Governor Bill Lee has officially proclaimed October 15, 2026, as “Imagine a Day Without Water” Day across Tennessee, drawing attention to the critical role clean water and modern utility infrastructure play in the state’s daily life, public health, and economy.

The proclamation launches a week-long awareness campaign led by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Leading up to October 15, TDEC will highlight the state’s water systems, key infrastructure projects, and the essential workforce dedicated to maintaining safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment.

Tennessee’s water systems support more than 7.3 million residents through an extensive network comprising over 60,000 miles of rivers and streams, high-quality aquifers, and more than 100,000 miles of public utility infrastructure. State officials noted that Tennessee currently ranks among the top states in the nation for drinking water quality.

The campaign aims to emphasize that a single day without water would halt emergency services, shut down schools and businesses, and disrupt core public health functions. Governor Lee’s proclamation underscores the necessity of continuous investment, ongoing maintenance, and modernization of water infrastructure in both urban and rural communities to preserve the state’s natural resources and ensure clean, reliable water for future generations.