Delaware State University (DSU) has entered a partnership with the US Water Alliance (USWA) to address water challenges faced by underserved communities, marking the first partnership between USWA and a historically Black college or university.
Supported by a $13 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, $2 million will directly fund DSU’s role in the project. The work will be housed under DSU’s newly established Center for Environmental Justice (CEJ) and will focus on improving water quality and infrastructure in disadvantaged areas where access to safe drinking water is limited. A central part of the effort is DSU’s accredited Water Quality Lab — one of only two such labs at U.S. universities — where water will be tested and analyzed to identify and address contamination issues.
USWA Chief Strategy Officer Renee Willette said in a statement, “The fact that DSU has one of only two accredited water labs at a university in the country is remarkable and will add such value to our community assistance effort across the country. Connecting students to real-life water quality needs in communities is a wonderful opportunity.”
Other efforts of the CEJ include environmental justice screenings and asset mapping to help communities in underserved areas develop sustainable water systems and improve quality, as well as creating opportunities for DSU students through externships and workforce development programs connecting them with local governments, water utilities, and other organizations involved in improving water infrastructure.
On December 5, DSU and USWA held a community event to celebrate the new partnership. In his remarks, Program Director Jason Nunley said, “This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to addressing water and wastewater challenges while fostering equity and opportunity… Together, we are building a future where every community can access safe, sustainable water systems and the expertise needed to maintain them.”
