The University of Arizona, National Science Foundation Water Quality Center.

The Center consists of a prestigious group of research scientists and engineers within the University of Arizona.  This interdisciplinary group of biologists, chemists, physicists, hydrologists, and engineers work together to resolve water quality problems.  Funding for the Center is supplied by a variety of companies and agencies who are interested in specific water quality issues, as well as the State of Arizona and National Science Foundation itself.  It is the dynamic relationship between the private sector and the University, and the integration of the University with industry and governmental agencies that makes this NSF Water Quality Center unique.  In addition, it is the combination of University expertise and corporate funding that leads to scientific discoveries than can enhance water quality for the community at large.

The overall objective of the WQC is to investigate physical, chemical and microbial processes that affect the quality of surface and subsurface waters including potable supplies.

Membership fees for the WQC are utilized to resolve specific issues important to clusters of members.  Examples of research projects include: evaluating the fate of prions in water; development of new technologies for the detection of protozoan parasites; evaluating fate and transport of endocrine disruptors; development of new low energy disinfection technology; evaluating potential hazards associated with land application of biosolids; and salt management from effluent sources.  In addition, the WQC funds the Water Village: a designated community for the study of the influence of distribution systems on household water quality at the tap, and all aspects of water reuse.  Projects within the Water Village include real-time monitoring of potable water within distribution systems and new low energy treatment technologies for wastewater treatment. Overall, the Water Village focuses on water and health, water safety and water aesthetics.