April 23, 2018
Washington Update
Water Week 2018 Makes a Splash in Washington DC
State Updates and Member Profiles
Welcome New Member!
The WateReuse Association thanks the following new member:
- RFN3 Solutions LLC
California: Department of Water Resources Awards $3 Million to Develop Plans for Sonoma County Groundwater
The California Department of Water Resources awarded $1 million each to three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) in Sonoma County to support development of plans for each of the basins. The GSAs were formed in 2017 to ensure that there is a balance in the amount of water that is going out of and coming into groundwater basins. The groundwater plans will include recommendations for groundwater recharge, recycled water, new incentives for water conservation and sustainability, and regulations for groundwater use. Learn More.
Colorado: Bills Pass Allowing Reclaimed Water for Edible Crops, Toilet Flushing
Colorado’s legislature passed two bills that allow for new uses of reclaimed water In Colorado. HB-1093 adds edible crops as a new use and HB-1069 adds toilet flushing. Both are now headed to the Governor for his signature. This is a big year for water reuse in Colorado’s legislature with two additional bills making their way through the house and senate that would allow reclaimed water to be used for industrial hemp irrigation (SB18-038) and marijuana cultivation (HB18-1053). Many members of WateReuse Colorado have worked on bill language and amendments and have come out in force to testify at key hearings. Details on bill language and status can be found here.
Colorado: Proceeds from Denver Water’s Recycled Water Beer Will Go to Charity
Denver Water is partnering with a local green certified brewery to produce beer brewed with purified recycled water for its 100th Anniversary. When customers of the Declaration Brewing Company order this unique Pilsner, they will be supporting scholarships for careers in the water industry and related infrastructure. The purified water comes from the PureWater Colorado Demonstration Project – a purification system that converts used household water into drinking water that meets all state and federal drinking water standards. Learn More.
Association News
2017 Annual Report Highlights Successes
The WateReuse Association released its 2017 Annual Report highlighting a year of success, including strong federal and state advocacy, new member education tools, and a fifth straight year of member growth. Nationally, there is more interest than ever in water recycling and the WateReuse Association is taking this opportunity to educate and advocate. View Annual Report.
New Handout Developed for Water Week, Local Advocacy
The WateReuse Association created a handout, Water Reuse: Transforming Water, Sustaining Our Future, explaining the benefits of water reuse on one side and illustrating the economic value of recycled water for communities across the country on the other side. The document was developed for Water Week 2018 in Washington, DC and for members to use in local advocacy.
Applications Open for Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program
The Utility of the Future Today recognition program returns for a third year to honor water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. A webinar is scheduled for utilities wishing to learn more about the program and the application process on April 25. The deadline to apply for recognition this year is May 30. Learn More.
Conferences and Events
Webcast: Unconventional Oil and Gas Exploration: Outlook for Water Reuse and Potential Impacts on Distribution Pipes
What is the current state of water reuse in unconventional oil and gas? And what are the impacts of fracking and crude oil contaminants on water distribution pipes? Join us on Wednesday, May 9 at 2 p.m. EDT to hear results from two Water Research Foundation studies on unconventional oil and gas that cover opportunities and challenges for water reuse and protection of public health. Learn More.
Advance Registration Ends Today for the 2018 Water Research Foundation Conference
The latest research addressing the challenges of integrated water management and water reuse will be presented at the 2018 Water Research Foundation Conference in downtown Atlanta, GA on May 6-8, 2018. The Research Conference is designed to help communities prepare for the future with a comprehensive program offering innovative approaches and creative solutions for managing our water resources. Learn More.
Register for the Pacific Northwest WateReuse Conference
Learn the latest on state and federal policy at the 2018 Pacific Northwest WateReuse Conference in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18, 2018. Policy sessions will cover Washington State’s new reclaimed water rule, updates on federal funding programs, and a robust panel discussion on state regulation with representatives from Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Learn More.
Webcast: Developing Regulations that Grow and Support Water Reuse: The Regulator Perspective
States are taking the lead in developing regulations to support implementation and growth of water reuse. Please join us on Wednesday, June 13 at 2 p.m. EDT to learn about the latest regulatory developments in four states across the country at varying stages — from states with a long history of water reuse to states in the early stages of assessing reuse needs and strategy. Regulators from California, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Minnesota will discuss the latest developments in their states. Learn More.
Save the Date: 33rd Annual WateReuse Symposium
Learn “What’s Working, What’s New, and What’s Next in Water Reuse” at the 33rd Annual WateReuse Symposium, September 9-12, 2018, at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas. The Annual WateReuse Symposium is the nation’s premier conference on water reuse and the only conference dedicated solely to advancing the policy, technology, innovation and public acceptance of recycled water. Registration opens in May! Learn More.
Upcoming Events
Inland Empire WateReuse Chapter Meeting will hold an in-person meeting and tour at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s large-scale Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 5 Expansion Project and Water Quality Laboratory. Please bring you PPE. Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 // 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Stakeholder meeting for pending changes to TCEQ Chapter 217 relating to reclaimed wastewater collection systems. View the advocacy updates article for more details, or visit the Wastewater System Design Criteria Stakeholder Group for the proposed changes and future meeting announcements.
Friday, June 9, 2023
11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET (Remote)
More info TBD