
One Day Left — Reaching New Heights in Water Reuse: 2020 Annual WateReuse Symposium, Submit Your Abstracts Today
Do you have knowledge to share on water recycling? Examples of successful water recycling projects? Critical research discoveries related to the science of reuse? If you do, the WateReuse Association invites you to submit a technical abstract for the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium, September 13-16, 2020 in the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado. The Annual WateReuse Symposium is the nation’s premier conference on water recycling – attracting water professionals from across the country for four days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and fun! The 2020 Symposium is being planned in collaboration with The Water Research Foundation and will include presentations on the latest reuse-related research. Abstracts are due February 18, 2020.
Washington Update

Be an Advocate for Reuse: Join Us for National Water Policy Fly-In
President’s FY 2021 Budget Request Slashes Water Reuse Funding
EPA Announces $2.7 Billion for Water Infrastructure, Including Water Recycling
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $2.7 billion for State Revolving Funds (SRFs). This funding assists states, tribes and territories with water infrastructure, including water recycling projects. In 2020, EPA is providing approximately $1.6 billion in new federal grant funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and more than $1.07 billion in new federal grant funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). These funds can also be combined with EPA’s WIFIA loans to create a powerful, innovative financing solution for major water reuse projects.
State Updates and Member Profiles
Welcome New Member!
The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new member:
- City of Lakeland (Florida)
California: Otay Water District Appoints Jose Martinez as New General Manager
The Otay Water District Board of Directors announced that it has appointed Assistant Chief of Water Operations Jose Martinez as the new general manager. Martinez has more than 18 years of management and leadership experience in private and public organizations. He managed and designed construction projects for SAIC, Incorporated for five years, from 2007 to 2012, prior to working at Otay Water. Read More.
Idaho: Nampa Receives 10-Year Permit to Use Recycled Water
Last week, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued a water reuse permit to the city of Nampa for irrigation and industrial uses. The 10-year permit is the first of its kind issued to a city in Idaho. Nampa discharges approximately 11 million gallons of treated water into Indian Creek every day. Implementing a recycled water program creates a clear path forward for the city to achieve NPDES permit compliance five years ahead of the 2031 deadline. Read More.
Oklahoma: Garver to Study Feasibility of Indirect Potable Reuse for the City of Norman
Lake Thunderbird, the primary source of drinking water for Norman and two surrounding cities, could become a drought-resilient water supply following a pilot study led by WateReuse Association member Garver. The project, which is funding by a Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse grant from the Bureau of Reclamation, will determine if indirect potable reuse is feasible at the lake. The pilot study will begin later this year and will be completed in 2022. Read More.
Oregon: Clean Water Services Uses Beer to Promote Purified Water
WateReuse Association member Clean Water Services will provide purified water to eight breweries to make beer for the Oregon Brewers Festival in July. The utility developed a mobile Pure Water Wagon to showcase water purification technology at events like this one. The beer serves as an entertaining way to have a conversation with the public about the technology behind creating safe and sustainable water supplies. Read more.
Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable Releases Guidelines for Water Reuse
Last week, the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable released Context-Based Decision Guide for Water Reuse and Recycling, a guidance report to accelerate internal conversations and decisions at the regional and facility level with regards to investments in water recycling. The report discusses why transitioning beyond reduction in water use is important and frames decision-making in the context of local watershed conditions around a particular facility. The document also provides tips for accelerating conversations on water recycling within companies and with other water stakeholders. Download Report.
WateReuse Communications Tools and Resources
Need to Illustrate the Value of Water Reuse Investment? Use Our Flyer and Infographic
Utilities must make a compelling case to ratepayers, policymakers, and other stakeholders that investment in water recycling is the right decision. Use our flyer and infographic to illustrate that Investment in water reuse builds communities that are modern, sustainable and stable—ready for families to flourish and businesses to grow. The infographic highlights examples of recycled water from coast to coast and documents the value they bring.
Conferences and Events
Member Registration to Open March 26 for the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium
Learn about the dramatic expansion of water recycling throughout the United States and stay up-to-date on the latest water reuse technology, research, and policy approaches at the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium, September 13-16, 2020, in Denver, Colorado. Organized around the theme Reaching New Heights in Water Reuse, the 2020 Symposium will feature a comprehensive technical program, plenary sessions that provide perspective on the future of water reuse, and an exciting keynote presentation by Peter Kageyama, author of For the Love of Cities. Following last year’s sellout Symposium, WateReuse is offering an exclusive, member only registration period beginning March 26. Mark your calendar today so that you can reserve your space at the 35thh Annual WateReuse Symposium.
Webcast: National Water Reuse Action Plan: Collaboration and Implementation
Join us March 4 for an inside look at the national Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), an effort to foster greater consideration of water reuse facilitated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with other governmental and non-governmental water sector organizations. Staff from EPA will describe the plan, its genesis, and the all-important implementation phase. Register today to learn how you can stay engaged and collaborate on advancing water reuse as part of an integrated water resources management approach. Register Now!
Upcoming Events

1 pm PT | 4 pm ET (1 hour)
WateReuse Members: Free; Others: $49
PDHs: 1
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, agriculture accounts for more than 80% of the nation’s water consumption. Water reuse is uniquely suited to provide resilience, local control, environmental protection, and high water quality for this critical demand. Join our webcast to learn about two innovative approaches to securing America’s food supply with water reuse, strategies for overcoming obstacles, and gain insight on how USDA conservation programs can be a valuable resource in funding these projects.
Presenters:
- Dr. Chris Hay, Conservation Design Scientist, Iowa Soybean Association
- Julie Hawkins, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS
- Mike McCullough, Director of External Affairs, Monterey One Water
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