The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is accepting proposals for its Ensuring Resilient Source Water Protection Program, which addresses the growing impacts of climate change and extreme events on source water quality and supply. The program funds research that identifies emerging challenges, develops adaptation strategies, and provides practical guidance for utilities and water managers. Up to $200,000 is available, with applications due November 20, 2025.
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched the Ensuring Resilient Source Water Protection Program to strengthen Source Water Protection (SWP) efforts amid intensifying climate-driven challenges. As extreme weather events escalate, hydrological systems change, and water quality declines, utilities require new tools, strategies, and evidence-based guidance to maintain resilient source water supplies.
This program funds research that explores vulnerabilities, evaluates adaptation strategies, and develops real-world case studies to support long-term water security.
Climate change now affects every aspect of source water management.
Key pressures include:
These changes reduce the effectiveness of SWP programs and increase operational costs. The WRF program aims to help utilities proactively adapt to these evolving threats.
The project seeks to:
SWP refers to strategies that safeguard rivers, lakes, aquifers, and watersheds used for drinking water supplies. It focuses on pollution prevention, land management, risk reduction, and sustainability.
Extreme events now occur more frequently and severely:
A flexible approach allowing water utilities to assess risks, adjust strategies, and implement resilience measures based on real-time data and evolving climate conditions.
Eligible applicants include:
Ineligible applicants:
Researchers currently overdue on existing WRF projects without an approved no-cost extension.
Cash contributions, applicant in-kind support, and third-party in-kind contributions all qualify.
Yes. Three real-world case studies are required for cost-benefit analysis and guidance development.
No. Funding supports research, analysis, and guidance -- not capital construction.
The workshop brings together SWP managers, researchers, and utilities to discuss adaptation strategies and resilience planning.
Yes. Partnerships and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
Strong utility engagement, practical guidance outputs, robust methodology, and clear adaptation strategies tied to extreme events.
The Ensuring Resilient Source Water Protection Program is a critical opportunity for researchers and utilities to address the urgent challenges climate change poses to water security. By identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating adaptation strategies, and developing practical tools, this initiative enhances the resilience of SWP programs across diverse environments. Interested organizations should prepare and submit their proposals by November 20, 2025 to contribute to this essential work.