Did you know Pitt is home to the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory? The Collaboratory was started in 2017 by faculty members from the Dietrich School’s Geology and Environmental Science Department. In 2018 they were granted funding by the Heinz Endowment and have been leading research and outreach efforts throughout the region. They are aiming to bridge efforts in water research, government, and taking action with sustainability.
Currently, the Collaboratory is made up of a leadership team consisting of several Dietrich Faculty members, as well as graduate students, undergraduate interns, researchers, and community partners. Their main goal is to improve the health of the Upper Ohio River basin by using research and collaboration to create progressive solutions.
In the 2022-2023 year, the Collaboratory teamed up with Women for a Healthy Environment in an effort titled “Measuring Up” to create standardized metrics for rating the performance of water systems in Allegheny County. The Measuring Up team was awarded the 2023 Pitt Partnership of Distinction for their work.
In June of 2023 the Collaboratory, which is also a member of the Ohio River Basin Alliance, along with local partners, went to D.C. to discuss their research and efforts of the Pitt community with members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation.
In addition to their research and governance efforts, they are also involved in outreach by offering courses, and events like Watershed Walks and community presentations to help educate students, faculty, staff, and the greater Pittsburgh community. The Collaboratory is currently offering Water Seminars every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. that are open to everyone. You can RSVP to the seminars by emailing pittwater@pitt.edu to be added to their mailing list.
There is also a film screening of “Seeing the Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What is at Stake” this afternoon at 4 pm in the O’Hara Student Center Ballroom. You can RSVP for the event here.