DPW joins industry leaders, community advocates and policy makers to underscore the importance of water
Annapolis, Maryland (October 15, 2026) – Today, Anne Arundel County is proud to join communities and organizations across the country in recognizing Imagine a Day Without Water, a national day of awareness that challenges Americans to reflect on how vital water is to every aspect of life.
Each year, Imagine a Day Without Water invites us to recognize how crucial our need for water really is by visualizing life without it. Reliable water isn’t just about convenience; it’s the foundation of public health, economic growth, and community resilience.
From brewing morning coffee to keeping industry running, water powers everything we do. It keeps families healthy, drives local economies, and helps our communities thrive. But too often, we don’t think about it until it’s gone — when a main breaks, a drought hits, or the tap runs dry.
“Water sustains us, enriches our communities, and fuels our daily routines in ways we often take for granted,” said Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works Director Karen Henry. “Imagine a Day Without Water is an opportunity to appreciate how vital this resource is to our everyday lives and understand the critical role the DPW employees play to safely deliver clean water to our homes and businesses each year.”
According to the 2026 Value of Water Index, most Americans agree that investing in water is essential. Support for prioritizing reliable water access reached a new high, outranking all other key issues presented to voters. Voters believe continued investments in drinking water and wastewater services are critical to support life – 96% believe these water investments are critical for good public health, 95% believe it’s critical for the overall well-being of their communities, and 85% of voters believe they’re critical for a strong economy.
About DPW
The Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works (DPW) delivers essential services focused on maintaining reliable infrastructure, safeguarding public health, and protecting the environment. DPW's core responsibilities include managing water and wastewater systems, overseeing trash removal and recycling, maintaining the County's road and bridge network, and executing vital capital projects and environmental restoration programs. We reimagine the delivery of essential public services so that our communities can enjoy a high quality of life. Visit www.aacounty.org/public-works.
About the Value of Water Campaign
The Value of Water Campaign, staffed by the US Water Alliance, is a coalition of leading organizations and individuals from across the US water sector who are working to educate and inspire Americans about how our water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Since 2015, the Value of Water Campaign has been building public and political will for investment in America’s water infrastructure.