The goal of the USPCAS-W Research Program is to stimulate competitive and innovative applied research that is multi-disciplinary in nature and developed within the broader context of the water-development nexus to support the achievement of sustainable development goal on water. To this end, key features of the applied research agenda include:
- Overcoming water scarcity
- Developing and maintaining water infrastructure
- Improving water quality
- Improving water use efficiency and agricultural productivity
- Enhancing access to drinking water and sanitation
- Bridging disparities in access and coverage
- Reversing groundwater depletion
- Reclaiming degraded lands
- Strengthening water governance
- Improving performance of water utilities
- Protecting water ecosystems