Deadline: 20-Nov-2025

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is accepting grant applications for projects that improve long-term residential water demand forecasting and modeling. Funding supports research that moves beyond population-based forecasting by incorporating climate, land use, conservation, and socioeconomic drivers. Proposals are due November 20, 2025, by 3:00 p.m. MT.

WRF Grant Opportunity: Long-Term Residential Water Demand Forecasting & Modeling

Overview

The Water Research Foundation has opened applications for a research grant designed to advance forecasting methods for long-term residential water demand. The initiative targets forecasting models that integrate variables beyond traditional population growth metrics.

Accurate long-range demand forecasting is essential for water utility operations, planning, and resource management. As consumption patterns shift due to conservation, regulatory changes, and environmental pressures, utilities need new modeling frameworks to predict future water use.

Why This Grant Matters

Long-term water demand forecasting is no longer reliably tied to population increases. Utilities worldwide are observing declining per-capita use, significant efficiency gains, and new environmental stressors.

This grant aims to improve:

• Forecasting precision
• Adaptability to emerging trends
• Data-driven utility planning
• Integration of climate and socioeconomic variables
• Understanding of conservation impacts

Advanced modeling helps utilities manage supply, budget capital projects, and prepare for climate variability.

Key Focus Areas

WRF encourages proposals that explore or integrate:

• Climate change impacts on long-term water demand
• Land-use change (densification, zoning, urban growth patterns)
• Socioeconomic trends influencing consumption
• Conservation practices and related regulatory shifts
• Behavioral changes in residential water use
• Technological influences such as high-efficiency fixtures or smart irrigation
• Scenario modeling and uncertainty analysis

Expected Deliverables

Projects must produce the following outputs:

1. Research Report

• Developed using WRF’s required Research Report Template
• Clearly documents methods, findings, datasets, and recommendations

2. Literature Review

• Summarizes current forecasting approaches
• Identifies gaps and limitations in existing models

3. Case Studies

• Practical applications demonstrating improved modeling techniques
• Utility or regional examples preferred

Project Duration

Estimated project timeline: 18–24 months from contract start.

Funding Details

• Maximum WRF funding: $200,000
• Required matching resources: At least 33% of the total award
  • Can include cost-share, applicant in-kind, or third-party in-kind contributions
• Proposals not meeting the cost-share requirement will not be accepted

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Entities

• U.S. and non-U.S. organizations
• Universities and educational institutions
• Research institutions
• Government agencies
• Private consultants
• For-profit companies

Ineligible Applicants

• Researchers currently delayed on WRF-funded projects without an approved no-cost extension
• Proposals lacking the required cost share
• Submissions after the deadline

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit a successful WRF proposal:

1. Review the RFP Materials

• Confirm your research scope aligns with WRF priorities
• Validate cost-share eligibility and reporting requirements

2. Prepare Your Proposal

Include:

• Research objectives
• Methodology and modeling approach
• Project timeline (18–24 months)
• Budget and cost-share documentation
• Team qualifications
• Expected deliverables

3. Format According to WRF Requirements

Ensure compatibility with the WRF Research Report Template and submission guidelines.

4. Submit Online

• Upload the complete proposal package through WRF’s online submission portal
• Deadline: November 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time

5. Retain Submission Confirmation

Keep all records and confirmation emails for compliance and reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the cost-share requirement → Automatic rejection
• Late submission → Portal closes at exactly 3:00 p.m. MT
• Incomplete deliverable descriptions
• Insufficient detail on modeling methods
• Ignoring climate, land use, or socioeconomic variables
• Weak alignment with WRF’s goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

WRF will fund up to $200,000 for the selected project.

2. Is cost-sharing required?

Yes. Applicants must contribute at least 33% of the award value through cost-share or in-kind support.

3. How long should the project take?

The project duration is estimated at 18–24 months.

4. Can international organizations apply?

Yes. Both U.S.-based and international entities are eligible.

5. What topics should the research address?

Proposals should focus on factors affecting long-term residential water demand, including climate change, land-use shifts, socioeconomic drivers, and conservation impacts.

6. Who is not eligible?

Researchers behind schedule on existing WRF projects without approved extensions are ineligible.

7. What is the submission deadline?

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

Conclusion

The WRF grant opportunity supports innovative research to improve long-term residential water demand forecasting using modern, data-driven variables. By integrating climate, socioeconomic, and land-use considerations, selected projects will help utilities enhance planning accuracy and resource reliability. Applicants should ensure strong methodological approaches, meet the cost-share requirement, and submit before the November 20, 2025 deadline.

For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.