Delaware State University helps address water insecurity

Representation in Water

DELAWARE – Last year it was estimated nearly 2.2 million Americans lived in homes without running water or basic plumbing, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, for underrepresented communities, the numbers are even higher.

Realization

How many of us go home, turn on our faucet, and expect clean water to flow? Or how many of us assume our plumbers are persons of color?

The US Water Alliance reports that Black communities disproportionately lack access to safe drinking water and have less that 10% of the workers represented within their communities, and that’s something they’re trying to change.

Replacement

Delaware State University is partnering with the US Water Alliance to bolster water infrastructure across the state. Erin Riggs with the alliance says HBCU’s offer as much as any other university and should be given access to education that could empower their community.

“Our water workforce is struggling, and we need replacement. Replacement engineers, operators, folks to work and sustain water systems going forward. So, there’s invaluable opportunity for exposure to students to bring them into the workforce across the county in all communities.”

Racial Gaps

The aim of these programs is to help enhance the state’s water infrastructure, largely by addressing existing racial gaps in water access and the water workforce. “We have at least 2 communities that were helping, that lack access altogether. So, they don’t have access to indoor plumbing, running water and sanitation services…Most folks don’t understand the level of access need or lack of access for these communities. It’s something that’s another goal of the organization.”

Representation 

Riggs believes often times people are put in charge of communities they care nothing about, and they’re trying to change that. “Without localized representation, and local expertise in that community, they’re relying on, trusting external provision of these services, and that everyone is going to have that community in the best interest in mind, which is not what we see… we’re helping protect the community systems by having someone who does care about the local interest.”

Regional Work

The US Water Alliance says they haven’t selected a city to start their work yet and will await a recommendation from DSU. In the meantime, students will have the opportunity to work regionally to get the experience needed to help those communities in need along the Eastern Shore.

The official launch of their partnership will take place on December 5th, on DSU’s campus at 4:00 pm. If you or someone you know is suffering from water insecurity, you can visit the EPA website to fill out an application for help.