Water is the most underrated substance in our daily lives. We drink it, shower in it, cook with it, and barely think about where it comes from or how it stays safe to use.

Clean, reliable water is essential to public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Yet much of the United States’ water infrastructure is deteriorating, and fast.

As Americans fire up the grills, pack local parks, and gather to watch fireworks this 4th of July weekend, few stop to think about the invisible systems working tirelessly behind the scenes, especially when it comes to water.