Program:  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications that use a systems approach to investigate how drought, climate change, and land use practices impact the quality and availability of surface and groundwater sources nationally. EPA is also interested in research that will help communities anticipate, plan and adapt to these new climate scenarios in the future.

Clean, safe and available water resources are essential for humans and ecosystems to thrive. Many factors influence water demand and availability such as population growth, changes in land use practices, and higher water demands from different sectors.  Nationally, as weather patterns change (drought, flash floods, wildfires, etc), climate will increasingly play a major role in determining water quality and availability. This research will investigate the direct impact of climate change on water scarcity and drought, and how it affects the quality and availability of our water resources. As communities address their water needs, there are innovative opportunities to more effectively and sustainably.

Protecting the nation’s water resources is one of EPA’s top priorities. EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program is designed to provide the science and innovative technologies needed to protect our nation’s water resources. Significant threats to our resources include increased demand, changing land uses, aging water infrastructure and climate change/ variability. In facing these threats, the SSWR Program focuses on two main areas: ensuring water quality and availability, and promoting a sustainable water infrastructure.

Deadline:  August 5, 2014.

For more information on this unique funding opportunity, please visit:http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2014/2014-star-natl-priorities.html