This plan was developed in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders. Key internal stakeholders include the Office of Water and the EPAs Regional Offices. Important external stakeholders include drinking water and wastewater utilities, the Water Environment Research Foundation, the American Water Works Association Research Foundation and many other federal, state and local agencies and departments, professional and trade associations, and academia. The plan recognizes that stakeholder involvement and collaboration are critical to the success of the planning, implementation and communication of this research program.