Deadline: 02-Sep-2026
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting proposals to develop standardized wastewater validation protocols for potable reuse projects in California. The selected project can receive up to $150,000 in funding and will be completed over an 18-month period to support consistent pathogen removal crediting and regulatory acceptance for potable water reuse.
About the Funding Opportunity
The Water Research Foundation is seeking research proposals to improve the scientific and regulatory framework for potable water reuse in California. The project will develop standardized validation and sampling protocols that help utilities, researchers, and regulators consistently evaluate wastewater treatment performance and obtain pathogen removal credits.
The initiative aims to strengthen confidence in potable reuse systems by creating practical, science-based methods that support regulatory compliance and public health protection.
Programme Objectives
The project aims to:
- Develop standardized validation protocols for wastewater treatment processes.
- Support pathogen removal crediting for potable reuse projects.
- Create standardized sampling protocols.
- Evaluate variability in validation and crediting procedures.
- Improve consistency across potable reuse projects.
- Incorporate regulatory perspectives into protocol development.
- Identify practical pathways for adopting standardized validation protocols.
Research Focus Areas
Applicants should address one or more of the following areas:
- Wastewater treatment validation.
- Potable water reuse.
- Pathogen removal credit protocols.
- Standardized sampling methods.
- Validation protocol variability assessment.
- Regulatory review and acceptance.
- Protocol implementation and adoption.
Funding Information
The programme offers:
- Maximum WRF funding: Up to $150,000
- Project duration: 18 months from the contract start date
Funding is intended to support research activities that contribute to standardized validation methods for potable reuse applications in California.
Expected Project Outcomes
Successful projects are expected to deliver:
- Standardized validation protocols for wastewater treatment.
- Reliable sampling procedures for pathogen removal assessment.
- Guidance to improve consistency in treatment validation.
- Recommendations addressing variability in validation processes.
- Regulatory insights to support protocol approval.
- Practical recommendations for widespread adoption of standardized protocols.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to U.S.-based entities, including:
- Educational institutions
- Universities and colleges
- Research organizations
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
- Engineering consultants
- For-profit organizations
- Other eligible research entities
Who Is Not Eligible?
Researchers cannot participate if they:
- Are late on ongoing Water Research Foundation-sponsored projects.
- Have not received an approved no-cost extension under the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy.
Why This Research Matters
Developing standardized validation protocols will help:
- Improve confidence in potable reuse systems.
- Support safe drinking water production.
- Strengthen public health protection.
- Improve consistency in pathogen removal assessments.
- Simplify regulatory approval processes.
- Encourage broader adoption of potable water reuse technologies.
- Advance sustainable water resource management.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization is based in the United States and meets WRF eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Review Project Objectives
Develop a proposal that addresses the required research objectives, including validation methods, sampling protocols, regulatory considerations, and protocol adoption.
Step 3: Prepare the Research Proposal
Include:
- Project objectives
- Research methodology
- Technical approach
- Timeline
- Budget
- Team qualifications
- Expected outcomes
Step 4: Verify Participant Eligibility
Confirm that all proposed researchers comply with the WRF Timeliness Policy and are eligible to participate.
Step 5: Submit the Proposal
Submit a complete proposal with all required documentation before the application deadline specified by the Water Research Foundation.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
To improve your proposal:
- Demonstrate expertise in potable water reuse and wastewater treatment.
- Present a scientifically sound validation methodology.
- Include practical recommendations for regulatory implementation.
- Address protocol reproducibility and consistency.
- Build a multidisciplinary research team.
- Clearly explain how the research will support California’s potable reuse framework.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Submitting incomplete technical methodologies.
- Ignoring regulatory considerations.
- Failing to address protocol variability.
- Providing unrealistic timelines or budgets.
- Including researchers who are ineligible under WRF’s Timeliness Policy.
- Offering protocols without practical implementation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The project supports the development of standardized validation protocols for wastewater treatment processes used in potable reuse projects in California.
2. How much funding is available?
Applicants may request up to $150,000 in Water Research Foundation funding.
3. How long is the project period?
The anticipated performance period is 18 months from the contract start date.
4. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, consultants, and for-profit entities.
5. What research topics are prioritized?
Priority areas include pathogen removal validation, sampling protocols, validation variability, regulatory perspectives, and protocol adoption.
6. Can for-profit organizations apply?
Yes. Eligible U.S.-based for-profit organizations may submit proposals.
7. Who is not eligible to participate?
Researchers with overdue WRF-funded projects who do not have approved no-cost extensions under the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Water Research Foundation’s Wastewater Validation Protocols for Potable Reuse Project provides an opportunity for U.S. researchers and organizations to advance safe, science-based potable water reuse in California. By developing standardized validation and sampling protocols, the project will strengthen regulatory confidence, improve pathogen removal assessment, and support the long-term sustainability of potable reuse systems.
For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.
