Join the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an informational webinar on the National Priorities: Water Innovation, Science, And Engagement to Advance Water Reuse funding opportunity. The webinar will cover application information and provide an overview of what has already been provided in the Request for Applications (RFA).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for research to accelerate water innovation that advances clean and safe water reuse goals, promotes better understanding of the Nation’s water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure, and enhances the availability and efficient use of water resources through water reuse. This new funding opportunity is titled National Priorities: Water Innovation, Science, And Engagement to Advance Water Reuse Request for Applications (RFA).
Safe and reliable water supplies are critical for the nation’s public health, ecosystems, and economy. As 89% of the western U.S. currently faces a drought, communities, agriculture, and businesses across the country are looking to diversify their supply portfolios to meet current and future needs. Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling or water reclamation) represents a major opportunity to enhance the sustainability and efficient use of water resources to ensure the quality and quantity of existing water supplies. Water reuse is a well-established practice in some areas of the United States and internationally, yet substantial barriers exist to expand its consideration and application for different purposes and benefits.
This RFA is intended to address multiple water reuse sources and applications that support national efforts to reduce technological and institutional barriers for expanded water reuse.
There are two distinct research areas covered by this solicitation. Applicants should address BOTH research areas and cover all the topics of interest listed under each area in the RFA.
Research Area 1: Science, Technology Development, and Validation for Water Reuse Applications
Research is needed to help inform the role of water reuse in securing water availability and water quality for user communities. Research gaps exist for future fit-for-purpose specifications using risk assessment strategies; brine reduction and disposal technologies and processes; development of real-time monitoring and control strategies for water treatment processes; and assessment, demonstration, and validation of novel or improved treatment technologies.
Research Area 2: Social Science, Information, Engagement, and Organizational Barriers to Water Reuse
Research is needed to improve the national understanding of the water available for reuse and the critical impediments to advancing water reuse across the U.S., including public acceptance. Both social and organizational barriers contribute to the critical research gaps surrounding reuse, including, but not limited to potential policy, legal, regulatory, financial, and social impediments. More research is needed on the best approaches for improving cross-organizational engagement as well as approaches that increase public acceptance of water reuse.