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A technical publication of the Water Group of HDR Water issues are becoming more complex and urgent. Population growth, drought, the need to conserve and reuse water and more stringent regulations are just some of the drivers requiring smart water management today and in thefuture. Research is an important first step in managing this precious asset, as the cover story by Bruce Willey explains. Research efforts in the drinking water area have generally been funded by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation or the United States Environmental Protection Agency. One such AwwaRF study produced a framework for developing Distribution System Water Quality Optimization Plans, described in this issue by Melinda Friedman. Water quality will continue to be a key issue as reuse of wastewater increases. Additional treatment using an advanced oxidation process is becoming more popular, as Phil Brandhuber explains. Other aspects of wastewater research are covered in The Art of Wastewater Research by JB Neethling. Regulatory issues drive both drinking water and wastewater research. In this issue, JB Neethling describes research done in response to tightening nutrient removal requirements to protect our receiving waters. Research is a larger topic than we can cover here, so we will continue the discussion in our summer issue. Gregg Kirmeyer National Director, Drinking Water Development of Distribution System 2 Water Quality Optimization Plans , Pushing Nutrient Removal Frontiers `f Detecting Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration in Advanced Oxidation Treatment Processes 5 The Art of Wastewater Research 6 7777— 1 Volume 17, Issue 1 - --- Spring 2006 T he Value of Applied Research By Bruce Willey, RE. esearch comes in many forms, from basic research, through process development and pilot testing, demonstration -scale facilities to full -scale optimization. Various entities engage in research including universities, the federal government, special - purpose research consortiums, various industries and others. HDR focuses research efforts on applying these emerging technologies to solving real -world problems. To do so effectively, it is critically important to stay abreast of new technology, concepts and processes as they emerge and develop, so we can bring the benefits of these technologies to our clients. Pilot testing is a critical aspect in this application of new technologies, as it facilitates development of project- specific modifications enhancing performance and reducing the expense of modifying full -size facilities. HDR's Applied Research and Technology Center, discussed in more detail on page 8, emphasizes pilot studies for specific water and wastewater problems and issues. Research benefits are multifaceted, as described below. Research Helps Find Optimal Solutions to Industry Challenges. Each day, water, wastewater and reclaimed water service providers face a withering array of challenges, including: • New contaminants to monitor and control • Increasingly stringent limits and simultaneous compliance issues • Competing water quality objectives • Deteriorating water quality in reservoirs and distribution systems • Aging infrastructure • Emerging technologies with unsubstantiated performance claims • Rising energy prices • Limited or impaired water supplies • Constraints on residuals management • Security • Public concerns and media scrutiny Electrochemistry demo setup with pipe coupon sample. Through research, we are better able to understand the underlying, fundamental problems that must be addressed, and develop innovative, cost - effective solutions. The rigors of research encourage us to stay current on regulations, technology, analytical tools, and management practices; ensuring they bring a state -of- the -art perspective to the challenges of our industry. Current areas of particular interest in research circles include endocrine disruptors, perchlorate in drinking water systems, formation of disinfection by- products in distribution systems and the effects of disinfectants on corrosion rates. Research Builds Strong Partnerships and Innovative Networks. Research can best be accom- plished when performed by partnerships working together in a cooperative environment. Sharing the work is more stimulating, less risky and develops bonds among partners in business, government and academia. Active participation in the work of institutions such as the American Water Works Association Research Foundation and Water Environment Research Foundation broadens our research knowledge and capability. Ongoing partnerships with leading universities and other research institutions keep us in touch with cutting -edge issues. Through research, HDR continued on page 8