A new report produced by UNICEF and the World Health Organization reveals that billions of people around the world continue to suffer from poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene.
This vexing global crisis and the Buckeye spirit of paying forward gave rise to the Global Water Institute (GWI), launched by The Ohio State University Office of Research in 2016 with the support of seven colleges. In July 2019, GWI operations were transferred to the College of Engineering, with the intent of broadening its already impressive mission and reach.
“The primary focus of GWI is to use our knowledge and technology to help solve water access issues for communities in dire need,” said College of Engineering Dean David B. Williams. “It has evolved beyond a research project into an international outreach endeavor, and that’s why it fits so well in our college and with our students and faculty.”
In early spring 2019, Williams joined GWI Executive Director Marty Kress and Senior Research Associate Rebecca Gianotti for a trip to Tanzania, Africa, visiting several villages impacted by their work.
“We have a list of 5,000 Tanzanian villages that haven’t had water for three to five years,” said Kress. “They have to walk endlessly to find water, which is most often contaminated.”
Now, lives are being transformed through GWI’s efforts in Africa, which involve faculty and students from across the university. Teams are working with 26 villages to secure clean water by replacing broken wells that serve more than 120,000 Tanzanians. They hope to expand to 125 villages and address additional concerns such as sanitation and renewable energy.
“With sustainable access to water, we address basic needs, improve health and can teach people how to farm,” Kress said. “Before, they could scarcely grow maize. Now they grow cabbages, tomatoes, onions and sweet potatoes. This increases nutritional value for kids and creates economic opportunities for moms and dads.”
Kress is excited about the new relationship with the College of Engineering. “You took an institute with five people and married it with a college that is already significantly active in service projects around the world.” He added that GWI projects will provide even more experiential learning opportunities for engineering undergrads and graduate students.
Global Water Institute taps College of Engineering to expand impact continued.