Home\News\WateReuse Review\WateReuse Review – July 13, 2020

Register Today and Reach New Heights in Reuse: Engage in the National Water Reuse Action Plan Implementation at the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium

Engage in a national movement to accelerate the adoption of water recycling at the 35th Annual WateReuse Virtual Symposium, launching online September 14-16, 2020. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leadership will join action leaders for panel discussions on the Implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), which identifies 37 specific actions, across 11 strategic themes to encourage more communities to consider water reuse.

Register today to participate in an interactive WRAP panel, learn in a host of technical sessions covering the specific actions in the plan, and stay engaged in the overall WRAP implementation. From decentralized reuse, workforce development, and finance to research and international approaches, the WRAP presentations will help you prepare for the future of water recycling.

The 35th Annual WateReuse Virtual Symposium is the premier conference on water recycling and offers more than 100 hours of technical presentations. The Symposium’s virtual platform allows you to participate from any location and at your convenience—view presentations, chat with colleagues, and browse the exhibit hall. Fulfill professional development requirements and introduce new and old co-workers to the education and networking opportunities available at the WateReuse Symposium with no travel required and at a substantial cost savings.

Organized around the theme “Reaching New Heights in Water Reuse,” the 2020 WateReuse Symposium provides an in-depth look at the technology, policy, and research innovations that have propelled water reuse to new heights as a water management tool. Register Now!

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Washington Update

WateReuse Continues Work with Congress on Appropriations

Last week, the House released Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) appropriation bills containing annual discretionary funding for many programs, and in some cases, additional stimulus-related emergency funding. By classifying stimulus funding as emergency funding in appropriations bills, Congress is able to spend above previously agreed-to budget caps. The House Appropriations Committee passed the FY 2021 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill on Friday, and is scheduled to pass the Energy and Water Appropriations bill today. Both bills include funding for programs that support water recycling.

The House Interior-Environment Appropriations bill for FY 2021 uses emergency spending rules to significantly increase funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program relative to FY 2020 spending. The base funding levels provided for the two programs are equal to last year’s levels; however, with emergency spending taken into account, the bill increases funding for the CWSRF from roughly $1.6 billion to $8 billion and for the DWSRF from $1.1 billion to $5 billion. Within the emergency funding provided for both programs, the bill waives existing matching requirements and requires additional loan subsidization. It also directs states to prioritize projects that can begin construction within 18 months.

The bill increases base funding for the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants Program from $28 million in FY 2020 to $56.7 million, and adds $400 million in emergency spending for the program, for a total of $456.7 million. The bill provides level funding ($4 million) for the Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, and a one-million-dollar increase (to $7 million) for the National Priorities Research Program.

While the Interior-Environment Appropriations bill includes significant investments in many critical programs, it falls far short when it comes to supporting the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. The House proposed bill rescinds unobligated balances from prior to FY 2020. As a result, 51 projects whose loans have not yet closed, including nearly a dozen water reuse projects, could potentially lose the opportunity to fund their projects through the WIFIA program. WateReuse joined with water sector partners to deliver a letter to Congress strongly opposing this language, and urging its exclusion from appropriations legislation. A number of WateReuse members may be impacted by this language should it be enacted.

Alongside the Interior-Environment Appropriations bill, the House also released its draft FY 2021 Energy and Water Appropriations bill last week. The House proposal would make deep cuts to water recycling and desalination programs. In particular, the bill proposes to reduce the Title XVI-WIIN Water Reclamation and Reuse Program by 50 percent, to $10 million. It makes a similar cut to the Desalination and Water Purification Program, which supports both ocean and brackish water desalination projects. WateReuse is actively working to restore funding for these programs.

Unlike the House, the Senate has not yet begun to work on appropriations bills. We expect the House to bring its bills to the floor prior to the August recess. While a continuing resolution extending FY 2020 funding levels into at least December will almost certainly be necessary, the bills being passed through the Appropriations Committees will form the basis for final negotiations over FY 2021 spending levels. WateReuse will be working to increase investments in key programs, and will keep our members updated as developments occur.

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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:

Rincon Consultants
Sciens Water
Walker Consulting
Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona

California: WateReuse Participates in Conversation with Tom Steyer

Last week Jennifer West, Managing Director of WateReuse California, gave a virtual presentation to Governor Newsom’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, chaired by Tom Steyer, former candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President.

The focus of the presentation was to make the Task Force aware of the many economic and climate benefits of increasing water recycling in the state. The Task Force is expected to make recommendations to the Governor about an economic stimulus package for California. The presentation included the following specific recommendations, including:

Make additional low interest loans and grants available for recycled water;
Increase CWSRF leveraging;
Fund the AB 547 Expert Panel to complete the DPR regulations.

Steyer took notes and asked a number of questions about potable reuse projects in California. The conversation was facilitated by former state Senator Fran Pavley and the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. West was one of four panelists and the only presenter on water issues.

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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

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved $40 million in funding for alternative water supply development projects in the state’s FY2020-21 budget. The state’s five water management districts will provide project lists for funding consideration by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

In support of the work of WateReuse Florida, Senate Bill 712, now found in Chapter 2020-150, Laws of Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is required to initiate rule revisions based on the recommendations of the Potable Reuse Commission’s 2020 report, “Advancing Potable Reuse in Florida: Framework for the Implementation of Potable Reuse in Florida” by December 31, 2020. The new law also deems reclaimed water a source water for public water supply systems. Read More.

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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

Oct

Wed

WateReuse Pacific Northwest Meeting

Tickets

Oct 21 all-day

Categories: WateReuse Pacific Northwest

Potable Reuse Permitting to Startup: The Pure Water Monterey Journey (Webcast)

Tickets

Oct 21 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Learn about the potable reuse process from start to finish and the coordinated efforts required to pioneer new concepts, overcome hiccups, and secure a critical new water supply.

Join Us!
2:00 – 3:30 pm Eastern | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Pacific
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1.5

Register Now!

In today’s rapidly changing and unpredictable world, communities will be looking to potable reuse with increased need, new challenges, and tightened budgets. This panel session will quickly move through the journey of California’s recently commissioned and first-of-its-kind potable reuse project – Pure Water Monterey (PWM).

PWM treats and purifies four types of source water – municipal wastewater, agricultural drainage water, industrial wash water, and urban stormwater runoff – before injecting the water into a local drinking water basin through a public-private partnership. Learn about the potable reuse process from start to finish and the coordinated efforts required to pioneer new concepts, overcome hiccups, and secure a critical new water supply.

Permitting: PWM was the first new Advanced Water Purification Facility to be permitted under the 2014 adopted regulations for indirect potable reuse. Extensive coordination and communication between the project team, the Division of Drinking Water, and the Regional Board will help guide future projects.
Design + Construction: Designing with constructability, start up, and operations in mind is key. Through sequential construction photos, 3D renderings, and drone footage, a firsthand look will be used to feature design elements that help streamline construction.
Startup: Startups are challenging. They involve coordination with multiple parties (e.g. owner, contractor, construction manager, vendors, engineers, subcontractors, and regulators) over an optimistically planned schedule that can be anything but predictable. Special emphasis will be given to aspects unique to startup of AWPFs for potable reuse, including regulatory requirements such as the AOP Acceptance Test and DDW plant inspection.

Moderators

Mike McCullough, Monterey One Water
Rachel Gaudoin, Monterey One Water

Panelists

Elaine Howe, Principal Engineer, Trussell Technologies, elaineh@trusselltech.com
Denise Conners, Associate, Larry Walker Associates, denisec@lwa.com
Todd Reynolds, Water Practice Leader, Kennedy Jenks, ToddReynolds@KennedyJenks.com
Keel Robinson, Principal Engineer, Trussell Technologies,

Categories: Featured Webcasts

Oct

Mon

9th Annual Water Reuse in Texas Virtual Conference

Tickets

Oct 26 @ 1:00 pm – Oct 27 @ 5:00 pm

Co-Produced by WateReuse Texas, WEAT and TAWWA, the Water Reuse in Texas Virtual Conference is Monday, October 26-27.

Learn More.

Categories: Conferences WateReuse Texas

Oct

Wed

Breweries and Reuse – Reuse is Brewing Up (Webcast)

Tickets

Oct 28 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The use of purified recycled water to brew beer has been an effective public education tool, but what is the market outlook for growth? Join us to learn about the market drivers and business strategies for breweries and water reuse providers within the beer brewing market. This presentation will provide, in dollars, a market size for water reuse technology providers and brewers as well as the outlook for this market. This information will help companies and municipalities plan for the future and develop comprehensive relationships.

Register Now!

Join Us!
2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern | 11:00 am – 12:-0 pm Pacific
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Presenter

Nathan Goldstein, Industrial Water Analyst, Bluefield Research.

Categories: Featured Webcasts

Oct

Thu

What Strikes Fear in the Hearts of Arizona Water and Wastewater Utilities? Brine Management

Tickets

Oct 29 @ 10:00 am

WateReuse Arizona Section Meeting & Webinar

Will be hosted at Brown and Caldwell if able to gather in person.

There has been a perception that brine management is a “down the road” issue for water providers in Arizona. However, for the Phoenix Metro West Valley and the Tucson area water suppliers, that is not the case. The Easy button to discharge to the sanitary sewer system is a short term fix that is not working. Brine ponds smell and are expensive. Regional solutions may be required. An update on the Central Arizona Salinity Study options and new options will be reviewed with associated costs presented. This update can provide a basis for the continuing, collaborative, brine management conversation.

Presenter

Maria Brady, Project Manager, Stantec Consulting
Maria Brady is a Project Manager with Stantec Consulting. She has more than 30 years’ experience in water, wastewater, storm water, and environmental management projects. Maria graduated from Washington State and Colorado State Universities with BS and MS degrees in Agricultural Engineering. Maria has lived in Arizona for 34 years…which makes her an Arizona native in dog years!! Maria is the Central Arizona Trustee for WateReuse and if you ask her about DPR you are in for a lively conversation.

Categories: WateReuse Arizona

What Strikes Fear in the Hearts of Arizona Water and Wastewater Utilities? Brine Management (Webcast)

Tickets

Oct 29 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Us!
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific | 2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Register Now!

There has been a perception that brine management is a “down the road” issue for water providers in Arizona. However, for the Phoenix Metro West Valley and the Tucson area water suppliers, that is not the case. The “Easy button” to discharge to the sanitary sewer system is a short term fix that is not working. Brine ponds smell and are expensive. Regional solutions may be required. An update on the Central Arizona Salinity Study options and new options will be reviewed with associated costs presented. This update can provide a basis for the continuing collaborative brine management conversation.

Presenters

Maria Brady is a Project Manager with Stantec Consulting. She has more than 35 years’ experience in water, wastewater, storm water, and environmental management projects. Maria graduated from Washington State and Colorado State Universities with BS and MS degrees in Agricultural Engineering. Maria has lived in Arizona for 35 years, which makes her an Arizona native in dog years!! Maria is the Arizona WateReuse Vice President and if you ask her about DPR you are in for a lively conversation.

Mike Priest is a process engineer and design manager with 21 years of specialized work experience in conventional and advanced water and wastewater treatment processes including a focus in granular media and membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, disinfection using ozone, UV, and chlorine, and advanced oxidation processes. Mike has performed over 20 reuse planning and design projects for more than 500 mgd of capacity, including five for potable reuse.