East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is partnering with Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) on a groundbreaking National Institutes of Health (NIH) study aimed at improving
access to safe drinking water and reducing waterborne illnesses in rural Appalachian
communities in 10 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
The project, supported by a $3.7 million NIH grant, will examine whether simple countertop
water filters can help reduce gastrointestinal and other water-related illnesses among
families who rely on private wells and springs. These water sources, common throughout
rural Appalachia, are not regulated or routinely monitored like public water systems.
Prior studies show that many lower-income households face elevated risks from bacteria,
viruses, and other contaminants in their drinking water.
ETSU researchers will collaborate closely with Virginia Tech investigators to support
field operations in northeast Tennessee, strengthen regional community engagement,
and contribute to the scientific design and analysis of the study.
ETSU faculty serving as key partners include:
- Dr. Beth O’Connell, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Department of Environment and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences, and Center for Rural Health and Research
- Dr. Phillip Scheuerman, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences, and Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory
- Dr. Md Rasheduzzaman, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences
“We are excited to continue this collaborative work to address the basic need for safe drinking water and serve the people of our region,” said O’Connell.
The randomized controlled trial—officially titled “Expanding Safe Water Access to
Improve Health Outcomes in Appalachia: The Rural Water Filtration and Health (RWELL)
Trial”—will enroll approximately 480 households and more than 1,500 participants across
10 counties. Half of the participating households will receive water filters immediately,
while the other half will receive them after 12 months.
Researchers will track self-reported illnesses, test for waterborne pathogens, and
conduct extensive water quality analyses to determine whether affordable, easy-to-use
filters can meaningfully improve health outcomes.
Nearly 40 million Americans rely on private wells for their drinking water, yet most
states do not require routine testing of these wells. The results of this trial could
help shape future policies, funding strategies, and public health programs aimed at
expanding safe water access in rural communities nationwide.
For ETSU, the partnership represents an opportunity to bring new tools, resources,
and evidence-based solutions to Appalachian families who lack access to treated municipal
water systems.
The study is led by Dr. Alasdair Cohen of Virginia Tech, with a broad team of collaborators
across multiple institutions. Additional Virginia Tech partners include Dr. Leigh-Anne
Krometis, Erin Ling, and Dr. Marc Edwards. The research team also includes Dr. Joe
Brown at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Alan Hubbard, and Dr.
Isha Ray at the University of California, Berkeley. The project builds on earlier
pilot work conducted with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency scientists Dr. Tim
Wade, Dr. Andrey Egorov, Shannon Griffin, and other colleagues. Together, this multidisciplinary
group brings extensive experience in environmental health, engineering, public health,
and rural community research.