Application open for Funding 2026 for Crossing the Divide Best Practices for Addressing Local and Privately-Owned Lateral Sewer Issues, Wastewater utilities and collection system operators face ongoing challenges in delivering cost-effective sewer services amid increasing demand from new customers, urban redevelopment, and performance issues such as root intrusion, pipe deterioration, and blockages in both municipal and private sewers. Managing inflow and infiltration (I&I) and obstructions—including roots, grease, debris, and system defects—remains a persistent and costly concern for property owners and municipalities alike, often lacking a unified resource to guide comprehensive program design.
Long-standing problems associated with I&I in both combined and separate sanitary sewer systems can overwhelm treatment facilities, degrade operational performance, cause environmental spills, and reduce capacity for existing and future connections. During wet weather, peak I&I flows can multiply influent volumes at treatment plants by three to five times the normal flow. Evidence suggests that up to 80% of I&I originates on private property (Merrill, 2003), with roots responsible for over half of global sewer blockages, leading to structural damage, environmental contamination, water quality issues, and service disruptions (Khan and Mohammadi, 2024).
Unlike traditional source control programs—such as pretreatment regulations targeting specific dischargers—managing I&I and obstructions at the street and private-property level requires a different approach. Effective programs must navigate overlapping jurisdictions and collaborate with the private sector, with success depending on factors like legal authority, inter-municipal coordination, enforcement mechanisms (permits, voluntary certifications, real estate inspections), property owner willingness, and incentives for remediation. Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy to reduce I&I and maintain sewer system integrity.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 26th September 2026
Application open for Funding 2026 for Crossing the Divide Best Practices for Addressing Local and Privately-Owned Lateral Sewer Issues
About the organization
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the premier research organization dedicated to advancing water science to meet the evolving needs of water utilities and the public. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, WRF funds, manages, and disseminates research across drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems, with the overarching goal of ensuring water quality and enhancing water services.
Established in 2018 through the merger of three esteemed organizations—the WateReuse Research Foundation, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and the Water Research Foundation—WRF now operates as a holistic One Water entity. This integration enables WRF to provide comprehensive research solutions that address complex water challenges across all sectors and jurisdictions.
Central Research Questions:
What inflow and infiltration (I&I) and obstruction management practices are currently employed by utilities, and how do these vary based on jurisdictional, regulatory, infrastructural, and environmental conditions?
What are the key factors driving successful program implementation, and what barriers often impede progress?
What tangible benefits (such as cost savings, capacity recovery, spill reduction, and regulatory improvements) have utilities achieved through effective I&I and obstruction programs?
This project builds upon WRF’s existing “State-of-Practice Manual for Inflow and Infiltration Detection and Mitigation at Street and Private Lateral Levels” (Project 5365), focusing specifically on I&I source control and obstruction management.
Research Approach (4 Tasks):
Literature and Regulatory Review:Conduct an extensive review of legal authorities and regulations within the U.S. and comparable international jurisdictions. Catalog program components, enforcement tools, incentive mechanisms, and legal or jurisdictional hurdles.
Utility Survey and Case Study Development:Execute a broad survey across diverse utility types, sizes, and regions. Select at least five varied case studies with quantitative outcomes such as I&I reduction percentages, decreased bypass pumping, fewer basement backups, cost savings, capacity recovery, and fewer blockage-related spills or service calls.
Utility Workshop: Host at least one exclusive workshop with utility representatives to present survey findings and gather structured feedback on draft guidance content.
Interactive Manual of Practice: Develop a decision-support tool—web-based, interactive PDF, or online application—that helps utilities identify effective I&I and obstruction management strategies tailored to their legal authority, jurisdictional complexity, and enforcement capabilities.
Expected Deliverables:
A comprehensive research report, utilizing WRF’s standard template, including literature and regulatory review findings.
An interactive manual of practice to guide utilities in program design.
An in-depth utility survey report, complemented by at least five case studies with measurable results.
Documentation of the utility workshop, incorporating participant feedback and insights.
Project Duration and Funding:
Duration: 24 months from project start date, with a no-cost extension cap of 9 months if needed.
Funding: Up to $250,000 from WRF, with a required minimum applicant contribution of 33% through cost share or in-kind resources.
Eligibility to Submit:
Open to both U.S.-based and international entities—including educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, consultants, and for-profit firms.
Researchers involved in ongoing WRF-sponsored projects without approved extensions are ineligible as participants.
Not open to individual applicants; must be an organizational entity.
Application open for Funding 2026 for Crossing the Divide Best Practices for Addressing Local and Privately-Owned Lateral Sewer Issues
Budget/Matching Requirements:
Maximum WRF funding: $250,000.
Applicant must contribute at least 33% of total project costs via in-kind or other resources; proposals lacking this match will be disqualified.
This initiative aims to produce practical, scalable guidance to improve I&I and obstruction management programs across diverse utility contexts, ultimately reducing costs, environmental impacts, and service disruptions.
Why This Grant Opportunity Is Important
This grant offers a unique opportunity to advance the understanding and implementation of effective inflow and infiltration (I&I) and obstruction management practices across water utilities. As I&I significantly impacts treatment plant capacity, operational costs, environmental safety, and regulatory compliance, improving management strategies directly benefits public health, environmental protection, and utility sustainability. By supporting research that explores diverse jurisdictional approaches, barriers, and successful case studies, this project helps develop practical, evidence-based guidance that can be adapted by utilities worldwide. Ultimately, this funding opportunity fosters innovations that lead to cost savings, capacity recovery, and improved water infrastructure resilience, addressing urgent water sector challenges with scalable solutions.
What Makes a Strong Application
Clear and Focused Research Objectives: A compelling application articulates specific research questions aligned with the project scope—such as understanding jurisdictional variability, barriers, and measurable benefits of I&I programs.
Demonstrated Expertise and Experience: The applicant should showcase relevant experience in water/wastewater management, regulatory analysis, or related research fields, along with a strong team capable of executing the project tasks effectively.
Robust Methodology and Work Plan: A well-structured approach outlining clear activities for literature review, surveys, case studies, workshops, and development of the manual. The plan should demonstrate feasibility within the project timeline and budget.
Innovative and Practical Outcomes: Proposals should emphasize how the research will produce actionable guidance, decision-support tools, or frameworks that utilities can readily adopt to improve their programs.
Strong Cost Share Commitment: Demonstrating at least 33% cost sharing through in-kind contributions or external funding shows commitment and enhances the proposal’s competitiveness.
How to apply?
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
Five Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Both U.S.-based and international organizations—including educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, consultants, and for-profit entities—are eligible. Individuals cannot apply; an organization must serve as the applicant.
What is the maximum funding available, and what is the required applicant contribution?
The maximum WRF funding is $250,000. The applicant must contribute at least 33% of the total project costs through cost share or in-kind resources.
What types of deliverables are expected from the project?
Deliverables include a comprehensive research report, an interactive manual of practice or decision-support tool, detailed utility survey results and case studies, and documentation of the utility workshop with participant feedback.
Can the project be extended beyond the initial 24 months?
Yes, a no-cost extension of up to 9 months is allowed if justified, but all extensions must adhere to WRF’s policies and be approved within the project timeline.
How will the research results be used?
The findings will inform best practices and develop practical tools for utilities to improve I&I and obstruction management programs, ultimately reducing costs, environmental impacts, and service disruptions across the water sector.
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