The WateReuse Association (WateReuse) is heading up a new project to create a State Regulatory Guide that will offer recommendations to members and other stakeholders on developing and implementing state-level water reuse rules, regulations and standards.
The guide, expected by May 2026, will offer recommendations on creating regulations across agriculture and irrigation, onsite, industrial non-potable and potable water reuse.
“As our membership expands into states with limited or undefined regulations, we are committed to helping develop clear and effective policies that account for their unique drivers and regulatory landscapes,” said WateReuse Executive Director Bruno Pigott. “We are proud to lead this effort to ensure science-based and health-protective rules across the country.”
According to the association, water reuse is becoming more essential than ever to facilitate economic growth while ensuring a long-term, resilient water supply. States such as South Carolina, Ohio, Illinois and Kansas are facing greater industrial water demand, population growth and declining aquifer levels.
WateReuse said its efforts to support the development of standards across new states will help overcome policy gaps and scale up water reuse infrastructure.
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“As new industries come to Illinois, we are eager to ensure that they are able to contribute to the economic growth of our region while preserving our precious freshwater resources,” added WateReuse Illinois President Tim Gualandri. “This resource will streamline our efforts to create clear and comprehensive regulations in the State of Illinois.”
Brown and Caldwell and Hazen & Sawyer have been selected to create the guide. The approximately 50-page document will consist of three primary components: understanding rule-making approaches and stakeholders, phases of regulatory development, and building blocks of regulations. The guide is expected to be completed by May 2026.
The guide is being developed as a collaborative effort between funding partners American Water Works Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and the Water Environment Federation.
Sources: WateReuse, Brown and Caldwell
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