CFAs: Framework for Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting research proposals to develop practical guidance for utilities on safely restoring drinking water distribution systems after extreme events. The project will support research on contamination risks, recovery strategies, monitoring approaches, public health protection, and decision-making frameworks to improve water system resilience.

About the Water Research Foundation Research Project

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is supporting a research initiative focused on strengthening the ability of drinking water utilities to recover from extreme events.

The project aims to create practical guidance that helps water utilities restore:

• Drinking water distribution system functionality.
• Water quality standards.
• Public health protections.
• Normal service operations after disruptions.

Extreme events can create major risks for drinking water systems, including contamination, infrastructure damage, and service interruptions. This research will help utilities make informed decisions during recovery.

Purpose of the Research Project

The main purpose of this project is to develop a comprehensive framework that enables utilities to safely restore drinking water distribution systems after extreme events.

Restoration means returning a water distribution system to conditions where:

• Water quality is safe.
• Infrastructure is functioning properly.
• Public health advisories can be removed.
• Normal operations can resume.

The project will focus on practical tools and guidance that utilities can apply during emergency recovery situations.

Key Research Areas

The project will examine multiple aspects of drinking water system recovery.

Identification of Extreme Events

Research should identify and categorize extreme events that can affect drinking water distribution systems.

Examples may include:

• Natural disasters.
• Flooding events.
• Wildfires.
• Infrastructure failures.
• Other emergency situations.

The research should examine how different events affect system performance and recovery needs.

Assessment of Distribution System Vulnerabilities

Projects should evaluate vulnerabilities such as:

• Infrastructure weaknesses.
• Operational challenges.
• Potential contamination pathways.
• System-level risks.

The goal is to understand why certain systems may experience greater impacts during extreme events.

Contaminant Characterization

Research should examine contaminants that may appear during recovery periods, including:

• Chemical contaminants.
• Microbiological contaminants.
• Other water quality hazards.

Studies should evaluate:

• Sources of contamination.
• Detection methods.
• Health risks.
• Removal strategies.

Treatment Processes During Recovery

The project will assess treatment approaches used after extreme events.

Research may examine:

• Water treatment adjustments.
• Disinfection processes.
• Recovery-related treatment challenges.
• Effectiveness of treatment methods.

Restoring System Integrity and Water Quality

Projects should evaluate methods for restoring:

• Distribution system functionality.
• Safe water quality conditions.
• Reliable water delivery.

Research should identify effective restoration practices and operational strategies.

Criteria for Resuming Normal Operations

The research should establish criteria utilities can use before returning to normal service.

This may include:

• Water quality testing requirements.
• Monitoring results.
• Safety thresholds.
• Public health considerations.

Public Notification Practices

The project will review approaches for communicating with communities during recovery.

Research should examine:

• Public notification methods.
• Drinking water advisories.
• Communication strategies.
• Community trust and transparency.

Monitoring, Sampling, and Data Strategies

The project should identify effective approaches for:

• Water sampling.
• Laboratory analysis.
• Monitoring systems.
• Data collection.

It should also identify available:

• Data sources.
• Technical resources.
• Support programmes.

Development of Best Practices and Decision Frameworks

The final outcome should include:

• Recovery best practices.
• Utility guidance tools.
• Decision-making frameworks.
• Resilience improvement strategies.

Funding Information

The Water Research Foundation provides:

• Maximum funding available: $250,000

Funding supports research activities that contribute to improved drinking water system recovery.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

• U.S.-based organisations.
• Non-U.S.-based organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

• Universities and educational institutions.
• Research organisations.
• Government agencies.
• Consulting organisations.
• For-profit organisations.

Applicants must have the technical ability to conduct research related to drinking water systems, resilience, and emergency recovery.

Researcher Eligibility Requirements

Researchers included in proposals must comply with the WRF Timeliness Policy.

Researchers are not eligible to participate if they:

• Have delayed ongoing WRF-funded studies.
• Are late on existing projects.
• Do not have an approved no-cost extension.

Applicants should ensure all proposed researchers meet WRF participation requirements.

How the Research Project Works

Selected researchers will develop practical knowledge and tools through several stages.

Step 1: Identify Recovery Challenges

Researchers will analyse:

• Types of extreme events.
• Impacts on drinking water systems.
• Recovery challenges faced by utilities.

Step 2: Evaluate Existing Recovery Approaches

The project will review:

• Current restoration practices.
• Treatment methods.
• Monitoring approaches.
• Utility experiences.

Step 3: Develop Recovery Guidance

Researchers will create:

• Best practice recommendations.
• Decision frameworks.
• Utility-focused guidance materials.

Step 4: Support Utility Implementation

The final research outputs should help utilities:

• Restore systems faster.
• Improve emergency preparedness.
• Protect public health.
• Strengthen resilience.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare proposals that include:

• Research methodology.
• Project objectives.
• Work plan.
• Budget details.
• Research team qualifications.
• Expected outcomes.

Strong proposals should demonstrate:

• Practical value for utilities.
• Scientific quality.
• Clear recovery solutions.
• Ability to deliver useful guidance.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Extreme events are increasing pressure on drinking water infrastructure worldwide.

Water utilities need reliable strategies to:

• Protect public health.
• Recover quickly after disasters.
• Manage contamination risks.
• Maintain community confidence.

This research opportunity will help create evidence-based solutions that improve water system resilience and emergency response.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the recovery problem.
• Focus on practical utility applications.
• Include multidisciplinary expertise.
• Address both technical and public health aspects.
• Provide realistic timelines and budgets.
• Highlight how results can be implemented.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing research unrelated to drinking water recovery.
• Ignoring practical utility needs.
• Providing unclear research methods.
• Failing to address contamination risks.
• Including researchers who do not meet WRF requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this WRF research project?

The project aims to develop guidance that helps drinking water utilities safely restore distribution systems after extreme events.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request up to $250,000 in WRF funding.

Who can apply?

Educational institutions, research organisations, government agencies, consultants, and other eligible organisations from the U.S. and other countries can apply.

What does restoration mean in this project?

Restoration means returning a drinking water system to safe operating conditions where normal service can resume and public health advisories can be lifted.

What topics should research proposals address?

Proposals should address extreme events, vulnerabilities, contaminants, treatment processes, monitoring strategies, public communication, and recovery decision frameworks.

Can international organisations apply?

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

Are all researchers eligible to participate?

Researchers must comply with WRF policies. Those with overdue WRF-funded projects without approved extensions cannot participate.

Conclusion

The Water Research Foundation research project provides an important opportunity to improve drinking water resilience and emergency recovery practices. By developing evidence-based guidance on contamination management, monitoring, restoration strategies, and decision-making, the project will help utilities protect communities and restore safe water services after extreme events.