By Rebekah Eastep, Senior Environmental Education Planner
On October 16, 2025, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) joins communities nationwide in recognizing Imagine a Day Without Water, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the essential role water plays in every part of our lives.
Safe, reliable water systems are the foundation of strong communities. From homes and schools to hospitals, military commands, and businesses, nothing works without clean water and the people and infrastructure that make it all possible. There are hundreds of municipal water utility professionals working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide this vital service to Hampton Roads residents. Yet, water systems are often out of sight and out of mind until a problem occurs. This national day of recognition reminds us that investment in water is an investment in public health, public safety, economic vitality, and quality of life.
Here in Hampton Roads, HRPDC is working collaboratively with our 17 member localities and regional water utilities to protect and raise awareness of our shared water systems. Through collaborative planning, regulatory monitoring, data analysis, and public outreach, we are ensuring that our water systems remain safe and reliable for generations to come.
This October, we encourage partners from across the region to join us in sharing this message: Strong water systems mean stronger communities. Together, we can amplify the importance of investment in water infrastructure and ensure that Hampton Roads never experiences a day without water.