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June 2025

Webinars, Publications and Activities

The EPA Hosts a Webinar Presenting a Framework for Microbial Treatment Targets for Water Reuse

This presentation introduced the EPA’s recent “Risk-Based Framework for Developing Microbial Treatment Targets for Water Reuse” publication, which provides detailed scientific information that state regulators can use to develop their own risk assessments and microbial treatment targets that support safe potable and non-potable water reuse. The framework presents the latest science on pathogen concentrations and treatment targets in common source waters for reuse, including stormwater and municipal wastewater, which eliminates the long and costly step of source water characterization for local reuse projects. It also discusses implementation considerations, key sources of uncertainty and future research needs. (Action 3.1: Compile Existing Fit-for-Purpose Specifications)

WRAP Collaborators Gather at the 2025 American Water Works Association Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE)

AWWA ACE provides a venue for professionals across the water sector to exchange knowledge, sharpen skills and stay up to date on global water challenges and innovations. Under the theme of “elevate,” ACE25 explored technologies and trends contributing to the future of water. Workshop sessions covered topics including infrastructure, water quality and treatment, water utility management and regulatory and legislative landscapes. Several sessions focused on water reuse, including a presentation from the WRAP Action 7.10 team titled “A Deeper Dive Into the Largest Issues in Potable Reuse: The Potable Water Reuse Report.” Sign up to receive these reports!

The World Bank Publishes a Report Advocating Investment in Water Reuse

“Scaling Water Reuse: A Tipping Point for Municipal and Industrial Use” emphasizes the need for widespread investment in fit-for-purpose water reuse practices. Focusing on municipal and industrial reuse, the report outlines key activities — such as creating new markets to encourage private sector investment — to facilitate a shift towards large-scale water reuse programs. Reuse, the report emphasizes, is at a critical tipping point, and collaboration across the public and private sectors can help spur significant growth in global reuse capacity.

The EPA Director of the Office of Wastewater Management Delivers Keynote at Industrial Water Solutions Conference

Hosted by the WateReuse Association and Water Environment Federation in Columbus, Ohio, the Industrial Water Solutions Conference invited business leaders, utility representatives and other water sector professionals to explore industrial reuse strategies. Conference sessions delved into key industrial reuse topics, such as navigating regulatory changes, forging partnerships between industry and utilities and accommodating the water demands associated with artificial intelligence (AI). EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management Director Andrew Sawyers provided a keynote address centered on policy developments, emphasizing how policy can pave the way for water reuse to power the AI revolution. 

Water Reuse Funding and Opportunities

Monterey One Water Amends Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Loan Project Activities

Monterey One Water received a $76 million WIFIA loan in 2023 for the Pure Water Monterey Groundwater Replenishment Project. This project will make improvements to water quality by diverting untreated irrigation water from local waterways and reducing the risk of saltwater intrusion through injection of purified water into the Seaside and Salinas Groundwater Basins. After loan closing, Monterey One Water received additional grant funding, leaving a balance of approximately $50 million of the WIFIA loan that will now be used to complete two additional projects. These two projects will support a robust energy supply, improve electrical reliability and increase use of domestic energy sources. (Action 6.2B: Support and Communicate WIFIA Funding)

The California State Water Resources Control Board Forecasts Water Recycling Funding Under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund

For Fiscal Year 2025-26, the California SWB anticipates making $161.9 million in grant funding available for eligible construction and planning projects under its Water Recycling Funding Program. This opportunity provides up to $15 million in grant funding for construction projects and up to $300,000 for planning projects. Large-Scale Construction projects, which will deliver at least 10,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water when construction is complete, can receive up to $15 million in funding per project phase. Learn more about the application process here. (Action 6.2A: Communicate Eligibility of Water Reuse in SRF Programs)

Apply to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Broad Agency Announcement

The USACE Engineer Research and Development Center is accepting applications for various research and development topic areas that may include water reuse projects. Key fields of research include water quality, engineering processes and infrastructure and environmental issues for installations. Pre-proposals must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

The EPA Announces Fiscal Year 2025 Allotments for the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant Program

The EC-SDC grant program focuses on projects in which the primary purpose is to address the challenges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and emerging contaminants in drinking water. Water reuse-related projects that may be eligible for the $945,700,000 in FY 2025 funding include constructing and upgrading treatment facilities, conducting alternatives analyses and creating and updating source water protection plans. States and territories can apply for EC-SDC funding later this year.

The Bureau of Reclamation Invests $33 Million in 14 Drought Resiliency Projects, Including Water Reuse

Reclamation’s WaterSMART Drought Response program provides a framework for federal leadership and assistance to secure water supplies for future generations. Projects aim to increase the reliability of water supplies through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts. Several water reuse projects received FY 2025 grant funding, such as the City of San Clemente’s Recycled Water Quality Improvement Construction Project, which will receive $3 million to enhance its recycled water program.

Submit a Proposal to Google’s Water Infrastructure Funding Opportunity

As part of its goal to replenish more water than it consumes by 2030, Google is accepting proposals for its Water Efficiency and Quality: Infrastructure Projects — Request for Information (RFI). Priority areas for this RFI include treated wastewater reuse, groundwater recharge and aquifer replenishment. Proposals must be submitted by September 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).