Washington Update
Infrastructure Negotiations Continue between White House and Senate Republicans
President Biden sat down with Senate Republicans led by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) last week to continue negotiations on an infrastructure package. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, indicated Biden’s interest in having a “clear direction” by June 7 when the Senate returns from recess. As previously reported, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) intends for the Senate to pass an infrastructure package prior to the August recess, regardless of whether the package is bipartisan.
The WateReuse Association is seeking funding for two federal programs to support investments in water recycling: The Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI program and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Alternative Water Source Grant Program. The Association is working with congressional leaders and champions to secure $100 million respectively for both programs in the infrastructure package. WateReuse members are urged to reach out to their congressional delegations to urge them to support this funding goal. Please contact Greg Fogel, WateReuse Policy Director, for information regarding how you can engage in this effort.
New Climate Policy Brief Makes the Case for Investment in Water Reuse Infrastructure
As lawmakers negotiate a major infrastructure package to stimulate the American economy, the WateReuse Association released a new Climate Policy Brief that explains the benefits of Investing in Water Reuse for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Economic Resiliency. The brief presents water reuse as a multi-benefit solution that help our communities and economy tackle climate change. The policy brief also presents examples of how WateReuse members in California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Virginia have successfully invested in water recycling to strengthen the local economy, enhance the environment, and create safe and resilient water supplies. View and download the Climate Policy Brief here.
Op-Ed: The Case for Water Reuse Consideration
Why should communities and industry consider water reuse? WateReuse Executive Director Patricia Sinicropi makes the case for investment in water reuse to develop climate and economic resiliency in a column that appears in the June issue of Water & Wastes Digest. Although the drivers and approaches to water recycling across the U.S. are as diverse as the nation itself, Sinicropi notes that water reuse has a multitude of benefits that make it ideal solution for a variety of water management challenges. Read more.
State Updates and Member Profiles
National Blue Ribbon Commission Makes Progress in Advancing Onsite Reuse in States
The National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems (NBRC), a coalition of public health agencies and utilities with an interest in onsite reuse, held its first virtual meeting of 2021 in May. Thirty-five commissioners from across North America provided updates from their communities, with highlights including Washington State’s passage of HB 1184 signed into law May 3 by Governor Jay Inslee. The bill requires the development of risk-based water quality standards for onsite non-potable water systems. In addition to commission updates, the group heard a progress update on the Operator Certification Program for onsite systems that the NBRC is developing in partnership with Water Environment Federation, Association of Boards of Certification, and WateReuse Association. To learn more about the resources and research of the NBRC, visit the resource page.
CA: New Video Urges State to Include $750M for Recycled Water in Water Resilience Funding Package
WateReuse California (WRCA) and the Southern Nevada Water Coalition released a new video today urging the California legislature to include $750 million for water recycling grants into the Water Resilience Drought Funding Package included in the FY2021/2022 state budget. The proposed grants would be administered by the State Water Resources Control Board. WRCA also sent a letter last month to legislators detailing the ask. A recycled water needs survey shows that there are ample shovel ready and longer-term recycled water projects to warrant this level of investment. WRCA expects the Assembly and Senate to approve a total for the budget package June 15 and then follow up with a “budget Trailer bill” that will specify how the funds should be spent. Watch the new video here.
CA: Recycled Water Used to Grow Sustainable Produce for Kids
A group of farmers and activists have transformed 15-acres of land next to an airport in Martinez into an urban farm, thanks to recycled water from the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District. The Coco San Sustainable Farm uses recycled water from the nearby treatment plant to grow and provide free produce to schools, the food bank, and other non-profits that feed the hungry. The farm produces over 25,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables per year. Read more.
NC: Hydroponic Farm Employs Water Recycling to Cut Consumption
A hydroponic farm in Burlington, Your Local Greens, is using recycled water to grow kosher and organic lettuce. This sustainable agriculture approach reduces water consumption by 70 to 80%, compared to a conventional farm. Farm Manager Chris Amaya noted that factors such as population growth, land limitations, and climate change will require new solutions, such as hydroponic farming with recycled water. Read more.
TX: El Paso’s Direct Potable Reuse Project Profiled in New Video
El Paso Water’s forthcoming advanced water purification facility was profiled in a new video from Freethink, a platform that shares innovative ideas that are changing the world. Unlike other potable reuse facilities in the United States, which return drinking water to a treatment plant or blend with other raw water sources, El Paso’s advanced water purification facility will use a direct-to-distribution approach, with the purified water flowing directly into the drinking water distribution system. Watch the video here.
Member Spotlight: Three WateReuse Members Honored at Global Water Awards
Three WateReuse Association members were honored last week with Global Water Awards, presented by Global Water Intelligence. Suez won Smart Water Project of the year for its wastewater surveillance technology, the Suez COVID-19 City Watch Program. The Water Replenishment District’s Albert Robles Center for Water Recycling in Pico Rivera, CA was given the Distinction award in the category of Water Project of the Year and the Orange County Water District in Fountain Valley, CA received the Distinction award in the category of Resilient Water Agency of the Year. Another water recycling project, the L’Oreal Warsaw water reuse plant in Poland, also won as Industrial Project of the Year. Read more.
International Update
Bahrain: Construction Rules Change to Incorporate Water Recycling
The Bahrain Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning announced new construction rules that will allow water used in places of worship to be recycled for irrigation. The act of washing oneself is an important part of ritual purity in Islam. The water recycling systems will initially be installed in new construction. Read more.
India: Indirect Potable Reuse Projects Over Halfway Complete
A pair of recycled water plants that will bolster the drinking water supply and recharge the groundwater in Chennai are about 60% complete. About 10 million liters of recycled water per day will be discharged into two lakes, where the water will be later withdrawn, treated, and blended with the existing drinking water supply stream. Read more.
Member Resources and Benefits
Profiles in Reuse: Flyer Explains Safety and Reliability of Potable Reuse
Use our flyer, Profiles in Reuse: Potable Reuse, to inform ratepayers, elected officials, and other stakeholders about the safety and reliability of using purified water as part of the drinking water supply. The flyer also supports WateReuse’s Medical Community Initiative, which seeks to build support for potable reuse among medical and public health officials. This flyer is the first in a series of Profiles in Reuse that will serve as resources for member communication on water recycling. Download Flyer.
Interactive Map on State Water Reuse Policies and Regulations
Do you need information about water reuse policies and regulations from across the United States? Visit the state policy map on our website to find summaries of the regulatory landscape in key states, as well as links to specific polices and regulations. Clicking on a particular state opens a pop-up window with detailed information about the state. WateReuse invites members to help us fill in gaps in knowledge using the comment box provided on the page. The map will be updated periodically as new information is received and/or states update their regulations. View the state policy map here.
Member Engagement Opportunity
Join Los Angeles Chapter Bimonthly Meeting on Tuesday, June 8
Join the Los Angeles Chapter of WateReuse California on Tuesday, June 8 at 11 am PT for the bimonthly virtual meeting. The agenda includes updates from the WateReuse California Managing Director and Board President, as well as presentations on the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District’s Pure Water Demonstration Project and the City of LA’s Hyperion MBR Pilot Facility. Each LA Chapter meeting includes updates on state and federal recycled water legislation/regulations and briefings from the Los Angeles regional regulatory agencies. The meetings are open to all WateReuse members. To join, register here.
Conferences, Webcasts and Events
Webcast: California State Water Board Direct Potable Reuse Research Part 2: Chemicals
June 9, 2021
10 am PT | 1 pm ET (1.5 hours)
Join The Water Research Foundation (WRF) for the second webcast in a two-part series showcasing research outcomes of WRF’s first California State Water Board Grant to support water reuse research. This presentation will discuss research that evaluated the potential for certain chemicals to persist through advanced water treatment systems and options for the detection of chemical peaks. Register here.
WRAP Webcast: Multiple Benefits of Stormwater Capture and Reuse Projects
June 9, 2021
11 am PT | 2 pm ET (2 hours)
Please join us for the third in a series of web-based events associated with the national Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) Action Item 3.3., which focuses on opportunities and challenges related to urban stormwater capture and use. Register here.
WRAP Webcast: Advancing Water Reuse in Small and Disadvantaged Communities
June 10 and June 29 2021
10 am PT | 1 pm ET (1.5 hours)
These two identical outreach and listening sessions will introduce water recycling opportunities available for small communities. Whether you are currently involved in water reuse or are interested in exploring reuse opportunities, this webcast will provide useful resources and information. Register for June 10 or register for June 29.
Webcast: Potable Water Reuse: What Prospects for Europe?
June 24, 2021
8 am PT | 11 am ET (2 hours)
Water Reuse Europe and the WateReuse Association are bringing together speakers from Europe and the U.S. to share their experiences in developing and implementing potable reuse projects with a specific emphasis on regulatory approaches, risk management and communication. This international group of presenters will discuss what is needed to enable wider adoption of potable reuse across Europe’s territories. Register here.
WRAP Webcast: Multi-Agency Water Reuse Programs: Insights in Interagency Collaboration
July 7, 2021
11 am PT | 2 pm ET (1 hour)
Join our panel of experts for a lively discussion of lessons learned through a year-long effort to interview and document the work it takes to bring multi-agency water reuse projects to fruition. The webcast will cover the lessons learned by key regional projects and share insight on governance, regulations, economic and financial barriers, technical and operational issues and leadership. Register here.
Webcast: Discussion on Desalination – Treatments, Research, and the Future
August 11, 2021
11 am PT | 2 pm ET (1 hour)
In this webcast, a panel of experts from the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI) and CalDesal will discuss the state of desalination in the United States. The panel will explore current practices, technologies, treatments, on-going research, and the future role of desalination in the resiliency of the country’s water supply. You will also learn about NAWI’s research and development roadmap series on desalination and treatment of nontraditional source waters. Register here.
WateReuse California to Present Annual Conferences September 19-21 in Los Angeles
Mark your calendar for the 2021 WateReuse California Annual Conference taking place September 19-21! You will have the option to participate in-person at the JW Marriott LA Live in Los Angeles or join us virtually. Registration opens June 16, 2021! Learn more.
Save the Date: 37th Annual WateReuse Symposium in San Antonio, Texas
Mark your calendar for the 37th Annual WateReuse Symposium to be held March 5-9, 2022 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas. The 2022 Symposium will be our first national conference with an in-person component since 2019! This is a not-to-be missed opportunity to learn about the latest trends in water recycling and network with colleagues in person.
Upcoming Events
Please find below the 2024 schedule for the Legislative-Regulatory Committee. All in-person meetings will be held at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Sacramento offices located at: 1121 L Street, Suite 900, Sacramento.]
Both in-person and virtual meetings will occur from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Those indicated as virtual will occur over Zoom and a link will be provided on the agenda.
The 2024 WRCA Annual Conference will be at the: Hyatt Regency Orange County.
Please save the date for our 2024 meeting dates:
1. January 19 – in person
2. March 8 – virtual
3. March 22 – in person
4. April 12 – virtual
5. May 10 – in person
6. May 31 – virtual
7. June 21 – virtual
8. August 9 – virtual
9. September 16 – in person (at annual conference)
Our next WateReuse Central Coast chapter meeting will be on Thursday, May 16th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the City of Camarillo North Pleasant Valley Groundwater Desalter. We will follow a hybrid in-person and online format with a presentation and chapter update from 12-1p followed by a site tour of the facility from 1-2p for the in-person folks. The facility transforms unusable brackish groundwater into a local source of high-quality and affordable drinking water while also removing damaging salts from the regional watershed. The treated groundwater can produce up to 3,800 acre-feet per year of potable water. The desalter was just named the Outstanding Water/Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year by ASCE Region 9.
Please RSVP here for in-person or online by May 10th if you plan to join the meeting. Lunch will be provided for those who attend in-person. Due to space constraints, in-person attendance will be limited to the first 20 people who RSVP.
Please find below the 2024 schedule for the Legislative-Regulatory Committee. All in-person meetings will be held at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Sacramento offices located at: 1121 L Street, Suite 900, Sacramento.]
Both in-person and virtual meetings will occur from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Those indicated as virtual will occur over Zoom and a link will be provided on the agenda.
The 2024 WRCA Annual Conference will be at the: Hyatt Regency Orange County.
Please save the date for our 2024 meeting dates:
1. January 19 – in person
2. March 8 – virtual
3. March 22 – in person
4. April 12 – virtual
5. May 10 – in person
6. May 31 – virtual
7. June 21 – virtual
8. August 9 – virtual
9. September 16 – in person (at annual conference)