Seven new projects under the Desalination & Water Purification Research (DWPR) Program have been awarded funds by the US Bureau of Reclamation, commissioner Michael L Connor announced on 31 October 2011.
The awards, totalling US$ 1,509,000, include five research and laboratory studies, and two pilot tests.
Reclamation is also funding the second phase of two previously awarded projects. This funding will be leveraged to support US$ 2,771,752 in research of alternative water treatment technologies.
The new projects are:
The two projects receiving continuing funding for their second phase are:
“By investing in alternative water treatment technology research we are working to find ways to stretch the nation’s current water supply, use less energy and reduce impacts to the environment,” commissioner Connor said. “The research we are funding has the potential to unlock efficiencies that ensure future water supplies, strengthen our economy and create jobs.”
The DWPR Program has three goals:
Augment the supply of usable water in the United States
Understand the environmental impacts of desalination and develop approaches to minimize these impacts relative to other water supply alternatives
Develop approaches to lower the financial costs of desalination so that it is an attractive option relative to other alternatives in locations where traditional sources of water are inadequate.
