Home\News\WateReuse Review\WateReuse Review – July 27, 2020

Looking for a New Way to Build Awareness and Acceptance for Water Reuse in your Community? Register for the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium by August 7 for Early Access

Register for the 35th Annual WateReuse Virtual Symposium to discover new ways to build awareness and gain public acceptance for water recycling in your community. And if you register by August 7, you become eligible to join Project WET for a unique preview event: a 90-minute interactive and hands-on workshop to learn unique methods for communicating and educating younger customers and kids about water reuse.

The workshop will take place on August 17, 2020 from 12–2 pm ET via a Zoom video conference. You will learn best practices developed by WateReuse members and education professionals for teaching audiences that include preschoolers to adults. Participate in the live, interactive discussion and learn techniques that can be applied to small and large scale outreach efforts. WateReuse will accept the first 25 Symposium registrants to email Aliza Furneaux at AFurneaux@watereuse.org.

A recording of the workshop will be available in the Virtual Symposium environment for all registrants beginning September 14, 2020. A new Project WET WateReuse booklet will also be available to Symposium registrants beginning September 14, 2020.

The Project WET workshop is part of group of Symposium sessions focused on public outreach. Other outreach topics include strategies for demonstration and education projects, use of virtual tour videos, potable reuse customer research, using beer brewed with recycled water as an education tool, and more. Register by August 7 to participate in all the outreach sessions and for the opportunity to participate in the special Project WET preview event.

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Washington Update

U.S. House of Representatives Passes EPA Funding Bill, including Funding for Water Reuse

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed its FY 2021 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill, which funds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its programs that support water recycling and other initiatives. The bill includes $9.38 billion for EPA, $318 million above the FY 2020 enacted level and $2.67 billion above the President’s budget request.

During debate of the bill, the House adopted a messaging amendment, offered by Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), which seeks to limit the negative impacts that certain underlying bill language would have on prior applicants for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. As WateReuse has previously reported, the bill would rescind unobligated WIFIA balances from prior to FY 2020. As a result, 51 projects whose loans have not yet closed, including nearly a dozen water reuse projects led by WateReuse members would be put at risk of having to re-compete for funding. The Speier amendment clarifies that “pending WIFIA Program applicants should not be required to restart the application process in order for the agency to assess applications against project eligibility criteria.”

WateReuse recently submitted a letter to the House Rules Committee in support of the Speier amendment, and will continue to work with the Senate to ensure that the underlying bill language is excluded from final FY 2021 appropriations legislation.

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Senate Subcommittee Hearing Focuses on Water Recycling

The Water Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, July 22 to examine five water bills:

S. 2718 – Western Water Security Act, offered by Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
S. 3811 – Restoration of Essential Conveyance Act, offered by Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA)
S. 4188 – Water for Tomorrow Act, offered by Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
S. 4189 – Water for Conservation and Farming Act, offered by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR); and
S. ____ – Water-Energy Technology Demonstration and Deployment Act, offered by Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ).

Nearly all of the bills considered include significant investments to support greater adoption of water recycling. During the hearing, multiple witnesses spoke about the importance of water reuse in bolstering western water supplies and its integral role in agricultural conservation.

Aubrey Bettencourt, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior highlighted how Title XVI-WIIN projects improve flexibility during water shortages and diversify the water supply. In an exchange with Subcommittee Chair McSally, she also discussed the “Water Subcabinet,” through which high-level appointees across federal departments have been coordinating work on water recycling, including work on the National Water Reuse Action Plan.

Dan Keppen, Executive Director for the Family Farm Alliance, discussed the importance of the Water for Conservation and Farming Act in providing funds for water reuse, recycling, and conservation programs. He urged Congress to reauthorize and increase funding for water reuse, desalination, and water storage.

The WateReuse Association is working to reauthorize and fund key water recycling programs, such as the Title XVI-WIIN Water Reclamation and Reuse Program, and commends Senators Udall, Feinstein, Harris, Wyden, and McSally for championing reuse in the Senate.

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U.S House and Senate Defense Authorization Bills Exclude EPA PFAS Directives

Last week, both the House and the Senate passed their respective versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021. Both bills include provisions related to the study of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and to the cleanup of the compounds on military bases. However, neither bill includes language previously sought to direct EPA to list certain PFAS as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); nor do the bills direct EPA to establish primary drinking water regulations for PFAS within a specific timeframe.

Congress Begins Discussions on Next COVID-19 Bill

Last week, the Senate Majority reported that it was in final negotiations with the White House over a new COVID-19 relief package. The legislation, which Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is expected to release as early as today, will likely include roughly $1 trillion in relief spending for health care providers, child care, workplace training, and schools. It would also include another round of direct payments to individuals. It is not clear whether the legislation will include relief for municipalities or support for low-income ratepayers, both of which were included in the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800). The release of the Senate’s draft was delayed by negotiations with the White House over the extension of federal unemployment assistance, which began to expire last week. WateReuse continues to work with members of Congress and water sector partners as the bill develops and will provide updates.

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U.S. EPA Releases First Quarterly Update on the National Water Reuse Action Plan Implementation

The U.S. EPA released its first progress update on the National Water Reuse Action Plan since the plan’s release in February 2020. Despite the global pandemic and a workforce transitioning to work from home, action leaders have accomplished nearly 80 milestones. The full update provides a message from EPA Assistance Administrator for Water David Ross, an Action Leader Showcase, and a breakdown of efforts by action. See full update.

Highlights from the first quarter key resources and action outputs include:

The WRAP Online Platform;
Designated Regional EPA Water Reuse Liaison Contacts; and
Sample Action – 2.5.1: USDA announced $15 million in funding to support the adoption of water recycling on agricultural lands.

WateReuse is leading or co-leading a variety of actions, including developing a database to track and report state-level policies and regulations related to water reuse; establishing a water reuse award to recognize significant achievements in adopting and promoting water reuse in the industrial and corporate sectors; and helping to organize events related to stormwater reuse, inter-state collaboration, and workforce development.

Attendees at the 35th Annual WateReuse Virtual Symposium will receive specific updates on the WRAP including ways in which WateReuse members can engage in specific action items, during the session entitled “Implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan.” WateReuse is honored to host EPA and action leaders for this session. Register now to learn about what comes next for the WRAP and hear updates from additional action leaders.

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EPA SBIR Program Seeks to Invest in Water Reuse Technologies

The U.S. EPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is funding up to $100,000 for technology innovations that support water reuse. The program is looking for innovative ideas in water treatment or monitoring. Interested parties need to apply by August 28, 2020. Learn More.

State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Member!

The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new member:

MNS Engineers, Inc.

California: East County Advanced Water Purification Program Receives $86M for Potable Reuse

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California approved $86 million in funding for the East County Advanced Water Purification Program, a collaborative effort between Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, the City of El Cajon and the County of San Diego. Purified recycled water will be blended with water in Lake Jennings and treated at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant before being distributed into the drinking water system. The project will provide up to 30 percent of drinking water demand and be one of the first potable reuse projects in the State of California to use new reservoir augmentation regulations. Read More.

New York: New York City Launches 2020 Pilot Program to Encourage Onsite Reuse

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection is using its 2020 Water Conservation and Reuse Grant Pilot Program to encourage onsite water reuse and other conservation measures in New York City. The program will award up to $1 million to institutional, multi-family residential, or commercial customers to implement projects that cost more than $50,000. This application round will extend from July 2020 through September 15, 2020 and interested parties may participate in an informational webinar on July 29. Read More.

Virginia: HRSD Secures Funding for $1 Billion Aquifer Recharge Project

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) recently secured $100 million from the Virginia Resources Authority to support its Sustainable Water Infrastructure for Tomorrow (SWIFT) program, which will inject purified recycled water into the rapidly depleting aquifer that provides drinking water in southeastern Virginia. In addition, HRSD expects to sign on the first chunk of a $930 million federal loan in September. The project will inject about 120 million gallons a day of treated water from five plants by 2030. Read More.

Member Spotlight: Clean Water Services CEO on New Approaches to Reuse and Restoration

Diane Taniguchi-Dennis, Chief Executive Officer at Clean Water Services, shared CWS’s experience in expanding their reuse program to provide ecological benefits in a recent LinkedIn blog. CWS has long been an innovator, touting programs addressing public perception such as Pure Water Brew. Now, they are taking this innovative spirit and a one water approach to combine ecological restoration and water reuse. The utility aims to demonstrate the multiple benefits achieved with their Fernhill Natural Treatment System. Read More.

Global Update

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company Expands Recycled Water Distribution Program

The Abu Dhabi Distribution Company was awarded projects worth up to $245 million to expand recycled water distribution to nearly 85 million imperial gallons per day. The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company said the program expansion will allow recycled water use for municipal landscaping, commercial, and agriculture operations. 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

Bulk Registrations Available for 35th Annual WateReuse Virtual Symposium: For Every Five Registrations, Get One Free!

Join us for the 35th Annual WateReuse Virtual Symposium to provide your entire team with high quality professional development and training on all aspects of water reuse. For every five registrations purchased, a free registration will be added – a cost savings of over $500! Take advantage of this team discount and the lack of travel expenses to provide professional development to your core team as well as staff who may be new to water reuse, and save in professional development costs!

Launching online September 14-16, 2020, the Annual WateReuse Symposium is the premier conference devoted to water recycling and offers more than 100 hours of technical presentations. Registrants can access the full program for up to 45 days – the virtue of going virtual is that you do not have to miss any content offerings! Register Now!

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EPA Webinar: Water Reuse for Agricultural Purposes

Join the U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program for a free webinar on July 29 from 2:00-3:00 pm ET. The presentation will cover two research topics: Inactivation of RNA Viruses by Solar and UV Irradiation for Agricultural Reuse and Emerging Contaminants in Agro-Food Systems. Learn more and register here.

Upcoming Events

Aug

Wed

WateReuse Pacific Northwest Meeting

Tickets

Aug 19 @ 11:00 am

Categories: WateReuse Pacific Northwest

Aug

Thu

Orange County Chapter Meeting @ TBD

Tickets

Aug 20 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Categories: Orange County Chapter WateReuse California

Sep

Sat

2020 3rd Quarter Meeting of the Board of Directors

Tickets

Sep 12 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Categories: Board Meetings

Sep

Mon

35th Annual WateReuse Symposium @ Virtual Conference

Tickets

Sep 14 @ 8:00 am – Sep 16 @ 5:00 pm

The Annual WateReuse Symposium is the nation’s premier conference on water recycling and the only conference dedicated solely to water reuse laws, policy, funding, research, technology, and public acceptance.