Over one-third of the US$ 6 million required to conduct necessary research on direct potable reuse (DPR) of wastewater in California has been raised, according to the WateReuse Research Foundation’s December newsletter.
The foundation and WateReuse California launched the initiative to help California meet its legislative and state-mandated water-reuse goals by 2016. It will seek to advance DPR by working with the California Department of Public Health, local boards and consumer groups.
The money pledged so far has come from water agencies, consulting engineers and equipment manufacturers.
At least US$ 100,000 each has been pledged by the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Orange County Water District, West Basin Municipal Water District and Santa Clara Valley Water District. Seven South Orange County districts have banded together to jointly pledge US$ 140,000.
MWH Global, CH2M Hill and Suez Environnement have each pledged US$ 250,000, with Carollo promising US$ 150,000 and Trussell Technologies US$ 25,000. Manufacturer Trojan UV has also pledged US$ 250,000.
The money will be used to conduct the necessary scientific research that will guide DPR solutions, in tandem with education and advocacy efforts that foster greater adoption of this form of water supply.
· WateReuse also announced that American Water has pledged US$ 500,000 over four years to the WateReuse Research Foundation to help fund its refocused research agenda and to foster greater collaborative efforts among water organizations. Dr Mark LeChevallier, director of innovation and environmental stewardship at American Water, is chair of the foundation’s Research Advisory Committee.