EVALUATING THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS ON RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The long-term goal of this integrated project is to improve our understanding of the role of water and wastewater systems in economic development and growth in rural communities, with a focus on the South, as well as to provide resources and educational trainings to improve the capacity of water and wastewater operators and their boards, economic development professionals, and to promote better local, state, and federal decision making.Integrated Research and Extension Objective OneR1: Estimate the influence of drinking water quality, measured through small water system violations, as a factor of growthE1: Educate rural communities about the importance to economic development of a properly maintained water systemIntegrated Research and Extension Objective TwoR2: Estimate the importance of compliant small wastewater systems as a factor for overall economic development in rural communitiesE2: Create training tools for TA providers, water and wastewater system operators and their boards to educate about the economic consequences of a poorly maintained water system.E3: Create training and tools for economic development and community leaders to better understand the role of public infrastructure for economic developmentE4: Create tools and trainings for Cooperative Extension agents to better understand the role of water in their community, beyond its impact on agriculture