The WateReuse Foundation showcased the results of "cutting edge" research during the 13th Annual Water Reuse & Desalination Research Conference held at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, CA on May 18-19.
The conference included more than 25 presentations in a "single track" program, providing a focused and unique opportunity for attendees to learn about new developments and trends emerging from current and ongoing research.
Jeff Kightlinger, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California, delivered the keynote address. MWD is a consortium of 26 cities and water districts that provide water to nearly 19 million people.
"Metropolitan is doing its best to make water reuse a reality," Kightlinger said.
Other opening session speakers provided overviews of ongoing and future research needs. Audrey Levine, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Program Director for Drinking Water, discussed EPA's role in water reuse research. Chris Rayburn, Director of Research Management for the Water Research Foundation, provided an overview of strategic initiatives and research results related to endocrine disrupting compounds and pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
David Moore, WateReuse Foundation President and General Manager of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, made opening remarks and welcomed nearly 200 attendees to the conference.
The conference also included presentations on water quality, advanced oxidation processes, pathogens, groundwater recharge, treatment technologies, emerging contaminants, and membrane fouling. The presentations focused on research that is likely to generate scientific breakthroughs.
One of the highlights of the conference was a luncheon presentation on green power applications in water reuse and desalination projects in Australia. Adam Lovell, of the Water Services Association of Australia, described projects that have achieved a reduced carbon footprint by using more environmentally friendly energy applications.
Conference participants were also given the opportunity to tour the Orange County Water District's Groundwater Replenishment System, which injects purified recycled water into the groundwater basin where it mixes with the drinking water supply.
The Foundation is planning an equally strong conference next year. The 14th Annual Water Reuse and Desalination Research Conference will be held May 24-25, 2010 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL.