WASD highlights the importance of upgrading Miami-Dade’s critical water infrastructure on Imagine a Day Without Water

On October 15, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) commemorates Imagine a Day Without Water, an annual campaign that highlights the importance of reliable water service and the critical infrastructure needed to keep it flowing.

Since 2015, the Imagine a Day Without Water movement has encouraged individuals, communities and organizations to reflect on the essential role water plays in daily life and the consequences of losing access to this critical service. The campaign is organized by the U.S. Water Alliance as part of its Value of Water campaign, which advocates for continued investment in America’s water infrastructure.

“Here in Miami-Dade County, water shapes how we live,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Behind the reliability we count on every day are dedicated professionals and critical infrastructure that support our community’s health and economy. As your Water Warrior, I’m proud to champion that work and protect this precious resource for generations to come.”

Maintaining a reliable and sustainable water and wastewater service requires ongoing investment in treatment facilities, pipelines, pump stations and other critical infrastructure. The U.S. Water Alliance estimates that approximately 1.7 trillion gallons of drinking water are lost nationwide each year due to faulty, aging or leaking pipes. Investing in water infrastructure helps protect public health, support a thriving economy and ensure communities can continue to depend on these essential services.

“Our responsibility is to make decisions today that support the continuous delivery of services for generations to come,” said WASD Director Jay J. Fink, P.E. “That means investing in our infrastructure, protecting the environment, preparing for future water needs and keeping services affordable for our customers. It takes all these efforts working together to build a resilient water future for Miami-Dade County.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, water and sewer services are considered affordable when a customer spends less than 2.5 percent of their median household income on the bill. Miami-Dade retail customers currently pay less than 1 percent for WASD services.

Preparing for the future also means using water efficiently. WASD’s Comprehensive Conservation Program, established in 2007, includes indoor and outdoor rebate programs, a free showerhead exchange program, leak detection tools, legislative efforts, and ongoing education and outreach for residents, businesses and visitors.

Through these conservation efforts and other department initiatives, water demand has declined by approximately nine million gallons per day over the past 18 years, even as the County’s population has grown. During that same period, average per capita water use has decreased by 14 gallons per day, from 153 to 139 gallons per day.

Residents can help protect Miami-Dade’s water resources by using water wisely, repairing leaks, following landscape irrigation guidelines and taking advantage of available water conservation programs.

Imagine a Day Without Water serves as a reminder that reliable water service does not happen by chance. It takes skilled professionals, well-maintained infrastructure, responsible water use and continued investment to ensure that Miami-Dade’s residents, businesses and visitors can continue to depend on this essential service every day.

For more information about WASD and the Department’s water conservation programs, visit www.miamidade.gov/water.