Did you know that the coffee you drink is 99% water? So imagine a day without water… Or coffee. And did you know that the beer you drink is also about 99% water? So… That’s right, no beer, either. No iced tea, no soda, no glass of thirst-quenching water.
Without our hard-working, reliable water workers, where would we be? We would be thirsty, that’s for sure. Let’s all raise a cup, a mug, a bottle, and a glass of clean, refreshing water and toast the essential water workers who take care of Hampton Roads’ dependable water and wastewater system. We thank you!
But it’s more than water.
It’s also the people needed to operate and maintain these systems, as well as the often unseen network of pipes and equipment that carry water to and from our homes.
Beneath our cities, there is a vast amount of infrastructure — more than 6,500 miles of water distribution pipeline and 5,800 miles of sanitary sewer lines throughout Hampton Roads.
These systems, and the people who maintain them, work silently and reliably to keep the water flowing. Because they are out of sight, we often take them for granted, but their proper maintenance is essential.
As our water and sewer pipes age, it’s important that municipalities plan ahead to upgrade and replace this critical infrastructure.
Throughout Hampton Roads, our citizens can currently see the return on their investments with ongoing water and sanitary sewer construction projects. Although many of these systems were built to last many decades, it’s important to keep up the momentum as communities grow and pipes approach the end of their expected serviceability.
Read more about this issue in the published Op Ed articles in The Virginian-Pilot and The Daily Press.
Good to Do
- Don’t take water for granted. Water is life. The water we have now is all we’ll ever have, so we must use it wisely. Fix household leaks that waste water. Responsible water use makes a big difference to preserve and protect our water resources.
- Protect our wastewater collection systems from blockages. Your home’s plumbing and the municipal wastewater collection systems can clog when not used properly. Sewer backups are unpleasant and simple practices can avoid major problems for you and your neighbors. Take care and avoid costly visits from a plumber. Do not put grease down the drain. Dispose of paper towels, wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc. in the trash where they belong.
- Stay informed about water quality issues. Learn more about what happens to the water you drink and use. Start by reading and understanding your locality’s annual water quality report: Chesapeake, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, Southampton County, Suffolk, Surry County, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and York County.