The Evaluating and Linking Treatment Process Program is now accepting applications for a major research project that connects climate projections with water quality changes and downstream treatment impacts. The program will develop predictive frameworks, interactive tools and guidance to help utilities plan for climate-driven shifts in source water quality. Up to $250,000 in funding is available, with applications due November 20, 2025.

WRF Grant: Evaluating and Linking Treatment Processes with Climate-Driven Water Quality Changes

Overview

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched a new funding call to support research that links climate change projections with expected shifts in source water quality and the resulting impacts on water treatment systems. This project aims to help water utilities anticipate climate-driven challenges and plan long-term system improvements.

Why It Matters

Climate change is intensifying extreme weather patterns—storms, droughts, flooding and shifting rainfall. These disruptions directly affect surface and groundwater quality, creating new operational and cost pressures for utilities.
Understanding these impacts allows water agencies to:

• Plan infrastructure upgrades

• Adapt treatment processes

• Improve resilience to future climate conditions

• Protect public health and downstream ecosystems

Key Project Goals

The funded project will:

• Analyze how climate change alters source water characteristics

• Evaluate treatment system responses to degraded source water quality

• Develop interactive forecasting and planning tools for utilities

• Identify operational and financial impacts of climate-driven quality changes

• Produce guidance frameworks for decision-makers

Core Research Components

1. Literature Review

A state-of-the-science review of climate impacts on:

• Surface water quality

• Groundwater conditions

• Physical, chemical and biological parameters that influence treatment

2. Predictive Framework and Modeling Tools

Creation of a toolset that integrates:

• Climate projections

• Land cover and watershed changes

• Water quality transformation pathways

• Treatment process response modeling

3. Technology and Monitoring Assessment

Evaluation of existing and emerging tools for:

• Source water monitoring

• Early detection of quality shifts

• Treatment performance tracking

4. Case Studies

Utility-focused studies linking climate variables to:

• Source water fluctuations

• Treatment process outcomes

• Cost and operational impacts

Available Funding

• Maximum award: $250,000

• Required cost share: 33% (cash or in-kind)

Project Timeline

• Duration: 24 months from project start date

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible institutions include:

• U.S.-based and international universities

• Research organizations

• Government agencies

• Consultants

• For-profit entities
  Ineligible applicants:

• Researchers with overdue WRF-funded projects lacking approved extensions

How to Apply

1. Develop a proposal addressing the project objectives and deliverables.

2. Demonstrate a minimum 33% cost-share contribution.

3. Prepare technical sections, work plans and collaboration strategy.

4. Submit all materials via WRF’s online portal.

5. Ensure submission occurs before 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time on November 20, 2025.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the mandatory cost-share threshold

• Submitting without clear modeling or framework development plans

• Failing to demonstrate utility applicability

• Overlooking climate–water quality linkage explanations

• Applying with unresolved overdue WRF project requirements

FAQ

1. How much funding can applicants request?

Up to $250,000, with a required 33% cost-share.

2. Can international organizations apply?

Yes. Non-U.S. institutions are eligible.

3. What is the main purpose of the project?

To connect climate projections with changes in source water quality and treatment system impacts.

4. How long should the project last?

The expected duration is 24 months.

5. What deliverables are required?

A literature review, predictive models, assessments of monitoring tools, case studies and final recommendations.

6. Who cannot apply?

Researchers behind schedule on existing WRF projects without approved no-cost extensions.

7. When is the application deadline?

All proposals must be submitted before 3:00 p.m. MT on November 20, 2025.

Conclusion

This WRF program is a significant opportunity for researchers to advance climate-water modeling science and provide utilities with essential tools for resilience planning. Teams with expertise in climate modeling, hydrology, water quality and treatment process engineering are strongly encouraged to apply ahead of the November 2025 deadline.