The merger between the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation and the National Blue Ribbon Commission on Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems strengthens the water industry’s effort toward One-Water. The new foundation will focus on resource recovery and reuse and provide the science to advance next-generation technologies and innovation that will meet growing demand for clean water. The merger includes more than 200 businesses, utilities, educational institutions, and government agencies representing 50 million residential water consumers. Melissa Meeker, the new chief executive officer at the WE&RF, says the merger demonstrates the value of the industry’s movement toward One Water.
Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation, which manages and prioritizes scientifically sound research for the benefit of the water and wastewater industry, has been around for 45 years. Their research is based on partnerships with over 950 organizations that have expertise in water and wastewater issues. Many water utility staff are not trained in claims management and legal issues. That’s why the foundation developed a best practices guide to help these utilities deal with legal and claims issues. The foundation also provides resources for researchers.
The Water Research Foundation is a member-supported international nonprofit organization that promotes and sponsors water-related research. They develop research results and cultivate partnerships around the world. Their research program has four key areas of focus: water quality, infrastructure, and management, as well as environmental sustainability. Their website contains comprehensive abstracts of their research studies, as well as hard copies. They also publish periodic reports and a free, interactive online database of water-related issues.
National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems
Onsite non-potable water systems are becoming increasingly popular as a means of meeting water needs. With water supplies becoming increasingly limited, communities are seeking new methods of managing their resources and increasing the resiliency of their water infrastructure. Developed and integrated into the city’s wastewater system, onsite non-potable water systems help reduce potable water consumption and ensure that wastewater systems can remain fully operational.
The US Water Alliance, WRF and WE&RF have formed the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non Potable (ONP) Water Systems to explore the topic. The commission is comprised of over 30 representatives of water utilities, public health agencies, and municipalities. This report is intended to address issues and promote solutions that will increase public health and environmental protection. In addition to its research, the commission will also identify new research opportunities for this sector.
WE&RF’s partnerships with water associations
The WE&RF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to advancing resource recovery and reuse through research and partnerships. Its mission is to identify research needs, fund projects, and disseminate findings. Its goal is to promote an integrated approach to resource recovery and reuse and promote collaboration among policymakers, practitioners, and educators. The foundation has also formed partnerships with major water associations and educational institutions.
The WE&RF and the Water Environment Research Foundation have joined forces and will form a not-for-profit powerhouse. The merger will unify the two organizations and their acclaimed portfolio of research. The new organization, which is valued at $200 million, will strengthen the water industry’s movement towards One Water. The WateReuse Association will continue to function separately as a separate organization, educating policymakers on the benefits of water reuse and advocating for funding and laws that encourage it.
Its research portfolio
The WateReuse Research Foundation and Water Environment & Reuse (WER) Foundation have joined forces to form the Water Environmental & Reuse Foundation. Combined, these two organizations have a research portfolio valued at $200 million and will strengthen the water industry’s drive toward One Water. Established in 1989, the WER Foundation was internationally recognized for its innovative research into wastewater treatment and reuse. Its research portfolio includes studies that assess the feasibility of new technologies for water reuse.
One of WEERF’s most important research portfolios focuses on reusing wastewater and stormwater. Its work on water reuse is an essential piece of the puzzle in developing California’s new regulations for direct potable reuse. WER Foundation’s research supports these regulations by studying how to improve public acceptance and policy of water reuse. The organization has partnered with partners and the State Water Resources Control Board in funding its research.
Its partnership with Bluefield Research
As the world’s population continues to grow and demand cleaner water and sanitation services, the need for a more reliable supply of this vital resource has become more pressing. Sustainable Development Goal #6 focuses on improving access to water and sanitation. Unfortunately, water is wasted at various points throughout the water supply and consumption chain. Water networks in Europe waste between 15 and 20 percent of the water they collect and treat. Only five percent of treated wastewater is recycled. Meanwhile, over one billion people lack reliable access to safe drinking water.
The water and wastewater utility industry is highly fragmented and difficult to compete in. According to Bluefield Research, the market for privately owned water and wastewater systems is worth $728 billion. Investing in these companies may help them capture economies of scale and realize synergies across their asset portfolios. To help companies navigate this complex and competitive landscape, Bluefield conducts market analysis and surveys to determine the most efficient strategies to enter and grow in the sector.