Recent and Upcoming Water Reuse Activities
Recent Releases
Updated October 2026
EPA Launches G20 Initiative to Advance Water Security
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin launched the G20 Water Reuse Initiative, advancing a shared framework for expanding the safe reuse of treated water as demand from industry, agriculture and energy production continues to rise. The initiative is built on a technology-neutral, “fit-for-purpose” approach — treating water to the quality its intended use requires — rather than requiring every application to meet a single standard.
The WateReuse Association Releases a Guide for States Developing Water Reuse Regulations
Developing Water Reuse Regulations: A State-Level Guide supports states developing or revising water reuse regulations for a variety of end-use applications. It offers a framework to guide the regulatory development process and includes state rulemaking case studies among other helpful resources.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Publishes Report on PFAS Treatment
A new white paper from the U.S. Chamber explores treatment technologies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and policy solutions to help support their adoption. “PFAS Treatment Technologies & Policy Outlook” calls for voluntary approaches to promote industrial water reuse to reduce PFAS in the environment.
USDA-NRCS Proposes New Water Reuse Conservation Practice Standard
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is requesting comments on the National Handbook of Conservation Practices used by state conservationists nationwide. The proposed revisions include a new standard, On-Farm Recharge (Code 641), which establishes criteria to support groundwater recharge on cropland. (Action 2.12: Leverage Existing USDA Programs for Consideration of Agricultural Water Reuse)
Water Reuse Funding Awards and Opportunities
The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program accelerates investment in critical water infrastructure projects by providing long-term, low-cost financing to water and wastewater systems. This $251 million loan will help the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Public Financing Authority in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California, make improvements to several drinking water treatment plants. These projects will advance water reuse technologies to help address aging infrastructure, increase capacity to meet the community’s current and future water demands, and strengthen resilience to droughts and wildfires. (Action 6.2B: Support and Communicate WIFIA Funding)
Topics Released for Upcoming EPA SBIR 2026 Phase I Solicitation
EPA’s 2026 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I solicitation supports eligible small businesses in the development and commercialization of innovative environmental technologies. EPA is calling for American small businesses to apply for Phase I awards of up to $100,000 to demonstrate proof of concept of technologies responsive to one of this year’s SBIR solicitation topics, which include monitoring technologies for water reuse. Following Phase I, successful awardees may apply to receive up to $400,000 in Phase II funding. Applications must be submitted by November 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET). (Action 7.5: Coordinate and Promote Water Reuse Technology in Federal SBIR Programs)
EPA Announces $10.8 Million in Available Grant Funding to Strengthen Water Sector Workforce
EPA announced the availability of $10.8 million in grant funding to support training for workers in the water sector. The water workforce plays a key role in treating our nation’s drinking water and providing wastewater services that protect human health and the environment. The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program provides access to workforce opportunities and builds career pipelines in the water sector. It also supports collaboration among federal, state and local governments as well as institutions of higher education, apprentice programs, labor organizations, high schools and other community-based organizations.
DOE's National Alliance for Water Innovation Seeks Proposals for Industrial Water Reuse Technologies
NAWI issued an RFP to accelerate the development and demonstration of affordable, innovative, onsite water-reuse systems and improve the safety, security, and affordability of America’s water supply. This $12 million RFP targets three high-priority, non-traditional water sources at U.S. industrial sites: cooling water, process and rinse water, and wastewater treatment effluent. Interested applicants must submit a concept paper by September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT to be eligible to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due by November 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT. View additional information on the RFP. (Action 4.10: Advance Reuse and Desalination Technologies through the Second Phase of NAWI)
In Case You Missed It
Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and leading organizations for an interactive webinar series designed to explore the evolving landscape of industrial water reuse. The series is organized into three sections: (1) Foundational Principles of Industrial Water Reduction and Reuse, (2) Identifying and Implementing Water Reuse Projects Across Industry Sectors, and (3) Strategies for Financing and Implementation. The first webinar, Seven Guidelines for Industrial Water Reuse, explored guidelines to help decision-makers assess the potential for water reuse in their facilities. The second webinar, Mapping Your Path Toward Water Reuse, will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd. Check out the full series schedule!
To advance water reuse, a robust, adaptable research strategy is needed to answer the scientific questions that underpin important policy decisions. The Water Research Foundation (WRF)’s report, Developing a Coordinated National Research Strategy on Water Reuse, aims to guide research decision-making by helping identify crucial projects and address knowledge gaps. (Action 7.2: Develop a Coordinated National Research Strategy)
This issue of the Potable Water Reuse Report explores the benefits and limitations of total organic carbon monitoring as a chemical control strategy for potable water reuse. Sign up to receive these reports! (Action 7.10: Implement the DoW-funded Water Reuse Consortium for Water Resiliency at Military and Municipal Facilities)
This report describes how automated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) monitoring can be used to verify the performance of distributed water reuse systems in near-real time, ultimately helping detect treatment process failures and facilitate decision-making during operations.
EPA convened a roundtable on the water workforce to discuss how to help recruit and retain individuals into meaningful careers in water, including water reuse, and identify opportunities for the EPA to help reduce barriers. This engagement will inform EPA’s efforts to revitalize the 2020 Water Workforce Initiative and create an online toolbox with resources that water systems, states and technical assistance providers can use to improve recruiting, development and retention.
This brochure from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development mission area highlights funding opportunities for water reuse and drought resilience projects. The publication describes eligible projects under a variety of USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs. (Action 6.7: Increase Awareness of USDA Rural Development Funding for Water Reuse)
This Congressional Research Service report outlines and answers common questions about how data centers consume and discharge water. The publication also highlights the role of water reuse in supporting data center operations.
This Congressional Research Service publication summarizes federal projects and programs that support wastewater, drinking water and water supply infrastructure, including water reuse initiatives.
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This page is updated frequently. If you’re looking for previously posted content that is no longer here (e.g., a past webinar, published report), you may be able to find it in our Water Reuse Information Library or Curated Topical Reuse Resources page. The latest entry on the Topical Resources page spotlights onsite non-potable reuse.
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