Many low income residents rightfully fear that their water is poisoned. Involving them directly in testing goes a long way to easing their fears.
According to studies conducted by the University of Delaware, 78% of Southbridge residents were “concerned” about the quality of their water, and 51% were “very concerned” about the contaminants in the neighborhood.
Yet, at least for the past ten years, water quality reports for the city of Wilmington showed that the city’s water system is in compliance with the chemical requirements associated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water regulations.
UD undergraduate student, Zizhuo Xu, discusses his experience conducting research with Dr. Shanshan Ding over the summer in a new UDaily article. Their work together focused on machine learning and big data analytics, particularly as they relate to human decision making surrounding water issues.
Project WiCCED and DE EPSCoR sent a few representatives to the UD Day in DC which highlights the impact of federal funding and strong connections.
Amy Slocum, associate director of Delaware EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) and assistant director of the Delaware Environmental Network (DENIN), said she is amazed at the growth she has seen in her 24 years at UD.
“There are so many different groups at the University now,” she said. “I can’t believe how much research has grown and diversified.”
DOVER, Del. – Delaware state leaders and faculty members at Delaware State University celebrated a $19.2 million dollar grant that will help fund research to solve several water issues in the First State.
“There are water quality issues mostly at the southern part of our state because of the legacy of agriculture production in those areas and the poultry industry, so it will inform some of the decision making we have around that,” said Governor John Carney.
Officials add things like rising sea levels and water contamination are reasons why the quality of water in the state has dipped.
“Delaware faces significant challenges with water,” said Dr. Kent Messer, principal investigator. To learn more, click link here.
A new delicacy coming to local restaurants in Sussex County are Inland Bays Oysters. Thanks to a federal grant from the USDA, and help for growers from the state, the christening of this new menu item was made possible Friday.
It’s a new market for Delaware, one that will eventually produce millions of dollars annually in the next five years.
“Current estimates are $300,000-500,000 per year in income, and growing to one to two million dollars per year,” said Kent Messer, a professor of applied economics at University of Delaware.
That means more jobs, and more opportunities for local entrepreneurs who want to get in on the action. To learn more, click here
