
Member-Only Registration Opens March 26 for 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium
Get ready to register for this year’s 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 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium!
Washington Update

Watch Live this Thursday: EPA Release of the National Water Reuse Action Plan
Be an Advocate for Reuse: Join Us for National Water Policy Fly-In
Make plans to join the WateReuse Association in Washington, DC April 27-28 for the National Water Policy Fly-In during Water Week 2020. Presented jointly by WateReuse, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, and the Water Research Foundation, the Fly-In includes networking, education, and Capitol Hill visits to advocate on behalf of water utilities. Water Week is an opportunity to advance policy priorities, including greater federal investment in water infrastructure, and a celebration of the role utilities play in communities nationwide. WateReuse encourages our members to participate so that we can ensure that recycled water is an integral part of the Water Week message. Register today to reserve your space.
EPA Announces Proposed Decision to Regulate PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water
On February 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed decision to regulate perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in drinking water. EPA also proposed regulations on imported products that contain certain persistent long-chain PFAS chemicals that are used as surface coatings. The two proposals are milestones under the EPA’s PFAS Action Plan, a collection of steps the agency is taking to address PFAS and to protect public health. EPA will seek comment on these preliminary determinations for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.
GAO Report Examines Resilience Planning for Utilities
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an analysis of federal technical and financial assistance strategies to make utilities that produce drinking water and treat wastewater more resilient to extreme weather related to climate change. Water recycling is one strategy that communities use to prepare for potential climate change impacts. GAO recommends that EPA identify technical assistance providers and engage them in a network to help water utilities incorporate climate resilience into infrastructure projects. The report also encourages Congress to consider requiring that climate resilience be considered in planning for federally funded water infrastructure projects.
State Updates and Member Profiles
Welcome New Member!
The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new member:
- City of Frisco (Texas)
California: Oceanside Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Potable Reuse Project
WateReuse Association member the City of Oceanside celebrated the start of construction for Pure Water Oceanside, a $67 million project that will supply 30 percent of Oceanside’s drinking water. The Pure Water Oceanside system will use advanced technology to treat up to 5 million gallons a day and inject it through wells into the Mission Basin aquifer and eventually become part of the source water for drinking water treatment. The project is scheduled to begin operation in 2022. Read More.
California: Olivenhain and Leucadia Partner to Use More Recycled Water
WateReuse Association members the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) and Leucadia Wastewater District (LWD) have entered a partnership to use recycled water to flush sewer lines in their service areas. In addition to sewer line flushing, municipal street sweeping vehicles will also be using recycled water. Prior to this project, LWD did not have access to recycled water in OMWD’s service area. Read More.
Texas: Researchers Conclude Water Reuse Could Be Key for Future of Hydraulic Fracturing
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin predict that enough water will come from the ground as a byproduct of oil production from unconventional reservoirs during the coming decades to counter the need to use fresh water for hydraulic fracturing operations in many of the nation’s large oil-producing areas. A pair of studies released in February also note that while other industries, such as agriculture, might want to recycle some of that water for their own needs, the potential costs involved mean it could be best to keep the water in the oil patch. Read More.
WateReuse Communications Tools and Resources
Engaging the Public Health Community on Water Reuse? Check out Our Online Resources
Although water reuse is a proven, science-based process that has been used safely in communities around the world for decades, the public is often skeptical when the concept is first introduced into a community. To build acceptance among medical and health professionals, WateReuse has launched the Medical Community Initiative and begun developing resources to support members in engaging with the public health community. Visit our website for videos, articles, and presentations that support engagement with medical professionals. New tools are being developed so check back for updates.
Conferences and Events
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!
Examine Local Reuse Issues: Participate in a State WateReuse Conference
Make plans to participate in conferences and events planned by WateReuse State Sections to learn more about local water reuse challenges and solutions. WateReuse California hosts its Annual Conference March 15-17 in San Francisco. Later in the year, WateReuse Pacific Northwest will host a conference May 18-20 in Woodinville, Washington, WateReuse Texas convenes its Annual Conference July 20-21 in Frisco, and the 2020 Water Reuse Arizona Symposium is scheduled for July 26-28 in Flagstaff. Learn More.
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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