Home\News\WateReuse Review\WateReuse Review – May 18, 2020

WateReuse Association Announces Virtual 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium

As we all undoubtedly recognize, significant restrictions on large gatherings, travel and society’s general level of mobility due to the coronavirus pandemic will likely remain for the most of this year. Given this reality and uncertainty, our Executive Committee made the decision to hold this year’s Annual WateReuse Symposium (September 13 – 16) as a virtual event rather than in person at the Denver Hilton City Center, with registration opening June 1, 2020.

The Board’s prescient decision to authorize the purchase of 6Connex virtual conferencing software during its first quarter Board meeting has allowed staff to pivot quickly toward planning a virtual event, and we expect it to be a highly successful one. We are working diligently with our co-collaborator, the Water Research Foundation, our speakers and panelists to ensure high quality content is delivered in a compelling and exciting digital format.

Please mark your calendars for the June 1 registration launch of the now virtual Reaching New Heights Annual WateReuse Symposium! A key benefit of the Symposium’s virtual platform is that the content can be consumed for up to a month following formal event opening, and attendees can access all sessions, not simply those you might attend “in person.” A virtual event will allow us to reach more members than ever before and truly provide you a greater opportunity for more learning, on a schedule that fits your individual needs, and at a significant cost savings.

We are all deeply disappointed that we won’t be able to be together in Denver, but we are preparing to deliver a quality event nonetheless, and hope you will join us for it.

Thank you and we hope you and your families continue to stay safe.

Gilbert Trejo
President

Patricia Sinicropi
Executive Director

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Washington Update

HEROES Act Provides Assistance to Aid Low-Income Customers

On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6800, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, to provide additional relief to workers, municipalities, healthcare providers and businesses suffering economic harm and/or struggling to meet healthcare needs related to the pandemic. The HEROES Act includes $1.5 billion in funding for water ratepayer assistance to help low-income households pay for water and wastewater service, as well as $375 billion to help cover municipality revenue shortfalls, including shortfalls from providing water treatment services. The House passed the bill 208–199, mostly along party lines, with one Republican (Rep. Pete King of New York) voting in favor, and 14 Democrats voting in opposition. Following release of the House package, WateReuse joined with our national association partners to deliver a letter to congressional leaders outlining a set of joint proposals that we are urging Congress to include in this next relief package. You can view a bill summary here.

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EPA Issues Guidance on Addressing Water Quality Challenges as Buildings Reopen

During this time of extended building closures, EPA has provided guidance and associated checklists on how public water systems, building owners, building managers and businesses can minimize water stagnation. EPA issued the guidance documents in building water quality to aid businesses and communities as they re-open. EPA urges state and local health officials to share this information to ensure public safety when reopening commercial buildings. Read More.

Awards and Recognition for Water Reuse

Nomination Period for WateReuse Awards for Excellence Opens August 1

Prepare to celebrate accomplishments in water recycling! The nomination period for the WateReuse Association’s Awards for Excellence opens August 1, 2020 and the deadline to submit a nomination is September 30, 2020. The WateReuse Awards for Excellence program recognizes WateReuse members, their projects, and their partnerships that have made significant contributions in support of greater adoption of water reuse. Recipients are successfully advancing the development of alternative water supplies or developing a novel approach to meet water needs with water reuse systems and/or approaches.

Typically, the WateReuse Awards for Excellence are presented each year at the Annual WateReuse Symposium. Beginning in 2021, the Symposium moves from September to March each year. In light of this scheduling adjustment, the 2021 WateReuse Awards for Excellence will recognize accomplishments for 2019 and 2020. Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 36th Annual WateReuse Symposium, March 14-17, 2021 scheduled to take place in Tampa, Florida.

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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. Since the program launched in 2016, 118 utilities have been recognized with the honor. 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. The program is supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management and the Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.

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. Honorees will be notified during the summer and formally recognized during an awards ceremony at WEFTEC 2020—WEF’s 93rd annual technical exhibition and conference—this October in New Orleans

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State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Members!

The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new members:

California: Study Finds Water Conservation and Reuse Need to be Planned in Tandem during Drought

A new University of California, Riverside study finds that water conservation during times of drought can negatively impact the ability of utilities to produce recycled water, a key source of water. Researchers tracked average monthly effluent flows and salinity levels throughout periods of droughts at 34 Southern California utilities to understand the impact of water conservation efforts on reuse. The findings highlight the necessity of holistic planning in providing secure water supplies for the future. Read More.

Florida: Annual Water Reuse Week Promotes and Encourages Water Recycling

The Florida water reuse community is celebrating Water Reuse Week, May 17-23, with community engagement and education on conserving and augmenting Florida’s water resources. WateReuse Association members across the state have issued resolutions formally recognizing Water Reuse Week. WateReuse Florida will host a webcast on Wednesday, May 20, Water Reuse – An Operational Discussion, to highlight important issues in water reuse operations and treatment. Since 2007, the State of Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts, water utilities, local governments, and WateReuse Florida have declared the third week in May as “Water Reuse Week” to promote and encourage efficient use of reclaimed water.

Member Spotlight: Brown and Caldwell’s Melanie Holmer Explains How Innovations in Urban Water Reuse Bolster Water Supply Reliability

Brown and Caldwell’s Water Reuse Leader, Melanie Holmer, shares how one water planning for urban water cycles can maximize water supplies. Using water reuse as a tool, urban communities can utilize non-potable and potable reuse to protect and replenish water supplies. Holmer speaks to how One Water planning spurs innovation and challenges planners and engineers to recognize the value in water. Read More.

Global Spotlight

India: Think Tank Highlights Water Reuse and Recycling to Address India’s Water Demand

The Centre for Science and the Environment (CSE), a think-tank based in Delhi, recommends more decentralized treatment with a focus on water reuse and recycling options to address both water scarcity and pollution. In India, only 22% of wastewater is treated highlighting a need for a paradigm shift. CSE’s study framed India’s water demand stress in the context of the coronavirus and identified the need to re-think water and sewage management throughout the country to meet needs. Read More.

Research Spotlight

The Water Research Foundation Announces New COVID-19 Research Effort

To spur research in environmental surveillance of COVID-19 indicators in sewer sheds, The Water Research Foundation will release Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and seek funding partners to accelerate research in three key areas:

Interlaboratory and Methods Assessment
Stability of Genetic Signal in Wastewater Matrix
Impact of Storage and Pre-Treatment Methods on Signal Strength

The Water Research Foundation is actively seeking partners to leverage its investment in this research, and anticipates posting the first RFQ in the coming weeks. Read More.

WateReuse Communications Tools and Resources

Understanding Potable Reuse: New Video Educates Public Health and Medical Community

The WateReuse Association’s video, Understanding Potable Reuse: A Safe and Sustainable Supply, discusses the science-based treatment processes that are used safely in communities around the world. In the video, experts from academia, public health, and utilities discuss the value of engaging with the medical community and including discussions of water in public health education. The video was produced as part of the WateReuse Public Health and Medical Community Initiative.

Conferences and Events

Register for the 2020 WateReuse California Virtual Conference

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. Sessions will be presented on June 24 and June 25 and continue to be available for viewing until July 31, 2020. Register Now.

Explore New Heights in Reuse: Registration Opens June 1 for the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium

Mark your calendar for the virtual 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium, September 13-16, 2020. Although restrictions related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means the Symposium will be presented on an online, virtual platform, it will still include all the same opportunities to share ideas, stay informed, and interact with others.

Join us for an in-depth look at the technology, policy, and research innovations that have propelled water reuse to unprecedented national prominence as a water management strategy. The Symposium’s comprehensive program is organized around the theme, Reaching New Heights in Water Reuse, and includes the following highlights:

Implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan;
Framing a Water Reuse Research Strategy;
New Skills and New Opportunities — the Water Reuse Workforce of the Future;
National Policy Developments Related to Water Reuse;
Breaking Down Implementation Barriers for Onsite Non-Potable Water Systems; and
International presentations from partners in Israel and Brazil

The Annual WateReuse Symposium is the premier conference on water reuse and recycling and a unique opportunity for four focused days of education, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer networking. Registration opens June 1, 2020.

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Webcast:EPA Expands Research on COVID-19 in the Environment

Join EPA scientists on May 27 at 2 pm ET to learn how EPA is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand research on COVID-19 in the environment. Among other projects to be presented, the webinar will include information from EPA researchers studying whether SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in wastewater. Register Now.

Upcoming Events

Dec

Fri

2020 4th Quarter Meeting of the Board of Directors

Tickets

Dec 4 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Categories: Board Meetings

Dec

Tue

Los Angeles Chapter Meeting @ Zoom Video Conference

Tickets

Dec 8 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErcOypqjgsHtwmGaUIM0hd5mvgjfwX4pgY

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Categories: Los Angeles WateReuse California

Dec

Wed

Water Reuse in Palestine: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainability, Food Security, and Economic Growth

Tickets

Dec 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join Dr. A. Rasem Hasan, a professor and researcher at An-Najah National University in Nablus, West Bank, to learn about recent challenges, social and technical, and proposed solutions to increase water recycling in Palestine.

Register Now!

Join Us!
1:00 – 2:00 pm Eastern | 10:00 am – 11:00 am Pacific
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Although a small country with many water resource challenges, Palestine relies on agriculture as a critical component of its economy. About 50 percent of the land is designated agricultural yet only 7 percent is irrigated, creating an opportunity for water reuse to play a key role in water conservation, food security, and economic growth. Join Dr. A. Rasem Hasan, a professor and researcher at An-Najah National University in Nablus, West Bank, to learn about recent challenges, social and technical, and proposed solutions to increase water recycling in Palestine.

Dr. Hasan will present research on how to overcome funding limitations to develop water reuse projects of varying sizes in a semi-arid to arid region. The presentation will discuss rural wastewater management and reuse, industrial wastewater management, brackish water desalination for drinking and irrigation, and climate change adaptation.

Join us for a presentation organized by the WateReuse International Committee that will offer insight into the unique experiences of communities where low funded projects can have significant impact on society.

Moderator

Dr. Zoreh Movahed, WATEK

Presenter

Dr. A. Rasem Hasan is currently the Director of Water and Environmental Studies institute, and faculty member of Civil Engineering Department, at An-Najah National University in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine. He has as a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Miami, Florida, USA, MSc in Water Engineering from Birzeit University, Palestine, and B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Mutah University, Jordan. Dr. Hasan received several academic awards and has 20+ years of work experience as consultant and academic in the fields of water and environmental engineering. His research interests are water desalination, wastewater treatment and management, water reuse, and hazardous waste management.