City of Tulsa Encourages Residents to Imagine Life Without Water

10/15/2026

From the first cup of coffee in the morning to the last load of laundry at night, water plays an essential role in nearly every part of daily life. But what would happen if it suddenly wasn't there?

This October 15, the City of Tulsa is joining communities and water utilities across the country in recognizing "Imagine a Day Without Water" - a national day of awareness highlighting the importance of reliable water and wastewater services.

The annual observance encourages residents to consider the many ways water supports their daily routines, public health, emergency services and the local economy, while recognizing the infrastructure and employees responsible for keeping those services running.

For most residents, access to clean, reliable water is as simple as turning on a faucet. Behind that convenience is a complex system of water treatment facilities, underground pipelines, pumping stations and dedicated employees working around the clock to provide essential services.

"Water is one of those services people depend on every day but rarely have to think about," said Eric Lee, Director of the City's Water and Sewer Department. "That reliability doesn't happen by accident. It takes careful planning, ongoing investment and employees who are committed to making sure Tulsa has the water it needs today and in the future."

To bring attention to the observance, the City's Water and Sewer Department took a creative approach this year, using Halloween-inspired social media graphics to illustrate everyday inconveniences that would become real-life nightmares without water.

From a toilet that won't flush to a coffee maker that can't brew, the campaign uses humor to make an important point: Water is essential to much more than what comes out of the tap.

Beyond household routines, reliable water and wastewater services support hospitals, schools, restaurants, businesses, firefighting, and sanitation. An interruption to those services would affect nearly every aspect of community life.

However, Tulsans can rest assured that our city's water system is alive, well, and reliably serving the community. Backed by a robust source water system and comprehensive protection measures, Tulsa consistently delivers award-winning taste straight to the tap. This exceptional quality is maintained around the clock by our dedicated crews working 24/7 to ensure that safe, clean water never stops flowing. These outcomes are the result of the City's continued investment in maintaining and improving its water and wastewater infrastructure to support reliable service, protect public health, and meet the needs of a growing community.

Imagine a Day Without Water serves as a reminder that these investments, along with the employees who operate and maintain the City's systems, are essential to Tulsa's long-term well-being.

Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Tulsa's social media channels and consider what a day without water would mean for their households, workplaces, and community.

For more information about Tulsa's water and wastewater services, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/water