Urban Water Institute
What is the Urban Water Institute about?
Water has been identified as one of the most critical resources for the future. KSU’s vision for the Urban Water Institute is to develop a premier center of knowledge and outreach focused on sustainable water management in urban and urbanizing environments.
This will be accomplished through the land-grant mission of Kansas State University – research, education, training and outreach. The Urban Water Institute will realize its vision by advancing and promoting public policy, water management approaches, and innovative treatment technologies that support sustainable use of water.
- It is expected that the Institute is fully operational by the end of 2012
- By 2015, the Institute will be recognized regionally for its programs
- By 2020, the Institute will be recognized globally as a center of excellence for research, education and outreach related to urban water.
How does the Urban Water Institute fit into the Animal Health and Food Safety mission?
Water is used in most food processing from plants to animals. For example, the poultry and beef industry uses water for processing and washing. The produce industry uses water to clean and wash fruits and vegetables and packaging equipment. Both water conservation and water quality are important in these processes and ensuring elimination of water-based contamination is essential.
Why partner with K-State Olathe?
K-State Olathe is ideally located in a metropolitan area that is home to a variety of world-renowned agencies, businesses and organizations that focus on water. The U.S. EPA Region 7 office located in Kansas City, KS, focuses on protecting and improving water quality across America's greatest watershed, the Missouri-Mississippi Basin. Major international water-related businesses including consulting firms, equipment manufacturers and testing service providers call the Kansas City metro area their home. By being strategically located on the Olathe campus, the Urban Water Institute will help connect the water-industry in the KC region with over 50 water experts at Kansas State University's Manhattan campus.