Evaluating and Linking Treatment Process Strategies with Irregular Water Quality Events for Downstream Impacts

The Water Research Foundation (WRF), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science of water, is offering funding through its Research Priority Program under project RFP 5357: "Evaluating and Linking Treatment Process Strategies with Irregular Water Quality Events for Downstream Impacts." This initiative seeks to address the increasing complexity of managing water quality by fostering advanced research into the interactions between changing source water conditions, treatment processes, and their influence on downstream and effluent water quality. The primary objective of this grant is to develop a deeper understanding of how irregular source water events—such as contamination spikes or climate-induced changes—impact treatment systems and ultimately affect the quality of water in receiving bodies. Areas of specific interest include tracking and analyzing issues related to disinfection by-products (DBPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. Applicants are expected to use the findings to inform predictive models and operational guidelines for utilities, ensuring enhanced preparedness and resilience in water quality management. A critical component of the project involves cataloging results into an interactive tool accessible by utilities and regulatory agencies. This tool is envisioned as a practical resource to support future planning and system upgrades, facilitating adaptive strategies in the face of variable water quality inputs. The research should result in actionable insights that utilities across North America can apply to optimize treatment processes and protect downstream environments. The grant provides a total of $250,000 in funding. There is no mention of required cost sharing or matching funds. WRF encourages applications from diverse teams and utilities interested in volunteering as research participants. The application process requires submission through the WRF portal, and applicants should consult the available proposal instructions, budget forms, and certification documents before applying. Proposals are due by November 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. WRF contact Lola Olabode serves as the primary point of communication for inquiries. Supporting documents, including budget instructions and proposal guidelines, are available for download directly from the WRF site. The application cycle appears to follow an annual cadence, with additional participants added throughout the request for proposals (RFP) cycle. This grant opportunity is particularly suited for water utilities, public agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations conducting research in environmental science and engineering. With its focus on real-world impact and knowledge transfer, the project aligns closely with WRF’s mission to provide practical, science-based solutions to water challenges worldwide.