
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
Action Agenda for Water Week 2020: Advocate for Increased Federal Investment in Water Reuse
U.S. Supreme Court Expands Regulation for Water Reuse Groundwater Recharge Projects
Congress Passes Fourth COVID-19 Relief Package; Discusses Infrastructure Investment for Fifth Package
Senate Drafts of 2020 Water Infrastructure Bills Include Major Wins for Water Recycling
Western Farm Groups ask Congress for Stimulus Investments in Water Recycling
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!
Upcoming Events


Early Bird Registration and Discount Room Rate Expire July 7!
AZ Water Association and the Arizona Section of WateReuse Association will once again bring together thought leaders from across the Southwest for our annual symposium at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona July 24 – 26, 2022.
Sunday: Kick-off Reception and 6th Annual Purple Water Balloon Battle at 5:00 PM. Pick a team/t-shirt color (ASU, NAU, UA or Purple if you want to be Switzerland) and get in the game.
Monday: Full day of Symposium sessions with breakfast & lunch at Little America Hotel. Shuttle to dinner at The Museum Club.
Tuesday: Half-day workshop: “Defining the Future of Direct Potable Reuse in Arizona”
Register and Book Your Hotel Reservation
Add to Calendar
Free event
July 28, 2022
Summit: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Social: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Summer Summit and Social will offer an on-site approach to learn about recycled water and its many benefits and opportunities, as well as network with leaders in water reuse along with local and state representatives.
Join us to learn about the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC)’s current recycled water uses at its treatment facilities, the next step in advancing recycled water for community use, and the immense opportunities for recycled water’s future role as an integrated environmental and water management asset. Engage with other leaders to discuss the positive impact recycled water can make on the One Water we all share.
Register for an optional morning tour of the MWMC’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Biocycle Farm on Friday, July 29 at 9 a.m.
Summit Location: MWMC’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, 410 River Avenue, Eugene, OR
Who: WateReuse members, water industry leaders, local and state representatives
Cost: The Summit, Social and Tours are free, but registration is required.
- Register Here
- Learn more about the MWMC and their recycled water programAdditional information and an itinerary will be provided in the coming weeks to registered attendees.

11 am PT | 2 pm ET (1 hour)
WateReuse Members: Free; Others: $49
PDHs: 1
According to the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the nation’s data centers collectively consumed 165 billion gallons of water in 2014. Without intervention and investment, water and energy use of data centers is expected to continue growing rapidly. These trends risk putting data centers into competition with other growing businesses for space, energy, and water, and pose a challenge for data center development in regions with limited water resources. In this webcast, Arcadis and Tomorrow Water will discuss their CoFlow concept which involves the co-location of water reclamation facilities and data centers to allow exchanging water and cooling capacities.
Presenters:
- Ufuk Erdal, Arcadis
- Jon Liberzon, Tomorrow Water
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- Potable Reuse