Washington Update

WateReuse Fights to Increase Federal Investments in Water Recycling

Spring time is the peak of the annual appropriations cycle in Washington, DC, and WateReuse has been hard at work securing increased investments in key water recycling programs. In the last week, a number of WateReuse Association sections across the country have submitted requests to senior appropriators. Our national office also submitted outside witness testimony to the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. Over the next several weeks, the relevant subcommittees in the House and Senate will write and release their respective appropriations bills. If you have not yet taken action during this appropriations cycle, see our recent action alert!

EPA Seeks Nominations for Stormwater Advisory Board

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for expert consultants to the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB). The expert consultants will advise the EFAB workgroup focused on stormwater funding and financing responsive to the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. WateReuse successfully advocated for provisions in this law that strengthen the link between regional flood control projects and stormwater management and reuse. Nominations to the EFAB are due April 19.

WateReuse Participates in Meeting on Onsite Reuse, Shares Principles on Alternative Sources

On April 11-12, WateReuse Association staff participated in a meeting of the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems to discuss the Water Research Foundation’s nearly complete Onsite Water Systems Training Manual. WateReuse shared its recently released Statement of Principles Related to Alternative Sources of Water Supply and Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems, which details the association’s commitment to all types of water recycling. Members of the Blue Ribbon Commission shared recent advances in onsite systems in their jurisdictions and provided guidance on the training manual. The group is comprised of regulators and public health officials from nearly thirty states and municipalities.

State Updates and Member Profiles

California: San Diego Mayor’s 2020 Budget Proposal Funds Construction for Pure Water San Diego

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer released a budget proposal for fiscal year 2020 that provides $715.8 million for capital improvements, which includes funding to begin construction on the first phase of Pure Water San Diego. Pure Water San Diego is a multi-year program sponsored by WateReuse Association member the City of San Diego that uses proven technology to clean recycled water to produce safe, high-quality drinking water. Mayor Faulconer’s proposal is the largest infrastructure investment in the city’s history for a second year in a row. Read More.

Colorado: Denver Water to Showcase Onsite Reuse at New Complex

WateReuse Association member Denver Water is set to open a new 36-acrea complex this fall that will use an onsite water recycling system and rainwater capture and reuse to demonstrate the utility’s commitment to sustainability. The water recycling system, located in the lobby of the administration building, will capture all of the gray water and black water used in the complex and recycle it for irrigation and toilet flushing. Rainwater will be captured from the roofs of both the administration building and parking garage. Read More.

Florida: Editorial Encourages Tampa Potable Reuse Plan

The Tampa Bay Times published an editorial last Thursday encouraging the Board of Directors for Tampa Bay Water to approve a regional plan to purify water for drinking when it meets on Monday, April 15. The city of Tampa’s proposal to add about 50 million gallons of purified recycled water to the aquifer each day to become a source for drinking water treatment must be approved by Tampa Bay Water, a three-county utility. The editorial asserts that this is an opportunity to save money for ratepayers across the region, clean area waters, and put a wasted resource to precious use for the entire area. Read More.

Association Update

Staff, Members Discuss Reuse at Research and Innovation Forum

WateReuse Association Executive Director Patricia Sinicropi presented on the current regulatory environment for reuse last week during the Mid Atlantic Research and Innovation Forum. The forum was hosted by WateReuse Association member Loudoun Water in Ashburn, Virginia and sponsored by the Water Research Foundation (WRF). WateReuse members Alexandria ReNew and the Upper Occoquan Service Authority also participated in a discussion of its water reuse projects. WRF sponsors regional workshops to keeps its subscribers informed on research and innovation.

WateReuse Brewing Outreach Featured at National Craft Brewers Event

WateReuse Association staff and members met with representatives from six states on April 10 to discuss ways to expand and promote craft beer produced during water purification demonstration projects. Convened by the Water Environment Federation and the Pure Water Brewing Alliance with participation by the LIFT Creating the Space project, the meeting focused on identifying commonalities in brew event permits and the messaging surrounding those efforts. WateReuse members discussed successful messaging strategies, permitting challenges, and ways to replicate these events to further “create the space” for acceptance of potable reuse. The meeting was held during the Craft Brewers Conference in Denver Colorado.

Applications Open For Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program

The Utility of the Future Today recognition program returns for a fourth year to honor water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery and reuse of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. The deadline to apply for recognition this year is May 31. The recognition program was launched in 2016 by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, The Water Research Foundation, and the WateReuse Association —with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn More.

Conferences and Events

Webcast: Bioanalytical Screening Tools for Recycled Water – An Emerging Technology to Assess Complex Mixtures in Aquatic Environments

What’s the next big thing in monitoring recycled water quality? Please join us May 15 at 2 p.m. eastern to learn how In vitro cell-based assays have shown promise as bioscreening tools to assess environmental mixtures and prioritize sites requiring further investigations. These assays are designed to respond to groups of chemicals. As such, they offer an integrative approach to complement conventional chemical and toxicity testing. Learn More.

Register for the 8th Annual Water Reuse in Texas Conference

WateReuse Texas, Water Environment Association of Texas, and Texas American Water Works Association will host the 8th Annual Water Reuse in Texas Conference, May 23-24, in McAllen, Texas. The program will present the latest on operations, financing, planning, and water quality. Pat Sinicropi, Executive Director of WateReuse Association, will provide a keynote discussion on the future of water reuse, Texas’ role as a reuse pioneer, and EPA’s upcoming Water Reuse Action Plan. Learn More.

Upcoming Events