Undertaken by the US Water Environment Research Foundation, research efforts will examine innovative tools and procedures to improve the maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of the aging sewer lines, water mains, and other components that constitute water and wastewater infrastructure in a cost effective manner. Research efforts will focus on four key areas:

  • Condition assessment for water and wastewater conveyance systems
  • System rehabilitation for water and wastewater conveyance systems
  • Advanced design and engineering concepts
  • Innovative treatment technologies for wastewater, stormwater, water reuse and drinking water.

Executive Director of WERF Glenn Reinhardt said “The innovative tools and cost-effective solutions that will be developed through this research should provide some welcomed assistance in their ongoing efforts to serve the public and improve water quality.”

Aging Water Infrastructure Research Program

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The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Aging Water Infrastructure Research Program is a research agenda that supports efforts to put aging infrastructure in the US on a pathway towards sustainability.

The research program was established by the EPA in 2009 following a study undertaken by the American Society of Civil Engineers which graded the US wastewater and drinking water infrastructure as a D minus. The analysis prompted President Barack Obama to invest $US6 million in the nation’s water and wastewater networks.

“Much of our water infrastructure is approaching the end of its useful life,” said Thomas Speth, Director of the National Risk Management Research Laboratory's Water Supply and Water Resources Division.

“Working co-operatively with the water utility industry and researchers from within EPA and universities will help identify a new generation of technologies to determine the condition of the pipes, improve rehabilitation techniques, and optimise replacement schedules,” Mr Speth said.