New WVU Bridge Initiative aims to address most pressing water issues
In 2014, around 10,000 gallons of a coal-washing chemical called MCHM spilled into the Elk River near Charleston, affecting 30,000 residents in nine counties.
Two years later, floods ravaged central and southeastern West Virginia, claiming 23 lives.
These incidents and others, including human-caused disasters, flooding, deteriorating infrastructure and climate change, are all tied to one essence of life: water.
Now a coalition of West Virginia University researchers is working together to address the state's most pressing water issues through Bridge, a campus-wide science and technology policy, leadership and communications initiative. The impetus for the initiative is to translate the work of WVU researchers to policymakers as part of the University's land-grant mission.