Applicants must submit a research paper with a minimum of 700 words describing what people can do to protect the waters of their communities. The goal of this requirement is for applicants to learn more about how they can protect our environment through research and then demonstrate what they learned through the paper they write. Applicants should strive to select one or two related topics and present their information to a reasonable depth of understanding rather than referencing many different topics with little depth. Paper topics may include but are not limited to Green infrastructure (Pros and Cons), Storm water Inflow and groundwater Infiltration (I&I) in to sanitary sewers, Evaluate a treatment process, Solve a problem facing WW Plants, Describe a possible change to current processes for efficiency, and WW Effluent reuse options.
Applicants are expected to do research on their topic, and present their information in an organized format including an introduction, section titles and a conclusion. All information that is learned or used from a source must have that source cited in the very paragraph it is included. All references should also be listed on a separate page at the end of the paper, including the page number from which the information was obtained. All internet sources must include the complete, exact website address and the date retrieved. Completed essays are to be submitted electronically. Essays are to be submitted in a Microsoft Word compatible format, Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double spaced. In the review process, all essays will be electronically submitted to a plagiarism checking software to verify content integrity.