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September 2025

Publications, Webinars and Events

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) Releases Interactive Case Study Map

WEF’s new interactive map spotlights projects across the globe that support a circular water economy, including several water reuse case studies. Users can explore an ever-expanding index of projects demonstrating WEF’s three key circular water management strategies: reduce, recover and regenerate. (Action 4.11: Accelerate the Circular Water Economy Through Innovation)

The EPA Presents Risk-Based Approaches to Water Reuse Treatment in WateReuse Ohio Webinar

In “A Risk-Based Approach to Water Reuse,” EPA’s Office of Research and Development discussed frameworks to inform microbial and chemical treatment targets for water reuse projects. The presentation focused on how to leverage risk models to enhance treatment system design and assess system performance, drawing on information from the EPA’s recent publication: Risk-Based Framework for Developing Microbial Treatment Targets for Water Reuse. (Action 3.1: Compile Existing Fit-for-Purpose Specifications)

NMPWRC Hosts Webinar on Agricultural Reuse of Produced Water  

Produced water, generated by oil and gas production operations, can be treated and reused for irrigation, dust suppression and other useful applications. The latest webinar in the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium’s (NMPWRC) monthly series shared findings from a recent study on the use of treated produced water for agricultural irrigation in the Permian Basin. Presenters discussed produced water treatment processes, soil and crop health impacts, and future research needs. Watch other webinars here. (Action 4.2: Implement NMPWRC)

Latest Issue of Water Environment & Technology (WE&T) Highlights Progress on Produced Water Reuse in Texas

The September 2025 issue of WE&T Operations & Engineering discusses recent regulatory progress in Texas related to produced water reuse. The article also describes New Mexico’s approach to using produced water reuse as a resource management strategy.

WEF, Amazon, Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania and Leading Utilities of the World Announce Formation of the Water-AI (Artificial Intelligence) Nexus Center of Excellence

The Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence will foster collaboration between utilities, industry and academia to address water usage demands from AI infrastructure. This new initiative will also leverage AI to tackle water resource management challenges, aiming to accelerate innovation while ensuring reliable water supplies for communities worldwide.

Water Reuse Funding and Opportunities

The Water Research Foundation Announces $3.4 Million in Funding for 14 Research Projects, including Two Water Reuse Efforts

WRF’s Research Priority Program is seeking proposals for 14 new research projects, including two projects to assess alternative water system and data center impacts. “Framework for Assessing Alternative Water Systems: Economic, Environmental, and Social Aspects” (Project 5368) will support research on the effects and feasibility of municipal wastewater reuse, while “Data Centers: Understanding Economic Considerations and Opportunities for Water and Wastewater Utilities” (Project 5367) will explore the economic and infrastructural impacts of data centers. Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (MT).

Join the Annual State Revolving Fund (SRF) Workshop

The Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) will host its annual workshop on Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs from October 18-22, 2025, in New Orleans, LA. This year’s workshop, themed “Flow & Harmony: Advancing SRFs Through Community and Innovation,” will focus on current and future developments in SRFs. (Action 6.2A: Communicate Eligibility of Water Reuse in SRF Programs)

State Updates

New Law Permits Illinois Water District to Sell Recycled Water

Previously only permitted to sell recycled water and receive wastewater from within Bloomington’s city limits, the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District can now sell to and receive from private entities within a 50-mile radius. This law expands opportunities for industrial reuse in Illinois while increasing the reliability of local water supplies.

Texas Passes Bill Creating Credits for Water Conservation and Reuse Projects

Senate Bill 14 of Texas’s 89th Legislature requires that developers of projects involving water reuse, conservation or savings be issued credits against water and wastewater impact fees. This new law, effective January 1, 2026, will help make water reuse more economically feasible and drive the development of water conservation projects across the state.