In response to the need for greater understanding of water quality in urban systems, Carnegie Mellon University launched the Center for Water Quality in Urban Environmental Systems (WaterQUEST). The goal of this center is to advance the scientific basis for decision-making in urban watersheds. WaterQUEST involves several critical components:
(1) primary research on environmental sources and fate of contaminants of concern in urban systems (e.g., pathogens, persistent toxins),
(2) development of necessary monitoring and modeling capabilties for urban watersheds,
(3) development of policy and decision-making tools and models for improved management of water quality in urban systems, and
(4) outreach and education to develop a citizenry ready for the challenges of managing urban water systems. Located at Carnegie Mellon University in the heart of Pittsburgh, WaterQUEST uses its urban area as a laboratory for research and development.
Water QUEST is a multi-disciplinary center housed in the Carnegie Institute of Technology at
Carnegie Mellon University with participating faculty from four colleges and eight departments.
