Guidelines for Utilities Wishing to Conduct Pilot-Scale Demonstrations

As stewards of public funds, Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) can be conservative in their approach to new technologies and processes, which hinders the advancement of technology and limits beneficial returns. This reluctance can be overcome by reducing perceived complexity surrounding pilot-scale projects, and by demonstrating applicable technologies, costs, and logistics. Sharing and documenting the lessons learned from conducting demonstration projects can encourage utilities to consider new technologies and increase confidence in decision-making. WERF’s experience with utilities engaged in the Leaders Innovation Forum for Technology (LIFT) focus groups indicates that the utilities may be inexperienced with new technologies and unfamiliar with the steps required for a successful demonstration project that empowers the utility with enough information to make informed decisions on new technologies. This project will examine the perceived and real complexities in conducting demonstration studies by featuring industry-relevant examples to elevate understanding of technologies, performance expectations, and implementation processes.