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June 11, 2018

Just Announced: Astronaut Captain Scott Kelly to Deliver Keynote at 33rd Annual WateReuse Symposium

U.S. Astronaut, Captain Scott Kelly will deliver the keynote address for the 33rd Annual WateReuse Symposium, September 9-12, 2018, at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas. From U.S. Navy fighter pilot to record-holding astronaut, Captain Scott Kelly will draw from his experiences to deliver unparalleled life lessons, fascinating stories, and candid commentary on his epic year-long journey on the International Space Station — sure to provide Symposium participants with a new appreciation for time, space and water. International Space Station crew members recycle their water survive. Captain Kelly consumed about 193 gallons of recycled water during his year in space!

Captain Scott Kelly’s awe-inspiring stories from space will set the stage for a comprehensive technical program that showcases the latest success stories in water recycling, shares exciting new ways in which communities and industries are adopting water reuse strategies, and discusses emerging innovations that will drive greater implementation and acceptance of water reuse in coming years.

To take advantage of Early Bird Discounts, register for the Annual WateReuse Symposium by Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

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Washington Update

House Passes Bi-annual Water Resources Development Bill

The House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 8, Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (WRDA) by a margin of 408-2 on June 6. The House WRDA bill is narrowly focused on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) flood control projects, leaving out more controversial or extraneous items. One important provision in the bill is Sec. 109, Integrated Water Resources Planning, strongly advocated by the WateReuse Association and other water sector groups. The provision directs the ACOE to consult with local governments to identify whether elements of local water management plans such as aquifer recharge or water reuse can be incorporated into the flood control project feasibility study. The House passed by voice vote an amendment to add “water storage” to the list of considered activities.

Corresponding language was also included in the Senate WRDA bill, S. 2800, in Sec. 104, Local Government Water Plans. However, because the House and Senate language differ, the provisions will need to be reconciled during conference negotiations. The Senate is expected to take up its WRDA bill in the coming weeks. WateReuse will continue to work with its partners on ensuring that this provision remains in the final bill.

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House Committee Approves FY19 Spending Levels for EPA

On June 6, the House Appropriations Committee passed its proposed FY19 Interior-Environment appropriations bill, which provides funding for the Environmental Protection Agency including key water reuse infrastructure funding programs – the State Revolving Funds (SRF) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program. The bill proposes $1.54 billion for the Clean Water SRF and $1.01 billion for the Drinking Water SRF. This is $150 million decrease for both programs compared to FY18, but a $150 million increase compared to FY17 levels. Funding for WIFIA is $70 million, a $7 million increase from FY18, and the highest funding level since authorization of the program.

The bill includes a policy rider repealing the Waters of the United States rule, which the Obama Administration promulgated before leaving office. The rule established revised jurisdictional boundaries for determining what is a water of the U.S. under the Clean Water Act. The Trump Administration announced its intention to review the rule last year.

The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider its proposed Interior-Environment Appropriations bill this week.

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House Passes FY19 Appropriations Legislation Funding Title XVI

On Friday, June 8, the House passed its FY19 Energy-Water Appropriations bill, H.R. 5895, which funds the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Grant Program, with a 235-179 vote. The FY19 Energy-Water Appropriations bill was grouped with the FY19 Military Construction-Veterans Affairs and the FY19 Legislative Branch appropriations bill as the first appropriations “minibus.” The House bill includes $114.6 million for the WaterSMART program, of which $65 million is allocated for Title XVI. This is a $10 million increase from FY18 and a $30 million increase from FY17 for Title XVI. The WateReuse Association is pleased to see increased support for the Title XVI program in the House package and will work to ensure this level of funding remains in the final FY19 appropriations package.

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State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Members!

The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new members:

California: Water Bond to Provide $100 Million for Recycled Water

California voters passed a $4 billion water bond, Proposition 68, in the June 5 primary election with 56% of voters in favor of the bond. Called the “Parks, Environment and Water Bond of 2018,” the measure includes $100 million delineated specifically for recycled water infrastructure. The funds will be appropriated by the Legislature using the guidelines codified in a previous initiative, Proposition 1. Of the $100 million, $20 million will be used for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program administered by the Department of Food and Agriculture.

Stormwater funding is sprinkled throughout the bond without a direct allocation:

$725 million for safe neighborhood parks with special consideration given to projects that incorporate stormwater capture and storage or reduce pollution;
$100 million for stormwater, mudslide and other flash-flood-related protections;
$100 million for multi-benefit projects in urbanized areas to address flooding. Eligible projects shall include, but are not limited to, stormwater capture and reuse; and
$290 million for drought and groundwater investments to achieve regional sustainability. Expenditure of these funds may include planning, design and implementation projects through competitive grants and loans for investments in groundwater recharge with surface water, stormwater, recycled water and other conjunctive use projects to prevent or cleanup contamination of groundwater that serves as a source of drinking water.

Voters will have a second, more water focused bond measure to consider in the November General Election. An $8.8 billion citizen initiative, which includes $400 million for recycled water. has qualified for the ballot. Polling for the general election will indicate if voters are willing to support a second “water bond” in the same year.

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California: Recycled Water Pipelines Helps Farmers, Migratory Birds

A year after the start of construction on a $90 million regional recycled water project, recycled water from WateReuse Association member the City of Modesto is helping farmers survive drought and creating new wetlands for migratory birds. The North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program provides a new source of water for agricultural customers in the Del Puerto Water District, whose supplies have been severely impacted by drought and environmental restrictions on pumping from the Delta. Read More.

Colorado: Lieutenant Governor Signs Bill Allowing Reclaimed Water Use on Industrial Hemp

At the direction of Gov. John Hickenlooper, Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne signed legislation on Wednesday, June 6 that will allow reclaimed water to be used for industrial hemp cultivation. Colorado has had a busy water reuse legislative session. Bills allowing reclaimed water use for toilet flushing and food irrigation became law in late April. Read More.

Association News

2018 Awards for Excellence in Water Reuse: Nominations Due June 27

The WateReuse Association is accepting nominations for the 2018 Awards for Excellence in Water Reuse through Wednesday, June 27. The WateReuse Awards for Excellence celebrate communities, businesses, public-private partnerships, non-profit organizations and individuals that are making significant contributions toward advancing the adoption of water reuse in their community or elsewhere. The award categories have been modernized to showcase and celebrate the wide range of innovative ways in which water reuse is being deployed across the country, and the individuals and organizations leading these efforts. Learn More.

Conferences and Events

Webcast: Developing Regulations that Grow and Support Water Reuse: The Regulator Perspective

States are taking the lead in developing regulations to support implementation and growth of water reuse. Please join us on Wednesday, June 13 at 2 p.m. EDT to learn about the latest regulatory developments in four states across the country at varying stages — from states with a long history of water reuse to states in the early stages of assessing reuse needs and strategy. Regulators from California, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Minnesota will discuss the latest developments in their states. Learn More.

Visit the WateReuse Association at ACE 2018 in Las Vegas

Attendees of the American Water Works Association’s Annual Convention and Exposition at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas are invited to visit booth 16093 to say hello to WateReuse staff. The exposition will be held June 12-14.