Home\News\WateReuse Review\WateReuse Review – April 27, 2020

COVID-19 and Water Reuse: The Latest Information and Resources at Your Fingertips

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WateReuse Association has used WateReuse Review to share the latest information from federal agencies and water sector partners to help our members navigate these challenging times. We have also hosted a webcast series covering issues related to water recycling and COVID-19 and provided a forum for you to share your stories and insights. These resources continue to be available to you on our COVID-19 webpage.

WateReuse will continue to bring you COVID-19 breaking news and new resources in WateReuse Review each week. We also invite you to continue to share your stories about how your agency or company is addressing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Please email your insights to info@watereuse.org for inclusion in a future issue of WateReuse Review or share your story on our online platform, WateReuse Connect.

Washington Update

Welcome to Virtual Water Week 2020, Our Opportunity to Elevate Investment in Water Recycling

By Patricia Sinicropi, Executive Director

Welcome to virtual Water Week 2020. Each year, water professionals from across the country come together during Water Week to bring awareness to our priorities and advocate as one voice for the sector, but clearly things are different this year. The coronavirus pandemic has consumed the attention of utilities, Congress, and the Administration. However, to the extent possible, regular order is moving along in Washington, DC and important decisions are being made that impact the water recycling sector. It is essential that we make Congress aware of the need for a strong federal investment in water recycling.

According to U.S. EPA estimates, the nation’s water infrastructure will require nearly $750 billion over 20 years just to maintain current levels of service. Yet, the Congressional Budget Office finds that the federal share of total U.S. water and wastewater investment is currently below 5% — a much lower federal cost share than other vital infrastructure sectors. And just in western states alone, there is a backlog of water recycling projects awaiting funding through the Bureau of Reclamation of over $500 million. We have some work to do to strengthen our federal partnership.

Although the National Water Policy Fly-In has been cancelled, the WateReuse Association and the other national water organizations that co-sponsor Water Week believe it is imperative to move full-speed ahead with Water Week 2020 as a virtual event.

During Water Week, there are learning and engagement opportunities for you. On Tuesday, April 28 at 2 pm ET, WateReuse will host a complimentary webcast on Communicating about the Safety of Recycled Water in the Age of COVID-19. In addition, we are joining with our Water Week partners to bring you another webinar, Water Week 2020 – Insights from Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 29 at 2 pm ET. Join us to hear the latest water policy developments from EPA senior staff, messages from Members of Congress about the value of water sector advocacy, and updates from key Water Week partners.

We have found in past years that it is very powerful when water professionals arrive in mass in Washington, DC during Water Week and visit with their Members of Congress to advocate for key policy priorities. We may not be able to meet in person with Members and staff, but we can still share our policy priorities.

In fact, your engagement is more important than ever. Congress is concurrently dealing with three legislative processes that will have major impacts on water recycling in the months and years ahead. First, as they do each year, congressional appropriators are busy drafting appropriations bills for FY 2021. These bills will dictate how much federal funding is available for key water recycling programs in the next fiscal year. Second, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are busy writing the 2020 Water Resource Development Act, which is major authorizing legislation for a wide range of water programs, including programs that support water recycling projects. Third, congressional leaders may soon be drafting a stimulus package aimed at reviving the economy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. This would be the fifth bill passed in response to the pandemic, and could focus largely on infrastructure investments and assistance to states and localities.

In the spirit of speaking as one voice during Water Week, we have joined with 12 other national water organizations to develop a flyer, America’s Water Infrastructure: Investing & Building the Future, which summarizes the 2020 federal priorities across the water sector. Share this document with your Members of Congress and use it to inform your conversations. The handout details our asks for key federal programs that invest in water reuse infrastructure including State Revolving Funds, Title XVI, the Water Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, and EPA’s Alternative Water Source Grants, among others.

As the water sector comes together this week to call attention to the importance of investing in America’s water infrastructure, it is important that WateReuse Association members participate so that we can ensure that water reuse is an integral component of the Water Week message. We have included a checklist below to help you plan your outreach for the week. We could not do the work that we do without your voice and your engagement. Thank you for your participation in Water Week and thank you for your membership.

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Action Agenda for Water Week 2020: Advocate for Increased Federal Investment in Water Reuse

The WateReuse Association urges our members to engage with Congress during virtual Water Week 2020 to make the case for increased federal investment in water recycling. Your stories about local needs and opportunities to spur economic growth are powerful. Please tell your representatives about the need to invest in water recycling as part of the FY 2021 appropriations process, in the next COVID-19 stimulus package, and in the next Water Resources Development Act.

Use the following Water Week 2020 checklist to take action virtually:

Download the Water Week handout, America’s Water Infrastructure: Investing & Building the Future, which summarizes our requests for federal programs that invest in water reuse infrastructure.
Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. When you reach the office of your representative or senator, ask for the staffer who handles water issues and tell them why you are calling. If the front office transfers you to that staffer’s voicemail (which is common!), leave a message.
Request a video conference with your congressional offices using software such as Zoom to share your stories and priorities. Use recorded video to offer a virtual tour of your facility during or after your meeting.
Share your water reuse stories on social media using #WaterWeek2020 and #InvestInWater to elevate the Water Week messages in Washington, DC and beyond. Use the sample tweets and graphics on the Water Week website as appropriate.
Join the Water Week Webinar, Insights from Washington, DC, on Wednesday April 29 at 2 pm ET to hear the latest water policy developments from EPA senior staff, messages from Members of Congress about the value of water sector advocacy, and updates from key Water Week partners.

If you want to talk with us first or have questions about the handout, please call Greg Fogel, WRA’s Policy Director, at 571-445-5506.

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U.S. Supreme Court Expands Regulation for Water Reuse Groundwater Recharge Projects

Last week, in a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that groundwater discharges are subject to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, if the groundwater discharge is “functionally equivalent” to a discharge into a navigable water. The ruling stems from a case brought by environmental groups against the County of Maui, and overturns previous standards that had been established by lower courts. The justices remanded the case back to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to apply the new “functional equivalent of direct discharge” test.

This new interpretation opens the door for lawsuits regarding facilities that discharge water into groundwater, and could have a significant adverse impact on recycling projects, including those intended to recharge aquifers, establish saltwater intrusion barriers, and mitigate land subsidence. The WateReuse Association is working to provide our members with an in-depth analysis in the coming days, and will work with our partners to limit the negative impacts of the decision.

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Congress Passes Fourth COVID-19 Relief Package; Discusses Infrastructure Investment for Fifth Package

Last week, Congress passed a fourth relief package that includes $484 billion in relief for small businesses, money for hospitals and expanding COVID-19 testing, additional lending authority for the Paycheck Protection Program, and disaster loans to small businesses. The largest portion of this stimulus will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program, where small businesses can access loans which can covert to grants if businesses maintain their payroll. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. This is the forth in a series of relief bills that Congress has passed in recent weeks.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has indicated that the House may begin work on a fifth package in coming weeks. House Democrats have offered their Moving Forward Framework as a starting point for discussions for that package, which would focus more on stimulus investments and assistance to states and localities.

Action Needed: Submit Your Water Recycling Projects for Stimulus Investment
In preparation for negotiations over a larger economic stimulus package in the weeks and months ahead, we want to make sure that Congress is aware that shovel-ready water recycling projects can assist in our country’s economic recovery. To that end, if your utility or business has projects or project expansions that are primed to move forward in the next 12 to 24 months, we want to know.

Congressional staff are looking for the following information ahead of Congress’ return later this month:

What would you be able to accomplish in the next 12-24 months if you had an additional infusion of funding?
How much federal and non-federal money could you spend on the project over the next 12-24 months? 
Is there an existing federal program through which this money could be invested?
Do you have any sense of the economic benefits that this project would generate in your community? Any idea how many jobs would be created or sustained given an additional infusion of funds?

If you have information regarding shovel-ready water recycling projects or expansions, please tell WateReuse about it by sending your information to Greg Fogel (gfogel@watereuse.org).

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Senate Drafts of 2020 Water Infrastructure Bills Include Major Wins for Water Recycling

On Tuesday, April 21, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee released two pieces of water infrastructure legislation—the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2020 and the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020.

Every two years, Congress passes a major water infrastructure bill known as the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The two bills released by the EPW Committee last week are intended to form the 2020 WRDA in the months ahead; due to jurisdictional issues, the Committee is beginning this year’s process by separating drinking water policies from clean water policies.

Among other WateReuse priorities, the Senate bills include:

$25 million per year for the Alternative Water Source Grants Pilot Program;
A stair-step up to $3 billion in FY 2024 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program;
Reauthorization and expansion of the Drinking Water Infrastructure Risk and Resiliency Program, and the creation of a companion program for clean water systems; and
Reauthorization of the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grant Program.

The WateReuse Association commends Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) and Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-DE) for their leadership in developing the legislation, and for including important water reuse provisions. We extend particular thanks to Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) for championing the reauthorization of the Alternative Water Source Grants Program.

Overall, the draft of AWIA includes approximately $17 billion in new federal authorizations, while the draft Drinking Water Infrastructure Act authorizes approximately $2.5 billion in new spending. The Senate drafts are the first step in this year’s WRDA cycle. WateReuse will submit formal comments to the Committee on the bills before May 1, and will continue to urge improvements moving forward. We expect the Committee to debate and pass the bills as early as next month. At the same time, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has started to develop a draft of their own, and is likely to release it in the coming weeks.

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Western Farm Groups ask Congress for Stimulus Investments in Water Recycling

A group of 150 western state associations and water districts submitted a letter to Congress and President Trump asking for western water infrastructure investment in the next stimulus package. The letter represents the interests of thousands of Western farmers, ranchers, and businesses essential in providing food for the nation. Collectively, the entities argue that investment in water recycling is crucial for ensuring a safe and stable domestic food production.

In the letter, the organizations ask for funding for “water conservation, water recycling, watershed management, conveyance, desalination, water transfers, groundwater storage, and surface storage” to allow diversification of water management portfolios. In particular, the signatories urge additional investments in programs authorized in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) act of 2016, including additional funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI water reuse program.

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State Updates and Member Profiles

Arizona: Groundbreaking Mobile DPR Facility Moves to University of Arizona’s WEST Center

The groundbreaking mobile direct potable reuse (DPR) treatment system that toured Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and Idaho and made stops at two Annual WateReuse Symposiums and WEFTEC is being relocated to the University of Arizona’s WEST Center. The Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center develops new technologies that deal with water scarcity and reuse. First used for the AZ Pure Water Brew Challenge, a competition in which 32 craft brewers competed to make the best beer with purified water, the trailer went on to visit other states and national water conferences. The initiative was a partnership of several WateReuse Association member organizations and WateReuse Arizona. Read More.

California: Water Board Declares Recycled Water Safe from COVID-19 Virus

The California Water Board released a fact sheet explaining that California’s recycled water and treated wastewater are safe from the COVID-19 virus. According to the fact sheet, sanitation experts have determined that existing treatment plant disinfection processes successfully disinfect wastewater containing the COVID-19 virus. Municipal wastewater treatment plants in California go beyond minimum requirements and provide additional tertiary filtration treatment to meet stringent State Water Board public health standards for water disposal or water recycling whenever there is a risk to the public.

Illinois: American Water Upgrades Champaign County Facility to Recycle Process Water

Illinois American Water is installing a new recycle pump station in Champaign County that will allow water used in the treatment process to be captured and reused. The project will enhance water quality and reduce demand on Mahomet Aquifer by an estimated 182 million gallons a year. The project will begin operating later this year. Read More.

Kentucky: Maker’s Mark Adds Water Reuse System for Cooling Towers

Maker’s Mark has installed a water reuse system that is providing about 15,000 gallons of water for cooling each day. By adding a second pass to its existing reverse osmosis system, the bourbon distiller is able to reclaim reject water for use in cooling towers and reduce the use of municipal water. In a recent interview, a Makers Mark representative discussed the direct connection between the quality of the bourbon and the health of the local watershed. Read More.

Member Spotlight: Greyter Water Systems’ Residential Reuse System Featured in Better Builder Magazine

WateReuse Association member Greyter’s residential water technology is bringing new water management solutions to homes. The Greyter HOME system captures water from showers and bathtubs, treats it to a near-potable quality and provides clear, odor-free water to meet a home’s toilet flushing demands. Many municipalities are recognizing the benefits of residential water recycling to conserve regional water supplies and create water-efficient communities, especially in areas where growth is constrained by limited water resources. Read More.

Denim Manufacturer Uses Water Recycling to Save 1.85 Billion Gallons of Water

Kontoor Brands, manufacturer of Wrangler and Levi’s, announced that it has exceeded its 2020 global year-end water savings goal thanks to water recycling and conservation. Wrangler, for example, recycles up to 85% of the water used in its manufacturing facility in Torreon, Mexico and has committed to a dying process that uses 100% less water. In 2008, Kontoor Brands set a goal of reducing water use globally by 1.45 billion gallons by the end of 2020. As of the first quarter of this year, the manufacturer has already reached a 1.85 billion gallon reduction in water use. Read More.

Global Spotlight

World Bank Initiative Explores Innovative Applications of Water Reuse

The World Bank released a report that calls for increased water recycling and highlights the public health and environmental benefits that innovative wastewater management can provide. The report discusses challenges and lessons learned from the Latin American and the Caribbean region’s “Wastewater: From Waste to Resource” initiative. The report recommends planning wastewater treatment across the river basin, moving from treatment plants to resource recovery facilities, implementing innovative financing and business models, and the implementation of policies that remove barriers to more widespread adoption of water recycling. Read More.

WateReuse Communications Tools and Resources

Use WateReuse Connect to Learn and Exchange Ideas with Peers Across the Nation

In this time of social distancing, opportunities for peer-to-peer networking are more important than ever. WateReuse members can use WateReuse Connect to access a member-to-member network of more than 7,000 water recycling practitioners, business leaders, regulators, academics, and technology providers. Post your questions, observations, and unique challenges on our online platform to benefit from the unique experiences of other members across the nation and around the world. It’s simple to use with your member login information. For help accessing WateReuse Connect, please contact Erin DiMenna, WateReuse Member Services Director.

Conferences and Events

Webcast: What We Know – Communicating about Recycled Water in the Age of COVID-19

Communities embrace water reuse as a proven method to ensure a safe, reliable, and locally controlled water supply, but in the age of COVID-19 new questions are being asked about public health and worker safety. Please join us on Tuesday, April 28 at 2 pm ET to learn how you can respond to those inquires accurately and effectively. Researchers at the forefront of this issue will join us for an informative update on what we know about recycled water and COVID-19. Experts in water reuse communications will follow with guidance on risk communication and messaging. This is an essential presentation for anyone that communicates about recycled water. Register Now!