Summit seeks to address issues faced by rural water systems in East Texas
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KLTV) - Rural parts of East Texas lead the state in a distinction no one wants: the most boil order notices. Experts say the problem in many cases is aging infrastructure and not enough maintenance. So, what can be done?
This was a big topic of discussion at SFA today at the inaugural East Texas Water Summit hosted by the T. L. L. Temple Foundation and USDA Rural Development. This event was put on to start conversations about rural water systems in East Texas and where they are at today.
President and CEO of the Temple Foundation Wynn Rosser said seven of the ten systems with the most boil water notices in the state come from East Texas, and 18 of the 22 counties the foundation claims are in the top 50 for most notices.
“Just looking at the data available to us, we know something is going on with rural water supply corporations, and what we want to do is to bring resources to those who want to help communities that need the help,” Rosser said.
Lillian Salerno, who is the state director for Rural Development for USDA, said the USDA built many of the rural water systems in East Texas in 1968, and since then a lot of them have not had investments.
“Some of these water systems are run by great community citizens that are not automated, and we have to meet people where they are. And, I think we heard a lot of that: the philanthropy and technical assistance, and really the good neighborly way of East Texans is let’s all work together, so that we can get these systems, so that we serve our citizens,” Salerno said.
Salerno said today was meant to inform people on how and where to get help when it comes to rural water systems. She said the USDA rural development is a great resource for help and grants through their Communities Unlimited Program.
“We just encourage them to reach out us, and we have 25 field offices. You know, four are right here in East Texas that they can walk into one of our offices and ask about their water system,” Salerno said.
Rosser said they hope this summit will continue to happen year after year and help start a conversation about rural water development.
“I hope today’s summit will increase awareness of the resources available and also help the rural water systems understand that they are not alone, and whether they are excelling or struggling there are others that are in the same shape, and that we can learn together and improve together,” Rosser said.
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