Water quality strategy in the works

The severity of the California drought has left many watersheds vulnerable to contaminants, which can and will ultimately impact the state’s drinking water quality. To help combat the problem, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1 million grant to the Water Research Foundation (WRF) to treat drinking water, should the contaminants greatly affect the state’s water quality.

“Prolonged periods of drought and other extreme weather events can present many different water quality and quantity challenges for water utilities,” said Rob Renner, executive director of the Water Research Foundation. “This is a reality we must be prepared to handle, and we hope that the research WRF is conducting will help stakeholders in local communities take the necessary actions to preserve water resources and ensure the continued delivery of safe drinking water.”

Funding from the grant will be used to arm utilities and local governments with information that will allow them to maintain a high water quality level that meets public health regulations.

WRF will work in partnership with University of Colorado – Boulder to evaluate the impact of sediments on water treatment facilities’ filtration process.