WRF and PUB sign reuse and desalination research agreement

An agreement to cofund up to US$ 5 million worth of research on water reuse and desalination was signed on 18 May 2009 between the WateReuse Foundation (WRF) and PUB, Singapore’s national water agency.

The research that will help water agencies worldwide provide a sustainable water supply, while enhancing the environment and protecting public health.

Under the agreement, which was signed during the WRF’s 13th Annual Water Reuse & Desalination Research Conference in Huntington Beach, California, each organisation will set aside up to US$ 500,000 annually over the next five years to fund research of mutual interest in areas such as water reuse, recycling, reclamation and desalination. The research will be managed by one or both organisations, and the results will be shared and disseminated to water utilities, research institutions and water technology providers.

“There has never been a greater need to ensure that everyone on the planet has access to a safe and sustainable water supply,” said Wade Miller, WRF executive director. “This partnership will allow our two organisations to pool resources and make a greater impact on advancing the science behind providing alternative sources of water supply.

“We look forward to developing a scientific and technological alliance that will create synergies and value in water research,” said Mr Harry Seah, director of PUB’s Technology and Water Quality Office. “The sharing of expertise and knowledge between the two organisations will be beneficial to both Singapore’s research community as well as the rest of the water industry.”