UPDATE TO THE EPA GUIDELINES FOR WATER REUSE

In September 1992, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published “Guidelines for Water Reuse.” The purpose of this document was to describe the variety of reuse practices available, provide an inventory of the state regulations controlling reuse, and give guidance on treatment requirements for various intended uses. Since 1992 there have been significant changes in the field of water reclamation. Therefore, based on these changes, EPA decided to update the manual. In May 2002, EPA contracted with Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM), through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), to update the EPA / United States Agency for International Development (USAID) “Guidelines for Water Reuse” (EPA/625/R-92/004: Sept. 1992).Major efforts associated with revising the EPA guidelines include:Updating the state reuse regulations matrix and adding a list of state contacts.Updating United States Geological Survey (USGS) information on national water use and reuse practices.Expanding coverage of potable reuse issues, emphasizing the results of recent studies and practices associated with using reclaimed water to augment potable supplies.Expanding coverage of reuse projects outside of the United States.Adding case studies in all areas of water reclamation.Expanding the discussion of health issues and treatment technologies applicable to water reclamation.Updating information on economics, rates and project funding mechanisms.As with the 1992 guidelines, a committee, made up of national and international experts in the field of water reclamation and related subjects, will be established to review interim drafts of the new guidelines. Committee members will also provide reference material and original text as part of their efforts. The document is planned for publication in 2004 and will be distributed in both print and CD-ROM formats.