Overview
The Masters Group focuses on drinking water treatment, distribution system water quality, and water pipeline corrosion.
Current Projects
Unlocking the Nationwide Potential of Water Reuse, Water Research Foundation
This research aims to unlock the full potential of water reuse in the United States by aligning science and technology with a sociological understanding of opportunities and barriers. The deliverables (including treatment process models, risk assessment and response tools, and case studies) are expected to provide diverse stakeholders with user-friendly materials to advance water reuse in their communities. Water Research Foundation project page.
Previous Projects
Evaluating Key Factors That Affect the Accumulation and Release of Lead from Galvanized Pipes, Water Research Foundation
Galvanized iron pipe (GIP) has unpredictable corrosion performance relative to other materials used in potable water distribution systems, posing additional challenges for utilities assessing risk or trying to implement corrosion control treatment for GIP. This project developed cutting-edge tools that evaluate links between GIP and lead (Pb) release by scientifically assessing customers’ concerns related to GIP corrosion and possible association with Pb in water, characterizing the nature of iron (Fe) and Pb release to drinking water from known sources, and examining Fe and Pb release from GIP using bench-scale testing. The research team developed relevant public education materials and guidelines for addressing GIP corrosion. Water Research Foundation project page.
Water Conservation and Water Quality: Understanding the Impacts of New Technologies and New Operational Strategies, US EPA
This project combined literature information with novel experimental results to develop and validate predictive models of the risk of failing to meet water quality goals for premise plumbing. US EPA project page.
Customer Messaging on Opportunistic Pathogens in Plumbing Systems, Water Research Foundation
The overall goal of this project was to develop and validate a series of messages for OPPPs, with a focus on Legionella, to educate various customer groups on the steps they need to take to better protect themselves from waterborne disease from their own premise plumbing. Water Research Foundation project page.