Grantee Research Project Results
Consortium On Disinfection by-products and Opportunistic pathogens in Water Networks (CO-DOWN)
EPA Grant Number: R840607Title: Consortium On Disinfection by-products and Opportunistic pathogens in Water Networks (CO-DOWN)
Investigators: Kirisits, Mary Jo , Cambronne, Eric , Sela, Polina , Raskin, Lutgarde , Hardin, Rebecca , Shen, Yun , Kumpel, Emily , Reckhow, David A. , Lopes, Mariana , Tobiason, John , Vanden Heuvel, Kristan , Guikema, Seth , Impellitteri, Chris
Current Investigators: Kirisits, Mary Jo , Reckhow, David A. , Tobiason, John , Cambronne, Eric , Sela, Polina , Raskin, Lutgarde , Hardin, Rebecca , Shen, Yun , Kumpel, Emily , Lopes, Mariana , Vanden Heuvel, Kristan , Guikema, Seth , Impellitteri, Chris , McBeath, Sean
Institution: University of Texas at Austin , University of Michigan - Ann Arbor , George Washington University , University of Massachusetts Amherst , Water Tower , Carollo Engineers, Inc
Current Institution: University of Texas at Austin , George Washington University , University of Michigan - Ann Arbor , University of Massachusetts Amherst , Water Tower , Carollo Engineers, Inc
EPA Project Officer: Harper, Jacquelyn
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through May 7, 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: Drinking Water , Drinking Water, Disinfection Byproducts , Endocrine Disruptors , Harmful Algal Blooms , Water Quality
Description:
Disinfecting drinking water is a key strategy to providing safe drinking water, but corresponding risk tradeoffs from persistent Opportunistic Pathogens (OPs) and formation of Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) remain poorly understood in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs).Objective:
We aim to achieve a nationwide study of the prevalence of OPs, their free-living amoebae vectors, and (un)regulated DBPs across a wide variety of sizes and types of DWDSs. Further, we will examine fundamental scientific hypotheses related to the occurrence of OPs and DBPs in DWDS and their relative risks.Approach:
Multi-tiered partnerships with utilities across the U.S. will be developed to achieve the objectives, including educational components that will be used to provide information about the research findings to other utilities. Utility partners will assist with performing one sampling event per year from 5-10 locations in their DWDSs. Researchers will conduct sample and data analyses, providing interim research findings to utilities and working with select utilities to refine the research design.Expected Results:
Results will help to identify patterns of occurrence and concentration of OPs and DBPs, as well as how hazard prevalence is correlated with general water quality and DWDS factors. Findings will inform the co-development of learning modules with utility partners, and these modules will facilitate development of practically useful materials for understanding and communicating risks. The proposed work will benefit public health because identification of the most important factors controlling the relative risks exerted due to OPs and DBPs will allow the formulation of mitigation strategies to reduce the overall risk to the drinking-water consumer.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 4 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
biofilms, flushing program, risk management, co-learningProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.