WERF seeking proposals for green-gray infrastructure research based on 'One Water' Paradigm

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Nov. 20, 2012 -- The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is seeking proposals for research that will focus on institutional issues for green-gray infrastructure based on integrated “One Water” management and resource recovery. Approaches to a One Water Paradigm will be identified along with case examples that promote and encourage paradigm adoption and provide information (incentives) to overcome potential barriers.

The U.S. population is projected to rise to 438 million and world population to nine billion by 2050. Population-based consumption of water will lead to growing water scarcity in most rapidly developing regions of the world including the U.S. and Australia. Coupled with increased water demand and growing water scarcity is the deterioration of aging water infrastructure. The One Water Paradigm emphasizes integrated, multi-use, flexible water systems that can adapt and evolve over time. The One Water Paradigm also extends beyond traditional concepts of integrated water management to include management and impacts to both the natural and built environments.

“Obstacles to implementing “One Water” management are more than just technical. Equally or even more important are the institutional and governance issues preventing more holistic approaches to water management,” states WERF Senior Program Director Jeff Moeller. “This research project will explore stakeholder-driven solution-sets that can help drive utility adoption of a broader One Water Paradigm.”

WERF is collaborating with the Water Research Foundation and Water Quality Research Australia Limited in this effort. Approximately $100,000 is available to fund this research. Contact Senior Program Director Jeff Moeller at [email protected] or (571) 384-2104 for additional information. Proposals are due in WERF’s offices by 4:00 p.m. EST on Jan.14, 2013.

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