Partners come together to address aging water system in Marion

The City of Marion has partnered with the Alabama Water Institute (AWI) at the University of Alabama, the Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Water and Health (IWH), and the Perry County School System for a project to improve the city's aging water system. 

According to an announcement from AWI a student internship program has been established to help address these needs. 

The water system of Marion dates back to the 1960s and has become outdated. "Insufficient" maintenance has also caused problems, said the announcement. It is hoped that the project will improve it bey rehabilitating wells and installing advanced water meters.

The internship seeks to educate students about water quality management. 

AWI cited a study by IWH reporting that an estimated 50% of professionals specializing in water quality management will retire and only 10% will be replaced in the future. 

The program will have six high school students and their teachers interact with staff at water management facilities to learn about their workings, said the announcement. 

It was funded by Alabama Power and Partnership for Inclusive Innovation based in Georgia.