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September 30, 2019

Washington Update

Senate Committee Advances Funding for Water Recycling

On Thursday, September 26, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed its FY 2020 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill. The bill includes funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its programs that support water recycling infrastructure. The Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill, so the two sides can now begin informal negotiations to resolve differences.

WateReuse is pleased to report that the Senate appropriations bill includes $73 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program, which is in line with our request to Congress earlier this year. This level is substantially higher than both the FY 2019 enacted level of $68 million and the level provided in the House version of the FY 2020 appropriations bill ($50 million). In its FY 2019 Notice of Funding Availability for WIFIA, EPA identified water reuse and recycling as a major priority for the program. WateReuse will work with EPA to ensure that these critical investments continue.

Unfortunately, the Senate appropriations bill includes cuts to both the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Program and the Drinking Water SRF Program. The bill provides roughly $1.64 billion for the Clean Water SRF, which is $55 million less than the FY 2019 enacted level, and $145 million below the level provided by the House FY 2020 bill. Similarly, the Senate bill provides roughly $1.13 billion for the Drinking Water SRF, which is $38 million less than the FY 2019 enacted level, and $174 million below the level provided in the House Committee’s FY 2020 bill. WateReuse is disappointed with the Senate levels, and will be strongly urging congressional negotiators to accept the House numbers in the final appropriations package later this year.

Similar to the House bill, the Senate bill includes some funding for a number of priority programs authorized in America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. In numerous cases, however, the Senate bill falls well short of the House bill, and for two of the programs, no funding is provided at all. For additional details, see the chart below.   Both the House and Senate have now passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open passed the end of the fiscal year, which ends today. The CR extends current (FY 2019) funding levels through November 21, giving both sides more time to negotiate final funding levels for FY 2020.

Both the House and Senate have now passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open passed the end of the fiscal year, which ends today. The CR extends current (FY 2019) funding levels through November 21, giving both sides more time to negotiate final funding levels for FY 2020.

FY18FY20 House (Full House)FY20 Senate Committee
CWSRF$1,693,887,000$1,784,000,000$1,638,826,000
DWSRF$1,163,233,000$1,300,000,000$1,126,088,000
WIFIA$63,000,000$50,000,000$73,000,000
Sec. 2005 of AWIA – Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability ProgramN/A$4,000,000$2,000,000
Sec. 2007 of AWIA – Innovative Water Technology Grant ProgramN/A$4,000,0000
Sec. 2013 of AWIA – Community Water System Risk and Resilience Program
N/A 		“Sufficient funding”
0
Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants$0$90,000,000$20,497,000
National Priorities Research Program$4,100,000$6,000,000$6,000,000
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Department of Energy Selects National Alliance for Water Innovation to Lead Energy-Water Desalination Hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced September 23 its selection of the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI) to lead a $100 million Energy-Water Desalination Hub that will develop technologies that treat seawater, brackish water, and produced waters for use in municipal, industrial, agricultural, utility, oil and gas, and other water supply needs.

The Energy-Water Desalination Hub will support the Water Security Grand Challenge, a White House-initiated, DOE-led framework to advance transformational technology and innovation through a coordinated suite of prizes, competitions, and early stage R&D. DOE also announced a plan to launch two prizes that are part of the Water Security Grand Challenge later this year:

  • Wastewater Resource Recovery Prize Competition. The prize targets increasing resource recovery (nutrients, energy and water) from small-to medium-sized municipal wastewater treatment plants. Learn more.
  • American-Made Challenges: Solar Desalination Prize. This prize is a series of contests designed to accelerate technology innovation through the design, development, and demonstration of desalination systems that use solar power to generate fresh water from salt water. Learn more.

The NAWI is a public-private partnership with more than 35 members and over 180 organizations within the alliance, which is led by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in collaboration with National Energy Technology Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The hub will focus on early-stage research and development (R&D) for energy-efficient and cost-competitive desalination technologies including manufacturing challenges. This suite of technologies will treat “non-traditional” water sources for multiple end-use applications.

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Congressional Briefing Presents the Science of PFAS

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) organized an expert panel for a September 26 Congressional briefing on the science of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). New research results are improving understanding of how best to address potential risks posed from exposure to this diverse class of compounds. WRF brought together the foremost experts in the science of PFAS to share recent scientific discoveries with members to allow the nation to more effectively protect human health and the environment. Speakers included Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation; Carla A. Ng, Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh; and Charles B. Bott, Director of Water Technology and Research at Hampton Roads Sanitation District. A recording of the event is available for viewing.

State Updates and Member Profiles

California: WateReuse CA Presents WateReuse Action Plan to State Board

WateReuse California Vice President Paul Sciuto, General Manager of Monterey One Water, presented the California WateReuse Action Plan at the September 23 Drought Preparation and Response Listening Session held by the California State Water Board. The action plan is a comprehensive set of proposed actions that will more than double the use of water recycling in California and help prepare the state for the impacts of climate change. The plan identifies four strategic areas for action: research, regulations, regional planning and funding and includes 20 specific recommendations. Sciuto discussed the importance of continuing to advance regulations that lead to responsible use of recycled water and the need for increased funding.

Florida: Officials look to Water Reuse to Meet Needs of Expanding Population

Faced with skyrocketing population, Florida officials from the state, water management districts, and local utilities are promoting water reuse to ease pressure on water supplies. Florida’s population is increasing by more than 900 people daily. Water management districts have identified reclaimed water projects as the number one source of water to meet future demands. Of the wastewater generated in Florida in 2017, 44 to 48% was reused. The majority was used to irrigate golf courses and lawns and for other public uses. Read More.

Minnesota: Stormwater Reuse in Waconia Controls Flooding, Conserves Water

WateReuse Association member the City of Waconia is operating four reuse systems across the city that capture and reuse stormwater runoff. The program provides flood control, improves water quality in Lake Waconia, and helps to recharge groundwater. The captured stormwater is used to irrigate residential developments, parks and ballfields, businesses, and schools. In the first eight months of 2019, the community reduced the amount of potable water used for irrigation by 4.3 million gallons. Read More.

Texas: El Paso Highlights Partnership with Bureau of Reclamation

El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew recently shared a communication with ratepayers highlighting its partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation to develop water recycling and desalination projects. The Bureau of Reclamation offers a variety of competitive grant funding programs – from water recycling and reuse projects to drought response and desalination construction.  El Paso’s partnership with Reclamation has included a $1.1 million Title XVI grant to expand its non-potable reuse program, a $3.5 million Title XVI grant for a new advanced water purification facility, and a $2 million WaterSmart grant to build a desalination plant. 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

WateReuse Staff Discuss Water Reuse during WEFTEC, Climate Panel

WateReuse Association Executive Director Patricia Sinicropi participated in a water reuse workshop on Sunday, September 23 during WEFTEC 2019, the Water Environment Federation’s annual conference. Sinicropi presented innovative examples of both potable and non-potable recycling projects and made the case that both applications are an important part of the nation’s future. Sinciropi was joined at WEFTEC by Director of Strategic Operations, Carrie Capuco, who presented on WateReuse’s Public Health and Medical Community Initiative. Sinicropi also participated in a Climate Week panel on Friday, September 27 in New York City. The panel focused on the pioneering decentralized water reuse systems at Battery Park City.

Call for Abstracts: 2020 WateReuse California Annual Conference

The California Section of the WateReuse Association is accepting abstracts for presentations at the 2020 WateReuse California Annual Conference to be held March 15-17, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, California. The conference is designed for individuals, organizations, and agencies that are associated with or interested in the design, management, operation, and use of water recycling facilities and projects in California. Abstracts are due October 18. Learn More.

Upcoming Events

Agenda
Agenda
May – June 2020 May – Jun 2020
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May
27
Wed
Webcast: Water Education Today – Distance Learning Tools to Support Community Engagement and Homeschooling
Tickets
May 27 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join Us! 2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern ; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific WateReuse Members: Free Others: $49 PDHs: 1 Register Now! Project WET (Water Education Today) advances water education to understand global challenges and inspire local solutions including water reuse. With most of the world currently engaged in distance learning, Project WET has adapted their programs to provide valuable resources to a wide range of audiences, including utilities, parents, children, educators, community members, and corporations. Join us to learn how you can use Project WET’s interactive, hands-on activities to educate ratepayers, build community support for water recycling, and create home learning opportunities for your own children. Project WET will also share details on new resources and opportunities, including:
  • Water reuse student booklet (will be completed September 2020)
  • New training guides for educators and parents (can be water reuse specific)
  • Individual lessons for students (digital and print)
  • Online training programs (educators, students, parents)
  • Water education website for children DiscoverWater.org
Through its worldwide network of implementing partners, Project WET is active in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries.

Presenters

  • Morgan Close, VP of Projects and Programs, Project WET
  • Julia Beck, VP of Networks, Project WET
  • Marilyn Hall (Moderator), Senior Water Resources Planner, Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities (Georgia)
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Categories: Webcasts
May
28
Thu
First Full Scale DPR Permit in Arizona for Demonstration and Education
Tickets
May 28 @ 11:00 am

WateReuse Arizona Section Meeting & Webinar
11 am PDT | 11 am MST | 2 pm EST
Fee: Complimentary
PDHs: 1

Register Now!

In January 2018 the State of Arizona lifted the prohibition that restricted Direct Potable Reuse. This effort was to provide more options for communities facing problems with droughts and water shortages.  Scottsdale Water has been at the forefront of water reuse starting with Indirect Potable Reuse in 1998 and has successfully recharged billions of gallons of highly purified water. Now once again Scottsdale Water continues to lead the way in Direct Potable Reuse innovation. In late 2018, joint discussions between ADEQ and the city led to a process that would have Scottsdale receive the first Arizona permit, at a permanent facility, to serve water for Direct Potable Reuse. The groundbreaking permit effectively establishes a model for cities across Arizona and elsewhere to begin working towards reusing their precious water resources for future, long-term water sustainability.

Scottsdale Water received the final permit on September 9, 2019 allowing DPR on a demonstration scale. This presentation will step through the internal processes and discussions that resulted in the final implementation. Considerations and evaluations made included constructability for both internal and external sources, overall timeline and milestones for completion of project, equipment selection, system design layout and size (permit), input by staff, system redundancy (UV), and lessons learned.  It will also outline how ADEQ and Scottsdale Water worked to create criteria for the monitoring and regulation of this water allowing ADEQ to use this as a basis to create full permit program for pathogen removal, emerging contaminants, operator training, ongoing monitoring and reporting. Since September 9, tour groups, Scottsdale Water Citizen Academy and City employees, have had the opportunity to drink the advanced purified reclaimed water, in addition to the water provided to make beer for Scottsdale Canal Convergence event.

Presenter

David Walby is the Water Reclamation Services Director for Scottsdale Water. He previously served as the Wastewater Collection Manager. He is Responsible for direction and management of the Water Resources facilities and staff that ensure reliable and safe collection, treatment and reuse of reclaimed water. He is also responsible for the State’s first permitted state-of-art Direct Potable Reuse facility.  Acts as a technical advisor and performs policy-level coordination, advisory and administrative functions relating to the operation of the City’s water reclamation (sewer collection, wastewater treatment, and reuse/recharge) systems.

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Categories: WateReuse Arizona Webcasts
Jun
3
Wed
Webcast: The Rainbow: Public Art with Purified Recycled Water
Tickets
Jun 3 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Us!
2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern ; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Register Now!

In the words of California Governor Gavin Newson, “The greatest challenge facing California is access to water. And the greatest challenge facing water access is public understanding. The Rainbow will capture public imagination and accelerate popular acceptance of water recycling.”

The Rainbow is a planned public artwork by artist Michael Jones McKean, envisioned to catalyze the implementation of water reuse. An advanced purification system (MBR, RO, UVAOP) will treat raw wastewater to potable standards to produce water for The Rainbow. Set against the iconic landscapes of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay, and using only the site’s natural sunlight and the purified recycled water, artist Michael Jones McKean and partners San Francisco Art Institute and Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture (FMCAC) will create a massive water wall in which The Rainbow will emerge at daily intervals as well as use the water for non-potable reuse.

Presenters

  • Hesse McGraw, Curator and Writer
  • Brynne Weeks, Carollo Engineers, Inc.
  • Andrew Salveson (Moderator), Carollo Engineers, Inc.
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Categories: Webcasts
Jun
9
Tue
Los Angeles Chapter Meeting
Tickets
Jun 9 all-day
Read more
Categories: Los Angeles WateReuse California
Jun
10
Wed
To Be (a Point Source) or Not To Be (a Point Source): Implications of the County of Maui Supreme Court Decision for Clean Water Utilities
Tickets
Jun 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join Us!
2:00 – 3:30 pm Eastern
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific

Register Now!

NACWA and the WateReuse Association are partnering to gather a panel of experts for NACWA’s June Legal Hot Topics Webinar to discuss the recent US Supreme Court decision in the case of County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund. The panel will analyze the new “functional equivalence” test for determining whether a discharge is subject to Clean Water Act permitting and address what the decision means for public clean water utilities, the scope of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, and water reuse projects.

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Categories: Webcasts
Jun
11
Thu
Webcast: Control of Unregulated CECs and DBPs in Potable Reuse Projects
Tickets
Jun 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Us!
2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1

Register Now!

Although advanced water purification effectively and efficiently removes pollutants, there is potential for trace levels of unregulated constituents to be present in all treated drinking water. Improvements in analytical instrumentation now allow scientists to measure constituents of emerging concern (CECs) and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) at very low concentrations. Please join us for a discussion of the latest science on the prevalence of CECs and DBPs in water reclamation and water reuse and a framework for monitoring and controlling CECs and DBPs in potable reuse. The presentation will include an in depth overview of effective treatment practices, including source control, unit process removal efficacy, and overall treatment train performance. The guidance and best practices provided will help you ensure that you are incorporating the latest science and technology in your treatment approaches.

Presenters

  • Larry Schimmoller, Global Technology Leader for Water Reuse, Jacobs
  • Eric Dickenson, Water Quality R&D Manager, Southern Nevada Water Authority
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Categories: Webcasts
Jun
17
Wed
WateReuse Pacific Northwest Meeting
Tickets
Jun 17 all-day
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Categories: WateReuse Pacific Northwest
Webcast: Leveraging Digital Water Solutions for Industrial Monitoring and Pretreatment Programs – Improving Enhanced Source Control Programs
Tickets
Jun 17 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join Us!
2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific
WateReuse Members: Free
Others: $49
PDHs: 1
Sponsor: Brown and Caldwell

Register Now!

Early information about the wastewater coming into wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and even into advanced water purification facilities (AWPF) can provide insight into the treatability of that water, offering the opportunity for early notice about operational adjustments to make before that water reaches a treatment facility. This presentation will present a utility’s experience piloting an innovative approach to demonstrate how smart devices and cloud-based data platforms can support monitoring real-time discharges into the wastewater system, improve industrial pretreatment programs and how that approach could be applied to potable reuse applications in the future.

Presenters

  • Tasha King-Davis, City of Memphis
  • Joshua Balentine, Brown and Caldwell
  • Kati Bell, Brown and Caldwell
  • Melanie Holmer, Brown and Caldwell (Moderator)
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Categories: Webcasts
Jun
18
Thu
Orange County Chapter Meeting @ TBD
Tickets
Jun 18 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Read more
Categories: Orange County Chapter WateReuse California
Jun
24
Wed
2020 WateReuse California Virtual Conference
Tickets
Jun 24 – Jul 31 all-day
2020 WateReuse California Virtual Conference

Launching June 24 -25

Don’t Miss the FIRST EVER WateReuse California virtual conference!

Join us for an easy to navigate, virtual conference experience.This is MORE than just a Replacement Event for the March 2020 Conference, this is an opportunity for our community to stand TOGETHER in these unprecedented times to recognize the good work we do and share ideas for the future.

The WateReuse California virtual conference will be available online until July 31, 2020.

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Categories: Conferences Featured WateReuse California
May – June 2020 May – Jun 2020

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