 Basic
Information
EPA has developed the Drinking Water Research Information Network (DRINK)
as a publicly accessible, web-based system that contains searchable information
on more than 1,000 research projects funded by leading domestic and international
partner organizations. DRINK can be used as a tool for assessing future
research priorities to support regulatory
development and implementation.
DRINK maintains descriptive information on research projects, including
project title, abstract, start and end dates, principal investigator,
and contact information. Users can conduct searches of this information
to identify potentially relevant projects, then click on links to obtain
detailed information from the partner, such as complete data sets and
reports, on the projects most relevant to their interests.
This site provides a single location to search for project information
across multiple organizations and offers users and partners the following
benefits:
- DRINK aids in identifying research gaps, program planning, and potential
collaborations
- DRINK provides an efficient means of determining the status of research
across multiple organizations
- DRINK provides a communication forum within the research community
and the public
- DRINK highlights the quality of Partner research programs
- DRINK keeps users up to date on current research
Background
In October 1999, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) published the
Testimony on Drinking Water Research, Better Planning Needed to Link
Needs and Resources. The GAO recommends that the EPA develop detailed
and better-communicated information on planning and ongoing research.
This would address stakeholder concerns that EPA needs to be both efficient
and accountable in establishing research priorities. It also says that
a more effective system for tracking ongoing research will both enhance
the budget-development process and allow stakeholders to make informed
judgments about whether the research is adequately funded and whether
it will be
available when needed.
EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Office of
Water (OW) recognized a common mission to address the recommendations
outlined in the 1999 GAO Report. The DRINK system is the product of this
collaboration.
DRINK is capable of simultaneously searching two databases:
- The DRINK database, which is populated with drinking water research
information from the EPA OW and other partners
- EPA’s Environmental Information Management System (EIMS) database,
which currently contains EPA ORD research information relevant to drinking
water
Through the connection of the two databases, DRINK provides a single
source for ongoing research information. This resource is critical for
the development of strategies to
- fill data gaps,
- identify key personnel for workgroup and public meetings,
- and strategically plan for rules under development.
For information on becoming a DRINK partner, please contact:
Sharon Gonder , DRINK Project Manager
US EPA Office of Water
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Standards and Risk Management Division
Email: Sharon Gonder (gonder.sharon@epa.gov)
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