Request for Applications: Implementing a Smart Sewer System

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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