Research Area: Receiving Waters

 

Our Objective

WRF will continue to develop technical and policy tools to make the Receiving Waters process more effective and broadly acceptable.

Latest News

WE&RF Awards Research Contract to Create Modeling Guidance for Developing Nutrient Goals
WE&RF recently awarded a contract to Brown and Caldwell to create Modeling Guidance for Developing Site-Specific Nutrient Goals – Demonstration, Screening Level Application (LINK4T17).
Characterization and Treatability of TOC from DPR Processes Compared to Surface Water Supplies (Reuse-15-04)
WE&RF has awarded CH2M with a contract to develop a site-specific, feasible, and scientifically defensible framework for utilities pursuing direct potable reuse to demonstrate to stakeholders that DPR water is “safe” from an organics perspective.
Outbreaks of Illness Associated with Recreational Water — United States, 2011–2012
This CDC Morbidity and Mortality Report investigates the outbreaks of illness as a result of exposure to chemicals and infectious pathogens in recreational water.
Preventing Eutrophication: Scientific Support for Dual Nutrient Criteria (Fact Sheet)
U.S. EPA recently released an updated fact sheet on “Preventing Eutrophication: Scientific Support for Dual Nutrient Criteria.” The purpose of the updated fact sheet is to describe the scientific basis supporting the development of criteria for both Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) to prevent eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms.
The Road Toward Smarter Nutrient Management in Municipal Water Treatment - The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread
WERF's Senior Program Director, Amit Pramanik, participated in this recently published report discussing nutrient management in municipal water treatment.

Products & Tools

Modeling Guidance for Developing Site-Specific Nutrient Goals – Demonstration: Boulder Creek, Colorado (LINK2T14)
This research examines demonstration of WERF’s Nutrient Modeling Toolbox (NMT).
Ammonia Criteria Implementation Stakeholders Meeting (WERF3C14)
In 2014, WERF collaborated with NACWA, ACWA, and WEF to meet with 32 experts representing municipal wastewater agencies, state and federal agencies (EPA and USGS), the scientific and academic communities, and consultants.
Preventing Eutrophication: Scientific Support for Dual Nutrient Criteria (Fact Sheet)
U.S. EPA recently released an updated fact sheet on “Preventing Eutrophication: Scientific Support for Dual Nutrient Criteria.” The purpose of the updated fact sheet is to describe the scientific basis supporting the development of criteria for both Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) to prevent eutrophication and the proliferation of harmful algal blooms.
Modeling Guidance for Developing Site-Specific Nutrient Goals (LINK1T11)
This research report presents guidance and tools for the use of models to set waterbody-specific nutrient goals, including Numeric Nutrient Criteria NNC and allowable nutrient loadings. The developed Nutrient Modeling Toolbox contains 30 models capable of quantifying the relationship between nutrient loads and their impacts in terms of water quality or ecological response indicators.
WERF/NACWA Use Attainability Analysis Handbook
This handbook is a collaborative effort between WERF and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). It provides insights into the UAA process, into the restoration potential (if applicable), and into natural and human factors. Order the handbook, or download an executive summary.