Water

Every year, millions of people are affected by inadequate clean water supplies, despite there being sufficient fresh water on the planet to adequately provide for everyone. Worldwide, an estimated 2.1 billion people do not have adequate access to clean drinking water in their homes and every minute a child dies of a water-related disease.

The United Nations has set a number of goals to achieve universal and equitable access to clean and safe water, and Seattle University's faculty are helping contribute to achieving that goal.

Research Highlights:

• Clean Water Projects
  • Nepal
  • Thailand
  • Haiti
  • Nicaragua
  • Bullitt Center

• CEJS Fellows
  • Kaitlyn Hammond (Student, 2014-2015) - Quantifying River Corridor Ecosystem Services
  • SU Stormwater Team (Students, 2014-2015) - Mid-Year Report
  • Dr. Mike Marsolek (Faculty, 2013-2014) - Wastewater treatment design and assessment for small-holder coffee farms near Matagalpa, Nicaragua
• Faculty Experts
  • Dr Phillip Thompson- Research on drinking water sanitation systems 
  • Dr Michael O'Connell- Research on water rights 
  • Dr Jennifer Sorensen- Research on water filtration systems
  • Dr Gareth Green- Research on public utilities and their impact on sustainability

Local Organizations1

• Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition In the video below, Alberto Rodriguez discusses his community driven work and optimism for the future of equity in Seattle. Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition supervises the Superfund cleanup and manages outreach and educational programming about the Duwamish River.

• Center for Environmental Law and Policy brings its water law expertise to help citizen groups and tribes throughout Washington protect their rivers, streams and aquifers.    
• Puget Soundkeeper Alliance  protects and preserves the waters of Puget Sound by monitoring, cleaning up, and preventing pollutants from entering its waters.  
• Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency leading the cleanup and restoration of Puget Sound. 
• Washington Water Trails Association preserves and expands public access to marine shorelines, lakesides, and inland riverbanks, while advocating and educating for environmental stewardship. 
• Surfrider Foundation Seattle Chapter is dedicated to improving the health of Puget Sound and Washington Coast.
• Duwamish Alive Coalition - works to connect community members, businesses, and non-profits within the Duwamish River Valley to improve the health of the river and the people living around it.

Disclaimer1:

The resources listed were compiled by CEJS as examples of local organizations working on environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. Seattle University is not affiliated with these organizations and expressly disclaims all responsibility for any content provided and all liability that may arise out of participation in any organization programs or activities.