ERG Supports Water Research Foundation Effort to Help Water Utilities Address Microplastics

ERG recently presented at the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Expo on a collaboration with the Water Research Foundation to help water utilities address growing public concerns about microplastics. As part of the project, ERG facilitated a Collaborative Forum on Microplastics Research, which: 

• Fostered collaboration among organizations leading microplastics research.
• Developed a baseline summary of current science from expert contributors.
• Identified key knowledge gaps and future research needs.
• Recommended practical approaches for addressing this complex issue. 

A final report summarizing the forum provides utilities and researchers with valuable insights to support informed decision-making and future action.  

“Research on microplastics is evolving, and more data is needed to understand the bigger picture,” said Sara Hilbrich, ERG’s facilitator for the Collaborative Forum on Microplastics Research. “By bringing together researchers and water professionals from across disciplines, this project helped clarify what the science can tell us today, where the critical gaps remain, and what we need to learn next to support sound decisions by water utilities.”