Washington Update
Coalition Releases Statement in Support of Water Recycling and Other Priorities
Last week, a coalition of water sector associations, companies, and organizations, including the WateReuse Association, released a set of joint legislative policy priorities, which will be communicated to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
The document highlights the importance of reauthorizing and funding the Title XVI-WIIN Water Reclamation and Reuse Program and the Alternative Water Source Grants Pilot Program in upcoming legislation. It also calls for the creation of a federal Interagency Working Group of Water Reuse to facilitate coordination of reuse-related activities across federal departments.
Bureau of Reclamation Announces Availability of $20 Million for Water Reuse Projects
On July 10, the Bureau of Reclamation published the 2021 funding opportunity announcement for congressionally authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects. Applications are due on September 10, 2020, at 4 p.m. MDT. Reclamation anticipates that it will award $20 million to 6-10 projects. The recipients must provide at least 75% cost-share. Funding opportunity announcement number BOR-DO-20-F008 is available on grants.gov.
EPA Releases Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a tool to help water utilities assess the financial impact of COVID -19 on operations. The tool provides information about the financial and operational health of water utilities. The financial impact tool was developed by the EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center. Visit the EPA website to access the Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool.
State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Members!
The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new members:
California: WateReuse Participates in Conversation with Tom Steyer
California: State Awards $15 million to Water Recycling and Reuse Projects
The California Department of Water Resources has awarded more than $15 million in grant funds to advance several regional water projects in San Diego County, ranging from water recycling and reuse to water conservation.
The San Diego County Water Authority submitted the funding request on behalf of the San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan, a program that aims to improve water resources planning in the region.
The funding supports water recycling projects for several WateReuse Association members including the City of Oceanside, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, the City of San Diego, and the Fallbrook Public Utility District. Read More.
Florida: New Law Provides $40 Million for Reuse, Mandates Potable Reuse Regulations
Nevada: Water Reclamation Featured in “Nevadans at Work” Video Series
Last week, the Clark County Water Reclamation District’s water recycling facility was profiled in the video series, “Nevadans at Work.” The facility recycles water for irrigation and cooling electrical plants. In the video, wastewater operator Gilbert Cruz leads a tour of the facility and discusses the treatment processes and technologies used. Watch here.
Research Update
WRF Names Trussell Technologies as Lead Researcher for COVID-19 Study
The Water Research Foundation announced that Trussell Technologies will lead the project Interlaboratory and Methods Assessment of the SAWS-CoV-3 Genetic Signal in Wastewater (project 5089). The project will gather information from over sixty U.S.-based laboratories and thirty laboratories outside the U.S. to provide an assessment of the methods currently used at laboratories and facilities to find reliable methods of measurement of the SAR-CoV-2 genetic signal. Read More.
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
Upcoming Events
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.
For more information contact José Ramirez
Tour of UF Cogeneration Facility & Technical Presentations. Lunch Provided.
UF Cogeneration Tour: 8am–10am
Technical Sessions: 10:30am–4:30pm
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!
Please contact Jennifer West for details