This Earth Day, we are highlighting leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting water resources and implementing water recycling infrastructure. At our 40th Annual Symposium in March, The Honorable Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson affirmed their commitment to continued investment in water reuse to conserve water and ensure long-term sustainability.

Jane Castor delivered opening remarks during the Symposium highlighting the crucial importance of water reuse, stating: "Water, in very short order, is going to be the most important issue worldwide, and we have to make sure that we're doing everything that we can to conserve and to reuse."

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson also emphasized his commitment to advancing water reuse, citing his efforts to pass the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which protects areas of the state where animals have made their habitats and where aquifer recharge takes place. "If we do not protect that area of the State of Florida," Simpson said, "our quality of life will substantially change."   

Water reuse is essential for preserving our planet's precious freshwater resources. Today, we celebrate Jane Castor, Wilton Simpson, and all leaders who champion innovative water solutions, ensuring long-term resilience for their communities and the Earth.

When you register for the Industrial Water Solutions conference, June 23-25, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, you'll gain access to three days of cutting-edge presentations and discussions on the future of sustainable water management. You'll discover strategies for building relationships between industry and utilities, and explore innovative approaches for operating businesses in water-challenged environments.

The program includes keynotes, plenary panels, and an interactive Cocktails and Conversations working session. Two concurrent tracks will allow participants to customize their experience: one path will follow technical and scientific solutions; the other will focus on economic and policy considerations.

Last week, WateReuse member San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) won an Envision Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for its Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility. The project is a collaboration between SFPUC and WateReuse members PCL Construction and Stantec. Key elements of the project include generating between 156 and 357 million gallons of Title 22 recycled water each year and reducing operational water consumption by 98%, recycling the remaining 2% as utility water for the facility or for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. The Platinum Award recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Last month, WateReuse members Epic Cleantec and Austin Water hosted a panel titled "Cities and Buildings Leading the Water Reuse Revolution" at the annual South by Southwest Conference & Festivals held in Austin. The panel showcased Austin's efforts to expand onsite reuse following its adoption of ordinances last year that mandate all large-scale commercial, multifamily, and mixed development projects incorporate on-site water reuse systems. The initiative is focused on recycling rain and condensate water for irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling systems. The panel featured Katherine Jashinski, a supervising engineer at Austin Water, Newsha Ajami, Chief Strategy and Development Officer for Research at Berkeley Lab, Samantha Flores, Vice President and Director of Hugo at Corgan, and Aaron Tartakovsky, Co-Founder and CEO at Epic Cleantec.

The Global Connections Map is an education resource developed by Danielle Francis of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) in partnership with WateReuse Association. It depicts purified recycled water (potable reuse) projects worldwide in various phases of planning and operation. We recently added another WateReuse member to the map: Washington County Water Conservancy District in Utah. The County is planning a Regional Reuse Purification System as part of its One Water Washington County water supply strategy, which aims to make the most efficient use of all water throughout the region. This fast-growing region is very reliant on one limited water source, the Virgin River Basin; its drinking water supply comes from surface and groundwater sources in this basin. The County plans for purified recycled water to serve around 350,000 residents plus visitors by the 2040s, equating to about 28% of the water supply. An advanced water purification demonstration facility should be online by 2028.

WateReuse Member AECOM announced its continued partnership with Sydney Water this month. As a Design Development Partner with Australia's largest water utility, AECOM will support a capital investment program planned for the next 10 years with a focus on improving climate resilience and renewing aging infrastructure to support population growth. AECOM will support design work and manage cost and time risks related to assets like pipelines, pumps, and treatment plants. Sydney Water's plan includes tentative proposals to further incorporate recycled water into the Greater Sydney water supply, deliver a new recycling facility, and implement bulk supply and transfer infrastructure for water, wastewater, and recycled water. Previously, AECOM has partnered with Sydney Water to upgrade its largest water recycling plant at Rouse Hill, among other projects.

May 5, 2025 | Denver, CO
Colorado State University Spur Campus

Implementing Reuse: Opportunities, Challenges, and Innovation: Join us to discuss ongoing and emerging reuse topics at the 2025 WateReuse Colorado Conference! This year’s theme is “implementing reuse” which will focus on reuse opportunities, challenges, and innovation in Colorado and across the country. Water reuse professionals will unite to share their latest research, innovation, and experiences. WRCO is pleased to conduct this event at the beautiful Denver CSU Spur campus. So be sure to mark your calendar! This conference presents a great opportunity to network, learn, and engage in discussion with local water reuse experts while enjoying the beautiful Spur campus.

May 21, 2025 | Jupiter, FL
Jupiter Community Center

Florida Water Reuse Week is May 18-24. Join us on May 21 in Jupiter for the Reuse Week Summit, featuring speakers and conversations about water reuse in the Sunshine State.

June 23-25, 2025 | Columbus, OH

Water is the fuel of the new economy. The Industrial Water Solutions conference will bring together business and utility leaders for knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration. Industrial Water Solutions is the essential conference for professionals that provide, treat, manage, use, or regulate water in industrial settings to find solutions that turn waste streams into value streams. Participants will share strategies that increase resilience and ensure reliable water resources for both industry and the communities in which they locate.

Presented by WateReuse Association & Water Environment Federation

July 20-22, 2025
Flagstaff, AZ - High Country Conference Center

Water Professionals from across the state of Arizona, including state departments, utilities, consultants, contractors, regulators, equipment manufacturers and laboratory services, and guests from neighboring states, will convene to hear presentations and engage in conversations regarding water reuse in Arizona.

September 16-18, 2025 | Houston, TX

Come together to learn about water reuse in Texas including major advances in direct potable reuse, produced water, and much more.

September 21-23, 2025 | San Diego, CA

Save the date for the premier water recycling conference in California. Hear from a wide range of expert speakers and tour local San Diego-area water reuse projects.