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November 2024

Events, Publications and Webinars

The EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Delivers Keynote Speech at the WateReuse Industrial Reuse Conference. The Industrial Reuse Conference in Palm Springs emphasized partnerships between utilities and industry, navigating policy challenges and measuring water recycling successes. In his inspiring keynote, Bruno Pigott, the EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, highlighted the EPA’s Water Reuse Program, WRAP and Water Reuse Interagency Working Group. He also conveyed how water reuse can be a solution to various challenges: “with water reuse, we have a chance to create economic growth, reduce water rates, protect green space and more.”

EPA’s Bruno Pigott at the Industrial Reuse Conference. Photo credit: Paul Sciuto, Monterey One Water.

Study from the EPA’s Environmental Financial Advisory Board finds that a Tax Incentive for Water Reuse can have Public Benefits. In November, the EPA’s EFAB Water Reuse Workgroup completed an assessment of the potential public benefit of an industrial reuse investment tax credit at the direction of Congress. This study—the outcome of a public Listening Session and regular Workgroup meetings—presents their recommendations to Congress on the development of an investment tax credit focused on both onsite reuse and centralized reuse using treated municipal wastewater. The study identifies the different factors and externalities that should be considered when structuring a potential tax credit. (Action 6.6: Study the Public Benefit of a Potential Water Reuse Tax Credit)

New Update from the Federal Water Reuse Interagency Working Group Highlights Key Accomplishments. The Working Group coordinates across the federal government to advance water reuse. Check out recent accomplishments of the 15 member agencies, which includes over $6 billion in reuse infrastructure funding, $225 million in federal reuse research awards and a variety of publications that provide technical information and bolster public perception. The update is a succinct companion document to the Working Group’s Report to Congress.

The Water Research Foundation Publishes Report on Stormwater Capture and Use. A new Water Research Foundation report, “Diversifying Water Portfolios through Stormwater Capture and Use: Contributing to a Water Resilient Future,” addresses obstacles to SCU implementation across multiple geographic scales. With an emphasis on the drought-affected states of the western U.S., this report provides guidance for quantifying SCU volumes and characterizing its benefits. This effort builds on WRAP Action 3.3, where finding solutions to western water rights challenges was identified as a critical need. (Action 5.8: Evaluate Stormwater Capture and Use in Colorado)

Water Research Foundation Publishes Onsite and Distributed Water Reuse Systems Factsheet. Demand is growing for onsite and distributed water reuse systems, which collect and treat water near the point of generation for multiple applications. WRF, in partnership with Columbia University, the Pacific Institute and the Water Environment Federation, developed a factsheet presenting the results of WRF Project 5040: “Successful Implementation of Onsite and Distributed Water Reuse Systems.” This factsheet details motivations, guidance, case studies and research needs for implementation.

Infrastructure Funding

The Bureau of Reclamation Announces $125 Million Investment for Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects. Reclamation announced a $125 million investment in five water reuse projects to create new water sources and improve drought resiliency across California and Utah. These investments are part of the Large-Scale Water Recycling Program, which supports water conservation projects that help communities develop local, drought-resistant water supplies by turning unusable water sources into clean, reliable ones. (Action 6.5: Develop Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Reuse Funding Opportunity)

Apply to Reclamation's WaterSMART Water Conservation Field Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025. Reclamation is currently accepting applications for its “Water Conservation Field Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025.” The program offers funding for applicants seeking to develop water conservation and management plans, design water management improvements and enhance understanding of water conservation techniques through demonstration activities. Applications must be submitted by February 3, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (PST). 

Apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fiscal Year 2024 Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current. The Flood Mitigation Assistance Swift Current grant program is accepting applications for flood hazard risk mitigation projects that enhance community flood resilience—such as water reuse efforts. This program aims to reduce or eliminate the flood risk to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)-participating communities and NFIP-insured structures by enhancing community flood resilience and decreasing the risk of repetitive flood damage. Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026.