Executive Order Formalizes Water Subcabinet, Directs Coordination on Water Reuse

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week, “Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure,” to facilitate federal coordination on water policy. The order formalizes and adds presidential backing to the “Water Subcabinet,” which consists of Senate-confirmed appointees from across the federal government who coordinate their work on water resource management.

The Subcabinet will make recommendations to the Administration regarding how to support the adoption of water reuse. While still an informal group, the Subcabinet was instrumental in developing the National Water Reuse Action Plan, and participated in the launch event at the 34th Annual WateReuse Symposium in 2019. WateReuse looks forward to continuing our work with the Water Subcabinet to advance water recycling across the country.

U.S. EPA Announces $225 Million for Hampton Roads Sanitation District Water Reuse Project

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) received a $225 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan for the expansion of their Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) program. The SWIFT program uses water reuse and advanced water treatment technologies to recharge the Potomac Aquifer. The project replenishes the local water supply, prevents saltwater intrusion, mitigates land subsidence, and reduces surface discharges to the Chesapeake Bay. The WIFIA loan finances approximately half of the $460 million project phase. Read More.

Feedback Requested: WateReuse Seeks Member Guidance on Implementation of National Water Reuse Action Plan

The WateReuse Association is seeking member guidance on implementation of the U.S. EPA’s national Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). To help guide implementation of a range of actions, please complete our survey here.

The WRAP was developed in partnership with WateReuse and other stakeholders. WateReuse is leading or co-leading a variety of actions, including developing a database to track and report state-level policies and regulations related to water reuse; establishing a water reuse award to recognize significant achievements in adopting and promoting water reuse in the industrial and corporate sectors; and helping to organize events related to stormwater reuse, inter-state collaboration, and workforce development.

Section Update: California Secures Recycled Water Funding and Advances Reuse through Regulation

WateReuse California (WRCA) released its 2020 Update which details its efforts to advance water reuse through regulations and bring the water recycling community together. In addition to successfully advocating for bond measures and other legislation, the state’s Water Resilience Portfolio includes key water reuse actions championed by WRCA. The section also hosted a virtual conference, organized committee meetings, and engaged local chapters to maintain member involvement throughout the pandemic. Read More.

Section Update: Pacific Northwest Highlights Successes in Quarterly Newsletter

WateReuse Pacific Northwest released its third quarter newsletter highlighting the resilience and innovation of members in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington that have worked through conditions ranging from the pandemic to devastating wildfires to advance water recycling. Over the past quarter, the Pacific Northwest Section hosted two webinars, surveyed member needs, and participated in the 2020 Water Reuse Regulator Summit at the 35th Annual WateReuse Symposium. The section also is currently accepting nominations for new officers. Read More.

Idaho: Boise Incorporates Water Reuse and Recycling in Utility Planning

The City of Boise incorporated water recycling initiatives as a centerpiece of infrastructure improvements to increase capacity in its recently released Public Works Water Renewal Utility Plan. The plan identifies the potential for water recycling and an industrial reuse program to attract companies to Boise. Approved by the City Council last week, the plan provides a framework for the city’s water supply over the next 50 years. Read More.

Indiana: Rushville Updates Treatment Process to Ensure Viable Recycled Water

In an effort to prepare for implementing a potential water reuse program, the City of Rushville Wastewater Treatment Plant transitioned from chlorine disinfection to ultraviolet disinfection. Rushville is considering water reuse as a strategic solution to address combined sewer overflows (CSO) in extreme weather and eliminate discharges into the Flack Rock River. An agreement between the city and Indiana Department of Environmental Management called for the elimination of CSO discharges within 15 years. Read More.

South Africa: Cape Town Looks to Water Recycling to Alleviate Water Stress

Researchers in Cape Town, South Africa developed a new water-recycling model to assess long term impacts of water retention and recycling on Cape Town’s urban water system. The model assesses policy interventions under varying scenarios to demonstrate the unique and innovative solutions required to address water scarcity. The research found water reuse and recycling can play a large role in reducing water stress in the future, even as water stress is projected to increase with population and economic growth in the city. Read More.

Saudi Arabia: World’s Largest Desalination Plants Assess Feasibility of Mineral Extraction to Manage Brine

Saudi Arabia’s government-run Saline Water Conversion Corporation is studying the feasibility of mineral extraction to reduce the amount of concentrated brine that flows back into the sea. As the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, Saudi Arabia also makes the most waste. Researchers believe the extraction and reuse of minerals for the petrochemical industry can help reduce the brine output from desalination. Read More.

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.

Webcast: Potable Reuse Permitting to Startup— The Pure Water Monterey Journey

Join our panel on October 21 at 2 pm ET for an informative discussion of how Pure Water Monterey, a first-of-its-kind potable reuse project, navigated the process from permitting to design and construction. Pure Water Monterey treats and purifies municipal wastewater, agricultural drainage water, industrial wash water, and urban stormwater runoff before injecting the water into a local drinking water basin through a public-private partnership. Learn about the potable reuse process from start to finish and the coordinated efforts required to pioneer new concepts, overcome hiccups, and secure a critical new water supply. Register here.

Webcast: Breweries and Reuse – Reuse is Brewing Up

The use of purified recycled water to brew beer has been an effective public education tool, but what is the market outlook for growth? Join us October 28 at 2 pm ET to learn about the market drivers and business strategies for breweries and water reuse providers within the beer brewing market. This presentation will provide, in dollars, a market size for water reuse technology providers and brewers as well as the outlook for this market. This information will help companies and municipalities plan for the future and develop comprehensive relationships. Register here.