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MSU Provides Lifeline for Communities Facing Water System Challenges
How do we access funding? Is technical guidance available? Who can help us manage a project like this?
Water system operators have questions—and Eric Williams has answers. As a senior project manager for the Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, Williams provides financial, technical and managerial assistance to communities looking to upgrade their water and wastewater infrastructure.
And there are many such communities across Mississippi.
"A lot of them have aging water systems along with capacity issues, and they're not able to keep up with growth," Williams said. "They're trying to figure out how to upgrade their infrastructure so they'll be able to provide safe drinking water for the next 30 years. We have the resources to help communities solve problems and get things done, and we're with them every step of the process."
Williams, a chemical engineer, joined the institute in November 2024 after nearly 17 years with the Mississippi Department of Health, where he focused on ensuring that drinking water systems complied with state and federal regulations.
His regulatory experience advantageous in his new job, especially in helping water system operators make the best decisions to maintain quality and compliance standards. Meetings typically involve key leaders and decision-makers, including mayors, aldermen, water association board members and water plant operators.
"Recently, I met with a group in north Mississippi to review the design of their new iron removal plant," Williams said. "I've seen a lot of different iron removal plants, so I was able to explain what works and what doesn't and how to get the best quality water for their customers."
He also connects communities with funding resources, including funds from the Environmental Protection Agency. Williams guides applicants through the EPA's multiphase qualification process, which opens the door to programs to upgrade infrastructure, increase capacity, optimize treatment processes and prepare utility systems for long-term, reliable performance.
Rate studies are another service offered by the institute to help water system operators understand how their water, sewer and wastewater rates compare with other providers and determine if rate adjustments are necessary.
In addition to funding and technical assistance, project management is an important piece of the puzzle. The institute connects operators with engineering firms that have expertise in water system design and construction.
"Our goal is to help communities prolong the life of their water systems and provide safe drinking water for the duration," Williams said. "A lot of small, underserved systems don't have access to the same resources as the larger ones. We are advocates for them by listening to their needs and giving them an avenue to upgrade their systems and serve their communities for many years into the future."
The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University is a leader in addressing critical water and land use challenges. Collaborating with leading water resources officials, the institute develops innovative research solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation. Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.
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