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.

Show less

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.

Show less

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.

Show less

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.

Show less

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.

Show less

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!

Show less

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

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.