The Water Council announces three topics for 2021 Fall Challenge

FLC partner The Water Council has announced its 2021 Fall Challenge, which for the first time includes three topics. The challenge deadline is November 1. Federal researchers are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to present your innovation to A.O. Smith, Badger Meter, Watts Water Technologies, and Xylem. Applicants will compete for:

* Funding with a top prize of $10,000

* Opportunity for joint commercialization with market leaders

* Access to sponsoring companies’ R&D team expertise and feedback

The three challenge topics for 2021 are:

1. Technology solutions to lower operating expenses in aerobic wastewater treatment

This challenge seeks innovative solutions to control microbiological organisms in water using alternative disinfection technologies (non-chlorine). Applications in both small scale (in home or building) and large scale (water distribution networks) will be considered. Areas of potential focus may include:

* Water distribution systems

* Cooling towers and systems

* Piping

* Boilers and circulation systems

2. Internet of Things-enabled water quality sensors

This challenge seeks innovative solutions for water quality sensing inline at a pipe without the need for grab samples. The solutions may be complete systems, algorithms, or concepts with the focus on optimization of operation, condition assessment, conservation, leak detection, and water quality controls. Areas of potential focus may include:

* Flow

* Pressure

* Temperature

* Hardness

*Pathogens

3. Microbial control in distribution systems and buildings

The overall intent of this challenge is to address and minimize the energy consumption associated with this aspect of wastewater treatment. Areas of potential focus may include:

• Appreciable improvement in oxygen transfer efficiency

• Process control optimization and automation

• Enhancements or alternate means for air/oxygen delivery

• Minimizing agitation/mixing power requirements

• Alternative means of COD, BOD, and nutrient reduction

• Minimize quantity of residual solids that need disposal

For more information: https://watertechhub.com/challenge/water-tech-challenge/