The WateReuse Research Foundation released four Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for new research studies. The Foundation conducts and promotes applied research on the reclamation, recycling, reuse, and desalination of water. Under the Foundation’s Solicited Research Program and Feasibility Studies Program, research contractors are selected through a competitive process.
Emerging Energy-Reducing Technologies for Desalination Applications
The cost of water from desalination facilities is significantly impacted by the energy requirements for production; this is especially true for seawater desalination. Drinking water produced by desalination is still considered as among the most energy-intensive techniques for creating a new water supply.
Energy recovery devices (ERDs) have shown the ability to reduce the energy consumption of seawater desalination systems by 50% over comparable systems without ERDs.
The project objective is to independently test the most promising desalination process(es) or equipment to verify manufacturer claims of reduced energy consumption in order to accelerate industry adaptation of recently developed commercial products or processes by minimising the time to widespread application.
Real Time Monitoring Tools to Characterise Microbial Contaminants in Reclaimed Water: State of the Science Assessment
Technologies for detecting microorganisms in water, assessing viability and infectivity, and evaluating microbial community structure continue to advance at a rapid pace. New molecular-based approaches and the use of biochemical indicators are enabling more rapid screening and analysis of microbial contaminants and surrogates.
The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of tools for monitoring pathogenic microorganisms or surrogates in reclaimed water systems. The goal is to describe and compare approaches that are commercially available, emerging, and/or under development with an emphasis on real-time or near-real-time microbiological monitoring of water reuse applications.
The results of this project should be delivered in an easy-to-use format such as an electronic catalogue, database, or other product chosen by the proposer.
Develop Best Management Practices to Control Potential Health Risks and Aesthetic Issues Associated with Storage & Distribution of Reclaimed Water
Water reuse facility operators are often faced with maintenance and water quality challenges associated with the storage and distribution of reclaimed water. Potential health-related and aesthetic issues can lead to customer complaints and potentially result in decreased acceptance of reclaimed water use.
The water reuse community would benefit from a guidance material to assist operators in identifying and controlling potential health and aesthetic impacts associated with storage and distribution of reclaimed water.
The intent of this project is to provide that guidance through a field-ready manual and final report. The main objective of this project is to develop best management practices for storage and distribution of reclaimed water; this will be accomplished through cataloging current state of the science practices and developing a guidance manual.
Demonstrating the Benefits of Engineered Direct versus Unintended Indirect Potable Reuse Systems
Discharge of treated wastewater upstream of potable water intakes is a common occurrence that results in unintended indirect potable reuse.
Examples of such practices can be found throughout the world and they have the potential to negatively impact finished drinking water quality and necessitate the need for costly additional water treatment processes in order to restore consumer confidence.
The objectives of this feasibility study are as follows:
•To obtain a more quantitative assessment of the water quality impacts associated with unintentional indirect potable reuse, and
•To demonstrate how more fully engineered approaches to direct potable reuse will result in water quality benefits
The white paper’s findings should help to demonstrate the benefits and importance of engineering direct potable reuse systems as a means of reducing the water quality impacts of unintentional indirect potable reuse.
The WateReuse Research Foundation is an educational, nonprofit public benefit corporation that serves as a centralised organisation for the water and wastewater community to advance the science of water reuse, recycling, reclamation, and desalination.