Clean Water Current

NACWA participated in a workshop, Creating the Space to Innovate, August 1 – 2, which explored policy and regulatory changes needed to implement new technologies for wastewater utilities.  The event was sponsored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WE&RF).

Among the participating Association members were representatives from Clean Water Services (OR), DC Water, Orange County Sanitation District (CA), and Alexandria Renew Enterprises (VA).  The workshop focused on several processes including: enhancing energy production through co-digestion, increasing water supplies through capture and reuse, reclaiming nutrients from wastewater, and managing nutrients holistically. During discussions on these processes, the reduction of risk for utilities and removal of any institutional barriers were main talking points.

NACWA has advocated vigorously for utility innovation through the Utility of the Future initiative, achieving successes that include securing a pathway from EPA for nutrient and other resource recovery.  NACWA will continue to work with WEF and WE&RF to further increase the opportunities for innovation and adoption of new technologies by clean water agencies.