Current Projects

The following is a partial list of projects funded under NWRI's 2010 Research Program:

Treatment and Monitoring

Revision of “NWRI Ultraviolet Disinfection Guidelines for Drinking Water and Water Reuse, 2nd Edition”
Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert W. Emerick, ECO:LOGIC Engineering (Rocklin, CA)

The NWRI Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Guidelines were published in 2003 to provide guidance to state and federal agencies that review applications for the use of UV disinfection systems for potable water and water reuse, as well as for utilities interested in using UV for disinfection purposes. During the past 7 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of UV installations and the level of experience. As a result, the guidelines require a number of updates and revisions.

Developing a Simple, Rapid Molecular Method to Test for Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria for Water and Wastewater at the Irvine Ranch Water District
Principal Investigator: Dr. Betty H. Olson and Dr. Hun-Kung Bae, University of California, Irvine

Ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are a critical component of wastewater treatment when complete or partial nitrification is sought. However, ammonia oxidation often falls below optimum because AOB organisms are easily inhibited or killed by chemicals that can enter the wastewater stream or by suboptimal operating conditions. This project will investigate developing a rapid method for measuring AOB using molecular techniques. The goal is to enhance operations, which improves cost-effectiveness, saves energy, and help maintain compliance.

Development and Testing of 'Smart' Nanofiltration Membranes for Water Purification

Principal Investigator: Dr. Eric M.V. Hoek, University of California Los Angeles

"Smart" membranes designed to selectively remove contaminants and/or clean themselves have yet to emerge in any practical form. This ambitious project involves the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of an entirely new class of "smart" membranes that are formed by blending electro-active nanomaterials with conventional porous membrane polymers. The primary objective is to overcome one of the limitations of current membrane processes by demonstrating that "smart" membranes can selectively remove targeted contaminants such as salts, metals, and acids.

Exploratory Research

Recovery of Metal Ions from Membrane Concentrates by Dendrimer Enhanced Filtration

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mamadou S. Diallo, California Institute of Technology

Membrane treatment technologies like reverse osmosis separate contaminates from purified water; however, the separated contaminates (known as "membrane concentrates") are classified as industrial wastes, making their disposal a challenge to the water industry. This study will examine the feasibility of using the Dendrimer Enhanced Ultrafiltration (DEUF) process to recover metal ions like copper and arsenic (both toxins) from a broad range of membrane concentrates, including brines and backwash.

Water Quality Assessment

Source, Fate, and Transport of Endocrine Disruptors, Pharmaceuticals, and Personal Care Products in Drinking Water Sources in California

Principal Investigators: Dr. Y. Carrie Guo and Stuart W. Krasner, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), pharmaceuticals, and personal care products (PPCPs) may enter water through agricultural runoff, leaching from landfills, or wastewater discharges. In California, data is limited on the occurrence of EDCs and PPCPs in major watersheds. This study will assess the source, fate, and transport of these contaminants on three major drinking water sources in California, with the goal of providing water agencies with information about the impact of wastewater on drinking water supplies.

Fecal Indicator Bacteria Source Tracking in the Middle Santa Ana River

Principal Investigators: Dr. Stanley Grant, University of California, Irvine; Dr. David Sedlak, University of California, Berkeley; and Dr. Patricia Holden, University of California, Santa Barbara

The Universities of California Santa Barbara, Berkeley, and Irvine are collaborating to better determine the sources and occurrence of fecal indicator bacteria in the Middle Santa Ana River during dry weather periods. To do so, the research team will assay for gene markers associated with Bacteroids (bacteria found in human waste) and Enterococcus (bacteria that is not human-specific), as well as assay for the human pharmaceutical, Propranolol, and other raw sewage tracers.

Knowledge Management

Assessment of Water Reuse as an Approach for Meeting Future Water Supply Needs
Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephanie Johnson, National Research Council of the National Academy of Science (Washington DC)

The Water Science and Technology Board of the National Research Council is undertaking a comprehensive study of the potential of water reclamation and reuse of municipal wastewater to expand and enhance the nation’s available water supply alternatives. The outcome will be a published report that considers the technical, economic, institutional, and social challenges to increased adoption of water reuse and that provides practical guidance to decision makers evaluating their water supply alternatives.

Reuse of Graywater
Principal Investigator: Dr. James Crook, Environmental Engineering Consultant (Massachusetts)

Water agencies in the southwest are interested in evaluating graywater as a potential source water to decrease the demand on potable supplies. However, information is needed on water quality, health considerations, regulatory standards, and the use of untreated graywater by homeowners for outside irrigation purposes. NWRI is developing a White Paper to address these issues, which will help water and wastewater agencies make informed decisions when evaluating the use of graywater.

Regulatory Aspects of Direct Potable Reuse in California
Principal Investigator: Dr. James Crook, Environmental Engineering Consultant (Massachusetts)

No criteria have been developed for direct potable reuse – or, the introduction of highly-treated recycled water into a drinking water distribution system – in the United States. However, water agencies in California are beginning to include direct potable reuse into long-term planning efforts, such as Integrated Resources Planning documents. In response, NWRI developed a White Paper identifying 10 key issues that need to be addressed by regulatory agencies and water utilities in California interested in pursuing direct potable reuse as a viable option to satisfy the state’s future water demands.

A Proposal to Better Value Reliable Water Supplies

Principal Investigators: Steven Kasower and Dr. Brent Haddad, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz, and Dr. Robert Raucher, Stratus Consulting (Boulder, CO)

Traditionally, new water supplies and water management programs have been compared by examining their discounted capital and operations and maintenance costs per acre foot of yield. This project will use a new "portfolio theory approach" to better value new water supplies by estimating reliability values and by placing available supplies on a common measurement basis. This effort will provide decision makers with a better basis for determining whether to add additional capacity for specific supplies or programs.

For more information:

Click here to learn about our Research Program.

Click here to view past projects.

Click here to learn how to apply for research funding.