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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

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

Mar
29
Wed
Potable Reuse Committee Meeting
Mar 29 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Apr
11
Tue
WRCA Los Angeles Chapter Meeting
Apr 11 all-day
Apr
12
Wed
2023 WRTX Annual Membership Meeting @ George R Brown Convention Center
Apr 12 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm

After the membership meeting ends (around 6:15 pm), we will gather folks interested in reuse at Truck Yard Houston for a Reuse Happy Hour co-hosted with the WEAT Reuse Committee.

Truck Yard Houston is a 3-minute walk from the convention center at 2118 Lamar St. Houston, TX 77003.

If you have trouble finding us that evening, please call 832 619-9496.

Apr
18
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
Apr 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Apr
20
Thu
WRCA Central Valley/Sierra Foothills Chapter Meeting @ virtual
Apr 20 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Orange County Chapter Meeting @ South Coast Water District
Apr 20 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
May
2
Tue
2023 WateReuse Colorado Conference @ SEEC Building, University of Colorado Boulder
May 2 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Colorado’s Challenging Water Future: Where are we with Water Reuse?

Join us at the 2023 WateReuse Colorado Conference on May 2 2023! The conference will bring together water reuse professionals to share the latest research, innovation, and experiences to address the growing need for water recycling in Colorado and across the country. WRCO is pleased to conduct this event in collaboration with CU Boulder. Make plans to attend the conference for learning, networking, and engaging in discussions with the experts of reuse community, while enjoying the view of beautiful Boulder Flatirons!

Event Info

Register Now

May
12
Fri
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 12 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Please contact Jennifer West for details

May
16
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
May 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Jun
9
Fri
Meeting of the Board of Directors – Second Quarter 2023
Jun 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, June 9, 2023

11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET (Remote)

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