News: Halloween Fun, Mission to Israel, and U.S. EPA PFAS Webinar

October 31, 2022

Happy Halloween from WateReuse

Q: What technical track will all the zombies attend at the 2023 WateReuse Symposium?

A: The one on mem-BRAAAAIIIINS !

Join the horde and register today! Early Bird discounts end December 16.

Washington Updates

WateReuse Association Has Touched Down in Israel

WateReuse Association is leading a delegation to Israel this week in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The 42 delegates represent businesses, utilities, institutions, and state regulatory agencies leading the way on water reuse in the United States, including many WateReuse Association members. The visit will advance sustainability, security, and resilience of the United States’ water resources by sharing knowledge and information on policies, practices, and technologies. In addition to our co-hosts, WateReuse is grateful for the support of the International Code Council and the North American Development Bank for sponsoring the travel of several of our delegates. To learn more, follow the delegation this week on LinkedIn!

U.S. EPA Prepares to Release Draft PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

The U.S. EPA is expected to release a National Primary Drinking Water regulation for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water this December. The White House Office of Management and Budget is currently reviewing the rule. U.S. EPA is hosting a webinar on November 2, 2022 to prepare communities for the public input process. The Engaging in EPA’s Upcoming Proposed PFAS Drinking Water Regulatory Process webinar will cover details of the proposed regulation and explain how to get involved and provide input. The federal government anticipates the proposed rule to come out in December 2022 followed by the final rule in December 2023. WateReuse will be engaged in the rulemaking process and will work with our Legislative and Regulatory Policy Committee to develop comments. Please reach out to Aliza Furneaux with any questions and to get involved.

National Water Reuse Action Plan Adds New Actions

Last week the U.S. EPA water reuse team released the latest National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) quarterly update. The update featured four new actions, bringing the total number of WRAP actions to 60. The U.S. EPA is leading on three of the new actions, which include Action 4.9: Incorporate Water Reuse Technology Resources into a Searchable Clearinghouse of Wastewater Technology (SCOWT) Platform, Action 7.8: Enhanced Aquifer Recharge Performance and Potential Risk in Different Regional and Hydrogeological Settings Research Grant, and Action 11.4: Support Multi-Stakeholder Alignment to Advance Reuse Along the U.S.–Mexico Border. WateReuse will be partnering with Action leader GHD on another new action, Action 5.7: Identify Opportunities to Implement Water Reuse within the Beverage Industry. WateReuse looks forward to supporting the new actions and encourages our members to reach out to Aliza Furneaux to get involved and with any questions or additional input.

State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Members!

NALA Membranes joins the WateReuse Association and WateReuse California as a innovative company bringing new and cost-effective reverse osmosis membrane solutions to the industry.

CA: Water Replenishment District Completes Deep Injection Well for Purified Recycled Water

The Water Replenishment District (WRD) in Los Angeles County has long used purified recycled water near the coastline to protect the local aquifer from saltwater intrusion. With the completion of a new inland deep injection well, the District is taking the next step to use their tried-and-tested water source to increase drinking water supplies for the four million people that it serves. The deep well allows for increased natural filtration through layers of soil and earth and will help reduce the region’s reliance on imported sources such as the Colorado River. “Without clean, reliable water, we don’t have life in Southern California,” said Stephen Tucker, general manager of WRD. Read more.

CA: Climate Change is Pushing the Bay Area to Consider Increasing Water Recycling Efforts

Last week KQED reported on water reuse across California, interviewing WateReuse member California State Water Resources Control Board. The story features Santa Rosa Water’s success in reusing 98% of its water and Valley Water’s goal to double its water reuse to 10% annually. It illustrates water reuse benefits for the environment as well as water supply, noting that the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board is mandating area agencies to study reuse as a solution to harmful algae blooms like the one that affected the region earlier this year. Read more.

International Updates

Analysis Predicts Great Water Reuse Potential in Lebanon

Lebanon is looking towards water reuse to alleviate pressure on freshwater brought on by dry summer months and the overexploitation of the river basins. Lebanon has historically had a limited regulatory framework for water reuse management. ReWater MENA and its partners are helping the country create a foundation for water reuse projects. Their latest report states that by engaging local stakeholders with high reuse potential and designing improved water policies, the Lebanese government can help mitigate strain on the freshwater sources. Read more.

Researchers Highlight Opportunity for Water Reuse in Chinese Coal Industry

In this week's Nature Sustainability Journal, a team of researchers analyzed potential opportunities related to symbiotic infrastructure systems in China. Specifically, they looked at how sludge and reclaimed water from municipal wastewater treatment could be used as alternative fuels and water sources for coal power generation. Their analysis suggests opportunities for freshwater conservation and cost savings due to the proximity of coal power and wastewater treatment plants. Read more.

WateReuse Member Resources and Benefits

Job Opportunities

Director, Conference & Events
WateReuse Association
Apply here

Regulatory Analyst
WateReuse California
Apply here

Visit the WateReuse Webcast Library for On-Demand Technical Education

Did you miss a WateReuse webcast you really wanted to see? Or are you looking for information to support your water recycling program? The WateReuse Webcast Library is available exclusively to members and includes over 100 presentations that you can watch on demand with a member login. WateReuse presents webcasts on water recycling technology, operations, research, and policy issues and archives them for member use. Dive in with the WateReuse Webcast Library.

WateReuse Conferences, Webcasts, and Events

2023 WateReuse Symposium:
Reimagining Water Together

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

Register Now: Early Bird registration ends December 16

The Annual WateReuse Symposium is the premier conference on water recycling — attracting water professionals and water reuse practitioners 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.

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