The Problem
Non-traditional waters are geographically widespread, often contain valuable constituents, and are presently discarded. Additionally, they are costly to treat in terms of energy and financial resources. Examples of nontraditional waters include municipal wastewater, seawater, and brackish (salty) water.
It is imperative to achieve a circular water economy to ensure water and energy security for the United States. The full value of water is captured with the circular economy approach. Additionally, it is essential to break down barriers to achieve pipe parity. Pipe parity means solutions and capabilities that make marginal water sources viable for end-use applications. A nontraditional water source achieves pipe parity when a decision maker chooses it as their best option for extending its water supply.
The Solution
NAWI is rethinking and transforming the way we treat and use water to transition to a circular water economy in a sustainable, inclusive, efficient, and resilient way. NAWI aims to reduce the cost of treating nontraditional source waters to the same range as the portfolio of accessing new traditional water sources. NAWI aims to develop new technologies to economically treat, use, and recycle these non-traditional waters to provide the United States with climate-resilient, cost-effective water supplies for the 21st century.
NAWl’s research is new and innovative, looking into ways to treat unconventional water sources for specific uses. The ultimate goal is to treat and use water in a circular fashion, closing the loop and never needing to add new freshwater sources. Not only will the U.S. achieve water and energy security, but a circular economy in which resources are valued and sustainably used.
Challenge Areas: A-PRIME C
NAWI aims to support the transition to a circular economy through research on energy-smart water technology focused on seven critical areas, which are collectively called A-PRIME C. A-PRIME C stands for Autonomous, Precise, Resilient, Intensified, Modular, Electrified and Circular.
NAWI’s robust research portfolio spans analysis for water-energy grid integration to development of sensors, models, and adaptive process controls for resilient operations. NAWI is committed to supporting a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing water treatment research in the U.S. Central to NAWI’s success is stimulating research collaborations between NAWI Alliance Members. Apply to become a member.
End-Use Sectors – PRIMA
NAWI has identified specific end use sectors that will benefit from innovative water treatment technology. These stakeholders are collectively known as PRIMA, which stands for Power, Resource Extraction, Industrial, Municipal, and Agriculture.
Research Areas
Knowledge Gaps
NAWI’s research portfolio is guided by a roadmapping process. Knowledge gaps were identified and discussed in the PRIMA roadmaps and key findings and takeaways were synthesized in the Master Roadmap.
Requests for Proposals
NAWI releases Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that are informed and aligned with the areas of interest, key knowledge gaps, and needs of industry. Learn more about NAWI funding opportunities,