Improving regulation of microbial pollutants

The Environment Agency is seeking a contractor to deliver a research and development project to improve the regulation of microbial pollutants in groundwater. The project comprises three work packages: (1) a Rapid Evidence Assessment of the fate, transport and risks of microbial pollutants in the subsurface environment; (2) development of guidance on undertaking qualitative groundwater risk assessments for microbial pollutants; and (3) recommendations on the feasibility of quantitative or semi-quantitative assessment approaches. The contract is expected to commence on 12 October 2026 and conclude by 31 March 2027. The work can be delivered remotely, although virtual progress meetings with the Environment Agency project team will be required. Suppliers should have expertise in hydrogeology, groundwater risk assessment, environmental permitting and/or microbial pollutant assessment.