The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is offering up to $400,000 for research that identifies the best strategies to minimize regulated and unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water systems. The project focuses on DBP occurrence, toxicity, treatment optimization, and guidance development for utilities. Eligible U.S. and international organizations can submit proposals for a 24-month research project that strengthens drinking water safety.

WRF Research Grant: Minimizing Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water

Overview

The Water Research Foundation is accepting proposals for a major research initiative focused on reducing harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water distribution systems. DBPs form when disinfectants react with natural organic matter, and both regulated and unregulated DBPs play a significant role in drinking water safety and public health. This research aims to produce evidence-based strategies that utilities can implement to reduce DBP formation and overall health risks.

Why This Grant Matters

Improving DBP control is essential for:

• Protecting public health by reducing exposure to toxic byproducts

• Helping utilities comply with drinking water regulations

• Understanding poorly studied DBPs such as HAL7, HAN6, HAM7, and chloronitramide

• Supporting water treatment innovation through updated scientific insights

• Ensuring safer and more reliable drinking water across diverse water matrices

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: $400,000

• Project duration: 24 months

• Deliverables: Literature review, occurrence study, treatment evaluation, toxicity assessment, utility guidance document

• Scope: Flexible methodologies, multi-phase research, and comprehensive analysis of DBP formation and mitigation

Key Research Areas

1. Occurrence and Formation Potential

• Identify the prevalence of unregulated DBPs, especially:

  • HAL7

  • HAN6

  • HAM7

  • Chloronitramide

• Examine DBP formation across multiple water sources and treatment conditions.

2. Optimization of Treatment and Operations

• Evaluate treatment strategies that minimize both regulated and unregulated DBPs.

• Assess operational changes across the treatment train and distribution system.

• Study the influence of bromide concentrations on DBP formation.

3. Toxicity and Health Risk Understanding

• Compare the relative toxicities of various DBPs.

• Prioritize mitigation based on potential public health impacts.

4. Literature Review and Synthesis

• Compile current treatment methods and operational practices.

• Assess distribution system scenarios that lead to DBP formation.

• Create a consolidated reference to inform future strategies.

5. Best-Practice Strategy Identification

• Document effective operational and treatment strategies.

• Highlight practices that reduce health-risk DBPs under realistic utility conditions.

6. Multi-Matrix Occurrence Studies

• Evaluate DBP formation in diverse water types.

• Determine likely DBP suites under multiple environmental and operational situations.

7. Utility Guidance Document

• Provide actionable recommendations for utilities.

• Include treatment options, monitoring guidance, toxicity insights, and operational strategies.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible entities include:

• Universities and academic institutions

• Research organizations

• Government agencies

• Private consultants

• For-profit companies

• U.S. and international applicants

Ineligible Applicants

Applicants cannot participate if they:

• Are behind schedule on current WRF-sponsored projects

• Lack approved extensions for delayed projects

• Fail to comply with WRF’s timeliness requirements

How to Apply

Follow this structured process to submit a competitive proposal:

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Review WRF Objectives
   Ensure your idea aligns with DBP minimization goals.

2. Build a Multi-Phase Research Plan
   Include literature review, sampling, analysis, and guidance development.

3. Integrate Creativity and Evidence
   Propose original methodologies backed by current scientific findings.

4. Develop a Detailed Proposal Package

   • Work plan

   • Timeline

   • Budget

   • Research approach

   • Personnel qualifications

5. Submit Through WRF’s Online System
   Follow all formatting and submission instructions.

6. Verify Eligibility Status
   Confirm no outstanding delays on current WRF contracts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing only on regulated DBPs and ignoring emerging ones

• Overlooking chloronitramide and other largely unstudied DBPs

• Submitting proposals without a robust sampling plan

• Offering generic literature reviews lacking synthesis

• Providing strategies without realistic utility applications

• Missing internal deadlines or eligibility conditions

FAQ

1. What DBPs are considered high priority in this project?

Unregulated DBPs such as HAL7, HAN6, HAM7, and chloronitramide, along with regulated DBPs of health concern.

2. Can organizations outside the U.S. apply for funding?

Yes. The grant is open to both U.S.-based and international organizations.

3. Are collaborative proposals allowed?

Yes, partnerships among multiple institutions are encouraged and acceptable.

4. What is the expected duration of the project?

Up to 24 months from the start of the contract.

5. Are applicants required to propose a specific methodology?

No. WRF encourages flexible, creative, and scientifically grounded research approaches.

6. What is the final required output?

A comprehensive utility guidance document plus supporting scientific analyses.

7. What disqualifies an applicant?

Being late on existing WRF-sponsored projects without an approved extension.

Conclusion

The WRF DBP Research Grant offers a significant opportunity to advance drinking water safety by improving scientific understanding and practical strategies for minimizing disinfection byproducts. This project will help utilities adopt effective, evidence-based approaches to reduce health risks and meet regulatory standards. Applicants with innovative methodologies and strong scientific foundations are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions through this funding opportunity.