Flowing Forward: Tools for Water Research Advancement

In a rapidly evolving landscape of water treatment and resource management, innovative tools are paving the way for cutting-edge research and sustainable practices. The world of desalination, water reuse, and water treatment technology has witnessed a transformative leap, and three exceptional tools stand at the forefront of this progress. Meet “River Runner,” a creation by data scientist Sam Learner, offering a remarkable journey alongside a drop of water, connecting you to its destination on a global scale. Delve into the “Aquifer Risk Map,” recently unveiled by the California State Water Resources Control Board, revealing the vulnerability of water systems to contaminants. Finally, explore the “Regulations and End-Use Specifications Explorer (REUSExplorer),” a pivotal resource from the EPA’s Water Reuse Action Plan, unveiling state regulations, treatment requirements, and more. These tools not only empower water treatment researchers but also open doors to a world of context, compliance, and opportunity for NAWI’s research program. Welcome to the future of water innovation.

1. Explore: River Runner. Data scientist Sam Learner created this marvelous tool so that anyone can follow the pathway of a drop of water anywhere in the world. This interactive tool, based on topographic and hydrological data from the United States Geological Service, enables you to follow the path of water all the way to the ocean or into a landlocked basin. As desalination enthusiasts, we are always concerned about where solutes contained in water will end up; this tool also demonstrates what parts of the U.S. are accumulating salts.
2. Explore: Aquifer Risk Map. The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) just released the Aquifer Risk Map through its Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program. This interactive tool shows which small water systems and private wells are at risk of producing water with contaminants above the maximum contamination limit (MCL). The map enables you to explore specific localities and also to select specific contaminants such as nitrate, arsenic, and/or uranium. For NAWI teams that are considering starting pilot projects in California, this interactive map may help you identify which communities and areas may be interested in hosting your pilot. 
3. Explore: Regulations and End-Use Specifications Explorer (REUSExplorer). As part of its Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), the EPA just released a database of all state regulations governing water reuse. This website allows you to select a specific state, a source of water, and/or a reuse application of interest using the available drop-down menus. The results do not include laws and policies under development. It is valuable for water treatment researchers to understand what contaminant levels and treatment requirements exist in different states. The database also includes a summary of the technical basis for the regulatory framework, as well as specific information related to which waters are permitted for reuse.

Each of these tools can help the water treatment research community better understand the context, regulatory requirements, and opportunities for NAWI’s research program.