DENVER, CO, OCTOBER 17, 2016 -- The Water Research Foundation (WRF), a leading sponsor of innovative research supporting the water community, has released Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for three new Emerging Opportunities projects and one Focus Area project. Research topics include water loss control, communication on cyanotoxins, water and wastewater capacity charge programs, and fostering sustainable relationships between clean water agencies and the community. WRF is also seeking utility volunteers for these projects.
Details of the three Emerging Opportunities projects are as follows:
RFP #4678 is for a project entitled "Forging Powerful and Sustainable Relationships Between Clean Water Agencies and the Community." This project will investigate how leading clean water agencies have leveraged evocative messages and community programs to foster long-term sustainable relationships within a community to tangibly demonstrate the value of water and the technology that creates clean water. The proposal deadline for this RFP is December 7. Questions about this RFP should be directed to Leanne Miller, WRF Research Manager ([email protected], 303.347.6105).
RFP #4695 is for a project entitled "Guidance on Implementing an Effective Water Loss Control Plan." This project will create a guidance manual and decision framework to help utility practitioners develop an actionable water loss control plan to reduce non-revenue water. The decision framework is meant to align with the utility’s strategic goals, local circumstances, and financial parameters. The proposal deadline for this RFP is December 15. Questions about this RFP should be directed to Maureen Hodgins, WRF Research Manager ([email protected], 303.734.3465).
RFP #4697 is for a project entitled "Development of a Risk Communication Toolkit for Cyanotoxins." This project will provide guidance, templates, and tools to help utilities, regulatory agencies, and water professionals communicate regarding the risks associated with cyanotoxins in public drinking water supplies and finished drinking water, in contrast to those risks posed by freshwater recreational waters. The proposal deadline for this RFP is November 7. Questions about this RFP should be directed to Alice Fulmer, WRF Senior Research Manager ([email protected], 303.347.6109).
An RFP for one Focus Area project has also been posted:
RFP #4690 is for a project entitled "Trends and Best Practices of Water and Wastewater Capacity and Connection Charges and Transactions." This project will evaluate utility capacity charge programs and identify best practices, innovation, and emerging trends within those programs. The proposal deadline for this RFP is November 21. Questions about this RFP should be directed to Jonathan Cuppett, WRF Research Manager ([email protected], 303.347.6122).
WRF is seeking utility volunteers for these projects. As volunteers are found, the RFPs will be updated with this information and reposted.
About the Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation is the leading not-for-profit research cooperative that advances the science of water to protect public health and the environment. Governed by utilities, WRF plans, manages, and delivers scientifically sound research solutions on the most critical challenges facing the water community in the areas of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and reuse. Over the last 50 years, WRF has sponsored nearly 1,500 research projects valued at $500 million, and serves more than 1,000 subscribing organizations. For more information, go towww.WaterRF.org.
