Overview of the Project
On March 4, 2025, the Water Research Foundation (WRF) announced an exciting opportunity for utilities to enhance energy management in water and wastewater systems. Applications are officially invited, with a submission deadline of May 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM Mountain Time. Interested candidates can reach out to Alice Jariz, PE, for further details.
Objectives and Funding Details
The primary goal of this initiative is to develop an in-depth understanding of the current landscape regarding smart and connected energy management. The project aims to recommend effective tools and guidance for implementing smart water networks, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing waste.
WRF is offering applicants up to $150,000 in funds to support this essential research project. A solid budget enables teams to thrive, ensuring that innovative solutions are explored and applied efficiently.
Background and Importance
Optimizing energy performance in utilities is paramount. Accurate real-time data on plant operating conditions is critical for identifying inefficiencies and prioritizing maintenance. Leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for real-time monitoring helps in mitigating energy wastage, allowing operators to detect leaks, pressure variances, and pump performance issues efficiently.
This initiative builds on the groundwork laid by WRF Project 4917, which focused on utilizing smart water networks to manage pressure and flow effectively. The upcoming project will specifically examine energy optimization points, fostering more informed decisions driven by data from IoT applications.
For comprehensive details, refer to the official document here.