WRF Seeks Proposals For Water Reuse Research Focused On Microbial And Process Performance

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is requesting proposals for four research projects in the area of microbial and process performance.

Indicator Viruses to Confirm Performance of Advanced Physical Treatment (4955) – This research seeks to evaluate potential viral indicators(s) for assessing the performance of physical treatment processes during advanced water treatment for potable reuse. The research team will collect data to determine source concentration and log reduction values of selected viruses to recommend, where possible, potential online surrogates that may correlate with full-scale virus data. Proposals may request WRF funds up to $300,000. Proposals are due October 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM MT.

Integration of High-Frequency Performance Data for Microbial and Chemical Compounds Control in Potable Reuse Treatment Systems (4954) – This research seeks to understand how high-frequency data monitoring and analytics can best be leveraged to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of monitoring and control strategies in potable reuse systems. The selected research team will develop recommendations for evaluation, selection, design, and commissioning of monitoring networks utilizing feasible technologies, like online water quality monitoring instrumentation and process control monitoring. Proposals may request WRF funds up to $400,000.Proposals are due October 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM MT.

New Techniques, Tools, and Validation Protocols for Achieving Log Removal Credit across NF and RO Membranes (4958) – The research will identify methods and procedures for validation of nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane integrity to give regulators confidence to award appropriate log removal values for the technology. The outcome will help improve cost efficiency of membrane treatment, decrease chemical use and costs, and encourage expansion of possible water resources. Proposals may request WRF funds up to $350,000. Proposals are due October 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM MT.

The Use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technologies and Metagenomics Approaches to Evaluate Water and Wastewater Quality Monitoring and Treatment Technologies (4961) – The research will identify applications for NGS and metagenomics tools that have the most potential for use in a utility monitoring program. Proposals may request WRF funds up to $300,000. Proposals are due October 25, 2018 at 2:00 PM MT.

These requests solicit proposals from all technically qualified U.S.-based or non-U.S. based applicants, including educational institutions, research organizations, federal or state agencies, local municipalities, and consultants or other for-profit entities. However, because a portion of the funding is from the state of California, there are territory limitations that can be reviewed which prohibit individuals and or organizations from certain states from participating in this project.

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP must follow WRF’s Guidelines for Focus Area Program Proposals, which contains instructions for the technical aspects, financial statements, and administrative requirements that the applicant must follow.

The full RFP’s and others that are part of the Advancing Potable Reuse Initiative can be found here.

About WRF
The Water Research Foundation is a 501c3 organization officially formed in January 2018 after the merger of the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation and Water Research Foundation. The merged Foundation is the leading water research organization, funding research, pilot projects, and technology demonstrations that maximize the value of all water, including wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, and recycled water. For more information, visit www.werf.org or www.waterrf.org.