Opportunity Information: Apply for EPA G2016 ORD B1

  • The EPA in the environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Priorities: Impacts of Water Conservation on Water Quality in Premise Plumbing and Water Distribution Systems" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 66.511.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Feb 01, 2016 and posted on Feb 01, 2016.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 17, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,989,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
Apply for EPA G2016 ORD B1

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Opportunity Summary:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published this discretionary funding opportunity, titled "National Priorities: Impacts of Water Conservation on Water Quality in Premise Plumbing and Water Distribution Systems," to support research on how lower water use and reduced flow conditions can affect drinking water quality and availability once water leaves the treatment plant and moves through distribution networks and building plumbing. The core concern behind the announcement is that water conservation, while beneficial for supply sustainability, can unintentionally increase "water age" (the time water sits in pipes), slow turnover in mains and interior plumbing, and contribute to problems such as loss of disinfectant residual, stagnation, and related microbial and chemical water quality changes. The EPA frames this as a national, high-priority public health issue, citing the National Research Council (NRC) definition of premise plumbing as the portion of the system running from the water main connection or meter to the consumer's tap in homes, schools, and other buildings, and referencing NRC findings that a substantial share of waterborne disease outbreaks are linked to issues arising within distribution and premise plumbing systems. The opportunity emphasizes that increased disinfectant residual loss under high water age conditions could worsen outbreak risks and other water quality problems.

The funding vehicle for this program is either a cooperative agreement or a grant, under the EPA's environmental research and development assistance listing (CFDA 66.511). The opportunity number is EPA G2016 ORD B1, and it was posted on February 1, 2016, with an application closing date of March 17, 2016 (no later extension reflected in the provided data). The EPA anticipated making two awards, with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $1,989,000. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the notice indicating that applicants needed to consult the Additional Information on Eligibility section in the full announcement for precise qualification details.

In practical terms, the EPA was seeking proposals that investigate and quantify how water conservation-driven operational changes (for example, reduced demand, lower velocities, longer residence times, and more frequent low-flow or no-flow conditions) influence conditions inside water distribution systems and building plumbing. This can include, but is not limited to, understanding mechanisms that lead to disinfectant decay, biofilm growth, opportunistic pathogen risks, corrosion and metals release, taste and odor events, and other water quality degradations that may emerge when water stays in pipes longer. The overall purpose is to generate research that can guide utilities, building managers, and regulators on how to maintain safe and reliable drinking water quality in a future where efficiency measures and lower per-capita water use increasingly shape how water moves through distribution systems and premise plumbing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this EPA funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "National Priorities: Impacts of Water Conservation on Water Quality in Premise Plumbing and Water Distribution Systems."

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity was published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to support research on how lower water use and reduced flow conditions can affect drinking water quality and availability after water leaves the treatment plant and moves through water distribution networks and building premise plumbing.

Why is EPA focusing on water conservation impacts?

EPA highlights that while water conservation supports supply sustainability, it can unintentionally increase "water age" (how long water sits in pipes). Higher water age and reduced turnover can contribute to disinfectant residual loss, stagnation, and associated microbial and chemical water quality changes.

What does "water age" mean in this context?

"Water age" refers to the time water remains in pipes before it is used. Under lower demand and reduced flows, water can remain in mains and premise plumbing longer, increasing residence time and the likelihood of water quality changes.

What are "premise plumbing" systems?

EPA references the National Research Council (NRC) definition of premise plumbing as the portion of the system that runs from the water main connection or meter to the consumer's tap in homes, schools, and other buildings.

What public health concerns are associated with distribution and premise plumbing systems?

EPA cites NRC findings that a substantial share of waterborne disease outbreaks are linked to issues arising within distribution and premise plumbing systems. The announcement emphasizes that increased disinfectant residual loss under high water age conditions could worsen outbreak risks and other water quality problems.

What types of water quality problems does EPA mention?

The opportunity notes concerns such as loss of disinfectant residual, stagnation, and related microbial and chemical changes. It also points to research areas including disinfectant decay, biofilm growth, opportunistic pathogen risks, corrosion and metals release, taste and odor events, and other degradations that may emerge when water remains in pipes longer.

What kinds of operational changes related to water conservation are of interest?

EPA is seeking research that investigates and quantifies impacts of conservation-driven operational changes such as reduced demand, lower velocities, longer residence times, and more frequent low-flow or no-flow conditions in water distribution systems and building plumbing.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

The funding vehicle is either a cooperative agreement or a grant, under EPA's environmental research and development assistance listing (CFDA 66.511).

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is EPA G2016 ORD B1.

When was the opportunity posted?

It was posted on February 1, 2016.

What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was March 17, 2016. No later extension is reflected in the information provided.

How many awards did EPA anticipate making?

EPA anticipated making two awards.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $1,989,000.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." The notice indicates that applicants needed to consult the Additional Information on Eligibility section in the full announcement for precise qualification details.

What kinds of research outcomes is EPA trying to enable?

The overall aim is to generate research that can guide utilities, building managers, and regulators on how to maintain safe and reliable drinking water quality in a future where efficiency measures and lower per-capita water use increasingly shape water movement through distribution systems and premise plumbing.

Does this opportunity focus only on water distribution mains, or also on building plumbing?

It focuses on both. The opportunity explicitly addresses water distribution systems and premise plumbing (the portion from the main connection or meter to the consumer's tap).

What is the core problem EPA is trying to understand?

The core problem is how reduced flows and increased residence time associated with conservation can change conditions inside pipes, potentially accelerating disinfectant decay, increasing stagnation, and driving microbial or chemical water quality changes after treatment.

How does disinfectant residual relate to this research topic?

The opportunity emphasizes that under high water age conditions, disinfectant residual loss may increase. EPA frames this as potentially worsening outbreak risks and other drinking water quality issues in distribution and premise plumbing systems.

Is this opportunity described as a national priority?

Yes. EPA frames the issue as a national, high-priority public health concern.

Browse more business programs for Water Conservation Organizations

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: EPA

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Environment

Next opportunity: Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth by Supporting Job Creation Efforts and Helping Increase Access to Financing and Credits

Previous opportunity: STEM Expert Facilitation of Family Learning in Libraries and Museums (STEMeX) – A National Leadership Grants Special Initiative – FY16 Notice of Funding Opportunity

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for EPA G2016 ORD B1

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (EPA G2016 ORD B1) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
Assessment of salmonid rearing habitat and growth rate in the Upper Sacramento River watershed above Lake Shasta Apply for R16AN20004

Funding Number: R16AN20004
Agency: DOI-BOR
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $456,012
Invasive Species Control Apply for R16AN20009

Funding Number: R16AN20009
Agency: DOI-BOR
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $46,323
Refuges Inventory & Monitoring Program Apply for F16AS00102

Funding Number: F16AS00102
Agency: DOI-FWS
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $57,617
Environmental Education Local Grants Program -- Solicitation Notice for 2016 Apply for EPA EE 16 01

Funding Number: EPA EE 16 01
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $91,000
Single Source Award Notification Apply for F16AS00107

Funding Number: F16AS00107
Agency: DOI-FWS
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $18,308
National Public Lands Day Apply for P16AS00048

Funding Number: P16AS00048
Agency: DOI-NPS
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $45,000
CAFTA-DR: Public Participation in Environmental Protection Apply for OES OTE 16 002

Funding Number: OES OTE 16 002
Agency: DOS-OES
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $380,000
Early Career Awards: Integrating Human Health and Well-Being with Ecosystem Services Apply for EPA G2016 STAR A2

Funding Number: EPA G2016 STAR A2
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $400,000
Integrating Human Health and Well-Being with Ecosystem Services Apply for EPA G2016 STAR A1

Funding Number: EPA G2016 STAR A1
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $600,000
Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2016 Apply for EPA OAR OTAQ 16 02

Funding Number: EPA OAR OTAQ 16 02
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $4,400,000
BOEM FY 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM Apply for M16AS00004

Funding Number: M16AS00004
Agency: DOI-MMS
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $400,000
2016 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM Apply for EPA R1 HC 2016

Funding Number: EPA R1 HC 2016
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $25,000
Native American Water Rights Settlement Database (NAWRS) Apply for BOR UC 16 N006

Funding Number: BOR UC 16 N006
Agency: DOI-BOR
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $53,035
Construction of the La Sierra Pipeline Portion of the Riverside-Corona Feeder Apply for R16AP00023

Funding Number: R16AP00023
Agency: DOI-BOR
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $8,500,000
National Tribal Air Association Operations Apply for EPA OAR IO 16 01

Funding Number: EPA OAR IO 16 01
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $1,005,000
FY16 and FY17 Region 03 Wetland Program Development Grants Apply for EPA R3 EAID 16 02

Funding Number: EPA R3 EAID 16 02
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $900,000
Urban Waters Proctor Creek Ambassador Apply for EPA R4 16 UWPCA 01

Funding Number: EPA R4 16 UWPCA 01
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $69,000
Assessment of Contaminant Exposure for Bald Eagles Nesting in Colonial National Historical Park Apply for P16AS00069

Funding Number: P16AS00069
Agency: DOI-NPS
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $59,250
FY 2016 and FY 2017 Pollution Prevention Grant Program Apply for EPA HQ OPPT 2016 002

Funding Number: EPA HQ OPPT 2016 002
Agency: EPA
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $360,000
Notice of Intent to Award - Wood-Pawcatuck River Planning Assistance Apply for NPS 16 NERO 0024

Funding Number: NPS 16 NERO 0024
Agency: DOI-NPS
Category: Environment
Funding Amount: $44,000

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

USGrants.org applicant portal membership

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "EPA G2016 ORD B1", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.