The Institute for Water and Health Goes Beyond
A new project links rural towns in Georgia and Alabama to address water quality in aging infrastructure and develop next-generation water professionals for underserved communities.
Marion, Alabama –
Researchers at the Institute for Water and Health (IWH) at Georgia Southern University initiated a new project in Marion, Alabama, to address the city’s aging water infrastructure and its impact on human health with a focus on community-based research, workforce development, and environmental justice.
Project lead Dr. Aslan (Director, IWH) said, “Nationwide, community water systems are managed by specialized professionals to ensure safe water every time we turn on the tap. However, about 50 percent of water operators working at these utilities will retire in the next decade, and only 10 percent are expected to be replaced. Training the next generation of water operators and developing leaders for rural water systems is a matter of national security. The Institute for Water and Health is committed to launching a regional program to equip future water managers with the necessary skills to ensure safe water for all. This pilot project will lay the foundation for this goal and aims to expand the program throughout the Southeastern United States”.
“With this program being able to recruit young people from within our community to manage our water system that we are revitalizing, upgrading, and improving, this will be able to bring about stability and longevity for our community.”
Dexter Hinton, Mayor of Marion, Alabama
The pilot project in Marion, Alabama, is a collaborative effort with Georgia Southern University and the University of Alabama. Dr. Lacey Huffling (College of Education at Georgia Southern University) and Dr. Lanna Nations (Alabama Water Institute) are co-PIs in this project. The project includes an internship program for next-generation water operators and a peer mentorship program for current water managers in partnership with the City of Eastman, Georgia. By involving the community in decision-making, the project seeks to improve communication and foster trust between local authorities and residents, contributing to long-term environmental health and equitable access to safe drinking water. The project is funded by Alabama Power Co and Partnership for Inclusive Innovation.
Posted in General Announcements, Research