AwwaRF introduces fast-track research program

DENVER, COLO.—Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF), a nonprofit water research foundation dedicated to advancing the science of drinking water, announced a new program to accelerate research of critical importance to drinking water suppliers—the Rapid Response Research Program. The Rapid Response Research Program supports a quicker response to urgent, immediate, or unforeseen research needs of the drinking water community. Through this program, smaller, fast-track research projects are funded that will determine the magnitude of a selected issue and its impacts on drinking water utilities. These projects will also define the current state of knowledge and identify gaps to direct possible follow-on research efforts.

"The Rapid Response Research Program provides a mechanism to fund research and deliver information on emerging issues in a time-critical way," said Robert C. Renner, executive director of AwwaRF. "The program emphasizes the delivery of credible information to help water utilities respond to and communicate effectively about pressing, high-profile issues."

Potential issues for study under the program will be accepted from utilities and others in the water supply community. Issues will be considered and selected as they arise, based on criteria that include time sensitivity, nature of impact, extent of the issue, and identifiable research solutions.

More information about the program is available on AwwaRF’s website.