News from the Leading Advocate for Water Reuse
View in your browser
WateReuse Review banner

January 20, 2026

Hear from a Member on Why to Attend the 41st Annual Symposium 

We’re just one month out from the deadline to register in advance for the 2026 WateReuse Symposium in Los Angeles. Register before February 18 to secure your spot at the premier conference on water recycling!

Stephen Taylor, a Planning Engineer at WateReuse Member LOTT Clean Water Alliance, told us what keeps him coming back year after year: “I’m thrilled to be joining the 2026 WateReuse Conference in LA. For me, this isn’t just an event; it’s a critical opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in our field. I’m looking forward to diving deep into the latest in water technology and logistics, and refining how we communicate the value of water reuse to ensure we protect our most vital resource for the future.”

Stephen won a free registration to the 2026 Symposium by filling out our post event feedback survey. Join us this March in Los Angeles and respond to the survey for the chance to win free registration for the 2027 Symposium in Las Vegas!

Register Now
Washington Update
U.S. Senate Passes Water and Environment Spending Package 

Late last week, the U.S. Senate passed a three-bill spending package that provides FY 2026 funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Reclamation, and the programs they administer. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the package, known as a minibus, which now heads to the President for his signature. 

As we reported last week, the legislation slashes funding for the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Grants Program by 58 percent, from $30 million to $12.5 million, $10 million of which will be available for Title XVI competitive grants. The cut to Title XVI comes as part of a larger funding cut to the Bureau of Reclamation’s Water and Related Resources account, within which Reclamation water programs sit. The package reduces funding for that account by more than $286 million, from roughly $1.75 billion to $1.47 billion. Appropriations Committee staff have pledged to work toward restoring Title XVI funding in FY 2027.  

Whereas the bill slashes funding for Reclamation water programs, it largely maintains funding for key EPA water programs and provides start-up funding of $2 million for the Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Grants, a top WateReuse priority. WateReuse will be working to grow funding for the Alternative Water Source Grants program over the next several years so that communities in every region of the country can access grant funding for water reuse.  

The bill maintains level funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs; however, it dedicates a very significant portion of the SRF funding for earmark projects.  

View the WateReuse Appropriations Tracker
Bureau of Reclamation Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Post-2026 Colorado River Operations 

At the end of 2026, current operating agreements for the management of the Colorado River are set to expire. Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for how the Colorado River Basin will continue to be managed after this year. This river is the lifeblood of the west, serving more than 40 million people, providing drinking water, energy production, and irrigation for agricultural production. Given the sheer population that is served by this river and its reservoirs, the efforts to pursue this EIS and agreements are collaborative, including basin states, tribes, communities, conservation organizations, and other federal entities.  

The WateReuse Association and its members will be working to draft a comment letter to Reclamation by March 2, the end of the 45-day comment period.  

Read the Draft EIS
State Updates and Member Profiles
Welcome New WateReuse Member!

The WateReuse Association and WateReuse Arizona welcome EPCOR Utilities! A North American utility provider based in Edmonton, Alberta, EPCOR manages water, wastewater, natural gas, and electricity across Canada and the Western United States. EPCOR provides A+ quality effluent across Arizona for non-potable reuse. 

EPCOR Utilities
CA: Pure Water Southern California Granted Expedited Judicial Review for Environmental Process  

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California State Legislature certified Pure Water Southern California – a large-scale water recycling project – under SB 149, the California Environmental Quality Act judicial streamlining process, which helps critical infrastructure projects avoid lengthy court delays. “We are grateful to the governor and state lawmakers for granting Pure Water this judicial streamlining certification. It will help ensure that the project’s advancement is not delayed by drawn-out court battles, while also maintaining important environmental protections and allowing for public engagement,” said Metropolitan Water District General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh. The Metropolitan Water District and Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts are expected to release the project’s Environmental Impact Report in the coming weeks. 

Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Read More
TX: Corpus Christi City Council Approves 30-Year Agreement to Supply Recycled Water to Valero Refinery 

Last week, the Corpus Christi City Council approved a 30-year agreement with Valero to supply up to 8 million gallons per day of recycled water from Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant to Valero’s refinery. The agreement will be rolled out in phases, with the city initially supplying 3 million gallons per day until necessary infrastructure upgrades are complete. Valero will contribute to daily operating costs as well as special treatment processes, chemicals, and electricity. “By giving industries reclaimed water instead of fresh, we take pressure off the whole system," Nicholas Winkelmann, Corpus Christi Water interim COO, told KRIS 6 News. 

Read More
FL: Spectrum News 13 Highlights Altamonte Springs’ PureAlta as Blueprint for Florida Reuse 

This month, Spectrum News 13 highlighted Altamonte Springs’ potable reuse pilot, pureAlta, as a blueprint for the future of water reuse in Florida. The publication spoke with Frank Martz, city manager of Altamonte Springs, about the bio-filtration process at the facility and its role as a model for transforming Florida’s approach to water management. “We believe over the next couple of years as the state becomes more focused on the importance of conservation, that doesn’t mean using less; it means reusing what you have,” he said. pureAlta has been operating since 2017, treating 28,000 gallons per day to meet or exceed drinking water standards. A full-scale conversion would treat up to 500,000 gallons per day. 

Read More
Industrial Update
Microsoft Announces “Community-First” Approach to AI Infrastructure, Including Investments in Water Reuse 

Last week, Microsoft announced its “community-first” approach to AI infrastructure, including investments in water reuse infrastructure for data center cooling in addition to investing in AI-optimized water management, leak detection for aging infrastructure, and wetland replenishment efforts in the regions where data centers are sited. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith used its Quincy, Washington facility, where the company collaborated with the city to create the Quincy Water Reuse Utility, as an example of Microsoft’s plan for more sustainable water management in its data centers. Smith also highlighted Microsoft’s intent to engage in advocacy for policy which incentivizes the construction of reclaimed and industrial recycled water infrastructure as well as faster permitting for water-efficient projects. “By prioritizing recycled water and efficiency, we will help reduce pressure on aging municipal systems and ensure reliable water access for people and businesses,” Smith wrote. 

Read More
Member Resources and Benefits
Profile in Reuse: Artificial Intelligence

Our Profile in Reuse on Artificial Intelligence is a timely educational and advocacy fact sheet outlining the financial, operational, and sustainability benefits of implementing water reuse for the data centers and semiconductor fabricators powering artificial intelligence tools. Whether you’re educating a client, speaking with elected officials, or learning more about the role of reuse in powering AI, this resource illustrates the benefits and real-world applications of reuse for the AI boom.  

Read the Profile
WateReuse Events and Webcasts
Webcast — Federal Water Policy: Opportunities and Expectations in 2026 

January 22, 2026 
12:00 pm ET | 9:00 am PT 
Free to WateReuse members 

Join us to learn how Congress and the Trump Administration are shaping water reuse policy and programs in 2026. Hear from Washington, DC insiders and water policy professionals about legislative developments and opportunities, including efforts to modify and reauthorize Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and reclamation policy and programs. The webcast will also cover Executive Branch actions related to PFAS, WOTUS, water reuse grant administration, and the National Water Reuse Action Plan. 

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

Don’t miss the premier conference on water recycling — attracting water professionals and water reuse practitioners globally for knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration. The 41st Symposium features over 100 hours of technical content and a transformative keynote from Philippe Cousteau, Jr. 

Register Now
Water Week 2026: National Water Policy Fly-In 

April 12-15, 2026 | Washington, DC 

The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), Water Environment Federation (WEF), and WateReuse Association are proud to jointly host the cornerstone event of Water Week 2026 – the National Water Policy Fly-In.

On Tuesday afternoon, attendees will gather for a federal policy briefing featuring senior leadership from EPA and other key agencies, along with remarks from prominent Members of Congress. Following the program, participants will have the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and network across the sector at the Water Week 2026 Reception. Wednesday will be dedicated to meetings on Capitol Hill, where attendees will engage directly with congressional offices, and with key federal agencies to advocate for critical water policy priorities. 

Register Here

Contact us at info@watereuse.org

Unsubscribe from WateReuse Review, Staff, Board of Directors -- Association

Opt out of all WateReuse email

610 Madison Street, Suite 101
Alexandria, VA 22314
United States

 Facebook  X / Twitter  Web  Linkedin  Youtube