Deadline: 31-Aug-22
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting research that will address knowledge gaps in the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens and DBPs along with identifying environmental conditions and niches favorable to colonization, microbial growth, and propagation in drinking water distribution systems.
Ensuring clean and safe drinking water is important for protecting human health and the environment. Opportunistic pathogen and disinfection by-product (DBP) contaminants in drinking water distribution systems remains a water quality issue that is prevalent across the Nation.
Research Areas
- Evaluation of opportunistic pathogens in drinking water distribution systems: The main objective of this research area is to determine the occurrence and concentration of opportunistic pathogens in the distribution system along with related parameters that may influence their growth or presence. Applicants should focus their research efforts on Legionella, as it is the most prevalent, but additional opportunistic pathogens such as Mycobacteria or Pseudomonas may also be evaluated.
- Evaluation of DBPs: The main objective of this research area is to focus on identifying the occurrence and concentrations of unregulated DBPs in actual drinking water distribution systems including storage facilities and distribution systems as well as their co-occurrence with DBPs. Related parameters including disinfectant concentrations and treatment types should be determined, to help later identify conditions that minimize DBP formation while maintaining effective control of opportunistic pathogens.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $8,492,000
- Award Ceiling: $2,123,000
Eligibility Criteria
- This solicitation is available to public and private nonprofit institutions and public and private universities and colleges located in the United States and its territories or possessions.
- Foreign entities, U.S. States, territories and possessions, the District of Columbia, State and local government departments, and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments of the U.S. are not eligible to apply under this RFA.
- Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to receive assistance agreements from the EPA under this program.
- Consistent with the definition of Nonprofit organization at 2 CFR § 200.1, the term nonprofit organization means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization that is operated mainly for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purpose in the public interest and is not organized primarily for profit; and uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operation of the organization.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=341462