Ensuring Resilient Source Water Protection Programs under Extreme Events and in a Changing Climate

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is offering a targeted funding opportunity through its Research Priority Program. This grant opportunity, titled “Ensuring Resilient Source Water Protection Programs under Extreme Events and in a Changing Climate,” focuses on advancing practical, utility-centered strategies for safeguarding source water programs amid the growing threats of extreme weather events and the broader impacts of climate change. The funder, WRF, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science of water to improve the quality and reliability of water services. The initiative’s primary goal is to support the development of a comprehensive synthesis of the current and emerging threats facing source water protection (SWP) programs. These include surface water sources and interconnected groundwater systems, particularly in the context of extreme events like floods, droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves. Additionally, the grant aims to generate a utility-facing guidance document, which will include case studies, adaptation strategies, and stakeholder engagement methods tailored to diverse geographic and environmental settings. Applicants are also expected to conduct a screening-level cost-benefit analysis of identified adaptation strategies, using three real-world SWP programs as illustrative examples. This component is intended to add a practical, implementation-ready perspective to the adaptation recommendations and help utilities prioritize resilient strategies. The total funding available for this opportunity is $200,000. There is no indication that cost sharing or matching is required, but proposers should review the financial guidance documents provided. WRF outlines a structured application process through its "My Portal" system. Applicants must log in with an official organizational email, complete a detailed application form including project team details, budget information, and relevant documentation. Various required forms, such as the Proposal Budget Form, Co-Funding Support Form, and others, are available for download through the grant portal. Proposals are due by November 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM Mountain Time. While no pre-application steps such as letters of intent are mandated, applicants are encouraged to begin early to ensure they can coordinate with participating utilities listed on the RFP page. These utilities play a critical role in grounding the research in practical needs and are added to the list on an ongoing basis. Evaluation of proposals will follow WRF’s internal review processes, and successful applicants will be notified thereafter. For further questions, applicants are directed to contact Harry Zhang, PhD, PE, the designated RFP contact. His email and phone number are listed on the application page. This opportunity does not recur annually based on available information, so prospective applicants are advised to treat this as a standalone funding round.

Review participating utilities for real-world alignment; build proposals with implementable strategies.