The Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF) and Water Research Foundation (WRF) have announced a merger into one water research organization.
“The integration of WE&RF and WRF is a forward-focused, positive change that will bring tremendous value to the water sector, including WEF and its members,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “WEF’s close partnerships with the water research community will continue and the integration of the two foundations will certainly provide new and exciting opportunities to advance our mission.”
WEF and its members supported the original founding of the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), WE&RF’s predecessor in 1989 showing WEF’s long-standing commitment to research and innovation. WEF has maintained a close, productive relationship with WERF and then with WE&RF, including nominating representatives to their Boards. In fact, at WEFTEC 2017, the WEF Board approved a $75,000 donation to support WE&RF research. WEF looks forward to strong collaboration with the new organization.
The two foundations each have a rich history of effective and impactful research supporting the water profession and sector, and their integration will undoubtedly create more synergy and partnerships.
“All parts of the water sector and WEF members including utility managers, plant operators, engineers, scientists, regulators, and students share in the benefits of research and innovation,” said WEF President Jenny Hartfelder. “Together, we need to support science and advocate for research funding.”
