Request for pre-proposals on managing salinity

The Southern California Salinity Coalition (SCSC) received pre-proposals in early September for funding consideration on research projects addressing the control of salinity in the region’s water resources and to reduce source salinity in potable water, wastewater, and recycled water.

The total amount of funds available for projects is approximately $ 150,000 to $ 200,000. SCSC anticipates funding between three to four projects with a maximum funding level for any single project of $ 50,000. Pre-proposals were due by 5 September 2008.

Potential topics that will be considered for funding include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Salinity source control.

· Concentrate management.

· Innovative treatment technologies.

· Salinity management planning.

· Public outreach.

· Salinity regulatory policy development.

· Salinity policy conflicts.

SCSC was founded in 2002 by a group of Southern California water and wastewater agencies to better manage salinity in water supplies. SCSC’s member agencies include the Eastern Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Irvine Ranch Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Orange County Sanitation District, Orange County Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Santa Ana Project Watershed Authority, and West Basin Municipal Water District.

The National Water Research Institute administers the SCSC on behalf of its members.