RFAs: Developing a Validation Approach for Virus Removal through Ultrafiltration in Reuse (US)

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting proposals for a research project focused on developing a validation approach for virus removal through ultrafiltration (UF) in water reuse systems. The grant provides up to $300,000 in funding to U.S.-based organizations, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, consultants, and eligible for-profit entities working to improve water reuse safety and treatment technologies.

Water Research Foundation Research Grant 2026

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched a competitive funding opportunity to support research that advances the validation of ultrafiltration (UF) systems for virus removal in water reuse applications.

The project seeks to improve confidence in ultrafiltration performance by developing scientifically validated methods to measure virus removal, identify reliable monitoring surrogates, and support regulatory acceptance of virus removal credits. The research will contribute to safer and more reliable water reuse systems while strengthening public health protection and sustainable water management.

Program Overview

Program Name: Validation Approach for Virus Removal Through Ultrafiltration in Water Reuse Systems

Funding Organization: Water Research Foundation (WRF)

Funding Type: Research Grant

Maximum Funding: Up to $300,000

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

Research Focus: Validation of virus removal through ultrafiltration in water reuse systems

Program Objectives

The project aims to:

• Develop a scientifically sound validation approach for virus removal through ultrafiltration.
• Demonstrate that ultrafiltration systems achieve creditable virus removal.
• Identify reliable surrogate indicators for ongoing system monitoring.
• Evaluate surrogate performance for regulatory virus removal credit.
• Improve the safety and reliability of water reuse systems.
• Support evidence-based water treatment practices.

What Is Ultrafiltration (UF)?

Ultrafiltration (UF) is a membrane-based water treatment technology that removes suspended solids, bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic contaminants from water.

In water reuse systems, ultrafiltration serves as an important treatment barrier that helps produce high-quality reclaimed water for various applications. Validating its virus removal performance is essential for ensuring public health protection and meeting regulatory requirements.

Why This Research Matters

Water reuse is becoming increasingly important as communities face growing water demand, climate change, and limited freshwater resources. Reliable treatment technologies are essential to ensure reclaimed water is safe for its intended use.

This research will help establish standardized methods for validating virus removal in ultrafiltration systems, improving confidence among utilities, regulators, researchers, and the public. The findings may support future regulatory guidance and enhance the performance of advanced water treatment systems.

Funding Available

The Water Research Foundation will provide:

• Maximum Funding: Up to $300,000

Funding is intended to support research activities necessary to develop and validate approaches for demonstrating virus removal performance in ultrafiltration systems.

Research Focus Areas

Proposed projects should address one or more of the following areas:

Validation of Virus Removal

• Demonstrate virus removal performance of ultrafiltration systems.
• Develop scientifically defensible validation methods.
• Improve confidence in treatment effectiveness.

Monitoring Surrogates

• Identify reliable surrogate indicators for routine monitoring.
• Evaluate surrogate performance under operational conditions.
• Support continuous monitoring strategies.

Virus Removal Credit

• Assess surrogate data to support regulatory virus removal credit.
• Improve approaches for assigning performance credit to ultrafiltration systems.
• Generate evidence to strengthen regulatory acceptance.

Water Reuse Applications

• Enhance treatment reliability in water reuse systems.
• Support safe reclaimed water production.
• Improve water quality management practices.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based entities such as:

• Educational institutions
• Universities and colleges
• Research organizations
• Government agencies
• Consulting firms
• For-profit organizations with relevant expertise

Applicants should have the scientific and technical capacity to conduct advanced research related to water treatment, membrane technologies, microbiology, environmental engineering, or related disciplines.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following individuals are not eligible to participate as named researchers:

• Researchers who 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 ensure all proposed research personnel meet WRF eligibility requirements before submitting a proposal.

Expected Project Outcomes

Successful projects are expected to:

• Develop a validated approach for virus removal assessment.
• Improve confidence in ultrafiltration performance.
• Identify practical monitoring surrogates.
• Support regulatory decision-making.
• Enhance public health protection.
• Advance water reuse technologies.
• Strengthen scientific knowledge in membrane treatment processes.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should follow these steps:

1. Review the official funding announcement and project requirements.
2. Confirm that your organization is based in the United States and meets the eligibility criteria.
3. Ensure all proposed researchers comply with the WRF Timeliness Policy.
4. Develop a research proposal addressing the project’s objectives.
5. Clearly define the research methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.
6. Prepare a detailed project budget not exceeding $300,000.
7. Include the qualifications and expertise of the research team.
8. Submit the complete proposal according to the Water Research Foundation’s application instructions before the deadline.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

To improve the competitiveness of your proposal:

• Clearly explain how the research advances ultrafiltration validation.
• Use scientifically rigorous research methods.
• Include measurable objectives and deliverables.
• Demonstrate expertise in water treatment and environmental research.
• Present a realistic project schedule and budget.
• Explain the potential regulatory and industry impact of the research.
• Highlight opportunities for practical implementation by water utilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common proposal errors:

• Exceeding the maximum funding limit.
• Submitting incomplete research plans.
• Failing to explain the scientific methodology.
• Not demonstrating expertise in ultrafiltration or water reuse.
• Overlooking WRF eligibility requirements for named researchers.
• Providing unrealistic timelines or budgets.
• Failing to describe how project outcomes will benefit the water sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The project supports research to develop a validated approach for demonstrating virus removal through ultrafiltration in water reuse systems and to identify reliable monitoring surrogates.

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.

What research topics are supported?

The project focuses on validating virus removal by ultrafiltration, identifying monitoring surrogates, evaluating surrogate performance, and supporting virus removal credit in water reuse systems.

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 be named participants under the WRF Board of Directors’ Timeliness Policy.

Why is virus removal validation important?

Validation demonstrates that ultrafiltration systems consistently remove viruses, supports regulatory approval, improves monitoring practices, and enhances the safety of reclaimed water used in water reuse systems.

Conclusion

The Water Research Foundation Research Grant offers up to $300,000 to support innovative research on validating virus removal through ultrafiltration in water reuse systems. By advancing scientific methods for performance validation, identifying reliable monitoring surrogates, and supporting regulatory acceptance of virus removal credits, this funding opportunity contributes to safer water reuse, stronger public health protection, and the continued advancement of sustainable water treatment technologies. Eligible U.S.-based organizations with expertise in water research are encouraged to submit well-designed, scientifically robust proposals that address the project’s objectives and deliver meaningful outcomes for the water sector.