Consortium for Drinking Water Risk Trade-Offs

EPA National Priorities Project: Winning the Race on Competing Risks

EPA recently funded our research team to address concerns with disinfection byproducts (DBP) and opportunistic pathogens (OP) in water systems across the US. The goal of our project is to better understand and predict occurrence of DBPs, OPs and the associated health risk tradeoffs posed by them in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) across the continental U.S.

Our objectives are to:

1. Develop a strategic sampling program based on health data and DWDS characteristics;

2. Assess the occurrence and co-occurrence of DBPs and OPs and evaluate contributing factors in nationally representative DWDS through field sampling;

3. Characterize risks and system risk factors associated with DBP and OP occurrence and concentrations and their risk tradeoffs for multiple communities and populations; and

4. Engage and collaborate with stakeholders and partners to support risk management within the water quality community of practice.

This work will enable more comprehensive water system evaluation and risk-based, prioritized monitoring strategies based on DWDS characteristics, biological, chemical, and physical parameters.

What collaboration means for utility partners:

● Participate in two workshops to make sure the research aligns with the realities of operating and maintaining a utility and to generate the highest quality data for research purposes.

● Collaborate with the research team to provide samples for analysis.

● Provide feedback about risk tolerance and management for both regulatory compliance and producing the highest quality water your utility customers expect.

Are you interested in participating in the project or learning more? Contact Us!