Water is key for nearly all industrial facilities in the United States. From mixing ingredients and cleaning equipment to cooling down machinery and transporting raw materials, water is used throughout a vast number of production processes. Industrial sites are often chosen based on their proximity to reliable water supplies. However, due to increased water demand and economic growth, many manufacturers struggle to find reliable and affordable water sources. Ensuring manufacturers have access to cost-effective water sources is critical to maintaining America’s competitive edge in global markets.
Onsite water-reuse systems can provide industrial users with a dependable water supply while also reducing their primary water consumption. Through this $12 million RFP, NAWI and DOE seek pilots and demonstrations of onsite solutions for 1) treating and reusing water within a specific unit process; 2) treating wastewater from one process for use in other processes (with an emphasis on leveraging advanced treatment technologies to “upgrade” water quality, rather than transfer lower quality water to a process with fewer quality constraints); or 3) utilizing “nuisance water” or wastewater from one facility for high-value applications in an adjoining facility.
This RFP targets three high-priority, non-traditional water sources at U.S. industrial sites: cooling water, process and rinse water, and wastewater treatment effluent. These sources represent high-volume reuse opportunities for key industrial sectors, including chemicals, food and beverage, paper and pulp, semiconductors, iron and steel, and automotive manufacturing. The RFP also addresses critical technical barriers and other treatment challenges specific to industrial applications.
Interested applicants must submit a concept paper by Sept. 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT to be eligible to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due by Nov. 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT. View additional information on the RFP.
