Florida utility making a splash with #WaterIsLife campaign

Using the power of storytelling, videos and images, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is demonstrating how water impacts and connects people through a public engagement campaign called #WaterIsLife.

“Whether it’s a child’s first swim, enjoying a cup of coffee, or a shower after a long day, water is woven into every aspect of our lives,” said WASD Director Roy Coley. “We may have different life experiences, but water is one commonality that binds us all together.”

Launched in November 2023, the #WaterIsLife campaign uses traditional advertising and social media to share stories of everyday Miami-Dade County residents and their personal connections to water. The campaign encourages community involvement by inviting residents to share their own water-related experiences using the hashtag #WaterIsLife on social media.

“We want people to reflect on the importance water has for our community, by activating their emotions through human-centered stories,” said Coley.

The campaign has generated 13 submissions of impactful and memorable stories, including a couple discussing their newborn child and the role water plays in their parent-child routine, and a breast cancer survivor who knows water played a vital role in her healing process.

“These stories emphasize the emotional and everyday importance of water, showing how integral it is to the joys and routines of life,” said Coley.

Miami-Dade mayor champions water

The #WaterIsLife campaign also highlights the crucial role public officials play in advocating for water utilities. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is a self-described “water warrior” who actively supports environmental protection.

“Following Mayor Cava’s philosophy of a values-based approach, WASD wanted to create a deeper connection with the community by showcasing how water plays a vital role in both big and small moments,” Coley said.

As a strong supporter of the #WaterIsLife campaign, Mayor Cava lends her voice and influence to champion water conservation and appreciation for the utility.

In addition to emphasizing the importance, value and reliability of WASD’s services, the campaign also aims to communicate that continued investment in infrastructure is vital to sustaining a critical resource that supports public health and safety.

“By sharing personal stories and encouraging user-generated content, we have made the value of water more relatable to the community,” said Coley. “It also emphasized the department’s ongoing efforts to provide reliable services, thus reinforcing the importance of investing in infrastructure and the role of water in sustaining everyday life.”