Washington Update

State Updates and Member Profiles

Arizona: Direct Potable Reuse Permit in Arizona Earns Environmental Stewardship Award

Water Quality Director at Scottsdale Water, Suzanne Grendahl, led the City of Scottsdale in obtaining the first direct potable reuse (DPR) permit of its kind in Arizona. The DPR permit is one of only three in the nation. For her efforts, she was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award by Arizona Water. Read More.

California: Advanced Water Purification Moves Forward in East County

The $528 million East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) program is one step-closer to providing a new reclaimed, purified water supply of 11.5 million gallons per day. The East County AWP Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Board of Directors unanimously approved water and wastewater service agreements last week with WateReuse members the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Helix Water District. The agreements include the terms and conditions for water delivery volumes and water pricing of purified water and Title 22 recycled water. Following four steps of advanced treatment, the purified water supply will be blended with water in Lake Jennings. Read More.

Member Spotlight: Encouraging Water Reuse Creates Circular, Sustainable Use of Crisis Investment Resources

SUEZ head of global affairs, Jon Freedman, discussed water reuse’s role in investing in sustainable infrastructure to jump start the economy in a recent Op-Ed. There is an opportunity to advance water infrastructure with sustainable and resilient investments such as water reuse and recycling. Freedman explains how this crisis response can help build water and wastewater infrastructure poised to help cities meet future water security challenges. He shared ways Congress could support sustainable infrastructure through investments and enactment of tax credits. Read More.

Global Update

India: Water Regulator’s Focus on Promoting Water Reuse

The Chairman of Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA), KP Bakshi, discusses his agency’s plan to ensure efficient water use in agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors. In line with the World Bank 2030 Water Resources Group, industries are expected to reuse at least 30% of their treated water by 2022. Currently, water reuse for thermal power plants and other uses is led by three municipal corporations. MWRRA focuses on the allocation of water, tariff setting, improving water use efficiency, and changing the mindset of people when it comes to water use. Read More.

Research Update

Water Research Foundation Releases Direct Potable Reuse Factsheet

The Water Research Foundation and the California State Water Board (SWB) published a direct potable reuse (DPR) fact sheet addressing five research projects that will inform the development of DPR regulations. The fact sheet is part of an ongoing SWB grant research on direct potable reuse. The priority research areas cover the control of both microbial pathogens and toxic chemicals. View the Factsheet.

Future of California’s Cities is in Recycled Water

Dick Luthey, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford and Director of ReNUWIt, published a recent article arguing California cities need to re-think their water portfolio. Luthy says the real future for water strategies is in potable reuse, which allows cities to minimize or eliminate the need to import water. His analysis focuses on several strategies including non-potable reuse, potable reuse, capturing stormwater, desalination, and depositing water to help cities meet the demands of growing populations. Read More.

Awards and Recognition for Water Reuse

Water Sector Seeks Applications for Utility of the Future Today Recognition Program

The application period is open for the Utility of the Future Today recognition program, which honors water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, water reuse, and recovery of other resources such as energy and nutrients. The Utility of the Future Today concept is as a model for utilities to achieve more efficient operations, enhanced productivity, and long-term sustainability. The WateReuse Association participates in the joint initiative with the Water Environment Federation, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and the Water Research Foundation Public and private water sector utilities of all sizes that can demonstrate achievement of the application requirements are encouraged to apply by July 17 at 5 p.m. EDT.

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

Register for the 2020 WateReuse California Virtual Conference by June 17

Join WateReuse California for an easy to navigate, virtual conference experience beginning June 24-25 from the comfort of your office or home office. The conference will include more than 50 technical presentations with audience Q&A and handouts, live and interactive panel discussions, an interactive sponsor and exhibitor hall, and a virtual cocktail party reception. Kristin Peer, Deputy Secretary and Special Counsel for Water Policy at Cal EPA will give a keynote presentation on COVID-19 Challenges and California’s Water Resilience Portfolio. The registration deadline is June 17, 2020. Sessions will be presented on June 24 and June 25 and continue to be available for viewing until July 31, 2020. Register Now.

Upcoming Events