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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

Washington Update

Senate Subcommittee Hearing Focuses on Water Recycling

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

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

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:

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

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

Mar
29
Wed
Potable Reuse Committee Meeting
Mar 29 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Apr
11
Tue
WRCA Los Angeles Chapter Meeting
Apr 11 all-day
Apr
12
Wed
2023 WRTX Annual Membership Meeting @ George R Brown Convention Center
Apr 12 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm

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.

Apr
18
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
Apr 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Apr
20
Thu
WRCA Central Valley/Sierra Foothills Chapter Meeting @ virtual
Apr 20 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Orange County Chapter Meeting @ South Coast Water District
Apr 20 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
May
2
Tue
2023 WateReuse Colorado Conference @ SEEC Building, University of Colorado Boulder
May 2 @ 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

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!

Event Info

Register Now

May
12
Fri
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 12 @ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Please contact Jennifer West for details

May
16
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
May 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Jun
9
Fri
Meeting of the Board of Directors – Second Quarter 2023
Jun 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, June 9, 2023

11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET (Remote)

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