Imagine starting your day in Chicago or one of our Cook County suburbs and turning on the faucet, only to find no water comes out. For many of us, that sounds unimaginable. But for some Cook County residents, especially in neighborhoods facing flooding, aging pipes, or concerns about lead, the challenges around water are already real and constant.

One week ago, we participated in Imagine a Day Without Water which is a national day of action reminding us that water connects us all. It’s a moment to reflect on how essential water is to our health, our communities, and our shared future, and to recognize that maintaining those systems takes ongoing care, investment, and partnership.

Here in Cook County, we have one of the most complex and historic water systems in the country. Much of it was built more than a century ago and has served generations of families and businesses. But as our climate changes and storms grow more intense, that same infrastructure is under new strain. Too often, that burden falls hardest on neighborhoods that have already faced decades of disinvestment and environmental challenges.

Here at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, we see first-hand how collaboration can make a difference. We’ve made important progress in reducing pollution, improving stormwater management, and expanding green infrastructure, projects like rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement that both reduce flooding and make neighborhoods more livable. But this work takes all of us, residents, local governments, labor partners, community groups, and our state and federal allies, pulling in the same direction.

The good news is that progress is happening. Through efforts like Rebuild Illinois and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, our state is investing in infrastructure that keeps our water clean and our communities safe. These projects not only repair pipes and sewers, but also create good jobs and provide opportunities for residents to be part of building a stronger, more sustainable region.

Still, there’s more to do. Expanding green infrastructure can also help neighborhoods better manage heavy rain, reduce heat, and create beautiful shared spaces for everyone to enjoy. Above all, this is about equity and connection. Every family, in every community, deserves safe, clean water and protection from flooding. When we invest in water infrastructure, we’re investing in people, our neighbors, our children, and future generations who depend on us to get this right.

On this Imagine a Day Without Water, let’s commit to working together, to support one another, to share knowledge and resources, and to build a Cook County where every resident can count on clean, reliable water. Because water isn’t just a resource, it’s a shared responsibility, and a promise we make to each other.

Kari K. Steele is the President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, first elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2018 and 2024. A chemist and environmental leader, she is the first elected African American woman to serve as MWRD President and the only chemist on the Board. With over a decade of experience in water science and public service, she is recognized for her leadership in sustainability, equity, and infrastructure innovation.