Nearly Seven Decades of Research
The Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF), formerly the Water Quality Research Council (WQRC), was formed in 1952 to serve on behalf of the Water Quality Association (WQA) as a universally recognized, independent research organization.
WQRF's Vision is water quality improvement through relevant research and Mission is advancing knowledge and the science of high quality, sustainable water. The long-term goal of WQRF is to achieve sustained growth to conduct and fund scientific research on subjects relating to the water quality improvement industry. Because of the evolving landscape of the water quality industry, research serves as powerful tool to help identify key needs and gaps within the industry. Through efforts to establish an ongoing and expanded dialogue between WQA and WQRF stakeholders to promote meaningful education and research to the industry and the consuming public, identification of key research projects is top of mind. Through interviews and surveys conducted, approximately 300 industry leaders and WQA members identified specific “areas of interest” for research. These six categories, summarized below, are the focus of the WQRF Research Agenda. |
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1. Final Barrier: Investigate point of use and whole house devices as a means for sustainable treatment to create more opportunities for industry professionals to provide better quality water to more people.
2. Emerging Contaminants: Research to aid or support implementation of technologies to provide cost effective options for emerging contaminants.
3. Regulatory Affairs: Support research to promote sound science in codes and rules and promote knowledge and data about the POU/POE industry and its technologies.
4. International Affairs: Provide independent research support for international growth and efforts of the water treatment industry.
5. Public Awareness: Increase consumer awareness of water treatment through educational and extension work, demonstrations, shows, symposia, expositions, publications and surveys.
6. Sustainability: Investigate ways to sustain the industry, help protect the environment and aid adoption of sustainable treatment options including reuse, reclamation and other technologies for agencies or localities.
2. Emerging Contaminants: Research to aid or support implementation of technologies to provide cost effective options for emerging contaminants.
3. Regulatory Affairs: Support research to promote sound science in codes and rules and promote knowledge and data about the POU/POE industry and its technologies.
4. International Affairs: Provide independent research support for international growth and efforts of the water treatment industry.
5. Public Awareness: Increase consumer awareness of water treatment through educational and extension work, demonstrations, shows, symposia, expositions, publications and surveys.
6. Sustainability: Investigate ways to sustain the industry, help protect the environment and aid adoption of sustainable treatment options including reuse, reclamation and other technologies for agencies or localities.
Our Team
Richard MestRichard A. Mest, President of Master Water Conditioning Corporation and a former WQA President, is serving as President of WQRF.
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Pauli Undesser, MWSA recognized leader with a vast knowledge of water treatment technologies, standards, codes and regulations, Pauli Undesser, MWS, serves a dual role as Executive Director of
the Water Quality Association and the Water Quality Research Foundation. |
Eric YeggyEric Yeggy serves as the Scientific Consultant for the Water Quality Research Foundation and plays a key role in review and prioritization of research proposals. He holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and has a background in the environmental testing industry.
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Callie MathenyCallie Matheny is the Foundation Operations Manager. She brings association management, educational and fundraising experience to WQRF and looks forward to helping to grow the recognition of the Foundation’s research efforts.
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Kayla HeriaudKayla Heriaud, Senior Program Leader, is responsible for reviewing industry needs for research, preparing forward-looking research agendas for WQRF and promoting the Foundation’s research findings and key achievements.
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