UTSA launches Water Institute of Texas to promote collaboration on water issues
Photo: Stock.xchng

Photo: Stock.xchng
(June 5, 2012) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Water Institute of Texas to promote collaboration between nearly three dozen UTSA researchers who are studying water-related issues. Scholars in the institute will provide data, information, and technology and policy solutions for decision makers and companies developing short- and long-term water sustainability strategies.
The scarcity of water is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today. Although water resources are immense, less than one percent of the world's water is available for human consumption. Today, nearly 600 million people around the world face a water shortage. In 2025, nearly three billion people will face a water shortage.
"Typically, we think of water shortages as problems that affect only third-world countries," said Mauli Agrawal, dean of the UTSA College of Engineering. "However, water scarcity is a major issue for South Texas, where the land is arid and the population continues to grow. Locally, farmers, city residents, businesses, energy producers, the oil and gas industry and natural species all vie for water, leading to a unique spectrum of technological, social and political issues."
Researchers in the new UTSA water institute will focus on five key areas:
- Managing the current water supply
- Developing innovative water sources
- Enhancing water quality
- Carrying out community outreach and education
- Studying the demographics and economics of water
UTSA master's and doctoral students, particularly those in civil and environmental engineering, geology, environmental sciences, public policy, education, architecture and business, will conduct research in the Water Institute of Texas. Special efforts will be made to include undergraduate students in WIT research, training, community education and outreach activities.
WIT scholars also will partner with water utilities such as the San Antonio Water System, the San Antonio River Authority and the Edwards Aquifer Authority as well as businesses, educational institutions, social agencies and community groups. UTSA anticipates that researchers will study water management, aquifer storage and recovery, desalination processes and plant improvements, bacteriological source tracking, wastewater treatment, water policy and other related topics.
A.T. Papagiannakis, professor and Robert F. McDermott Endowed Chair of the UTSA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will serve as the institute's interim director while UTSA conducts a national search for a permanent director. Alan Dutton, associate professor and chair of the UTSA Department of Geology, will serve as the institute's assistant director.
Events
Come and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusCome network with engineering employers!
HEB Student Union Ballrooms 1 & 2, Main CampusJoin us for a culinary celebration on the lawn at UTSA’s Westside Community Center. UTSA Libraries will be collecting recipes and food memories and food trucks will be on hand selling bites inspired by UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
UTSA Westside Community Center, 1310 Guadalupe St San Antonio, TX 78207Participants will discuss this pervasive problem in academic publishing and how to spot the red flags through real-life examples. You will learn about legitimate open access publishing practices and how to find a high-quality open access journal.
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TBAMr. Aaron Sams, a veteran and local business consultant, will offer a training workshop focusing on the subject of pursuing government contracts. Topics to be covered include proposal writing, business development, and marketing
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