hypothetical, this scenario paints a stark picture of the reality faced by millions around the globe.
"Imagine a Day Without Water" reminds us that access to clean, safe water is not a luxury, but a necessity for our health, safety, and very way of life. It’s a sad fact that the simple act of turning on a faucet, something we often take for granted, could easily become a luxury.
National Day of Action
Imagine a Day Without Water, a national day of action on Oct. 17, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Join us as we raise awareness and act for a more equitable and sustainable water future. Raleigh Water uses this day to celebrate its vital role in securing this vital resource.
More than 630,000 residents in the City of Raleigh as well as the neighboring towns of Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon rely on the department's dedication to providing clean drinking water. We manage infrastructure, operate state-of-the-art water treatment plants, and constantly strive for sustainability.
But individual responsibility plays a crucial role, too. Every drop counts. "Imagine a Day Without Water" highlights simple conservation techniques: shorter showers, fixing leaks, and collecting rainwater for outdoor use. These small changes can make a big difference.
We're incredibly grateful for the dedication and expertise of our plant operators, water distribution teams, wastewater treatment professionals, customer care representatives, and meter technicians.
Water Security
Imagine a Day Without Water isn't just about hypothetical scenarios. North Carolina has experienced its share of water-related crises, including the severe drought of 2007 and hurricanes Florence and Matthew in 2018 and 2016, respectively. These events caused widespread flooding, contaminated water supplies, damaged infrastructure, and necessitated increased water conservation efforts. These crises serve as stark reminders of the fragility of our water resources and the importance of preparedness.
Raleigh Water has been at the forefront of responding to these crises, working tirelessly to restore water service and ensure public health. Through lessons learned from these events, the department has strengthened its emergency response capabilities and implemented measures to improve resilience.
Despite our best efforts, unforeseen challenges can arise. We're incredibly grateful for the dedication and expertise of our plant operators, water distribution teams, wastewater treatment professionals, customer care representatives, and meter technicians. Their tireless work ensures a continuous supply of clean water, safe wastewater treatment, and exceptional customer service for our community.
To address this issue, Raleigh Water has dedicated over half of its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget to infrastructure upgrades. This ongoing investment demonstrates our commitment to building a resilient and sustainable water system.
"Imagine a Day Without Water" is a powerful reminder. Let's transform this hypothetical scenario into a call to action. By appreciating the value of water, practicing conservation, and supporting your local water department, we can all ensure a future where clean water flows freely for all.
How You Can Help
Contribute to our community:
• Project Share Program: Help those in need by contributing to this initiative. Contact City of Raleigh Customer Care or call 919-996-3245.
Receive support:
• Utility Customer Assistance Program (UCAP): Apply for financial assistance to help cover your water bill. Contact Customer Care or call 919-996-3245.
Help protect our environment:
• Raleigh Rainwater Rewards Program: Earn incentives for installing green stormwater infrastructure. Contact Raleigh Stormwater to learn more.
Stay connected:
• Follow Us! Stay updated on events and opportunities by following @Raleigh_Water on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Facebook.
