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December 15, 2025

41st Symposium: Early Bird Registration Closes Tomorrow 

There’s just ONE DAY left to secure the Early Bird rate for the 41st WateReuse Symposium! Convening March 8-11, 2026 at the InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles, the 41st Annual WateReuse Symposium program features over 100 hours of workshops, technical sessions, panels, and poster presentations encompassing a wide range of reuse-related topics. 

Register Today
Washington Update
WateReuse Supports Senate Water Infrastructure Briefing 

Last week WateReuse joined 18 national water and municipal organizations to support a senate briefing on “Strong Infrastructure, Smart Spending.” A diverse group of public and private-sector leaders spoke, highlighting their personal stories: how water has supported their families, lives, and communities. The briefing focused on explaining the value of funding mechanisms like the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) to congressional staff in the midst of the ongoing appropriations process. The SRFs provide essential tools in ensuring resilience and maintaining affordability for water rate payers nationwide. The panel, moderated by Scott Berry of US Water Alliance, featured Tad Bohannon of Central Arkansas Water, Kishia Powell of WSSC Water, Dan Buckley of Garney Construction, Zach Schafer of Maryland Department of the Environment, and Amy Stevens of Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Environmental Protection. 

WateReuse Delivers Title XVI Funding Letter from 125 Entities 

Congress has until January 30 to determine final FY 2026 funding levels for critical water reuse grant and loan programs, including the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reuse Grants Program. In an effort to secure increased funding for the program in final appropriations legislation, the WateReuse Association organized a letter from 125 utilities, municipalities, businesses, and organizations, urging Congress to fund the Title XVI program at $41 million in FY 2026, a 37 percent increase over last year’s level. The letter also urges Congress to include language extending the program’s authorization through the end of 2026. Both the funding increase and the extension of authority were included in the House version of the appropriations bill; however, the Senate version includes neither. To send your own version of the Title XVI letter to your congressional delegation, please reach out to WateReuse Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Greg Fogel, at gfogel@watereuse.org.  

Read the Letter
Association Update
WateReuse Association Welcomes New President

Last week, the WateReuse Association Board of Directors approved John Kmiec as the association’s president for 2026. John has been involved in WateReuse for 20 years, first on the board of the Arizona section, and most recently as a member of the national Board of Directors since 2022. As a member of the Arizona Governor’s Water Augmentation Program from 2016-2018, John helped shepherd the state to its new direct potable reuse regulations, laying the foundation for continued water innovation. He also oversaw the development of Tucson’s One Water 2100 plan, advancing its early implementation through community engagement and multi-jurisdictional coordination. His disciplined strategy, measured judgment, and ability to drive consistent, results-driven progress through complex challenges will serve WateReuse members through the pivotal year to come. 

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WateReuse Welcomes 2026 Executive Committee

The WateReuse Board of Directors also approved the 2026 Executive Committee, including two new officers: Joe Mouawad, general manager of Eastern Municipal Water District in California, and Lauren Zuravnsky, director of design and construction for the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow at Hampton Roads Sanitation District in Virginia. Joe Mouawad will serve as treasurer, while Lauren Zuravnsky will serve as secretary. The new officers will join Vice President Jon Freedman, who will continue his role chairing the Legislative and Regulatory Policy Committee, and Bart Weiss, who will provide guidance and continuity in the role of past president. WateReuse thanks departing Executive Committee members Craig Lichty and Deven Upadhyay for the vision and leadership they demonstrated throughout their tenure. 

State Updates and Member Profiles
UT: WateReuse Utah Becomes 14th WateReuse Section 

The WateReuse Board last week approved the incorporation of the WateReuse Utah section, composed of seven founding utilities: American Fork City, City of Saratoga Springs, Highland City, Lehi City, Provo City, South Jordan City, and Timpanogos Special Service District. Driven by population growth and climate impacts, many cities in Utah are implementing reuse to secure a sustainable water future. The Utah founding members are already making strides towards ensuring a resilient portfolio through reuse: since last year, the City of South Jordan has successfully operated its Pure Water SoJo potable reuse pilot project, enhancing public trust and laying the foundation for future projects. The new section aims to facilitate the knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and strategic investment necessary to ensure a secure water future in Utah. 

WateReuse Launches Canada Task Force  

The WateReuse Association is assembling a task force to advance water recycling programs and regulations in Canada. Water reuse is growing in the nation, driven by climate impacts, increased urban demand, and the need for sustainable water management strategies. This year, WateReuse member H2O Innovation debuted its Direct Potable Reuse Demo trailer, producing the first Canadian purified recycled water in Quebec City. The Canada Task Force will continue to drive innovation bolstered by the expertise and partnership of our US members. Please reach out to Section Liaison Aubree Frost if you are interested in supporting this initiative. 

Canada Task Force
Welcome New WateReuse Member!

The WateReuse Association and WateReuse Nevada welcome the Western Regional Water Commission! The Western Regional Water Commission facilitates regional coordination among the Truckee Meadows member agencies to provide comprehensive water resource planning and management. The Commission supports water reuse initiatives throughout the region, including as a partner of OneWater Nevada, which is currently piloting an advanced water purification facility to expand indirect potable reuse in Northern Nevada. 

Western Regional Water Commission
Member Resources and Benefits
Global Purified Recycled Water Map

Did you know there are over 85 places around the world where water suppliers have started the journey toward purifying recycled water for their drinking supply? WateReuse Association and the Water Services Association of Australia have partnered on an interactive map showing all the places that are operating potable reuse projects – as well as places that have begun discussing or planning them. The map also includes a downloadable set of maps and figures that provide a deep dive into the history of purified recycled water and its global prevalence today. 

Plus, don’t miss the Water Services Association of Australia’s presentation on new additions to the map at the 41st Symposium!  

Explore the Map
WateReuse Events and Webcasts
Webcast — Training Manual for Onsite Operators: National Certificate Program & Austin Test-Case 

December 17, 2025
2:00pm ET | 11:00am PT
Free 

Join us and learn about the drivers, benefits, and adaptability of a national training manual and certificate program for operators of onsite water recycling systems. The manual — "Operation and Maintenance Training Manual for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems (ONWS manual)"— is being pioneered by Austin Water with support and guidance from the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Water Systems (NBRC), WateReuse Association, and Epic Cleantec. WateReuse Association and our partners are currently also working with Water Professionals International (WPI) to develop an entry-level and advanced test and certificate program based on the manual’s information. 

Register Here
2025 WateReuse Nevada Symposium 

February 2, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV 

Join WateReuse Nevada for a full day of engaging discussions, networking, and insights into the future of water reuse. This year’s program features Charles Bott, PhD, PE, Director of Water Technology and Research at Hampton Roads Sanitation District, as our keynote speaker. 

We’re anticipating an exciting event filled with meaningful dialogue and collaboration — don’t miss your chance to be part of it! 

Register Here
2026 WateReuse Symposium

March 8-11 | Los Angeles, CA

Advance registration is open now for the premier conference on water recycling — attracting water professionals and water reuse practitioners globally for knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration.

Register Now

Contact us at info@watereuse.org

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