From patchwork to progress: advancing water reuse regulations

In this episode Talking Under Water host Mandy Crispin discusses the upcoming water reuse regulatory guide, an effort led by the Water Reuse Association to help states develop or modernize water reuse regulations. Joined by Bruno Pigott, executive director of the association, and Tricia Kilgore of Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority, the conversation explores why the guide was created and how it can help states navigate the often complex process of adopting reuse regulations. The guests explain that water reuse regulations vary widely across the United States, creating challenges for communities looking to expand reuse programs. Drawing from lessons learned during rulemaking efforts across multiple states, the guide provides flexible pathways that can be adapted to existing legal and regulatory frameworks rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach. Kilgore shares South Carolina's experience pursuing expanded reuse opportunities and discusses how treated effluent should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a waste product. The discussion also examines the importance of identifying local drivers for reuse, engaging regulators and stakeholders early, addressing fragmented regulatory authority, and building public understanding throughout the process. The episode concludes with lessons from the guide's development involving more than 200 stakeholders, highlighting collaboration, public health protection, and long-term planning as essential ingredients for advancing water reuse projects and regulations nationwide. Show notes WateReuse Symposium 2027 Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 03:33 – Why the State Water Reuse Regulatory Guide was created 05:22 – Four regulatory pathways and how states can use the guide 06:56 – South Carolina's reuse challenges and treating effluent as a resource 11:09 – Starting with the “why” and engaging stakeholders early 12:24 – Major roadblocks to water reuse regulations and how to overcome them 16:31 – Building consensus through collaboration and public engagement 20:36 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.