The Foundation is collaborating with the USEPA to identify and support research and information needed to better understand distribution system water quality. The collaboration began in 2009 and is named the Research and Information Collection Partnership (RICP).

In 2010, the RICP published 10 high-priority research areas.  Work within these topics is expected to inform future national risk management decisions by the drinking water community as well as industry education in this area.  

Background

During 2007 and 2008, USEPA convened the Total Coliform Rule/Distribution System Advisory Committee (TCRDSAC).  USEPA charged the TCRDSAC to provide recommendations on: (1) revisions to the Total Coliform Rule of 1989, and (2) what information about distribution systems is needed to better understand and address possible public health impacts from potential degradation of drinking water quality in distribution systems. 

The TCRDSAC developed an Agreement in Principle (AIP) in September 2008. The AIP specified that a Steering Committee be formed (RICP SC) and a series of meetings and conference calls were held amongst the Partners and the SC over the course of 2009.

While most of the language in the AIP focuses on recommendations for changes to the Total Coliform Rule, the document also contains recommendations concerning distribution system water quality. To address these needs, the AIP recommended forming the RICP.

The Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with USEPA in January 2009 to establish the multi-year research partnership, or RICP. 

The RICP is now focused on supporting and implementing the needs identified in the priorities document.  By making the priorities document generally available, the partners hope to encourage greater awareness and to promote follow-up on the needs identified in this document. View the Priorities of the Distribution System Research and Information Collection Partnership for a complete list of priorities.