WE&RF and Brown and Caldwell Partner to Further Potable Reuse Research
WALNUT CREEK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The adoption of potable reuse and the ability to improve water supply
reliability is poised to accelerate, as the Water Environment and Reuse
Foundation (WE&RF) brings on more partners to help fund research through
its newly launched Advancing Potable Reuse Initiative.
In addition to $4.5 million that WE&RF was recently awarded from the
California State Water Resources Control Board, water utilities,
consulting firms, and other partners are stepping up to make monetary
donations and in-kind contributions.
Brown and Caldwell, a leading environmental engineering and construction
firm, made a $100,000 contribution in September to support the
Initiative’s goal of establishing potable reuse as a solution to the
nation’s water supply challenges and as a reliable and sustainable
component of integrated water management.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to help make this research possible
and advance potable reuse in the U.S.” said Melissa Meeker, WE&RF CEO.
“It is through the contributions of the water reuse community that we
will achieve our goal of advancing potable reuse across the country.
Brown and Caldwell is one of the first major contributors to this
Initiative, and their commitment shows tremendous leadership. It is
greatly appreciated.”
The Advancing Potable Reuse Initiative will build on WE&RF’s existing
water reuse research portfolio and will help policymakers and the public
understand the science, economic value, and environmental benefits of
recycled water and potable reuse. Under the Initiative, WE&RF proposes
raising $4 million in matching funds to address questions in states
across the U.S. that are developing potable reuse regulations and/or
implementing projects.
Potable reuse programs are currently underway in a number of states,
including California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, New Mexico,
Colorado, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Georgia. Many of these
states are considering groundwater replenishment and/or surface water
augmentation with recycled water for the first time. In addition, there
is strong interest in the potential for direct potable reuse.
“This initiative will have far-reaching benefits not only in California,
a state greatly in need of alternative water supply solutions, but in
other regions, as well,” said Wendy Broley, Brown and Caldwell water
reuse leader. “Collectively, we can make significant strides towards
helping communities adapt to water shortages, make their systems more
resilient, and diversify water portfolios while reducing environmental
impacts.”
The research recommendations put forth by the State Water Board include
conducting a literature review on potential health risks of contaminants
of emerging concern (CEC) likely to be present in recycled water,
improving monitoring of pathogens in raw wastewater, and developing
comprehensive analytical methods to identify unknown compounds.
“We are excited to support WE&RF on this work that will have widespread
beneficial impacts to the water community,” Broley said. “We take great
pride in partnering with industry research organizations like WE&RF,
utilities, and regulatory agencies to advance the state of the science
and develop practical tools that help advance the industry as a whole.”
WE&RF is also a founding member of WaterXchange.org,
a non-profit organization and industry-specific social networking site
conceived and developed by Brown and Caldwell. WaterXchange was designed
to help utilities, associations, and research organizations better
connect and collaborate online. WE&RF plans to share the results of its
research on important industry topics, including this potable reuse
study, on the WaterXchange and other channels.
About Brown and Caldwell
Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a
full-service environmental engineering and construction firm with 45
offices and 1,500+ professionals across the country. For more than 60
years, our creative solutions have helped scores of municipal, federal
and private agencies successfully overcome their most challenging water
and environmental obstacles. As an employee-owned company, Brown and
Caldwell is passionate about meeting our clients’ needs and making a
difference for our environment and communities. For more information,
visit www.brownandcaldwell.com.
About WE&RF
The Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit
organization, funds research, pilot projects, and technology
demonstrations that maximize the value of water, including wastewater,
stormwater, and other water sources. WE&RF is recognized worldwide as a
trusted source of innovation and peer-reviewed research in wastewater,
water reuse, and resource recovery. www.werf.org
Contacts
Brown and Caldwell
Diana Leonard, 925-210-2216
[email protected]
www.brownandcaldwell.com
or
Water
Environment & Reuse Foundation
Carrie Capuco, 571-384-2097
[email protected]
