Research

The UF Water Institute is working with the Clearinghouse to 1) coordinate and maintain an applied research agenda that identifies and prioritizes applied research needs; and 2) document state of the art research and research gaps in select key priority areas, while maintaining a web-searchable database of recent related research efforts. Although the Clearinghouse does not currently directly fund research, the applied research agenda provides the basis for Conserve Florida Water stakeholders and other partners to formulate and fund projects that will support the Conserve Florida objectives.

Applied Research Agenda

CFWC research priorities focus on applied research to help public water supply utilities to 1) identify tools and approaches that increase efficiency of existing and projected water use, and 2) identify practices that utilities can implement that will show quantifiable results toward addressing water use efficiency and conservation. Research priorities are revisited and updated each year. The 2009 Applied Research Priorities have been updated based on the results of a survey of Conserve Florida Water members. The Conserve Florida Water Clearinghouse Applied Research Agenda Update Survey resulted in the new 2009-2010 research priorities listed below. Click on the priority below for research topic, current UF Research Projects and Extension Programs. Information on previous priorities and the process used to develop initial priority research needs can be found in the Conserve Florida Water Conservation Clearinghouse Research Agenda Report.

Priority 1: Residential Benchmarks for Minimal Landscape Water Use

Priority 2: Pricing and Water Rates

Priority 3: Incentives and Planning

Priority 4: Quantification of Low Impact Development

Priority 5: Construction Benchmarks for Minimal Water Use

Priority 6: Impact of Perceptions and Practice on Conservation

Document State of the Art Research

The UF Water Institute works with the Clearinghouse to synthesize state of the art research and research gaps in a select key priority each year. The second research synthesis is focused on residential benchmarks for minimal landscape water use has just been completed and is available on line. The first research synthesis was addressed Pricing and Water Rates - with a particular focus on defining (or setting minimum standards for) conservation rates and drought rates.

2009 - 2010 Research Synthesis (Romero and Dukes)

Residential Benchmarks for Minimal Landscape Water Use was identified as the preferred topic for a synthesis through the Research Agenda survey process. This topic was both the new top-ranked priority in the research agenda and the highest ranked topic for the research synthesis paper. The synthesis will document current state of the art research, best practices, research gaps, and suggested studies/research that will provide scientific support for understanding how benchmarks will help determine potential savings through outdoor conservation efforts and contribute to new BMPs for Florida.

2009 - 2010 Research Synthesis Authors

Dr. Consuelo Romero, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. University of Florida

Dr. Michael Dukes, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department. University of Florida

2009 - 2010 Research Synthesis Review Team

Bruce Adams, Director of Water Management for EMC Engineers, Inc., in Alpharetta, Georgia

Dave Bracciano, Demand Management Coordinator, Tampa Bay Water Clearwater, FL

Jesus Rodriguez, Lead Water Conservation Officer, South Florida Water Management District

2009 - 2010 Research Synthesis (Rawls and Borisova)

2009 - 2010 Research Synthesis Authors

Dr. Tatiana Borisova, Department of Food and Resource Economics. University of Florida

Colin Rawls, Department of Food and Resource Economics. University of Florida

2009 - 2010 Research Synthesis Review Team

Bruce Adams, Director of Water Management for EMC Engineers, Inc., in Alpharetta, Georgia

Dave Bracciano, Demand Management Coordinator, Tampa Bay Water Clearwater, FL

Norman Davis, Water Conservation Manager, Hillsborough County, Department of Water Resource Services

Suzanne E. Goss, Government Relations Specialist, JEA (electric, water & sewer)

Deborah Green, Water Media Services

Lois Ann Sorensen, Demand Management Coordinator & Supervisor, Regulation Performance Management Department

Key Contacts

Lisette Staal, Research Coordinator, UF Water Institute, lstaal@ufl.edu