Water is the foundation of life and a prerequisite for sustainable development. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) commits to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Among its many dimensions, the idea of a continuous, safe, and universal 24×7 water supply is particularly ambitious. Globally, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water services (UNICEF/WHO, 2022). In India alone, while 88% of the population now has access to basic drinking water, only about 60% of rural households have access to piped water (Jal Jeevan Mission, 2023). This article examines whether the aspiration of 24×7 water supply for everyone is realistic, considering technical, economic, environmental, and governance factors. Drawing on international and Indian case studies, it argues that while universal 24/7 supply is possible in theory, achieving it in practice will require major systemic reforms, technological upgrades, and behavioural changes. The 24×7 Water Supply Model: What It Means Traditionally, many developing countries, including India, have relied on intermittent water supply (IWS) systems, where water is delivered for a few hours per day or even just a few days per week. This approach reflects both resource scarcity and infrastructure constraints. However, intermittent systems come with serious disadvantages: Contamination risk due to negative pressure in pipes allowing sewage intrusion. Inequity in access as households with storage tanks capture more water at the expense of others. Water wastage through overflow and leakage. A 24×7 (continuous) supply system avoids these inefficiencies […]