Home\Advocacy\Water Week Recap: Administration and Congressional Leaders Highlight Water Reuse as National Priority

Water Week Recap: Administration and Congressional Leaders Highlight Water Reuse as National Priority

Date: April 11, 2025

Over 700 water sector professionals gathered in Washington, DC this week to take part in the annual National Water Policy Fly-In, organized by the WateReuse Association and other national water sector associations. The event brought together municipal utility leaders, industry representatives, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and elected representatives to discuss federal water policy and programs.

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) delivered remarks emphasizing the need for continued investment in water infrastructure and the role of reuse in addressing supply challenges. Drawing on his experience aboard the International Space Station, Kelly highlighted the importance of recycled water programs. “We should accelerate adoption of new water and wastewater treatment technologies, make it easier and faster to deploy these technologies, and make sure small, rural, and otherwise underserved communities aren’t left behind,” he said. Kelly also reflected on his role in crafting the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and noted that conversations are already underway in the Senate about the next infrastructure bill ahead of the IIJA’s expiration in September 2026.

Left to right: Brian Biesemeyer, Interim Executive Director of WateReuse Association, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and John Kmiec, Director of Tucson Water.

U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) also addressed the need for water reuse funding, highlighting the historic investment of $1 billion for water reuse in the IIJA while recognizing the need for additional investment in the future.

In a panel discussion with directors from four key EPA offices, Tanya Mottley, Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Science and Technology within the Office of Water, underscored the value of water recycling in supporting a range of industrial applications including data center cooling, semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, and oil and gas production. “We’re really excited about opportunities our water reuse program can provide,” she said. Mottley also recognized the five-year anniversary of the Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) and highlighted the State Water Reuse Regulator Summit in Tampa, FL, held in partnership with the WateReuse Association. She reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to advancing water recycling: “We remain committed to breaking down technical, scientific, and financial barriers to water reuse.”

Tanya Mottley (center), Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Science and Technology within the Office of Water, speaks on a panel with other EPA officials.

Jessica Kramer, President Trump’s nominee for Assistant Administrator of the EPA Office of Water, shared her regulatory vision in prepared remarks, emphasizing collaboration with the water sector and the strategic importance of reuse. “Water reuse is going to be vital for powering the great American comeback,” Kramer stated.

Bart Weiss, President of WateReuse Association, with Jessica Kramer, nominee for Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Water.
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