MWRD’s applied research in protecting water quality claims international prize from the Water Research Foundation
Since 1990, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has been directly involved in 22 Water Research Foundation (WRF) research projects, such as investigating enhanced biological phosphorus removal, intelligent water systems, utility innovation, PFAS, and other important topics. WRF has now honored the MWRD for making notable improvements to their treatment, delivery, and/or management processes through the successful application of WRF research. Other winners include Gwinnett County Water Resources in Georgia and EPCOR Water Services in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
“The MWRD joins a distinguished group of prior award winners with the unique and innovative research leadership you have provided to strengthen the global water sector,” said Peter Grevatt, CEO of WRF. “Congratulations on your award and thank you for your outstanding research contributions!”
The award was presented to MWRD Executive Director Brian A. Perkovich at WRF’s annual Subscriber Appreciation and Awards Breakfast on June 13 during the 141st American Water Works Association Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE22) held in San Antonio, Texas.
“It is truly a big honor for the MWRD to receive this award from the Water Research Foundation,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “This award will inspire the MWRD to continue contributing to the success of WRF through advancing the science of water.”
MWRD is currently involved in 13 WRF projects through cash contributions, in-kind support including test sites, samples and data, and collaboration as a utility partner, as a well as participation in project advisory committees. The projects range from nutrient removal, data-driven process control, innovative technology development, to studies on addressing emerging contaminants.
“The agency’s work to keep exploring new solutions to emerging public health problems is something we need to keep doing,” said MWRD Commissioner Cam Davis. “This award is great motivation to keep the heat on to find ways to protect public and ecological health.”
WRF is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. A nonprofit, educational organization, WRF funds, manages and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public. For more information, visit waterrf.org.
“We have supported the Water Research Foundation since the beginning, and winning this award is a significant recognition,” said Dr. Heng Zhang, assistant director of Monitoring and Research at MWRD. “WRF’s mission to advance the science of water to improve the quality of life is exactly what we at the MWRD also want to accomplish.”
After two years as an all-virtual event, ACE22 returned to an in-person and online format with the theme, “Inform. Influence. Impact.” The Opening General Session featured scientist Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, whose team discovered water on Mars. More information about the conference can be found here.