Office of Research and Development
Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research
Seeking sustainable solutions to the complex problems facing our nation’s drinking water and water resources is vital to supporting healthy humans, ecosystems, and economies.
EPA’s safe and sustainable water resources research provides the science and innovative technologies the Agency—and the nation—need to maintain drinking water sources and systems, as well as to protect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of our water.
EPA scientists and engineers help provide sustainable water infrastructure, deliver safe drinking water, manage stormwater, and remove and treat wastewater, allowing its sustainable and safe reuse.
Research Focus Areas
Safe and Sustainable Water Resources research is focused on two main areas:
1. Ensure Water Quality and Availability
The research will ensure safe and sustainable water quality and its availability for drinking water, industrial processes and other uses by integrating social, economic and environmental research. The research will focus on watersheds, coastal waters, estuaries and other water resources.
2. Promote Sustainable Water Infrastructure
The research will ensure the sustainability of critical water resources through the management of the natural, green and built water infrastructure by:
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Applying systems-integrated water resource management approaches
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Producing, storing and delivering safe and high-quality drinking water
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Providing transport and use-specific treatment of wastewater and stormwater.
Resources
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Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) (PDF) (39 pp, 1.09MB)
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Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Fact Sheet (PDF) (2 pp, 115KB)
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Research Framework Document (PDF) (153 pp, 10 MB)
- Search the Science Inventory