By Ashley Brown
Delaware State University has taken a significant step towards improving water resource management in underserved communities by partnering with the U.S. Water Alliance. The team celebrated the collaboration during a community event on Dec. 5 at the University’s Bank of America Building auditorium.
As the first Historically Black College and University to join forces with the USWA, DSU aims to provide critical technical assistance in water and wastewater management in Delaware and other regions. This initiative is supported by a $13 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which designates $2 million specifically for DSU’s involvement in the project.
Dr. Cherese Winstead is the dean of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology at DSU. She emphasized the importance of this program in tackling environmental justice challenges. “The grant will support our work to address environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities with contaminated waters and poor water systems,” she stated. “Who best to address these issue than an HBCU like DSU?”
Partnership Goals
One of the key elements of this partnership is the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology’s Water Analysis Laboratory. It is recognized as one of only two accredited university water labs in the country. Renee Willette, chief strategy officer of the USWA, highlighted the lab’s potential impact on community outreach efforts. “Connecting students to real-life water quality needs in communities is a wonderful opportunity,” Willette noted.
DSU plans to execute various community assistance projects through this partnership to enhance water quality in Delaware and nationwide. These initiatives will be organized under a new Center for Environmental Justice, which is set to launch as part of the collaboration. The Center will feature an innovative workforce development program that offers students externships and hands-on experiences with local governments, water utilities, and communities requiring vital water infrastructure improvements.
n addition to workforce development, the Center will expand upon the US Water Alliance’s technical assistance capabilities, aiding in infrastructure planning, environmental justice assessments, asset mapping, and research activities. The partnership aims to empower Environmental Finance Centers to help disadvantaged communities access DSU’s advanced Water Quality Lab for comprehensive water testing services.
“Delaware State University proudly embraces this groundbreaking partnership with the US Water Alliance National Environmental Finance Center,” said Jason Nunley, DSU program director for the initiative.
The collaboration between DSU and the US Water Alliance signifies a hopeful stride toward equitable water access and environmental justice.