WateReuse Association members are part of a dynamic network whose focus is on the development of water reuse and desalination projects. The Association has four strategic initiatives — advocacy, education and outreach, research, and organization and membership. In each of these initiatives, the Association provides benefits for its members. Some of the benefits that accrue to member organizations follow:
Advocacy
- Federal Advocacy Initiatives — WateReuse has a strong federal advocacy program. The Association lobbies for funding support for reuse research and local water reuse and desalination projects. WateReuse tracks relevant water legislation, supports bills important to members, and maintains close contact with Congress and federal agencies.
- State Legislative and Regulatory Support — The Association's California Section works to secure grant and loan funding for local reuse projects, obtain research funding, and remove barriers to reuse. WateReuse is prepared to assist other states with advocacy activities related to legislation, regulations, funding for local projects, and removal of barriers to water reuse and desalination.
Education
- www.WateReuse.org — the Association's website provides information on current events, conferences, research, membership, links to relevant websites, and more.
- Water Reuse News — an informative and timely newsletter distributed via e-mail that covers the latest news on water reuse and desalination.
- WateReuse Update - a quarterly newsletter containing news on industry events, legislation and regulations, and projects and initiatives on water reuse and desalination from around the world.
- Annual WateReuse Symposium — the only national conference devoted exclusively to water reuse and desalination. The Symposium features prominent speakers who present the latest information on applications, technologies, health and safety, funding, and legislative and regulatory activities.
- Outreach and Communication — WateReuse communicates the value of water reuse and desalination to community leaders and the public by conducting research on public perception, ensuring that regulations are written to protect public health and the environment, and serving as a resource for local decision-makers.
- Products — WateReuse develops brochures, reports, and other outreach products for use by its members. Examples include two case studies documents highlighting successful reuse projects and making available a national national database of water reuse facilities that is currently under development.
Research
- WateReuse Foundation — the Foundation is the research arm of the Association. The mission of the Foundation is to conduct and promote applied research on water reclamation, recycling, reuse, and desalination.
- Water Reuse and Desalination Research — research sponsored by the WateReuse Foundation advances the science of water reuse through the sponsorship of "leading edge," applied research; the Foundation's growing and robust research program supports the Association's commitment to providing high-quality water, protecting public health, and improving the environment.
Organization
- State Sections — WateReuse sections complement the national organization with their ability to focus on unique legislative, regulatory, and funding issues in a given state.
- Committees — WateReuse's active committee structure allows members to collaborate on key issues of common interest. Committee participation offers the rewarding experience of being on the "cutting edge" of national water reuse and desalination initiatives.
- Strategic Alliances and Partnerships — to leverage the resources within the Association, WateReuse partners on initiatives with other associations such as the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation. WateReuse also works closely with federal agencies, including the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. EPA, and Department of Energy.
A National Organization with Local Benefits
In response to the growth of water reuse, the WateReuse Association became a national organization in 2000. The Association is headquartered in the Washington D.C. area and employs a full-time professional staff. A presence in the nation's capitol is critical for ensuring that water reuse receives attention and funding from the federal government commensurate with its impact, benefits, and value. The Association's national scope, combined with programs and investments that create local benefits, makes WateReuse a leader in ensuring the future reliability, quality, and safety of local water supplies.