February 18, 2019
Washington Update
Join Hundreds of Water Professionals from Across the Country for Water Week 2019
Do not miss Water Week 2019, March 31–April 6, and its anchor event the
National Water Policy Fly-In on April 3-4 in Washington, DC. The National Water Policy Fly-In brings together the nation’s water sector to speak with one voice to Congress and the Administration. With a new Congress in place, your attendance and engagement are more critical than ever. WateReuse urges members to join us in Washington DC to ensure that the water reuse message is an integral part of the Water Week message.
Building upon the momentum of major advocacy wins in 2018— including the bipartisan passage of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act that incorporated key provisions beneficial to water recycling —and the significant potential for congressional focus on infrastructure during the next session, it is crucial that policymakers hear directly from you about the specific challenges to your utility and community. Now is the time to redouble our efforts to press for the water sector’s main priorities, and educate policymakers even more about the benefits of water reuse.
Water Week 2019 will communicate the direct value of water for economic development, job creation, public health and a sustainable environment. Make your plans to participate in this special week, and join us as we elevate water as a powerful national priority!
President Trump Signs Legislation on FY 2019 Appropriations Legislation – Including EPA Funding
President Trump agreed to accept a congressional deal on FY 2019 appropriations legislation, funding the remaining federal agencies and averting another government shutdown. The package includes final funding levels for key water programs administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It also includes $1.375 billion for border wall construction.
In deciding final numbers, congressional negotiators worked from earlier versions of House and Senate appropriations bills, which differed in how much they provided for many programs. WateReuse worked closely with allies on the Hill to protect critical programs and secure a number of funding increases in the FY 2019 package. We are pleased to report that the final numbers align closely with the higher of the two numbers for each program. See below for a detailed breakdown:
|
FY18 Omnibus |
FY19 House |
FY19 Senate |
FY19 Enacted |
| CWSRF |
$1,693,887,000 |
$1,543,877,000 |
$1,694,000,000 |
$1,694,000,000 |
| DWSRF |
$1,163,233,000 |
$1,013,233,000 |
$1,164,000,000 |
$1,164,000,000 |
| WIFIA |
$63,000,000 |
$70,000,000 |
$63,000,000 |
$68,000,000 |
| USDA RD Water and Waste |
$1,060,263,000 ($560,263,000 for direct loans, guarantees, and grants; plus $500,000,000 for direct loans and grants |
$958,183,000 ($558,183,000 for direct loans, guarantees, grants; plus $400,000,000 for direct loans and grants) |
$958,183,000 ($558,183,000 for direct loans, guarantees, grants; plus $400,000,000 for direct loans and grants) |
$2,023,690,000 ($1,400,000,000 for direct loans; $548,690,000 for grants and guarantees; plus an additional $75,000,000 for grants and direct loans) |
| USDA conservation programs |
No cuts |
No cuts |
No cuts |
No cuts |
Title XVI-WIIN Water Recycling Bill Introduced in the House
On Thursday, February 13, Representative Grace Napolitano (D-CA) introduced the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act of 2019 (HR 1162), which extends the authorization of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI competitive grants program, and increases the authorized funding level from $50 million to $500 million. WateReuse worked very closely with Congresswoman Napolitano on her legislation, and will continue to advance our Title XVI goals as part of ongoing conversations about infrastructure investments.
Alongside Rep. Napolitano, the following members signed on to the bill as original cosponsors: Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Harley Rouda(D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Filemon Vela (D-TX), Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Katie Hill (D-CA), Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr. (D-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA).
In addition to increasing and extending the authorization for the Title XVI competitive grants program, the Water Recycling Investment and Improvement Act of 2019 expands the geographic scope of the program by removing a requirement that projects be located in sustained drought or disaster areas, makes the program truly competitive by removing a requirement that Congress sign off on each selected project, and modernizes the individual program funding cap from $20 million to $30 million.
WateReuse Submits Recommendations to Army Corps of Engineers for Implementing America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
The WateReuse Association submitted input and recommendations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on February 12 to support the development of implementation guidance for water reuse provisions in American’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. WateReuse successfully led an advocacy effort that secured a number of policy improvements and investments in water reuse, including provisions that strengthen the link between regional flood control projects and stormwater management (Section 1164). Section 1164 allows and encourages collaboration on feasibility studies. The WateReuse
letter included recommendations for permitting efficiencies, the inclusion of local feasibility study components in Corps studies, and encouragement of innovation. The comment letter follows a series of in person meeting with the Corps of Engineers as WateReuse works to develop a partnership in the implementation of the program.
Senate Permanently Reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund
On February 12, the Senate voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which funds, among other conservation efforts, fish and wildlife habitat restoration. It also authorizes or directs the transfer of ownership of Bureau of Reclamation projects to states, tribes, and other non-federal entities. The House is expected to take up and pass the measure before sending it to the President for his signature.
State Updates and Member Profiles
Welcome New Members!
The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new members:
California: WateReuse California Supports Recognition of Environmental Benefits of Water Reuse
WateReuse California signed onto a joint letter to Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, with recommendations on how to recognize the environmental benefits of recycled water within the current reporting requirements in the state’s recycled water policy. The letter recommends adding an “Other Beneficial Uses” category to separate the reporting of recycled water discharges from the discharge of other treated wastewater. The letter states that recycled water use in natural systems and habitat supports beneficial uses and should not be characterized as primarily a discharge of waste. Read More.
California: Legislation to Make It Easier for Breweries and Wineries to Recycle their Water
California State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced bipartisan legislation on January 28 that will make it easier for California’s breweries and wineries to reuse water.
Senate Bill 166 requires the creation of clear guidelines on reusing “process water” onsite for procedures such as rinsing equipment and tanks. It directs the State Water Board in consultation with the California Department of Public Health- Food and Drug Branch (CDPH) to develop regulations for microbiological, chemical, and physical water quality and treatment requirements for the onsite treatment and reuse of process water at breweries and wineries. The regulations will include water quality monitoring requirements, notification and public information requirements, and annual reporting to the Food and Drug Branch of CDPH. The rules in SB 166 would apply to breweries and wineries that are required to obtain a Processed Food Registration license from the Food and Drug Branch, which are the vast majority of breweries and wineries. The State Water Board will be required to develop these regulations on or before December 1, 2025. SB 166 is sponsored by the
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, a WateReuse Association member.
Association News
New Issue of World Water Features Commentary by WateReuse Executive Director
The January/February issue of
World Water includes a commentary by Pat Sinicropi, Executive Director of the WateReuse Association discussing how collaboration leads to innovation in water recycling. In a new partnership between WateReuse and the Water Environment Federation, WateReuse members receive a subscription to
World Water and three of the six issues produced annually will include a special WateReuse section with at least six articles relevant to water reuse. The March/April issue of
World Water will be the first with a WateReuse section.
World Water has been recognized as a leading global water solution publication for 41 years.
Recording Available for February Webcast: Community Engagement for Potable Reuse
The WateReuse Association hosted a webcast last Wednesday, Community Engagement for Potable Reuse Success, presenting the latest techniques in engagement and public education to build support for potable reuse. Panelists from California, Colorado, and Texas described key elements that have helped their past efforts and discussed new outreach tactics they are relying on to take their outreach efforts to the next level. View the recording.
Research Update
Research Survey to Uncover Career Challenges for Women in the Water Sector
Researchers from Boston University, Portland State University and University of Rhode Island have opened a first-of-its-kind survey that focuses solely on career advancement of women in the water sector. The survey is open to women and men at any career stage and the deadline to respond is March 14, 2019.
Conferences and Events
Webcast: What are the Best Opportunities for Industrial Water Reuse?
Please join us on March 13 at 2 pm eastern to learn which industries are investing in water reuse and in what ways. Learn about new data from Bluefield Research that will reveal reuse strategies for key industries, drivers for investment in reuse, the best geographic opportunities for industrial reuse, how industries are collaborating with municipalities, and more. Register Now!
Register for the 2019 WateReuse California Annual Conference
Registration is open for the 2019 WateReuse California Annual Conference to be held March 17-19, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, CA. The conference is designed for individuals, organizations, and agencies that are associated with or interested in the design, management, operation, and use of water recycling facilities and projects in California. Register Now!
Save the Date: 34th Annual WateReuse Symposium in San Diego, California
Mark your calendar for the 34th Annual WateReuse Symposium is in San Diego, California on September 8-11, 2019. This year’s theme is “Collaborate to Innovate.” We will showcase recycled water collaborations among utilities, farmers, and industry; regulators working together at both the state and federal level; sustainability; public/private partnerships; and, for the first time, the latest in reuse research led by the Water Research Foundation. Learn More.
Upcoming Events
Aug
6
Tue
11 am PT | 2 pm ET (1 hour)
This webcast is free of charge.
PDHs: 1
Register Now!
This webcast, co-hosted by the U.S. EPA, will present the key outcomes of an expert workshop that sought to understand how the permitting process can better support innovative water resource management solutions, such as water reuse. The webcast will detail five characteristics to support a permitting process that is not a painful hurdle, but rather an opportunity for mutual creativity between regulators, regulated entities, and the engaged public. Webcast participants will learn about how this framework can be applied to their unique circumstances, work being done by EPA and partners, and how innovation can be better facilitated through permitting.
Speakers:
- Justin Mattingly, Water Reuse Program, U.S. EPA
- Michael Kiparsky, University of California, Berkley
- Dave Smith, Water Innovation Services
- Felicia Marcus, Stanford University
https://watereuse.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=414
Aug
9
Fri
Please find below the 2024 schedule for the Legislative-Regulatory Committee. All in-person meetings will be held at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Sacramento offices located at: 1121 L Street, Suite 900, Sacramento.]
Both in-person and virtual meetings will occur from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Those indicated as virtual will occur over Zoom and a link will be provided on the agenda.
The 2024 WRCA Annual Conference will be at the: Hyatt Regency Orange County.
Please save the date for our 2024 meeting dates:
1. January 19 – in person
2. March 8 – virtual
3. March 22 – in person
4. April 12 – virtual
5. May 10 – in person
6. May 31 – virtual
7. June 21 – virtual
8. August 9 – virtual
9. September 16 – in person (at annual conference)
Aug
16
Fri
Joint Meeting with Northern California chapter, time and location TBD.
The meeting will be May 17 at Mitchell Park Community Center 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto. The topic is Commissioning, Operations and Compliance perspectives and we will have presentations from:
- Steven Garner, Director of Certification for AWWA Cal-Nevada will be presenting what it takes to get an AWTO Certification for purified systems
- Vincent Gruffat and Brandon Jacka, Engineer and Operations Managers for Natural Systems Utilities (NSU) will be presenting the perspectives from operating Onsite non potable water systems
- Derrick Mansell, Operations Manager of Orange County Water District will be presenting the challenges and lessons learned from operating the world’s largest IPR system
