Deadline: 02-Sep-2026
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting proposals for a research project to develop a framework for demonstrating alternative treatment equivalency for Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) systems in California. The grant provides up to $300,000 in funding for U.S.-based organizations to support safe water reuse, strengthen DPR regulations, and advance scientifically sound approaches that protect public health.
Water Research Foundation Research Grant 2026
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched a competitive funding opportunity to support research that will establish a framework for achieving alternative treatment equivalency in Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) systems.
The project is designed to help California expand safe and reliable direct potable reuse while maintaining the integrity of existing public health protections and regulatory standards. By developing a scientifically supported framework, the research will assist utilities, regulators, and water professionals in evaluating innovative treatment technologies that can safely produce drinking water from advanced water reuse systems.
Program Overview
Program Name: Framework for Achieving Alternative Treatment Equivalency for Direct Potable Reuse (DPR)
Funding Organization: Water Research Foundation (WRF)
Funding Type: Research Grant
Maximum Funding: Up to $300,000
Project Duration: 18–24 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: Direct potable reuse, alternative treatment equivalency, water reuse regulations, and public health protection
Program Objectives
The project aims to:
- Develop a framework for demonstrating alternative treatment equivalency in Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) systems.
- Support California’s statewide implementation of diverse DPR projects.
- Maintain the strength and integrity of DPR regulations.
- Identify the scientific data and evaluation methods required for treatment equivalency.
- Improve regulatory consistency for innovative water treatment technologies.
- Strengthen public health protection through evidence-based water reuse practices.
What Is Direct Potable Reuse (DPR)?
Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) is the process of treating reclaimed wastewater using advanced treatment technologies so it can be safely introduced directly into a drinking water supply system without first passing through an environmental buffer such as a reservoir or groundwater basin.
Because DPR systems directly produce drinking water, they require rigorous treatment, continuous monitoring, and strong regulatory oversight to ensure public health protection.
What Is Alternative Treatment Equivalency?
Alternative treatment equivalency refers to demonstrating that a new or innovative water treatment process provides a level of performance and public health protection that is equivalent to established treatment technologies accepted under Direct Potable Reuse regulations.
Developing a standardized framework will help regulators consistently evaluate emerging treatment technologies while encouraging innovation in advanced water treatment.
Why This Research Matters
As California continues expanding water reuse to improve long-term water security, utilities are increasingly exploring innovative treatment technologies that may differ from conventional treatment trains. Regulators need reliable scientific methods to determine whether these alternatives provide the same level of protection as existing approved systems.
This research will establish a practical framework that supports innovation while maintaining strict public health standards. The results will help utilities implement future DPR projects more efficiently and provide regulators with consistent evaluation tools.
Funding Available
The Water Research Foundation provides:
- Maximum Funding: Up to $300,000
Funding supports research activities related to developing alternative treatment equivalency frameworks for Direct Potable Reuse systems.
Project Duration
The anticipated performance period is:
- 18 to 24 months from the contract start date.
Applicants should prepare work plans that can be completed within this implementation period.
Research Focus Areas
Proposals should address one or more of the following areas:
Alternative Treatment Equivalency Framework
- Develop a scientifically defensible framework for evaluating treatment equivalency.
- Define evaluation criteria for alternative treatment technologies.
- Support consistent regulatory decision-making.
Scientific Data Requirements
- Identify the types of data required to demonstrate treatment equivalency.
- Define performance metrics.
- Recommend appropriate validation approaches.
Evaluation Methods
- Develop practical methods for assessing treatment performance.
- Identify analytical tools and assessment techniques.
- Support evidence-based regulatory reviews.
Public Health Protection
- Ensure treatment approaches maintain high levels of drinking water safety.
- Strengthen public confidence in water reuse systems.
- Support risk-based decision-making.
Regulatory Readiness
- Facilitate statewide implementation of Direct Potable Reuse projects.
- Improve consistency in evaluating innovative treatment systems.
- Support future updates to California DPR regulations.
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, public health, water reuse, regulatory science, or related disciplines.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Researchers are not eligible to participate as named proposal team members if they:
- Are late in completing 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 all WRF eligibility requirements before submitting proposals.
Expected Project Outcomes
Successful projects should:
- Develop a standardized treatment equivalency framework.
- Improve evaluation of innovative DPR treatment technologies.
- Strengthen California’s Direct Potable Reuse implementation.
- Support evidence-based regulatory decisions.
- Enhance drinking water safety.
- Encourage innovation in advanced water treatment.
- Protect public health through scientifically validated approaches.
How the Project Works
Selected organizations will conduct research to define the scientific framework needed to demonstrate that alternative treatment technologies provide protection equivalent to approved Direct Potable Reuse treatment systems.
The project will identify data requirements, evaluation methods, and decision-making processes that regulators and water utilities can use when assessing innovative treatment technologies for future DPR projects.
How to Apply
Eligible organizations should follow these steps:
- Review the official funding announcement and research objectives.
- Confirm that your organization is a U.S.-based eligible entity.
- Ensure all named researchers comply with the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy.
- Develop a research proposal addressing alternative treatment equivalency for Direct Potable Reuse.
- Prepare a detailed research methodology and implementation plan.
- Develop a project budget not exceeding $300,000.
- Include the qualifications and expertise of the research team.
- Prepare a realistic work plan covering the 18–24 month project period.
- Submit the complete proposal according to Water Research Foundation application instructions before the application deadline.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
To improve the competitiveness of your proposal:
- Clearly explain how the research supports Direct Potable Reuse implementation.
- Present scientifically rigorous research methods.
- Include measurable objectives and deliverables.
- Demonstrate expertise in advanced water treatment and regulatory science.
- Develop a realistic project timeline.
- Present a detailed and well-justified budget.
- Explain the potential impact on utilities, regulators, and public health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common proposal errors:
- Exceeding the maximum funding limit.
- Providing incomplete research methodologies.
- Failing to explain treatment equivalency approaches.
- Ignoring WRF eligibility requirements.
- Including ineligible named researchers.
- Preparing unrealistic timelines or budgets.
- Not demonstrating regulatory relevance or public health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of this Water Research Foundation funding opportunity?
The project supports research to develop a framework for demonstrating alternative treatment equivalency in California’s Direct Potable Reuse systems while maintaining strong public health protections.
How much funding is available?
Applicants may request up to $300,000 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 18 to 24 months from the contract start date.
What research topics are supported?
The project supports research on treatment equivalency frameworks, scientific data requirements, evaluation methods, Direct Potable Reuse implementation, regulatory readiness, and public health protection.
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 offers up to $300,000 to support the development of a scientifically robust framework for demonstrating alternative treatment equivalency in Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) systems. By advancing research that strengthens regulatory decision-making, supports statewide implementation of innovative water reuse projects, and maintains high standards of public health protection, this funding opportunity will play an important role in the future of sustainable water management in California. Eligible U.S.-based organizations with expertise in water reuse, environmental engineering, and regulatory science are encouraged to submit high-quality proposals that provide practical solutions for utilities, regulators, and the broader water sector.
For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.
