Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2009RI81B

Rhode Island Clean Drinking Water

Institute: Rhode Island
Year Established: 2009 Start Date: 2009-03-01 End Date: 2010-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $18,500 Total Non-Federal Funds: $37,063

Principal Investigators: Harold Knickle, Geoffrey Bothun

Abstract: There are two thrusts to this project. The first is to create a conference to provide background and knowledge for working professionals in the clean water fields and to educate graduate and undergraduate students in the scope of the clean water field. This ongoing Rhode Island conference series on clean drinking water will be promoted and held at the University of Rhode Island. This conference will focus on the technical aspects associated with providing clean water in the state of Rhode Island and for students will promote interest in professions associated with clean water and also meet the needs of water professionals in Rhode Island. The second major activity of this project is the hosting of a summer workshop at the University of Rhode Island for middle and high school students to introduce them to clean water concepts using lectures, laboratories, and field trips to promote interest in clean water careers. Two major objectives have been set for this project. The first is to advance the awareness and knowledge of the importance of clean water in Rhode Island and provide insight into the various factors affecting the ability to obtain clean water for multiple uses in Rhode Island by hosting a major Clean Water Conference. .The creation of the conference will provide background and knowledge for the work of professionals in the clean water fields. Graduate students will be encouraged to take courses in environmental areas and undergraduates will be encouraged to consider pursuing degrees related to the clean water profession. The second major activity is the hosting of a summer workshop at the University of Rhode Island for middle and high school teachers to introduce them to clean water concepts with a goal of promoting interest in clean water careers.