Washington Update
Senate Committee Advances Funding for Water Recycling
Department of Energy Selects National Alliance for Water Innovation to Lead Energy-Water Desalination Hub
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
Webcast
2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern ; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Fee: WateReue & AWE Members: Free; Others: $49
PDHs:Â 1
Can onsite water reuse systems be successfully integrated with a community’s centralized treatment system? New legislation is being adopted around the country to remove barriers to onsite water reuse and communities like San Francisco are leading the way in demonstrating how onsite non-potable water systems can supplement centralized treatment and extend water supplies. This presentation will discuss important lessons learned in San Francisco, which has been requiring onsite water reuse in new large developments for seven years. You will also learn how model legislation developed by the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems is being adopted across the country to encourage the use of alternative water supplies. The presentation will also provide a preview of the National Blue Ribbon Commission’s new training manual for onsite reuse, which will be released in early 2020, and discuss future research priorities aimed at advancing more widespread adoption of onsite non-potable water systems.
Moderator:
Mary Ann Dickinson
President and CEO
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Presenter:
Paula Kehoe
Director of Water Resources
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
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Webcast
2:00 – 3:00 pm Eastern ; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Fee: Members: Free; Others: $49
PDHs:Â 1
Congress enters 2020 with the next Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in its sights. Hearings and discussions have begun in earnest within the committees of jurisdiction in both the House and Senate. A number of important bills that were introduced or debated in 2019 may see further consideration in 2020 in the context of development of the next WRDA. At the same time, the Trump Administration will release its FY 2021 budget request as early as February, prompting Congress to launch the FY 2021 appropriations cycle.
Please join us January 8 at 2 p.m. ET for a webcast with Washington insiders to examine what’s on the congressional agenda for 2020 and how you can position your utility or company to have a voice at the table. Top Washington water sector lobbyists will discuss the status of key legislation and explain the opportunities to advance a water reuse policy agenda. Whether you plan to travel to Washington for Water Week in the Spring or are just interested in what to expect from Congress in 2020, this webcast will be a national advocacy primer for water professionals.
Presenters
Moderator:
Greg Fogel, Policy Director, WateReuse Association
Mia O’Connell, President, O’Connell & Dempsey, LLC
Mia’s focus for three decades has been in the water resource and environment arenas. Mia has focused her efforts for her public agency and water clients on Corps of Engineers, EPA and Department of Interior projects. Mia works with the Corps in the flood protection, ecosystem restoration, navigation and water supply areas.
Geoff Bowman, Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates
Having spent large parts of two decades as a staff member on the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Geoff Bowman offers clients an insider’s perspective on the policy, players, and politics involved in those issues.
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The Annual WateReuse California Conference brings together utilities, businesses, policymakers, and large water users from across the state to examine the latest issues and technologies in water recycling.
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Mark your calendars for May 19-20, 2020 for the WateReuse Pacific Northwest annual conference. This year’s conference will be held at King County’s Brightwater Center, an environmental education and event center located on the Brightwater Treatment Plant campus. An impressive conference program is being planned featuring innovative reuse projects, research, education and community outreach, new regulatory directions and an operator session tailored to reuse facility operations.
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