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The EPA Announces 2024 National Priority Funding Opportunity: Occurrence and Implications of De Facto Water Reuse on Drinking Water Supplies. Throughout the nation, drinking water supplies of many communities are directly influenced by the presence of treated municipal wastewater through the process of “de facto water reuse,” where a drinking water supply contains a significant fraction of wastewater effluent, typically from upstream wastewater discharges. De facto reuse is a common practice, but additional research is needed to better understand potential human health risks and the interventions needed to mitigate those risks. This funding opportunity solicits innovative research to address the knowledge gaps on the impact, risk and mitigation of de facto reuse in drinking water sources across the United States. Interested applicants can register here for the informational webinar on July 11. (Action 7.12: Research De Facto Water Reuse: Grant Award)
The Federal Water Reuse Interagency Working Group Hosts Webinar on Federal Funding Programs Available for Water Reuse. Various federal infrastructure funding programs support community and state water management and infrastructure funding needs, including water reuse. In this webinar recording, representatives from across the federal government discussed their funding programs, application requirements and examples of previous water reuse projects funded under those programs. The slide deck is available here. A second webinar will be held later this year. (Action 6.1: Compile Federal Funding Sources and Develop Interagency Decision Tool)
The EPA Releases Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Funding Topics. The EPA is accepting proposals from small businesses for Phase I SBIR awards of up to $100,000 to demonstrate proof of concept for specific topics, including nature-based solutions for water reuse. This opportunity closes on August 21, 2024. More information is available in the informational webinar slides and Q&A document, which are available here. (Action 7.5: Coordinate and Promote Water Reuse Technology in Federal SBIR Programs)
The EPA Releases Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Allotments and Clarifies Reuse Eligibility. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law appropriates $1 billion over five years (Fiscal Years 2022-2026) to the CWSRF specifically to address emerging contaminants (ECs) in wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint source pollution. These funds are available entirely as grants or forgivable loans. To learn whether your particular water reuse project is eligible for CWSRF EC funding, contact your CWSRF program.
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CWSRF Eligibility: Water recycling projects are eligible under 603(c)(9) for reuse of wastewater, stormwater or subsurface drainage water.
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EC Eligibility: Projects must address an already identified EC. ECs are contaminants that do not have water quality criteria established by the EPA under CWA section 304(a), except for Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Nutrients (e.g., ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus), certain organics and certain metals are not considered ECs.
The Administration's Investing in America Agenda Provides $142 Million for Drought Resilience and Water Supply Projects. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is expected to provide 40,000 acre-feet of recycled water annually, supporting 160,000 people per year. About $85 million from the investment will be distributed to six water reuse projects in California, Hawaii, Kansas, Nevada and Texas. The funding can be utilized for water recycling facility planning, design and construction in partnership with local governments.
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