The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released a draft National Water Reuse Action Plan that identifies priority actions and the leadership and collaboration that is needed between governmental and non-governmental organizations to implement these actions. Water reuse represents a major opportunity to support our nation’s communities and economy by bolstering safe and reliable water supplies for human consumption, agriculture, business, industry, recreation and healthy ecosystems.
“Forty states anticipate experiencing fresh water shortages in certain regions within their borders over the next decade,” said David Ross, USEPA Assistant Administrator for Water. “Diversifying our nation’s water portfolio must be a nationwide priority, and water reuse has the potential to ensure the viability of our water economy for generations to come.”
The draft plan incorporates Federal, State, Tribal and local water perspectives and highlights key actions that support consideration and implementation of water reuse. The USEPA says its goal is to issue a final plan that will include clear commitments and milestones for actions that will further water reuse to bolster the sustainability, security, and resilience of the nation’s water resources.
USEPA seeks to collaborate with all stakeholder groups on this plan and is soliciting public input via the Federal Register by December 16, 2019. For more information, including opportunities to engage with USEPA on this effort, click here.