The Water Research Foundation Accepting Pre-Proposals For The Subscriber Priority Program

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is seeking pre-proposals for the Subscriber Priority Program. The Subscriber Priority Program is designed to encourage collaboration with WRF Subscribers on research projects. Subscriber Priority projects typically address applied research topics that may be local or regional in nature, but should be broadly applicable to WRF subscribers and complement WRF’s ongoing research. Topics may include wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, and/or seawater. WRF encourages research teams to include the participation of water and wastewater utilities in research efforts.

Non-WRF subscribers can partner with WRF subscribers and form a team to propose projects. Stefani McGregor, coordinator of the Subscriber Priority Program, emphasizes “Subscribers should apply if they have an innovative idea that is not covered in WRF’s existing research portfolio or fulfills an important subscriber need.” Proposals are accepted once per year under a two-step process. An initial pre-proposal is submitted for review, then full proposals will be requested for those pre-proposals identified to have the greatest potential impact or outcome.

The Foundation Anticipates Funding 4-5 Projects With A Maximum Funding Level Of $75,000 For Any Single Project. In 2017, Five Research Projects Were Approved:

• Full Scale Validation of Cryptosporidium and Giardia Log Reductions in Secondary Biological Treatment
• Assessing the Contribution of Water Reuse Practices to Nutrient Impaired Waters
• Evaluation of Fouling Characteristics and Cleaning Efficacy of Bespoke Membrane Filtration Systems Treating Ozonated Secondary Effluent
• Leading Water Utility Innovation
• Demonstrating Real-Time Collection System Monitoring as Part of Enhanced Source Control for Potable Reuse

Pre-proposals are due August 13 to Stefani McGregor at smcgregor@waterrf.org. Those that have been selected for full proposals will be notified in early October.

About The Water Research Foundation (WRF)
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, charitable and educational organization which funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater collection, treatment and supply systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.