Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) announced a new federal Water Reuse Interagency Working Group. The WateReuse Association led a coalition of water utilities, businesses, and other stakeholders to urge the establishment of this important task force and worked to have it enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. WateReuse will continue to support the Working Group in breaking down silos, leveraging resources throughout the federal family, and facilitating stakeholder engagement on water recycling. Read more.

In response to the unprecedented drought facing western states, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony last week regarding a range of recently introduced bills, including two bills that would authorize additional federal funding for water recycling projects. The Committee also heard from Camille Touton, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, who answered questions about the pending legislation. Read more.

The Bureau of Reclamation opened grant applications last week for their 2022 Desalination and Water Purification Research Program. The opportunity calls for the development of new technologies to “reduce costs, energy costs, and/or environmental impacts of treating impaired and unusable water to standards necessary for an identified beneficial use.” Applications are due by 4 p.m. MDT on July 12, 2022. Apply here.

On May 20, WateReuse submitted a comment letter supporting the proposed waiver for Buy America requirements for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) projects. The waivers would apply to prospective borrowers that initiated project design plans prior to May 14, 2022. WateReuse urged U.S. EPA to extend a similar approach to waivers for programs such as the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. Read the letter.

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (South Carolina DHEC) joins the newly established WateReuse South Carolina section. Charged with promoting and protecting the health of the public and the environment, South Carolina DHEC issues and enforces environmental permits and operates the state’s ocean and coastal resource management program.

The environmental non-profit Elizabeth River Project broke ground on a new Resilience Lab which features onsite water recycling technologies. Toilets in the facility will be flushed with rainwater and the overall design focuses on environmental sustainability through water-saving irrigation methods, rain barrels, solar panels, and gray water reuse methods. Read more.

Are you interested in recognizing recycled water customers as community water stewards or offering an incentive for new customers to come onboard?

Participate in the Recycled Water User Network, a members-only network for businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations that use recycled water, including customers of water utilities and organizations that recycle water onsite. The network gives businesses, governments and nonprofits that use recycled water the opportunity to receive a green designation, WATER STAR®, and access to information and resources on recycled water.

June 2 | 2-3 pm ET

The WateReuse Industrial and Commercial Reuse Committee will meet on Thursday, June 2 from 2-3 pm ET to discuss the latest updates in the sector and hear a short informational presentation on the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation (BIRD) research opportunities. To join this quarter’s Industrial and Commercial Committee Meeting please email Aliza Furneaux.

Flagstaff, AZ
July 24-26, 2022

The annual meeting of WateReuse Arizona will include panels, presentations, and networking to advance water recycling in the state.

San Francisco, CA
September 11-13, 2022

Register today and save big with Early Bird!
Submit your presentation proposal now through June 1, 2022.
Submit an award nomination now through June 10, 2022.

Joins us for an in-person program including a wealth of technical sessions, panel presentations, tours, and networking opportunities. Sessions will focus on new technology, changing regulations, funding, communications, regional collaboration, and more.  Participants can earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for attending.

The 2022 conference takes place in the heart of historic San Francisco, just steps from the famous Ferry Building with a bustling marketplace and views of the Bay. Stroll up the Embarcadero to climb Coit Tower, spot the sea lions, or catch a ferry to Alcatraz.

Marriott Marquis Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
March 5-8, 2023

Save the date for the 2023 WateReuse Symposium! 

The Annual WateReuse Symposium is the premier conference on water recycling — attracting more than 800 water professionals globally for knowledge-sharing, networking, and intriguing discussions! The event is planned in collaboration with The Water Research Foundation and will include engaging sessions on the latest reuse-related research projects.