Savannah
Meet the Team at the IWH
The Institute for Water and Heath at Georgia Southern relies on our interdisciplinary team to get things done for our communities on the Georgia Coast and beyond. We use a blend of science, expertise, communication, and technological know-how to answer questions that lie at the intersection of water and health. In this video, produced by our Communications Student Vanessa Countryman, Dr. Asli Aslan, Director and founder talks about our mission and how our diverse expertise gives us an edge when we are solving the complex issues around water. Dr. Jake Loveless, our Lab Manager discusses his background and the importance of conservation. Luke Roberson, the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator goes over how communication is essential to making a public impact with research, and Victoria Clower, our Graduate Researcher recalls her personal connection to rural water quality and her dedication to the mission of the IWH.
The IWH Celebrates Grand Opening of its Lab with New Federal Funding
On Monday, March 25th, The Institute for Water and Health celebrated its grand opening and was awarded $2.04 million in federal funding for its Safe Water Together Program. Founding director, Asli Aslan was joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero, Representative Buddy Carter, Provost Carl Reiber, Vice-President for Research and Economic Development Christopher Curtis, and many others who were instrumental in bringing this dream to fruition.
“Today is an important milestone for our journey started two years ago, a vision born out of recognizing the need for a research center for our most valuable resource in the region,” said Dr. Asli Aslan, Director of The Institute for Water and Health.
The Institute for Water and Health (IWH) was established in 2021 in response to the critical need for a research center focused on our region’s precious water resources. The opening of the IWH laboratory marks a significant step forward in confronting intricate water-related challenges and improving public health by employing advanced technology. As the lab was under construction, IWH staff worked with community members, policymakers, and Georgia Southern-affiliated faculty to create several innovative research projects.
”We thank our university leadership for supporting us. Our institute will serve as a beacon for research, innovation, and collaboration, aiming to improve water resources and promote well-being for generations to come.”
Dr. Asli Aslan, Founding Director of the IWH
“The institute conducts water research, develops new technologies, and partners with our community stakeholders to tackle complex issues and provide scientific data and solutions that foster safe and sustainable water uses,” said Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University.
The Institute continues to grow in capacity and capability, serving as an example of Georgia Southern’s dedication to providing the highest quality technological resources for its students, faculty, and community. The new funding will empower local communities to develop and implement holistic solutions, fortify infrastructure resilience, and guarantee equitable access to pristine water for all citizens.
The City of Savannah dedicates funding from property taxes toward stormwater infrastructure
Last week, the City of Savannah Council confirmed that the city would be keeping the current millage rate for property taxes in order to fund needed improvements to stormwater infrastructure in key “pinch points.” What this means financially is that property taxes increase slightly, due to increased property values around the area. Several speakers highlighted this fact at the last city council meeting, some arguing that the council should make every effort to lower costs to homeowners. However, Jay Felder, City Manager, pointed out that these funds were going to long-sought-after flood mitigation projects. Specifically, the targeted areas are:
- Where Casey Canal empties into Hayner’s Creek near Montgomery Cross Road,
- Along Victory Drive near Ogeechee Road, and
- Along the Springfield Canal in the Liberty City neighborhood.
Anyone who has lived around Savannah this summer has experienced flooding with the numerous afternoon thunderstorms filling our streets. Many coastal cities around the country are dealing with the combination of aging infrastructure and increased impacts from flooding. Although these kinds of improvements aren’t easily seen, much like the plumbing in your home this work is essential to making Savannah a resilient community. Investments like this are essential in the face of climate change and sea level rise on our changing coast.
To follow the story from beginning to end, the Savannah Morning News has you covered. Listed from newest to oldest: one, two, and three.