MARION, Ala. — The Alabama Water Institute is taking part in a transformative initiative to address the aging water infrastructure in Marion, Alabama, while also fostering the next generation of water professionals through an innovative student internship program.
The pilot project is a collaborative effort between AWI, Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Water and Health, the city of Marion and the Perry County School System. The goal is to improve the city’s water system and its impact on public health while nurturing future water stewards. It also aims to promote environmental justice and drive economic development in the west Alabama city.
“In Marion, the water infrastructure is old and needs repairs and updates, including the chemical feeding system,” said Mayor Dexter Hinton.
Marion’s water system, established in the 1960s, has long struggled with issues stemming from outdated infrastructure and insufficient maintenance. The project addresses these challenges head-on, implementing crucial upgrades such as rehabilitating wells and installing advanced water meters. These enhancements are vital for maintaining a safe and reliable water supply for Marion’s residents.
A prominent focal point of the project is the high school internship program. This program is designed to immerse students in water quality management, providing hands-on experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the field.
According to the IWH, community water systems are managed by specialized professionals, where 50% are anticipated to retire over the next decade. Only 10% are expected to be replaced, leaving a critical need for new water system operators within the workforce.
“The Alabama Water Institute is excited to be a part of this community of practice,” said Lanna Nations, AWI’s director of education and outreach programs and co-principal investigator on the project. “Experts are coming together from different areas to address the infrastructure and water system needs of this community, while also investing in the future of the students who are participating in this program to become certified as an operator.”
Six high school students, along with their teachers, will engage in activities such as touring the water treatment plant, interviewing public works officials and participating in a long-distance peer mentorship program with the city of Eastman, Georgia.
The internship program aims to ignite a passion for STEM careers among local students. By engaging students early on, the project seeks to create a pipeline of future water professionals equipped to address the complexities of water infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the National Science Board’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening educational pathways for the next-generation STEM workforce.
The project is funded by Alabama Power and Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a Georgia-based program that funds and supports networks through resources across businesses, research universities and government entities.