About

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting research proposals to develop an interactive manual of best practices for inflow and infiltration (I&I) and obstruction management in municipal and privately owned lateral sewer systems. The initiative seeks to support wastewater utilities, water resource recovery facilities, and collection system operators in addressing ongoing challenges associated with sewer system performance, including root intrusion, pipe deterioration, blockages, and excessive inflow and infiltration. The project will examine current industry practices, identify success factors and implementation barriers, and document measurable benefits such as cost avoidance, capacity recovery, and reduced spill risks.

The research will focus on the complexities of managing lateral sewers across diverse legal, regulatory, and multi-jurisdictional environments. Key activities include conducting a comprehensive literature and regulatory review, implementing a broad utility survey, developing at least five detailed case studies, facilitating a utility workshop for stakeholder feedback, and producing an interactive manual tailored to utility staff with varying technical capacities. Expected outputs include a research report, state-of-the-practice report, standalone case studies, workshop feedback documentation, and the interactive manual. Applicants may request up to USD 250,000 in WRF funding. Projects are expected to be completed within 24 months from the contract start date and must include a minimum 33% cost-share contribution through cash, in-kind, or third-party in-kind support. The funding opportunity has a broad applicability across wastewater utilities and collection system operators addressing lateral sewer management challenges.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be capable of conducting applied research in the water and wastewater sector and demonstrating the technical expertise necessary to deliver the required research activities and outputs. Proposals must include a minimum applicant contribution equal to 33% of the requested WRF award, which may be provided through direct cost share, in-kind contributions, or third-party in-kind support. Applications will be assessed on the quality and feasibility of the proposed research methodology, the applicant’s ability to evaluate existing practices and develop practical guidance for utilities, the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement approaches, the relevance and applicability of proposed deliverables, and the potential of the project to support improved inflow, infiltration, and obstruction management outcomes for wastewater utilities and collection system operators.

Post Date: September 10, 2026