RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing “Imagine a Day Without Water”
Body
WHEREAS, this year will be the 10th anniversary of the observance of “Imagine a Day Without Water”, which will be held on October 17, 2024. This national day of advocacy emphasizes the critical importance of reliable access to clean water and the investment in infrastructure that is necessary to protect this irreplaceable resource; and
WHEREAS, access to water affects every aspect of our daily lives, from making a cup of coffee, to buying produce at the store, and taking a shower at home. The average American uses 100 gallons of water per day, often without considering the infrastructure required to maintain access to safe and clean water; and
WHEREAS, the increasing effects of climate change have elevated water crises, including contaminated water, drought, and flooding, and demonstrates the devastating repercussions that result from limited access to clean water. It is believed that in the United States alone, over 2,000,000 people do not have access to water and wastewater services; and
WHEREAS, water industries are struggling to find solutions to aging infrastructure and lack adequate funding to maintain and upgrade their systems. In fact, much of the infrastructure in the United States is more than 100 years old. As such, it is estimated that every two minutes, a water main breaks; and
WHEREAS, managing water responsibly is critical to sustaining the wellness and viability of the Earth, and investing in drinking water and wastewater systems supports an optimistic and prosperous future for subsequent generations. In a study done by the US Water Alliance, it was estimated that the 2024 water investment gap is currently $91 billion; and
WHEREAS, innovation and research in the fields of water conservation and reuse stimulates job growth and economic development. It is estimated that every job created in the water industry contributes to 3.68 jobs being created in the national economy and that every dollar spent on infrastructure improvements generates $6 in profits; and
WHEREAS, access to clean water varies by community and therefore it is critical that the solution to alleviating the strain on water systems be rooted in the needs of each individual community. Understanding and appreciating the value of water is at the core of resolving the current water predicament; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) proudly serves the people and industries of Cook County, treating wastewater and managing stormwater. The District plays a critical role in protecting Lake Michigan, the drinking water source for numerous municipalities in the Chicagoland area; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize “Imagine a Day Without Water”; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: October 17, 2024