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Who We Are |
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Who We Are |
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The mission of the Ground Water Institute can be stated simply as "the Institute will conduct research, perform service, and develop education programs to ensure that the water consumed by the general public in 2050 is as plentiful and high quality as it is today." |
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The Ground Water Institute (GWI) is an organization of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students and non-academicians dedicated to becoming a locus of expertise in ground water management in Memphis at The University of Memphis. As an organization within the Herff College of Engineering, the GWI is a college-wide function whose director reports directly to the Dean of the College. The locus of expertise includes faculty, computer facilities and a GIS-managed database. |
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All of the non-academic functions of the Institute are reviewed by a non-university group, the Planning and Advisory Committee, which is composed of representatives of the funding entities. In addition, a Technical Advisory Committee has been formed which provides technical oversight and advice to the GWI. |
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The GWI was conceived by a non-academician in the Summer of 1991 when it became apparent that the data being developed for the largest utility in Shelby County (MLGW) extended outside the utility's immediate service area. Recognizing that a broad based, non-utility entity could serve as an independent voice in ground water issues, MLGW and two major water using industries (DuPont Chemical and Coors Brewing) moved to establish funding for the GWI in the Spring of 1992. The GWI officially began operation in January of 1992 when Dr. V. Lane Rawlins officially sanctioned the formation of the GWI within the Herff College of Engineering. Approvals of the GWI from the Tennessee Board of Regents was received in August of 1992. The basis function from the initial formulation of the Institute was for a non-utility entity to develop a ground water database which could be used by anyone to provide the resources (faculty & data management) for studies and investigations related to ground water issues. The GWI was intended to be a "neutral" voice in evaluating ground water issues. |
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The Ground Water Institute provides technical support to the Shelby County Ground Water Quality Control Board on an as-needed basis and maintains an active ground water data exchange with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, U. S. Geological Survey (TN, MS and AR) and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Database searches are routinely performed for local and state regulatory agencies (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) as well as private consultants. Also, the GWI has contracted special projects with environmental organizations in the area. |
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Funding for the GWI is solely from external sources. Present sponsors include: |
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The benefits of the GWI to the community are many and varied. The Institute serves as a data source for ground water issues in the mid-south region. The expertise of the Institute (staff, database, and computer facilities) serve as a resource for specialized studies and investigations. The Institute has served as a non-utility, non-regulatory voice in ground water issues. As a member of the academic community, the GWI is the appropriate agent to perform long term research focused on the ground water system as well as immediate problem solving research. Although the GWI does not offer courses or grant academic degrees, support and training is provided for professionals educated in ground water management with the latest tools for solving ground water problems. As mentioned previously, the GWI provides technical support for local governments and the Shelby County Ground Water Quality Control Board. |
