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December 2024

Events, Publications and Awards

The EPA Publishes Report on Accelerating Water Reuse and Innovation in Wastewater Management. In 2023, the EPA organized an expert workshop in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University to discuss and validate a new permitting framework for supporting water reuse and innovation in wastewater management. The report, A Framework for Permitting Innovation in the Wastewater Sector, details the results of this workshop and key actions that permitting authorities and utilities can take to advance innovative efforts, particularly water reuse. (Action 2.19: Advance Strategies for Permitting Innovative Wastewater Management Practices and Water Reuse) 

The EPA Water Reuse Program Publishes a Potable Water Reuse and Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Q&A Document. After six PFAS chemicals were regulated in drinking water earlier this year, it led to a lot of questions on how the regulation may impact water reuse. This brief document answers some frequently asked questions, including those on source control and treatment. Understanding PFAS sources and removal options can help potable reuse systems develop programs to ensure the protection of public health. (Action 3.7: Develop Papers on Emerging Public Health Topics in Reuse)

The ReWater Center Publishes Potable Water Reuse Report on Pathogen Reduction Crediting. The newest issue of the Potable Water Reuse Report explores pathogen crediting frameworks, which ensure that treatment systems effectively remove pathogens and safeguard public health. “Pathogen Reduction Crediting: It’s not what you can remove, it’s what you can prove” describes how treatment facilities determine pathogen reduction, compares different crediting frameworks and presents recommendations for their improvement. Sign up to receive these reports! (Action 7.10: Implement the DoD-funded Water Reuse Consortium for Water Resiliency at Military and Municipal Facilities)

Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Receive 2024 Global Industrial Water Reuse Champion Awards. The Global Industrial Water Reuse Champion Award recognizes Fortune 1000 companies achieving excellence through their leadership in water reuse and recycling. This year, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft were named winners at the International Desalination and Reuse Association World Congress in Abu Dhabi. Both companies have reached significant water management goals and are on track to considerably expand their reuse programs by 2030, particularly through the integration of water recycling into data center operations. (Action 8.4: Establish a Water Reuse Champion Award Program)

The Water Services Association of Australia and WateReuse Association Publish Global Potable Reuse Map. The Global Connections map, developed by WSAA and WateReuse, identifies indirect and direct potable reuse projects across the globe. The tool includes projects in their operational, construction, planning or exploratory stages, providing a detailed view of the state of potable reuse around the world. Check out projects like the Parañaque NEW WATER Treatment Plant — the Philippines’ first potable reuse project.

Independent Advisory Panel Established to Create Single-Family Water Reuse Applications Report. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) established an Independent Advisory Panel to consider public health, treatment needs and best management practices for treating water onsite for reuse at the single-family dwelling scale. Join a webinar on January 16 to learn more about the findings and recommendations. 

Water Reuse Funding

Apply to the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Applied Science Grant Program. Reclamation is currently accepting applications for its “WaterSMART Applied Science Grants.” The program offers funding for applicants aiming to develop water management tools and support nature-based solutions, including water reuse projects. Projects outcomes will assist water management efforts by enhancing water supply reliability, providing operational flexibility and advancing nature-based solutions. First-round applications must be submitted by March 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (MT).

State Update

Florida Environmental Regulation Commission Approves New Potable Reuse Rules. The potable reuse rules developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were unanimously approved by the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission during a hearing on December 13. The potable reuse rules establish a legal framework for direct and indirect potable reuse implementation in Florida, including planned deliveries or discharges to groundwaters and surface waters intended to be utilized as potable sources.