CFAs: Enabling Sustainable Water Reuse in California (US)

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting proposals for a research project that advances sustainable municipal wastewater reuse in California by evaluating reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) and brine minimization technologies. The grant offers up to $300,000 to eligible U.S.-based organizations to assess technology performance, implementation feasibility, environmental impacts, and pathways for broader adoption in the water sector.

Water Research Foundation Sustainable Municipal Wastewater Reuse Research Grant 2026

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched a competitive funding opportunity to support research on emerging technologies and processes that improve the sustainability of municipal wastewater reuse in California.

The project will evaluate innovative reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) and minimal liquid discharge (MLD) technologies to help utilities reduce waste, improve water recovery, lower environmental impacts, and support long-term water security. The research will also examine practical implementation challenges, regulatory considerations, and future research priorities that can accelerate the adoption of advanced wastewater reuse technologies.

Program Overview

Program Name: Sustainable Municipal Wastewater Reuse Research Project

Funding Organization: Water Research Foundation (WRF)

Funding Type: Research Grant

Maximum Funding: Up to $300,000

Project Duration: 24 months

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

Primary Focus: Municipal wastewater reuse, reverse osmosis concentrate management, brine minimization, minimal liquid discharge technologies, and sustainable water management

Program Objectives

The project aims to:

• Assess the scalability of emerging wastewater reuse technologies.
• Evaluate the operational feasibility of ROC and brine minimization systems.
• Examine the economic viability of advanced treatment technologies.
• Analyze energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Review regulatory requirements affecting technology adoption.
• Evaluate regional differences in source water quality.
• Identify practical pathways for technology implementation.
• Assess trade-offs between different wastewater reuse technologies.
• Document lessons from early-adopter case studies.
• Identify barriers to implementation and future research priorities.

What Is Municipal Wastewater Reuse?

Municipal wastewater reuse is the process of treating wastewater from homes, businesses, and communities so it can be safely reused for beneficial purposes, such as drinking water production, irrigation, industrial processes, groundwater recharge, or environmental restoration.

Advanced wastewater reuse technologies improve water security, reduce reliance on freshwater resources, and support sustainable water management, particularly in regions facing drought and increasing water demand.

What Are ROC and MLD Technologies?

Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC)

Reverse Osmosis Concentrate (ROC) is the concentrated waste stream generated during reverse osmosis treatment. It contains salts, minerals, and contaminants that have been removed from the treated water.

Managing ROC efficiently is a major challenge for advanced water reuse systems because improper disposal can increase costs and create environmental impacts.

Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD)

Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD) technologies are designed to significantly reduce the amount of liquid waste produced during water treatment by maximizing water recovery and minimizing concentrate disposal.

MLD systems can improve resource efficiency while reducing environmental impacts associated with wastewater treatment.

Why This Research Matters

California continues to expand water recycling and reuse as part of its long-term water security strategy. However, managing reverse osmosis concentrate remains one of the biggest technical and economic challenges for advanced treatment systems.

This research will help utilities and regulators better understand which technologies are practical, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and ready for large-scale implementation. The findings will support informed investment decisions and accelerate the adoption of innovative wastewater reuse solutions.

Funding Available

The Water Research Foundation provides:

• Maximum Funding: Up to $300,000

Funding supports research activities that improve understanding and implementation of sustainable municipal wastewater reuse technologies.

Project Duration

The anticipated project period is:

• 24 months from the contract start date.

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

Research Focus Areas

Proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

Technology Scalability

• Assess the ability of emerging technologies to operate at municipal scale.
• Evaluate performance under different operating conditions.
• Identify barriers to large-scale implementation.

Operational Feasibility

• Evaluate operational reliability.
• Assess maintenance requirements.
• Examine integration into existing treatment facilities.

Economic Viability

• Compare capital and operating costs.
• Assess lifecycle costs.
• Evaluate long-term financial sustainability.

Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Measure energy demand.
• Assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

Regulatory Considerations

• Review current regulatory requirements.
• Identify regulatory challenges.
• Support future policy development.

Source Water Variability

• Assess how regional differences in wastewater quality affect technology performance.
• Identify factors influencing successful implementation.

Technology Adoption

• Develop practical implementation pathways.
• Identify barriers and enabling factors.
• Evaluate decision-making frameworks for utilities.

Early-Adopter Case Studies

• Analyze existing wastewater reuse projects.
• Document successful implementation strategies.
• Identify lessons learned and best practices.

Future Research Needs

• Identify remaining knowledge gaps.
• Recommend priorities for future research.
• Support long-term advancement of wastewater reuse technologies.

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 demonstrate expertise in water treatment, environmental engineering, wastewater management, desalination, water reuse, or related scientific disciplines.

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 all WRF eligibility requirements before submitting proposals.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects should:

• Improve understanding of ROC and MLD technologies.
• Identify scalable wastewater reuse solutions.
• Reduce environmental impacts of wastewater treatment.
• Improve energy efficiency.
• Support regulatory decision-making.
• Accelerate technology adoption.
• Provide practical guidance for water utilities.
• Strengthen California’s long-term water sustainability.

How the Project Works

Selected organizations will conduct research to evaluate emerging wastewater reuse technologies using technical, operational, environmental, and economic analyses.

Researchers will assess technology performance, compare implementation options, examine case studies from early adopters, identify barriers to deployment, and develop recommendations that help utilities and regulators make informed decisions about future wastewater reuse investments.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should follow these steps:

1. Review the official Water Research Foundation funding announcement.
2. Confirm that your organization is a U.S.-based eligible entity.
3. Verify that all named researchers comply with the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy.
4. Develop a research proposal aligned with the project objectives.
5. Prepare a detailed research methodology and implementation plan.
6. Develop a project budget not exceeding $300,000.
7. Include the qualifications and expertise of the research team.
8. Prepare a realistic work plan covering the 24-month project period.
9. Submit the completed proposal according to Water Research Foundation application requirements before the submission deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

To improve your proposal:

• Clearly explain how the research advances municipal wastewater reuse.
• Present scientifically rigorous research methods.
• Include measurable objectives and deliverables.
• Demonstrate expertise in advanced water treatment technologies.
• Explain the practical value for utilities and regulators.
• Present a detailed and realistic project budget.
• Include case study and implementation strategies where appropriate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common proposal errors:

• Exceeding the maximum funding limit.
• Providing incomplete research methodologies.
• Failing to explain technology implementation pathways.
• Ignoring WRF eligibility requirements.
• Including ineligible named researchers.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Not demonstrating practical applications for the water sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The project supports research on technologies and processes that improve sustainable municipal wastewater reuse in California by evaluating reverse osmosis concentrate minimization and minimal liquid discharge solutions.

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 24 months from the contract start date.

What research topics are supported?

The project supports research on ROC and brine minimization technologies, minimal liquid discharge systems, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, regulatory requirements, technology adoption, implementation case studies, and sustainable municipal wastewater reuse.

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 Sustainable Municipal Wastewater Reuse Research Grant provides up to $300,000 to advance innovative solutions for reverse osmosis concentrate management, brine minimization, and minimal liquid discharge technologies in California. By supporting research that evaluates technical performance, economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and implementation strategies, the program will help utilities and regulators adopt more sustainable wastewater reuse practices while strengthening long-term water resilience. Eligible U.S.-based organizations with expertise in water reuse, environmental engineering, and advanced treatment technologies are encouraged to submit research proposals that deliver practical, science-based solutions for the future of sustainable water management.