The Water Research Foundation is now accepting applications for implementing a smart sewer system. The goal is to optimize capacity to reduce surface flooding and sewer overflows.
Program Overview
The research team will conduct a webcast hosted by WRF and collaborating organizations to discuss the project's findings. An open access peer-reviewed journal paper should be submitted post-project completion. Additional outreach activities include presenting findings at national and regional conferences.
Objectives
- Establish a methodology to assess and optimize the use of existing storage and conveyance elements within the system.
- Provide utility-facing guidance on:
- Best practices for identifying problem areas in the system.
- Recommendations on sensor locations, data communication strategies, and infrastructure based on drainage area.
- Type of data and information to be collected (e.g., depth, velocity, rain gauge, weather radar).
- Flow diversion recommendations in gravity-fed systems.
- Controlling infiltration and inflow (I/I) through alternative storm water management practices.
- Minimum requirements for Real-Time Control (RTC) logic and SCADA integration.
Funding Information
The maximum funding available from WRF is $200,000. Applicants must contribute additional resources equivalent to at least 33% of the project award. For instance, requesting $100,000 from WRF would require an additional $33,000 contribution from the applicant. Acceptable forms of contribution include cost share, in-kind contributions, or third-party in-kind support. Proposals failing to meet the 33% minimum contribution will not be accepted. The anticipated project duration is 24 months from the contract start date.
Expected Deliverables
- A literature review on smart sewer systems, annotated with publications and resources used.
- User-friendly, searchable electronic guidance for utilities, including recommendations for sensing management platforms and pilot testing, based on case studies.
- A chapter on emerging smart sewer technologies and AI/ML applications, with cross-references to WRF publications.
- A chapter summarizing knowledge gaps, research needs, and preliminary research concepts for future projects.
- An invitation-only virtual workshop for peer-to-peer information exchange and future research identification, including all supporting materials.
- Broader outreach including a webcast, public outreach materials, and conference presentations (including WEF-sponsored conferences).
- Submission of an open access peer-reviewed journal paper is encouraged and can be completed post-project.
Eligibility Criteria
Proposals are accepted from U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, governmental agencies, and consultants or other for-profit entities. Researchers with ongoing WRF-sponsored studies that are late without approved extensions are not eligible for new proposals.
For more information, visit the Water Research Foundation RFP page.
Highlights
- Donor Name: Water Research Foundation ⬤
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