Home\News\WateReuse Review\WateReuse Review – January 25, 2021

January 25, 2021

One Week Left for Big Savings! Register for the 36th Annual WateReuse Symposium by February 1

Washington Update

President Biden Announces Appointees for EPA and DOI

President Biden Pushes Stimulus Proposal and Rejoins Climate Paris Agreement

Bureau of Reclamation Awards $9.5 million for Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is providing $9.5 million for two congressionally authorized Title XVI projects in California and Hawaii. WateReuse member Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District received $8.9 million to support the expansion of its Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility. The County of Hawaii, Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant received over $500,000 for improvements to the distribution system, new pipelines, and expanded treatment. Read more.

WateReuse Supports Agriculture-Water Coalition Effort to Increase Water Infrastructure Funding

WateReuse joined an agricultural-water coalition, which includes farm groups and water districts from 15 states, in urging the Biden Administration and new Congress to provide new funding to kick-start water recycling, reuse, and desalination projects. The coalition of more than 200 entities submitted letters to President Biden and Democrat and Republican congressional leadership calling federal investment in western water management “essential.” The letters also recommended funding focusing on water conservation, water storage, new federal financing mechanism, and increased efficiency in regulating and permitting processes. The coalition was spearheaded by the California Farm Bureau, Association of California Water Agencies, Family Farm Alliance, National Water Resources Association and Western Growers. Read more.

U.S. EPA Releases Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on PFOA and PFOS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comments on whether EPA should consider regulating perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERLCA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Comments will be due 60 days after publication in the federal register. WateReuse supports the timely establishment of a federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS in accordance with the established regulatory process under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Read more.

State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Member!

The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new member:

California: Diablo Water District Sets Sights on Recycled Water Program

The Diablo Water District Board of Directors announced a new five-year strategic plan, which includes “committing to partner with associated agencies to establish a recycled water program for our community, as part of the district’s water supply portfolio.” The strategic plan was developed through conversations around the environment, water supply resiliency, critical infrastructure of the district, and customers’ needs. The plan also includes efforts to increase groundwater monitoring wells, explore alternative water rate structures, and establish policies to mitigate negative impacts on local groundwater. The district obtains, treats and supplies water for about 42,000 people, parks, schools and businesses in the Bay area.  Read more.

Florida: Orange County Public Works Demonstrates Successful Stormwater Harvesting

Orange County Public Works is celebrating a successful 12-month stormwater harvesting demonstration project that increased groundwater recharge, offset potable water use, and prevented 150,000 gallons of stormwater runoff from leaving the site. The goal of the $70,000 project was to “demonstrate the volume reduction of potable or drinking water and water quality benefit of the stormwater system.” To implement the project, Orange County Public Works partnered with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., Environmental Conservations Solutions, Inc., and OptiRTC.  Read more.

International Update

Dubai Unveils Terra Pavilion Powered with Recycled Water and Solar Power

A new Terra Pavilion, which uses a greywater recycling system and solar power, was unveiled last week ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai. Expo 2020 is a months-long event that features a series of pavilions to increase awareness about the challenges faced by humanity. Focused on sustainability and climate change, the Terra Pavilion incorporates a water recycling system that reduces irrigation water use by 75%. The facility is powered by 1,055 solar panels. Read more.

Indian City Looks to Water Recycling to Claim Recognition as Cleanest City

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) of India increased water recycling for gardening and fountain maintenance to 30%. The increase was motivated by a competition to claim the “cleanest city” tag during the Swachh Survekshan 2021 event. City officials believe their focused efforts on water recycling will bolster the city’s “cleanliness quotient.” Read more.  

Member Resources and Benefits

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, Webcasts and Events

Webcast: Water Reuse Policy in the 117th Congress and Biden Administration

January 27, 2021
11 am PT | 2 pm ET

Please join us for a webcast with Washington insiders to examine what’s on the congressional agenda for 2021 and what water-related priorities the Biden Administration is likely to push in its first year. Register here.

Webcast: Stormwater Capture Drivers, Impediments, and Future Visions

February 3, 2021
11 am PT | 2 pm ET

Join a group of stormwater management leaders from around the US to discuss stormwater capture motivations and drivers, barriers to progress, and future directions. The audience will learn about opportunities to market and advance stormwater capture. Register here.

Webcast: Communicating about Potable Reuse and Public Health –Tools for Success

February 17, 2021
11 am PT | 2 pm ET

This webcast will describe methods to communicate with stakeholders – including healthcare providers – regarding the human health safeguards associated with potable reuse implementation. Register here.

Upcoming Events

Jun
13
Tue
WRCA Los Angeles Chapter Meeting
Jun 13 all-day
Our next bimonthly meeting of the Los Angeles WateReuse Chapter will be hosted by the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, and the meeting will be held at: Albert Robles Center (ARC) for Water Recycling and Environmental Learning 4320 San Gabriel River Pkwy Pico Rivera, CA 90660 Many thanks to PERC Water for also sponsoring our lunch, which will begin at 11:00 a.m. The formal meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. A tour of the ARC will follow the formal meeting, starting at 1:15 p.m. If you plan to attend in person, please RSVP by Friday, June 9th to Jennifer Jacobus via e-mail at jjacobus@rinconconsultants.com. Please indicate if you plan on joining for lunch, the formal meeting, and/or the tour, so that we may get an accurate count. There will also be an option to participate in the meeting virtually. A Zoom meeting registration link will be sent out with the agenda about one week prior. If there are others in your organization interested in attending, please forward a copy of this meeting notice to them.
Jun
15
Thu
Orange County Chapter Meeting @ South Coast Water District
Jun 15 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Jun
16
Fri
IN PERSON/HYBRID Sacramento Meeting
Jun 16 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Jun
20
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
Jun 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Jun
21
Wed
MAWRA Monthly Meeting
Jun 21 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Jun
22
Thu
WRTX Board Meeting
Jun 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Innovations in Agricultural Water Reuse: Successes, Challenges, and Funding Opportunities
Jun 22 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Innovations in Agricultural Water Reuse: Successes, Challenges, and Funding Opportunities

1 pm PT | 4 pm ET (1 hour)
WateReuse Members: Free; Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Register Now!

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
Jun
29
Thu
WRFL Board Meeting
Jun 29 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Jul
18
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
Jul 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Jul
20
Thu
MAWRA Monthly Meeting
Jul 20 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

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