VOORHEES, NJ, Oct. 21, 2013 -- The Water Research Foundation has awarded a research grant to American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, to investigate removal mechanisms of nitrosamine precursors during the filtration of drinking water.
The project, titled "Impact of Filtration media type/age on Nitrosamine Precursors," will focus on the role of biologically-active filters for the removal of compounds that are precursors to the formation of nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are a group of carcinogenic compounds that can be formed during chloramine-based disinfection of water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering inclusion of nitrosamines in future drinking water regulations.
"This is a potential 'win-win' solution because biologically-active filters do not need to be replaced on a frequent basis, and they can produce better water quality," explains Dr. Zia Bukhari, Senior Environmental Scientist, American Water. "If biofilters can be effective for removing nitrosamine precursors, this would result in safer water at a lower cost."
The two-year research study will cost $387,460 with funding from both the Water Research Foundation and American Water and will involve examining treatment filters at four locations.
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About Water Research Foundation
The Water Research Foundation is an internationally recognized leader in sponsoring research that supports the water community in holistically and cooperatively managing water from all sources to meet social, environmental, and economic needs. WRF’s research provides reliable and relevant solutions to the most critical challenges facing the water community today and into the future. Founded in 1966, WRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has sponsored nearly 1,500 research projects and serves more than 1,000 subscribing organizations. For more information, go to www.WaterRF.org.
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
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