June 10, 2024

Year by year, water reuse continues to grow as a solution to a diverse range of water challenges. WateReuse Association is meeting this expanding interest in water reuse with programming across the United States. This year many of our state sections - from Texas to Oregon and from Ohio to Nevada - will convene locally to share ideas and expertise about water recycling technologies, policies, and programs. We’re also hosting two national conferences, one on each coast! Register today for the 2024 Industrial Water Reuse Specialty Conference, November 19-21 in Indian Wells, California; and submit a presentation proposal today for the 2025 WateReuse Symposium, March 16-19 in Tampa, Florida!

Late last month, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released an updated version of its P100 manual, which sets mandatory design standards and performance criteria for federally owned buildings and facilities. The revised manual significantly expands references to water recycling and incorporates many of the recommendations that WateReuse put forward in our December 2023 comments to GSA. WateReuse applauds GSA for its leadership in highlighting how water reuse can ensure the sustainability and resilience of federal buildings and facilities. The federal government operates over 8,000 buildings in 2,200 communities the country. These new GSA standards will help accelerate the adoption of water recycling in those communities that are home to them. WateReuse will be reviewing the revisions in detail and providing an analysis through our Onsite and Distributed Water Recycling Systems Committee.

On June 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be hosting a webinar about water reuse funding opportunities across several federal agencies including EPA, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Agriculture. The discussion will highlight loan and grant programs such as the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program, and WaterSMART Title XVI Program, as well as eligibility requirements for each. The purpose of the webinar is to help stakeholders better understand how these funding mechanisms work and who is able to apply. This webinar will be held from 1pm – 2:30pm ET.

Last week a coalition of 18 organizations delivered a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, urging robust funding for key water infrastructure programs in FY 2025. WateReuse Association signed the letter alongside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, U.S. Conference of Mayors, The Nature Conservancy, and other organizations. The letter urges Congress to fully fund the Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Grants, Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs, and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program.

WateReuse member Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) held a groundbreaking ceremony last week, marking the start of construction for the JCSD Regional Recycled Water project. The non-potable water reuse project is expected to deliver 350 million gallons of recycled water – enough to offset our local supply of drinking water for more than 3,000 homes per year. "The purple pipe system is a safe way to reuse water, our most precious resource," said JCSD President Bart Moreno.

The Capital Press published an in-depth exploration of agricultural reuse in Oregon, highlighting how a streamlined state regulatory framework and additional funding could lead to a boom in agricultural reuse. The article notes the importance of water reuse in Oregon for meeting TMDL requirements and managing river temperatures. The article spotlights WateReuse members Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission, Clean Water Services, and WSC.

Deadline: June 30

WateReuse Pacific Northwest is excited to solicit your nominations for the 2024 WateReuse Pacific Northwest Award for Excellence! This award will recognize a utility or local government entity in the Pacific Northwest that provides a safe, reliable, locally controlled water supply through the development of water recycling treatment facilities, infrastructure and/or other water reuse projects. The awardee in this category will showcase an exemplary water reuse project, system, and/or facilities that demonstrate the value of water reuse to the community they serve.
The award will be given at the 2024 PNCWA Conference in Boise, ID. Please note, the nomination form requires a Google Sign-in.

Did you know that WateReuse Association member benefits extend to everyone in your organization? Pass these instructions along to everyone in your office so they can sign up for members-only content, free webcasts, discounted event registration, and more:

• Visit the registration page: https://watereuse.org/member-register/
• Make sure to list your employer exactly as it is shown here to be linked to your organizational membership.
• You’ll receive an email to set up your password and gain access to member benefits.

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