Ongoing WQRF Research:
2018 WQRF Grant Program: "Emerging contaminant removal and microbial growth in membrane filtration and activated carbon point-of-use (POU) systems"
The 2018 Grant study aims to evaluate the removal of emerging contaminants by POU carbon and RO systems and determine the effects of water quality on performance. The emerging contaminants studied include short-chain PFC’s (PFBS and PFHxS), PFOS, manganese, and uranium. It is anticipated that this research will provide performance data on removal efficiencies of representative emerging contaminants, new knowledge on the effects of water quality on the performance of POU systems, and mechanisms of microbial growth. As a result, the industry will be able to develop cost-effective treatment devices to improve water quality and mitigate risks of emerging contaminants in drinking water.
Development of a Standardized Scaling Test Protocol for Evaluation of Scale Reduction Devices and Technologies (aka Benchmarking Study):
The purpose of the study is to develop a repeatable protocol that provides scientific evidence regarding the performance of scale reduction technologies on reducing scale build-up on heating elements, shower doors and other water-using appliances. All brands and manufacturers of products tested will remain confidential, but the description of the technology category the product is classified in will be included. The protocol will be made available after the research concludes for any manufacturer to test their product against, if they wish.
Sustainability Comparison Study:
This study will utilize real-world data to compare the sustainability, defined as the human, environmental and economic impacts, of centralized drinking water treatment to residential POU/POE treatment in small community water systems in the United States. Research results will be used by the industry to identify and understand in which contexts POU/POE might yield the most benefits when used by small communities for compliance needs.
The 2018 Grant study aims to evaluate the removal of emerging contaminants by POU carbon and RO systems and determine the effects of water quality on performance. The emerging contaminants studied include short-chain PFC’s (PFBS and PFHxS), PFOS, manganese, and uranium. It is anticipated that this research will provide performance data on removal efficiencies of representative emerging contaminants, new knowledge on the effects of water quality on the performance of POU systems, and mechanisms of microbial growth. As a result, the industry will be able to develop cost-effective treatment devices to improve water quality and mitigate risks of emerging contaminants in drinking water.
Development of a Standardized Scaling Test Protocol for Evaluation of Scale Reduction Devices and Technologies (aka Benchmarking Study):
The purpose of the study is to develop a repeatable protocol that provides scientific evidence regarding the performance of scale reduction technologies on reducing scale build-up on heating elements, shower doors and other water-using appliances. All brands and manufacturers of products tested will remain confidential, but the description of the technology category the product is classified in will be included. The protocol will be made available after the research concludes for any manufacturer to test their product against, if they wish.
Sustainability Comparison Study:
This study will utilize real-world data to compare the sustainability, defined as the human, environmental and economic impacts, of centralized drinking water treatment to residential POU/POE treatment in small community water systems in the United States. Research results will be used by the industry to identify and understand in which contexts POU/POE might yield the most benefits when used by small communities for compliance needs.
Upcoming WQRF Research:
2020 WQRF Grant Program:
In 2020, the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) will issue a request for proposals (RFP) under a program which awards one research grant for a unique and interesting research project relating to the point-of-use and point-of-entry drinking water treatment industry. The aim of this program is to allow academic and independent researchers more flexibility for direct submission of study proposals which are topical to the WQRF research agenda. The selected research agenda categories for 2020 are "Regulatory Affairs" and "Public Awareness".
Predictive Modeling of U.S. Drinking Water Emergencies:
The goal of this project is to build upon the database generated from a previously completed WQRF-funded project, Drinking Water Crises in the United States, 2009-2019. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive model that can use the historical drinking water crises information to identify contaminants of concern for the future and help the drinking water treatment industry prepare to provide treatment solutions.
Emerging Contaminants Consumer Study:
The research will perform a US consumer study with a regional balance and a sample size that is appropriate and statistically sound to determine:
In 2020, the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) will issue a request for proposals (RFP) under a program which awards one research grant for a unique and interesting research project relating to the point-of-use and point-of-entry drinking water treatment industry. The aim of this program is to allow academic and independent researchers more flexibility for direct submission of study proposals which are topical to the WQRF research agenda. The selected research agenda categories for 2020 are "Regulatory Affairs" and "Public Awareness".
Predictive Modeling of U.S. Drinking Water Emergencies:
The goal of this project is to build upon the database generated from a previously completed WQRF-funded project, Drinking Water Crises in the United States, 2009-2019. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive model that can use the historical drinking water crises information to identify contaminants of concern for the future and help the drinking water treatment industry prepare to provide treatment solutions.
Emerging Contaminants Consumer Study:
The research will perform a US consumer study with a regional balance and a sample size that is appropriate and statistically sound to determine:
- Which emerging contaminants are already known by consumers and are of the greatest concern, and
- How does messaging of a POU/POE product influence a consumer’s decision to treat their water