Grantee Research Project Results

Winning the Race Against Competing Risks: Optimizing Drinking Water Disinfection to Minimize Opportunistic Pathogen & DBP Risk

EPA Grant Number: R840604
Title: Winning the Race Against Competing Risks: Optimizing Drinking Water Disinfection to Minimize Opportunistic Pathogen & DBP Risk
Investigators: Mitchell, Jade , Weir, Mark , Gim Aw, Tiong , Dreelin, Erin , Haas, Charles N. , Karanfil, Tanju , Lauper, Ursula , Mraz, Alexis , Rose, Joan B. , Palmer, Patrick , Wanjugi, Pauline , Chowdhury, Zaid
Current Investigators: Mitchell, Jade , Karanfil, Tanju , Rose, Joan B. , Haas, Charles N. , Dreelin, Erin , Gim Aw, Tiong , Weir, Mark , Lauper, Ursula , Mraz, Alexis , Wanjugi, Pauline , Chowdhury, Zaid , Palmer, Patrick
Institution: Michigan State University , The Ohio State University , Tulane University , Drexel Univeristy , Clemson University , New York State Department of Health , The College of New Jersey
Current Institution: Michigan State University , The Ohio State University , Tulane University , Drexel Univeristy , Clemson University , The College of New Jersey , New York State Department of Health
EPA Project Officer: Harper, Jacquelyn
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through May 12, 2025
Project Amount: $2,123,000
RFA: National Priorities: Research on Disinfectants, Disinfection By-products (DBPs), and Opportunistic Pathogens in Drinking Water Distribution Systems Request for Applications (RFA) (2022) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Harmful Algal Blooms , Drinking Water, Disinfection Byproducts , Water Quality

Objective:

The objectives of this project are to (i) Develop strategic sampling program based on health data and water distribution system (WDS) characteristics; (ii) Assess the occurrence and co-occurrence of DBPs and OPs and evaluate contributing factors in nationally representative WDS through field sampling; (iii) Characterize risks and system risk factors associated with DBP and OP occurrence and concentrations; and their risk tradeoffs for multiple communities and populations; and (iv) Engage and collaborate with stakeholders and partners to support risk management within the water quality community of practice.

Approach:

The project will investigate the occurrence and co-occurrence of disinfection byproducts and opportunistic pathogens in water distributions systems (WDS), the risks associated with these hazards and the trade-offs between them. We propose a multifaceted approach which includes (1) development of a strategic monitoring program through partnership with public health departments and water utility managers; (2) surveillance and targeted sampling within Nationally representative systems for regulated and unregulated DBPs of concern (n=86 compounds), Legionella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; (3) cumulative and aggregate chemical and quantitative microbial risk assessment; (4) evaluation of risk-risk tradeoffs considering temporal, spatial and population dynamics to achieve our overall goal. Through a convergent research approach, we will evaluate system and environmental factors contributing to these risks in order to provide monitoring methods and tools needed for a nationally representative monitoring plan for both hazards.

Expected Results:

The outcome of this work will enable movement away from routine monitoring for these hazards towards tools for more comprehensive water system evaluation, risk-based and priorities monitoring strategies based on WDS characteristics, biological, chemical, and physical parameters most likely to lead to elevated risks. Likewise, the corollaries associated with reduced risks will lead to best practices, intervention, and risk management strategies. This project leverages the deep expertise of established researchers across multiple knowledge domains and engages with state and local government agencies, water utility managers, site managers and operators.

Supplemental Keywords:

risk assessment, risk management, water, DBPs, pathogens

Progress and Final Reports:

2024 Progress Report

Final