Denver, CO, June 27, 2003 -- The Awwa Research Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science of drinking water, announced that proposals are being requested for a research project scheduled to be launched later this year.
The project--"International Workshop and Report on Pesticides, Their Degradates and Inert Ingredients" (RFP 2938)--was first opened for proposals in March. Due to the high priority of the topic and the lack of suitable proposals received, the project's request for proposal (RFP) is now being re-issued.
Up to $125,000 in funding is available for this study. Information about the RFP will be available on the Foundation's Web site on August 1, 2003, at http://www.awwarf.org. Proposals are due by October 1, 2003.
Previous studies have shown that some widely used pesticides contaminate groundwaters and surface waters. They have also shown that environmental degradates of certain parent compounds may be found at levels higher than the parent compound itself and that "inert ingredients" used to formulate pesticides are also potential toxicants that may contaminate groundwaters and surface waters.
However, comprehensive information on the fate and transport of pesticides, their degradates, and inert ingredients is lacking. The objective of this project would be to organize an international workshop to deliver an expert report that would include a priority list of the pesticides, degradates, and inerts most likely to be found in water supplies.
The report would address what is known about the fate and transport of the compounds in drinking water treatment processes. The international workshop and report would also identify research priorities.
Proposals submitted in response to the RFP must be postmarked by October 1, 2003. The project must include 25 percent of the total project budget as in-kind or cash contribution. In-kind contributions can be in the form of labor, materials, or laboratory and other services, and may come from project participants such as water utilities, consulting firms, and universities.
For the project, an appointed project advisory committee will evaluate proposals based on responsiveness to the RFP, scientific and technical merit, and qualifications of the researchers.
The Awwa Research Foundation is a member-supported, international, nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies, and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to consumers.
With more than 1,000 subscriber members in the U.S. and abroad, the Foundation has funded and managed more than 700 projects valued at more than $250 million. More information on the Awwa Research Foundation is available at www.awwarf.org.
