WateReuse News: Water Week & Florida Reuse Summit Recap

News from the Leading Advocate for Water Reuse

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May 1, 2023

Washington Updates

Water Week Amplifies the Water Reuse Story

WateReuse Association members brought their vision for water recycling to Washington, DC last week for an impactful 2023 Water Week. The program highlighted Radhika Fox, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), interviewed by Tom Sigmund, Executive Director of NEW Water, a WateReuse member agency. Fox covered a wide range of topics including PFAS rulemaking, infrastructure funding, and water reuse. "Water reuse is a pivotal strategy in building more resiliency in the water sector," Fox said.

WateReuse members took to Capitol Hill, meeting with Members of Congress to urge support for water recycling investments with a focus specifically on FY24 appropriations for the Alternative Water Supply Grant program within the EPA budget and for Title 16 and Desalination grants within the Bureau of Reclamation budget. WateReuse also met with EPA officials to discuss progress on the National Water Reuse Action Plan and the partnership with WateReuse Association in advancing specific action items under the initiative.

David Gadis, General Manager of WateReuse member agency DC Water, also penned an opinion piece to drive home the core themes of 2023 Water Week on behalf of the organizers WateReuse Association, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and The Water Research Foundation (WRF).

WateReuse thanks our members for continuing to carry forward the message of water recycling as a tool for resiliency and economic growth to federal policymakers.

Water Week photos below. On the left: Tom Sigmund, NEW Water, interviews Radhika Fox, U.S. EPA. On the right: Ron Duncan, Soquel Creek Water District; Roger Bailey, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District; Patricia Sinicropi, WateReuse Association; and Melanie Mow Schumacher, Soquel Creek Water District.

The National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems Convenes in DC

Last week, the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems (NBRC) convened in Washington, DC in conjunction with 2023 Water Week. The group met at the headquarters of DC Water and included virtual participation from across the country. Topics of discussion included efforts to define bacterial log reduction credits, developing the operator certificate program for onsite non-potable water systems, and aligning plumbing codes and standards with the latest research on risk-based treatment requirements (the topic of Water Reuse Action Plan Action 2.18 ).

Guest presenter Smiti Nepal, an environmental engineer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, presented the Searchable Clearinghouse of Wastewater Technologies. Julienne Bautista, Branch Chief of Washington, DC's Department of Energy & Environment, coordinated tours of local onsite non-potable water systems at the World War I Memorial and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

WateReuse and Partners Request a PFAS Passive Receivers Provision

Last week, WateReuse Association joined with water sector associations, local governments, and other organizations focused on protecting public and environmental health to submit a joint letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The letter urges that any legislation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) include a specific provision to ensure that organizations such as water and wastewater utilities are explicitly recognized as “passive receivers” of PFAS, and to afford these essential public service providers a narrow exemption from liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). WateReuse will continue to monitor and report on rulemaking and legislation regarding PFAS.

Read the letter

State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Member!

The WateReuse Association and WateReuse Arizona welcome The City of Tempe Water Utilities Division. Tempe serves potable water to about 43,000 customer accounts as well as non-potable water directly through canals, irrigation wells, and water reclamation facilities. Tempe’s 2021 water resources plan highlights the opportunity for future water reuse at the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility as Tempe’s need for new water resources grows.

City of Tempe Water Utilities Division

CA: WateReuse California Defends Recycled Water Funding in State Legislature

WateReuse California (WRCA) and its members spoke last week to the California legislature in support of existing budgeted funding and two new climate bond measures. The California Assembly Budget Subcommittee took up the state Water Board budget, which currently contains $210 million for potable reuse grant funding and $100 million for all types of recycled water projects. State Water Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel and WRCA’s legislative advocate made strong arguments for keeping this funding in the budget despite a growing budget deficit. The legislature is also considering two bond measures for the 2024 ballot that are intended to address drought, climate change and a host of other related resource issues. The two bond measures currently both contain $300 million for recycled water projects. WRCA submitted advocacy letters on both SB 867 (Allen) and AB 1567 (Garcia) requesting $1.5 billion for recycled water.

FL: WateReuse Florida Hosts 2023 Summit

Last week, WateReuse Florida held their Annual Water Reuse Summit at the University of Florida Straughn IFAS Extension Center in Gainesville. The theme this year was “Putting Reuse to Good Use.” Participants enjoyed a tour of Sweetwater Wetlands Park, a treatment wetland for stormwater and treated wastewater. Technical presentations focused on One Water research, potable reuse, PFAS, leveraging green infrastructure for reclaimed water treatment, and public engagement. Executive Director Mike Register of the St. Johns River Water Management District provided the keynote address.

Industry Update

Nanotechnology Publication Highlights Water Reuse

The nanotechnology news publication AzoNano published an editorial feature last week on water reuse in semiconductor manufacturing. The editorial takes an international perspective, noting incentives and regulations that major microchip manufacturing countries such as Taiwan and Singapore have put in place to increase industrial water reuse. “Water recycling systems are gaining popularity as they treat and reuse water from various sources, reducing water consumption and costs. Additionally, they enhance water security, resilience, and environmental quality,” the article says.

WateReuse in the News

Wastewater Digest Reports from the 2023 WateReuse Symposium

Wastewater Digest published an interview recorded at the 2023 WateReuse Symposium with Executive Director Patricia Sinicropi. The interview covers potable reuse, stormwater capture, the rise of industrial reuse, and much more. “People are beginning to recognize that scarcity, supply issues, and quality issues are struggles that everywhere in the U.S. are experiencing, and that water recycling can offer solutions to address all those issues,” says Sinicropi.

Watch the interview

WateReuse Member Resources and Benefits

U.S. Market Analysis for Water Recycling

The growth of water reuse technologies and products provides utilities with an option for local, sustainable water supply, and creates opportunities for businesses to help implement these innovative solutions. WateReuse Association recently commissioned a comprehensive U.S. Market Analysis for Water Recycling examining the expected growth of water recycling in the municipal and industrial sectors in different geographic regions across the U.S. The reports are now available to WateReuse Association members. Check to see if your organization is a member and create your account today to explore all six reports!

View Market Analyses

WateReuse Event Calendar

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.

WateReuse Webcast: Treatment Strategies for PFAS in Water Reuse

May 18, 2023 | 11 am PT | 2 pm ET
Free to WateReuse Members

Per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a challenge to many water reuse applications due to concerns about potential contamination of soils and groundwater. Impending U.S. EPA rulemaking is making removal of PFAS for potable reuse projects particularly critical. Join our webcast on Thursday, May 18 to learn from the experts about the impact of PFAS on water reuse, potential mitigation strategies, and what you need to do to be prepared for new regulations.

In-Person Tour: Pure Water Soquel

May 25, 2023 | 11:30 am PT

Join WateReuse Central Coast for a tour of Pure Water Soquel in Santa Cruz, CA! The plant is in active construction and the tour will include a construction tour as well as presentations on water recycling technology and plans for the purified water. Lunch will be provided thanks to sponsorship by Black & Veatch, the project’s design-build contractor. Register by May 12 by following the link below and adding your name to the spreadsheet.