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November 4, 2019

Washington Update

WateReuse Association Success in House Water Infrastructure Bill, H.R. 1497

Senate Passes Funding Package for Water Recycling Programs

Jeff Lape Named EPA’s First National Program Leader for Water Reuse

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water, Dave Ross, announced that Jeff Lape will serve as the Office of Water’s first National Program Leader for Water Reuse. Lape moves from his role as Deputy Director in the Office of Science and Technology for this one-year detail. EPA’s water reuse team has three core assignments: (1) finish the Water Reuse Action Plan by February 2020 in close coordination with public and private partners, (2) develop a system to ensure implementation of the Action Plan once finalized, and (3) institutionalize water reuse into the Office of Water operational culture. The WateReuse Association is working closely with EPA to accomplish its goal of solving water security challenges for generations to come.

Senate Technology and Innovation Hearing Highlights Water Reuse

On October 30, the Water Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to examine the use of technology and innovation to increase water security and economic development in the West. Nearly all of the witnesses and numerous members of the Subcommittee, including the chair and ranking member, spoke about the importance of water reuse and its relationship to technological innovation. The witnesses included Dr. John Sabo, Director of Future H20 at Arizona State University; Stephen Harper, Global Director of Environment, Energy and Sustainability Policy at Intel Corporation; Mary Beth Sewald, CEO of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce; Amit Land, CEO of EMS Mekorot Projects; and Margi Hoffman, Community Relations Director for the Farmers Conservation Alliance. Ahead of the hearing, the WateReuse Association submitted testimony for the record in support of water recycling and innovation.

State Updates and Member Profiles

Welcome New Member!

The WateReuse Association welcomes the following new member:

California: Recycled Water Coming to Three New Apple Valley Parks

WateReuse Association member the Victor Valley Reclamation Authority will provide recycled water for three new parks in Apple Valley in the Spring. The recycled water will be piped to Lenny Brewster Park, Civic Center Park and Thunderbird Park to irrigate plants and grass. The work is expected to be completed in March 2020. Read More.

California: Eastern Municipal Water District Receives $36M for Groundwater Improvements

WateReuse Association member Eastern Municipal Water Districtreceived a $36.3 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board for the Perris North Groundwater Program. The proposed project would improve groundwater quality and make beneficial use of available local groundwater supplies, further reducing reliance on imported water supplies. The grant award covers up to 50 percent of the estimated $72 million program. Read More.

WateReuse Member, Biwater, Named Preferred Treatment Equipment Manufacturer

WateReuse Association member Biwater Inc. has been named the preferred original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for Omya’s advanced remineralization process, used in water reuse and desalination treatment. Under the terms of this agreement, the companies will partner on selected projects where Biwater will design, supply, and implement Omya’s technology. Each company expects to expand and grow its market share in the desalination and water reuse industry with this advanced complementary treatment technology. Read More.  

WateReuse Past President Guy Carpenter to Lead Water Engineering for Stanley Consultants

Stanley Consultants announced last week that WateReuse Association Past President Guy Carpenter will lead its water engineering business. Based in Muscatine, Iowa, Stanley Consultants is a worldwide provider of engineering, environmental and construction services. Carpenter, formerly a vice president with Carollo, will develop and execute global water market strategy at Stanley Consultants, engage with key industry leaders to identify new trends, and direct the business development team towards new opportunities and manage profit and loss. Read More.

WateReuse Customer 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

Closing the Water Loop with NEWater: The Story of Recycled Water in Singapore

Singapore, a small densely populated island nation, has made international headlines with its innovative NEWater, a high quality purified water produced using advanced membranes and ultraviolet technologies. Please join us for a webcast on November 20 at 4:30 pm PST for an in depth presentation on Singapore’s NEWater. Two engineers will join us live from Singapore to discuss R&D efforts and strategies implemented to overcome various operational challenges. Register Now.

Upcoming Events

Jun
5
Mon
Stakeholder Meeting
Jun 5 all-day

Stakeholder meeting for pending changes to TCEQ Chapter 217 relating to reclaimed wastewater collection systems. View the advocacy updates article for more details, or visit the Wastewater System Design Criteria Stakeholder Group for the proposed changes and future meeting announcements.

Jun
9
Fri
Meeting of the Board of Directors – Second Quarter 2023
Jun 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Friday, June 9, 2023

11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET (Remote)

Jun
13
Tue
WRCA Los Angeles Chapter Meeting
Jun 13 all-day
Jun
15
Thu
Orange County Chapter Meeting @ South Coast Water District
Jun 15 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Jun
16
Fri
IN PERSON/HYBRID Sacramento Meeting
Jun 16 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Jun
20
Tue
Pacific Northwest Section Meeting
Jun 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Jun
21
Wed
MAWRA Monthly Meeting
Jun 21 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Jun
22
Thu
WRTX Board Meeting
Jun 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Innovations in Agricultural Water Reuse: Successes, Challenges, and Funding Opportunities
Jun 22 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Innovations in Agricultural Water Reuse: Successes, Challenges, and Funding Opportunities

1 pm PT | 4 pm ET (1 hour)
WateReuse Members: Free; Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Save the Date: Registration will open soon

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, agriculture accounts for more than 80% of the nation’s water consumption. Water reuse is uniquely suited to provide resilience, local control, environmental protection, and high water quality for this critical demand. Join our webcast to learn about two innovative approaches to securing America’s food supply with water reuse, strategies for overcoming obstacles, and gain insight on how USDA conservation programs can be a valuable resource in funding these projects.

Presenters:

  • Chris Hay, Conservation Design Scientist, Iowa Soybean Association
  • Julie Hawkins, State Conservationist, USDA-NRCS
  • Mike McCullough, Director of External Affairs, Monterey One Water
Jun
29
Thu
WRFL Board Meeting
Jun 29 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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WateReuse is the only trade association that focuses solely on advancing laws, policy and funding to increase water reuse. Our niche strategy sets us apart from other organizations in the water industry.

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