Small and Underserved Audiences

Homeowners in rural communities, especially those traditionally "underserved" by state education and Extension efforts, need access to updated information on actions they can take to modify their potential impacts on local and regional water quality. Once extension has successfully made contact with these populations, providing a variety of educational materials and outreach programming can be accomplished more efficiently. A large component will continue to focus on the effort being lead by the 1890 land grant institutions within the region to assess drinking water quality among minority and underserved communities and build educational and outreach materials and programs to serve these populations.

Regional Program Activities and Resources

Underserved Community Drinking Water Assessment and Education

Many small farms and communities obtain their drinking water from dug wells or springs, without adequate protective measures. The potential for contamination of these water resources is high, since both are directly exposed to nutrient and pollutant runoff and leaching. Water quality education among underserved communities is needed to identify and rectify potential health problems, as well as educate individuals and communities on ways to avoid contaminating water supplies.

Links:

EPA Drinking Water and Health: What You Need to Know

National Drinking Water Clearinghouse at West Virginia University

Contact Asmare Atalay at Virginia State University, for more information

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Please direct questions and comments about this page to Jake Vandevort

Page Last Updated On: January 16, 2007