Value of Water Resources

No Water Campaign

AWWA has created materials for members, Sections and partners to use and share to highlight AWWA’s theme of “No Water” to engage with their local community and consumers about the importance of water and water and wastewater services to daily lives and everyday products, services and conveniences.

Celebrate Imagine a Day Without Water on Oct. 19 using the downloadable materials. Spearheaded by the Value of Water Campaign, Imagine a Day Without Water is an annual day of awareness intended to inform and engage with the public, media, elected officials and local stakeholders about the value of water.

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Public Perceptions of Tap Water

Consumer Trust In Tap Water

AWWA partnered with Morning Consult in May 2023 to explore the issue of consumer trust in tap water. A poll of 2,022 U.S. consumers who are served by water utilities showed that when adults recall receiving communication (other than a bill) from their water utility, they are three times more likely to report the safety of their tap water has improved.

Complete Survey Results
Summary of Survey Results
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Survey Summary

Views On Safety Of Tap Water

71% of adults view their home’s tap water as safe.

19% of all respondents indicated they felt their tap water is unsafe, which is consistent with levels measured over the last couple of years. One-quarter of Black adults (23%) and Hispanic adults (25%) report feeling their tap water is unsafe, compared to only 18% percent of White adults that report feeling their tap water is unsafe.

Water Utility Communication

Further highlighting the importance of proactive communication, those who recall receiving communication are significantly more aware than those who do not recall receiving communication of their water utility’s efforts to make various improvements. Those who recall receiving communication are 36% more likely to know be aware of their water utility’s efforts to improve water quality/clarity, as well as know their tap water meets or exceeds federal or state requirements.

Affordability of Tap Water

Affordability remains a significant issue among respondents. Half of adults ages 35-44 (51%) and two-in-five respondents ages 18-34 (41%), urban adults (43%), Hispanic adults (42%), and adults who personally pay their water bill (39%) report they struggle to pay their water bill on time. Compared to last year’s survey, six percent more White respondents (37%) report struggling to pay their water bill on time. Additionally, 2% fewer Hispanic adults (42%) and 7% fewer Black respondents (37%) report struggling to pay their water bill on time compared to last year’s survey.

Communicating About the Value of Water

AWWA and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) have developed a suite of public outreach materials that are available free of charge. The materials, which can be downloaded below, help communicate the value of water and wastewater service and the need for infrastructure investment.

Native files can be made available upon request so that the materials can be adapted to meet local needs. Please contact Megan McDowell in the AWWA Communications Dept. for more information.

DOWNLOAD THE MATERIALS