Call for Proposals: Investigation of PFAS Sources and Mitigation in Sewersheds

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is seeking research proposals to investigate non-point sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) entering wastewater systems through sewersheds, including contaminated groundwater infiltration. The project will examine PFAS mass loading, treatment and water reuse impacts, precursor contributions, and potential mitigation strategies, with up to $250,000 in WRF funding available for a 24-month research project. What Is the WRF PFAS Non-Point Sources Research Project? The Water Research Foundation is funding research to better understand how PFAS from dispersed or non-point sources enter wastewater collection systems and affect wastewater treatment plants. PFAS are a large group of persistent chemicals that can enter wastewater through multiple pathways. While some sources can be traced to specific industrial or commercial discharges, other PFAS inputs are dispersed throughout a sewershed and can be more difficult to identify and control. This research project focuses particularly on non-point sources, including PFAS-contaminated groundwater infiltration, and their effects on wastewater treatment, PFAS mass loading, and water reuse. What Are Non-Point Sources of PFAS? Non-point PFAS sources are dispersed sources that do not originate from one clearly identifiable discharge point. Potential sources within a sewershed may include: PFAS-contaminated groundwater entering sewer systems through infiltration. Diffuse contamination within wastewater collection areas. PFAS precursors that transform during wastewater treatment. Distributed environmental contamination that reaches wastewater infrastructure. Understanding these sources can help utilities determine where PFAS is entering their systems and identify practical ways to reduce overall PFAS loading. Why Does PFAS Non-Point Source Research Matter? PFAS contamination presents significant challenges for wastewater utilities because these chemicals can persist in the environment and may be difficult to remove through conventional treatment. Non-point sources can make PFAS management particularly challenging because: Sources may be geographically dispersed. PFAS concentrations can vary across a sewershed. Groundwater infiltration can introduce additional PFAS mass. PFAS precursors may transform during treatment. PFAS loading can affect treatment efficiency. PFAS can influence the quality of water intended for reuse. Utilities may have limited information about the origin of PFAS entering their systems. Better information about these pathways can support more effective PFAS source control, wastewater treatment planning, water reuse management, and utility decision-making. Key Research Objectives The proposed research should address several interconnected objectives. Evaluate Non-Point PFAS Sources Researchers should investigate how dispersed PFAS sources contribute to the overall PFAS mass entering wastewater treatment plants. The research should improve understanding of: PFAS concentrations. PFAS mass loading. Source characteristics. Groundwater infiltration. Variations across sewersheds. Assess Impacts on Wastewater Treatment The project should evaluate how non-point PFAS inputs affect wastewater treatment processes and overall treatment performance. Research may consider how changes in PFAS loading influence: Treatment efficiency. PFAS concentrations entering and leaving treatment processes. The project should also determine how non-point PFAS sources affect water reuse quality. This is particularly important for utilities developing or expanding water reuse programmes where PFAS management may be an important component of treatment and risk assessment. Improve Understanding of PFAS Precursors PFAS precursors can transform into other PFAS compounds during environmental or treatment processes. The research should therefore improve understanding of: The contribution of PFAS precursors. Their transformation pathways. Their contribution to overall PFAS loading. Their potential effects on wastewater and reuse water quality. Identify Mitigation Strategies A key outcome should be the identification of potential approaches to reduce PFAS loading from dispersed sources. Researchers should investigate practical strategies that could help water and wastewater utilities manage PFAS inputs within their sewersheds. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The opportunity is open to both U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based entities.

Potential applicants include:

Educational institutions. Universities and research institutions. Governmental agencies. Research organisations. Consultants. For-profit organisations. Other qualified research entities. Applicants should have the technical and organisational capacity necessary to conduct the proposed PFAS research. Who Is Not Eligible to Participate? Researchers who are late on ongoing WRF-sponsored studies without an approved no-cost extension are not eligible to be named as participants in proposals. Applicants should therefore review their existing WRF project status before submitting a proposal. How Much Funding Is Available?

Applicants may request up to:

$250,000 in WRF funding The funding is intended to support the research activities necessary to investigate PFAS non-point sources, their impacts, and potential mitigation strategies. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget is directly connected to the research objectives and deliverables. Project Duration

The anticipated period of performance is:

24 months from the contract start date. Applicants should structure their research methodology, milestones, analysis, and final deliverables around the 24-month project period. How the Research Project Should Address the Problem A strong proposal should establish a clear connection between PFAS non-point sources, wastewater treatment impacts, and mitigation opportunities.

Step 1: Characterize the Research Problem

Define the non-point PFAS sources being investi