Imagine a day without water

On Oct. 10, the Regional Water Authority is joining a national coalition to “Imagine a Day Without Water.” This annual day of action seeks to raise awareness about the value of water and calls on our government to support investments in water infrastructure.

The fall months are often marked by debates and discussions about the issues that divide us. Today, I will address something that unites us. Every morning we get up and brush our teeth, take a shower, and maybe make a pot of coffee. Later we may do our laundry and wash the dishes. None of this would be possible without safe and reliable water infrastructure.

On Oct. 10, the Regional Water Authority is joining a national coalition to “Imagine a Day Without Water.” This annual day of action seeks to raise awareness about the value of water and calls on our government to support investments in water infrastructure. We all need water, not just to live but to work as well. A recent report found that a single day without water in our country would result in an economic loss of $45.3 billion.

Reliable, high-quality water service is essential to every aspect of our lives, but it is not guaranteed. In order to preserve access to this life-sustaining resource, our country needs support for the infrastructure that makes its delivery possible.

There must be investment in the nation’s water infrastructure. This includes the traditional “gray” infrastructure of pipelines and plumbing, the “green” infrastructure of our natural watersheds, and the “human” infrastructure that goes to work every day to keep the water running.

That human infrastructure is an immediate concern. Nearly 40 percent of the approximately 550,600 utility employees in the United States, including 5,000 in Connecticut, are eligible for retirement within five years. At the RWA, that number is closer to 50 percent . That’s why we teamed up with Gateway Community College and Southern Connecticut State University to develop a first-of-its-kind academic program to prepare students for careers in utilities.

Students can pursue an associate degree in Public Utility Management at Gateway. Following that, they can transfer to Southern to complete a bachelor’s degree in Public Utility Management with tracks in water, electric and gas operations. Graduates will be equipped to fill a wide range of managerial and technical jobs at the RWA and other utilities. These programs are new and growing, and they need the continued support of our legislative representatives.

Water pipelines are aging. Nearly half the water workforce is approaching a well-deserved retirement. There is no time for silence. I join tens of thousands of voices around the nation to request action so a day without water never comes. I call on lawmakers in Washington and Hartford to support water infrastructure and authorize investments through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and I call on all of you to join me. When someone asks for your vote this fall, ask them how they will support your water infrastructure.