May 2022 Review

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission’s recent report indicates that the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) funding for water reuse and conservation projects were under targets set by lawmakers. In addition, rural utilities received less than 1.7% of water project funding from Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), a huge gap from the intended 10% lawmakers had hoped for when they began the program ten years ago. Reasons identified included lack of matching funds, technical expertise, and staff time, as well as awareness that the programs exist.

How can WateReuse Texas aid the TWDB in their outreach efforts to help ensure reuse funds are meeting targets? What else can we do to address water reuse in Texas and ensure that we are meeting the needs of both urban and rural utilities going forward? These are some of the questions WateReuse Texas leadership will be asking during our strategic planning process taking place later this year.

Interested in helping shape the direction of water reuse in Texas over the next 3-5 years? Contact Managing Director Noelle George to get involved.

Almost nine of every ten Texans voiced strong concerns about future access to water in a recent survey, illustrating an important opportunity to engage with Texans about water reuse. The poll, completed in January 2022 by non-profit group Texas 2036, reported 88% of registered voters are concerned that water supplies will be exhausted.

The WateReuse Texas (Outreach Committee is looking for new members and would love to hear about what utilities are doing for public education and communication around water recycling.  

A couple of weeks ago, WateReuse Texas (WRTX) Managing Director Noelle George had a chance to chat with Texas Produced Water Consortium (TXPWC) Executive Director Rusty Smith in April about collaboration opportunities between the two groups. Any stakeholders interested in participating in the Consortium, including Texas utilities, private companies, and other organizations, are welcome to join TXPWC – first year membership dues are $1000 and the membership year ends in September. Going forward, WRTX will be ensuring our members are updated regularly as to the Consortium’s activities.

The TXPWC was established by Senate Bill 601 of the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021, with the purpose of studying the economics of and technology related to beneficial reuse of produced water. At the end of their first year, on September 1 2022, a report is due to the state legislature to detail their findings as well as recommend any policies or permitting/testing standards to encourage beneficial reuse in a manner that is economical and protective of the environment and public health. The Consortium is administratively overseen by Texas Tech University but includes stakeholder groups from every facet of produced water issues along with multiple Universities and state agency partners.

For more information, email twpwc@ttu.edu. 

Round Rock Expands Water Reuse System
The Round Rock City Council approved the installation of a new pipeline along the Kenney Fort Boulevard road extension project currently under construction, which will allow the city to expand its water reuse system. Read more.

Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday May 28-30, 2022
In addition to water recycling, conservation is an important water management strategy. Water-Sense products and water-conserving products are tax free in Texas during the annual Texas Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday. Read more.  

Opinion Piece: Prevent Repeat Water Crises with Reuse
On February 15, 2021 pumps failed, water pressure plummeted, pipes broke, and power outages took down water treatment facilities. Over 13 million Texans lost access to clean drinking water. Reuse is key to ensure we avoid future large-scale water infrastructure disasters. Read more. 

Produced Water General Permitting Process Makes Headway
As part of the implementation of House Bill 2771, Texas Commission for Environmental Quality is requesting comments from stakeholders on their general permit for oil and gas extraction activity discharges to surface water. Comments should be submitted no later than May 6. Read more.

Will Reuse Benefit from Investment Focus on Water and Wastewater?
Touching on PFAS concerns in biosolids, infrastructure investment needs, and technology innovation, this Forbes article discusses why water and wastewater are an “unsexy” topic for investors but represent a big potential opportunity. Read more.

Noelle George, Managing Director
ngeorge@watereuse.org | (832) 619-9496