Apply Now: ROC Discharge Solutions for California Receiving Bodies (United States)

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is accepting proposals for a research project focused on developing effective strategies for managing reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) discharges into California receiving waters. The grant provides up to $100,000 for U.S.-based organizations to develop practical decision-making frameworks, evaluate ROC management options, and support future regulatory readiness for sustainable water reuse and desalination practices.

Water Research Foundation Research Grant 2026

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched a funding opportunity to support research that improves the management of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) generated by advanced water treatment and water reuse systems in California.

As water reuse and desalination continue to expand, effective management of ROC has become increasingly important for protecting water quality and complying with environmental regulations. This research project aims to identify practical management strategies, assess discharge requirements, reduce contaminant impacts, and support informed decision-making for utilities and regulators.

Program Overview

Program Name: Strategies for Managing Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC) Discharges to California Receiving Bodies

Funding Organization: Water Research Foundation (WRF)

Funding Type: Research Grant

Maximum Funding: Up to $100,000

Project Duration: 12 months from the contract start date

Eligible Applicants: U.S.-based educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, consultants, and eligible for-profit entities

Primary Focus: Reverse osmosis concentrate management, water reuse, desalination, and environmental protection

Program Objectives

The project aims to:

• Develop a practical framework for evaluating reverse osmosis concentrate management strategies.
• Assess ROC quality and quantity requirements for different California receiving bodies.
• Evaluate methods for minimizing contaminant concentrations in ROC discharges.
• Summarize effective source control and pre-treatment approaches.
• Identify research gaps that support future regulatory readiness.
• Develop practical decision-making tools for utilities and water managers.
• Improve sustainable management of advanced water treatment residuals.

What Is Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC)?

Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC) is the concentrated wastewater stream produced during the reverse osmosis treatment process. As clean water passes through reverse osmosis membranes, dissolved salts, minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants remain in the concentrate stream.

Proper management of ROC is essential because inappropriate discharge can affect rivers, lakes, groundwater, estuaries, and other receiving waters. Identifying environmentally responsible management strategies is becoming increasingly important as water reuse and desalination systems expand.

Why This Research Matters

California continues to invest in water reuse and advanced treatment technologies to improve water security and address drought challenges. However, reverse osmosis systems generate concentrate streams that require careful management to protect aquatic ecosystems and meet environmental regulations.

This research will help utilities, regulators, engineers, and policymakers identify practical and scientifically supported approaches for managing ROC discharges while balancing environmental protection, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Funding Available

The Water Research Foundation provides:

• Maximum Funding: Up to $100,000

Funding supports research activities related to evaluating and improving reverse osmosis concentrate management strategies.

Project Duration

The anticipated project period is:

• 12 months from the contract start date.

Applicants should prepare realistic work plans that can be completed within this timeframe.

Research Focus Areas

Proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

ROC Management Framework

• Develop a decision-making framework for ROC management.
• Compare available discharge and treatment options.
• Support utility planning and regulatory compliance.

ROC Quality and Quantity Assessment

• Evaluate concentrate characteristics.
• Assess discharge requirements for different California receiving waters.
• Analyze environmental considerations for various receiving bodies.

Source Control and Pre-Treatment

• Identify source control strategies.
• Evaluate pre-treatment approaches.
• Reduce contaminant concentrations before discharge.

Regulatory Readiness

• Identify research gaps affecting future regulations.
• Support science-based regulatory decision-making.
• Improve readiness for evolving water quality standards.

Contaminant Reduction

• Evaluate technologies that reduce contaminants in ROC.
• Improve environmental performance of concentrate management.
• Support sustainable water treatment practices.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based organizations such as:

• Educational institutions
• Universities and colleges
• Research organizations
• Government agencies
• Consulting firms
• Eligible for-profit organizations

Applicants should possess expertise in water treatment, environmental engineering, water quality, desalination, water reuse, or related scientific fields.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Researchers are not eligible to participate as named proposal team members if they:

• Are late on ongoing Water Research Foundation-sponsored studies without an approved no-cost extension under the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy.

Organizations should verify compliance with WRF eligibility requirements before submitting proposals.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful research projects should:

• Develop a practical ROC management framework.
• Improve understanding of ROC discharge requirements.
• Identify effective contaminant reduction strategies.
• Support regulatory readiness.
• Enhance environmental protection.
• Improve sustainable water reuse practices.
• Provide decision-making tools for utilities and regulators.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should follow these steps:

1. Review the official funding opportunity and project objectives.
2. Confirm that your organization meets the U.S.-based eligibility requirements.
3. Ensure all named researchers comply with the WRF Timeliness Policy.
4. Develop a research proposal addressing ROC management challenges.
5. Define the research methodology, deliverables, and expected outcomes.
6. Prepare a detailed project budget not exceeding $100,000.
7. Include the qualifications of the research team.
8. Submit the completed proposal according to Water Research Foundation application instructions before the submission deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

To strengthen your proposal:

• Clearly explain how the research improves ROC management.
• Use scientifically rigorous methods.
• Include measurable objectives and deliverables.
• Demonstrate expertise in desalination, water reuse, or environmental engineering.
• Develop a realistic 12-month project schedule.
• Present a detailed and well-justified budget.
• Explain how the findings will benefit water utilities and regulators.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common proposal errors:

• Exceeding the funding limit.
• Providing an incomplete research methodology.
• Failing to explain practical applications.
• Ignoring WRF eligibility requirements.
• Including ineligible named researchers.
• Preparing unrealistic project timelines.
• Not identifying expected project outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this Water Research Foundation funding opportunity?

The project supports research to develop practical strategies and decision-making tools for managing reverse osmosis concentrate discharges into California receiving waters.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to $100,000 in Water Research Foundation funding.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, consulting firms, and eligible for-profit organizations.

How long is the project period?

The anticipated project duration is 12 months from the contract start date.

What research topics are supported?

The project supports research on ROC management strategies, contaminant reduction, source control, pre-treatment, discharge evaluation, regulatory readiness, and decision-making frameworks.

Can international organizations apply?

No. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based entities.

Are there restrictions on research team members?

Yes. Researchers who are late on ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without an approved no-cost extension are not eligible to participate as named proposal team members under the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy.

Conclusion

The Water Research Foundation Research Grant provides up to $100,000 to advance research on managing reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) discharges in California. By supporting the development of practical management frameworks, contaminant reduction strategies, and regulatory decision-making tools, this funding opportunity will help improve the sustainability of water reuse and desalination systems while protecting California’s receiving waters. Eligible U.S.-based organizations are encouraged to submit high-quality research proposals that deliver practical solutions for utilities, regulators, and the broader water sector.