WateReuse News: Water Week Makes a Splash!

News from the Leading Advocate for Water Reuse

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April 24, 2023

Washington Updates

Happy Water Week!

This past Saturday, environmentalists around the world celebrated the 53rd Earth Day with hands-on actions and calls to protect the environment. Following on its heels, WateReuse Association is championing Water Week to communicate the value of water to Congress and to urge greater federal investment in water programs. Water Week is a collaboration between WateReuse and our partner organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Research Foundation (WRF).

Please help us communicate the value of water to your elected representatives. The Water Week website includes a one-pager on clean water and water recycling priorities, a toolbox for engaging your elected officials, sample social media posts and shareable graphics, and much more. Share your Water Week story with the hashtag #WaterWeek2023!

Click here for Water Week resources

Bureau of Reclamation Releases NOFA for Reuse and Desalination Research Funding

Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Desalination and Water Purification Research Program. WateReuse Association and our members worked to help secure important research funding for this desalination program. The program aims to develop innovative and disruptive new technologies and processes to improve system efficiency, reduce energy costs, improve concentrate management, and advance the monitoring and destruction of contaminants of emerging concern. Applicants are invited to submit their written research proposals by June 20, 2023 at 4 pm MDT.

Apply here

New Website on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Status

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new webpage to share information related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding for every state. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the single-largest investment in water infrastructure in U.S. history, providing $50 billion for essential water, wastewater, and water recycling upgrades. Approximately 85% of this funding flows through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. Because each state manages these funds differently, the status of this funding varies across states and funding categories. The webpage allows visitors to sort by state, funding program, and funding status, and directs users to state-managed webpages with more details.

View the funding status webpage

State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Member!

The WateReuse Association and WateReuse California welcome The City of Stockton Municipal Utilities Department (MUD). Stockton MUD serves over 320,000 residents with drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. Their Regional Wastewater Control Facility treats approximately 33 million gallons of wastewater per day and hosts a cogeneration facility which supplies most of the plant’s energy needs. Stockton MUD’s Water Master Plan Update published in 2021 recognizes future opportunities for water recycling and rainwater capture and reuse.

Stockton Municipal Utilities Department

CA: Expansion of World’s Biggest Water Reuse System in Orange County Completed

A final expansion of the world’s largest water recycling facility, the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) is complete, producing 130 million gallons of water a day – enough water to serve nearly one million people in Orange County. This historic milestone was achieved by project partners Orange County Water District and Orange County Sanitation District, both longtime leading WateReuse members. “The GWRS is a premier example of vision, innovation, and collaboration – all which are key components of the project’s successes over the years,” said OCWD Board President Cathy Green.

“The Groundwater Replenishment System is a remarkable project,” said Craig W. Lichty P.E., WateReuse Association President and vice president with Black & Veatch, while attending the GWRS celebration earlier this month. “It will benefit the people and environment of Orange County for generations.”

Last week GWRS was also awarded the Design Grand Prize by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists.

CA: First Bahman Sheikh Memorial Scholarship Awarded to UC Davis Student

The first Dr. Bahman Sheikh Memorial Scholarship was recently awarded to Ben Hodgson, a third-year student majoring in Environmental Policy Analysis & Planning at UC Davis. The scholarship fund was created by WateReuse Association, WateReuse California, and the University of California Davis to honor the legacy of Dr. Sheikh, a water reuse pioneer and a lifetime honorary member of the WateReuse Association.

Hodgson is studying water resource management and hopes to work in public policy related to water upon graduating. “The scholarship has helped make my education more affordable and has introduced me to Dr. Sheikh’s inspiring work to implement sustainable water systems in so many communities,” Hodgson said. Upon receiving the award, Hodgson also had an opportunity to meet Dr. Sheikh’s widow, Charlotte.

You can donate here or participate in the WateReuse California Charity Golf Tournament to help sustain the scholarship.

CA: Innovative and Collaborative Approach to Brine

The Palmdale Water District's Board of Directors approved an agreement earlier this month for technology services at the planned Pure Water Antelope Valley demonstration facility. The water reuse and groundwater recharge facility will include carbon-capture technology that will use discarded brine to create products such as hydrochloric acid. The District approved a one-year test and review of the technology which is estimated to save 20-40% in costs over the lifetime cost of the project.

OR: LOTT Approves Master Plan Including Expansion of Water Reuse

Earlier this month, Olympia-area utility LOTT Clean Water Alliance approved a 2050 plan outlining strategies to manage wastewater treatment for a growing population. The plan includes opportunities to expand recycled water production and use at LOTT's facilities including the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant. Water reuse implementation will hinge on available wastewater flows as well as the development of customer demand for non-potable recycled water. "We're maximizing existing infrastructure that's not only cost-effective but also environmentally sound," said Executive Director Matt Kennelly.

Career Opportunity

Technical and Regulatory Program Manager

WateReuse Association | Washington, DC

The Technical and Regulatory Program Manager is responsible for developing technical program content, developing general web content, and managing the Association’s regulatory portfolio.

Apply Today!

WateReuse Member Resources and Benefits

Need to Illustrate the Value of Water Reuse Investment? Use Our Flyer and Infographic

Utilities must make a compelling case to ratepayers, policymakers, and other stakeholders that investment in water recycling is the right decision. Use our flyer and infographic to illustrate that Investment in water reuse builds communities that are modern, sustainable and stable—ready for families to flourish and businesses to grow. The infographic highlights examples of recycled water from coast to coast and documents the value they bring.

Recycled Water Coast-to-Coast

WateReuse Event Calendar

Southern California Water Dialogue - Direct Potable Reuse

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 12:00 – 1:30 pm PT | 3:00-4:30 pm ET

Preliminary Findings from an Expert Panel on Direct Potable Reuse have been submitted to the California’s State Water Resources Control Board. Benefits from DPR include increased local water supply, drought resiliency, and the ability to fight climate change. Learn more about the findings and next steps during an interactive dialogue.

Speakers:

Kevin Hardy, Executive Director, National Water Research Institute
George Tchobanoglous, Ph.D., University of California, Davis, and Pure Water San Diego Independent Advisory Panel, Chair
Jennifer West, Executive Director, Water Reuse California

Water Research Foundation: PFAS Communications Workshop

Thursday, April 27, 2023 | 9:00-11:30 am ET
Reservoir Center | 301 Water St. SE, Washington DC

Join the Water Research Foundation for a workshop to assist water, water resource recovery, and water reuse utility staff involved with public communications on PFAS. The workshop will draw from WRF’s recent completed project: PFAS One Water Risk Communication Messaging for Water Sector Professionals and is taking place as part of the Water Week Fly-In in Washington DC.

U.S. EPA Public Hearing: Proposed PFAS Rule

May 4, 2023 | 11:00 am -7:00 pm ET

At the public hearing, members of the public can register to attend and provide verbal comments to EPA on the rule proposal. Registration is required to attend and the last day to register to speak at the hearing is April 28, 2023.