February 5, 2024

The Journal of Nature published an Open Access study last week which concludes that groundwater level declines have accelerated over the past four decades in 30% of the world’s aquifers. The analysis encompassed 170,000 monitoring wells and 1,693 aquifer systems worldwide. The study links groundwater depletion to impacts including water scarcity, seawater intrusion, land subsidence, and streamflow depletion. On the positive side, the study presents water reuse programs - including Tucson Water’s groundwater recharge system - as an important tool in reversing these alarming trends.

Next month, the 2024 WateReuse Symposium will convene in Denver, Colorado. Topics include successful aquifer recharge practices and other water reuse success stories. Register now to join the conversation!

As we approach the four-year anniversary of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) this month, the WateReuse Association continues to play a leadership role in informing the Plan’s implementation and evolution. WateReuse helped develop and launch the WRAP and remains engaged in a wide range of WRAP actions. Recent and upcoming activities include:

WRAP Action 5.7: Identify Water Reuse Opportunities in the Beverage Industry

The white paper that has been developed for this action is in the final stages of review and expected to be complete in the coming months. This information and findings from the white paper will be shared at the 2024 WateReuse Symposium by its authors.

WRAP Action 7.2: Develop a Coordinated National Research Strategy

The Water Research Foundation recently closed and reviewed applications for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop this Research Roadmap. Join the Water Research Workshop on Monday of the 2024 WateReuse Symposium to learn more. This action is on track to be completed by September 2024.

WRAP Action 8.4: Establish a Water Reuse Champion Award Program

The next round of Global Industrial Water Reuse Champion Award nominations is expected to open in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for nomination instructions.

WRAP Action 11.5: Facilitate a Global Dialogue on Water Reuse

The first part of the Global Water Reuse Dialogue will take place on Wednesday and Thursday of the 2024 WateReuse Symposium, including expert panels and interactive workshop sessions. The second part of this dialogue will take place at the International Desalination & Reuse Association World Congress, December 2024 in Abu Dhabi. At the conclusion of these sessions, a white paper reviewing the key take ways and recommendations for accelerating the adoption of water recycling globally will be issued.

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Land and Emergency Management previewed two upcoming draft rules related to the treatment, storage, and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at hazardous waste facilities. The first of these proposed rules will have a 30-day comment period once opened. The rule will provide a revised interpretation of EPA's authority to address, through corrective action for hazardous waste facilities, releases of hazardous waste and constituents. You can read the pre-publication copy of this proposed rule here. The second proposed rule will be open for a 60-day comment period and outlines the addition of nine PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, PFNA, GenX, PFDA, PFHxS, PFHxA, PFBA) and their salts and isomers to RCRA’s list of hazardous constituents. Read the pre-publication copy of this proposed rule. WateReuse is analyzing the proposed rules to determine their relevance to water recycling projects and processes, including the disposal of PFAS-laden membranes and residuals.

The EPA Office of Water has opened a new fellowship opportunity that will support the implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan. This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC requires the completion of a relevant master’s or doctoral degree in the past five years. The application period for this opportunity will remain open until June 28, 2024.

Leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District and WateReuse member East Bay Municipal Utility District signed a milestone project partnership agreement in late January, paving the way for the first recycled water pipeline to serve the city of Alameda. The project is boosted by $3.2 million in federal funds appropriated through the Army Corps Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Program. "In the face of aging infrastructure and the climate crisis worsening water access, this type of federal investment and project will help ensure a more sustainable future by expanding access to recycled water and producing high paying jobs in our community," said U.S. Representative Barbara Lee of Oakland.

The project aims to repurpose a half mile of 1940s-era cast iron potable water pipeline below the Oakland-Alameda Estuary to deliver 500,000 gallons daily of non-potable recycled water for irrigation and industry. "This project provides a phenomenal opportunity for local and federal government to provide a creative solution that supports sustainable water supplies in California," said EBMUD Board President Lesa R. McIntosh. Attendees at the signing ceremony included elected officials from the Cities of Oakland and Alameda, EBMUD board members, and WateReuse California’s Rosario Cortes.

A wide-ranging article from Fast Company and Stateline last week highlighted efforts to prevent groundwater depletion across the Ogallala Aquifer, a major supply of agricultural and municipal water in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and beyond. The article highlights WateReuse members including Garden City and Dodge City, Kansas.

Garden City is collaborating collaboration with Gigot Farm, a major agricultural producer and one of the state’s largest water users. Under this voluntary collaboration, the farm will turn off some of its wells and supplement irrigation with municipal recycled water. Dodge City also recycles water for irrigation of crops and a golf course. “We were recycling before recycling was cool,” says City Manager Nick Hernandez.

On January 29, WateReuse Nevada hosted its fourth annual WateReuse Nevada Symposium in Las Vegas. The full-day program drew the largest participation in the event’s history. The event featured speakers from Nevada water agencies and researchers as well as from guest speakers from Utah and Idaho.

The event included a poster session including a total of nine poster submittals from post-doctoral researchers and students, and awards for the top three student posters: Charlotte van der Nagel and Ceonie Washington of UNLV, and Lauren Edwards of UNR. WateReuse Nevada also announced 2023-2024 Scholarship Award Winners.