The best and brightest minds in water reuse from around the world will converge in Tampa this week to take part in the 22nd Annual WateReuse Symposium, which focuses on water reuse and desalination.
More than 700 representatives are expected to attend the symposium, which is being held Sept. 9-12 at the Waterside Marriott. This is the first time the WateReuse Association has held its annual event in the Tampa Bay area. The association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient use of water resources through education, sound science and technology using reclamation, recycling, reuse and desalination.
“This symposium is the preeminent conference on reuse and desalination, and will help illuminate the critical role they play in meeting Florida’s water needs,” said Anthony Andrade, a District senior water conservation analyst. Andrade will serve as a moderator on Tuesday during a technical session on planning for water reuse.
Water reuse is the use of reclaimed water, which is wastewater that has received a high level of treatment. Reclaimed water is primarily used for irrigation, but it can also be used for other purposes such as industrial cooling and natural systems restoration. Using reclaimed water helps offset the demand for ground water and surface water. This alternative, non-traditional water source reduces stress on environmental systems, provides economic benefits by delaying costly water system expansions, and reduces the need to discharge wastewater effluent to surface waters.
The symposium coincides with “Water Reuse Week.” The Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Governor’s office and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have declared Sept. 9-15 as “Water Reuse Week” in an effort to promote water reuse and the need for water conservation. Water reuse is a key component in meeting the current and future water needs of the region and the state.
The District has an ongoing commitment to promote and encourage water reuse. This commitment will result in the development of projects which utilize more than 225 million gallons per day of reclaimed water within the District by 2010. Please see the fact sheet below for interesting facts and figures on reuse in the District.
The WateReuse Association will offer complimentary registration for credentialed media representatives. To register, please visit the Grand Lobby Registration Desk at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel during the conference to present a valid press credential or business card. A press kit also will be available at the registration desk.
For more information about the symposium, visit the WateReuse Association’s web site www.watereuse.org. Additional information about water reuse or reclaimed water, may be obtained by visiting the District’s web site at www.WaterMatters.org/conservation/reclaimed/.
Reclaimed Water in the District
District Funding Statistics:
275
Reuse projects cooperatively funded by the District since 1987
Reuse grant funding since 1987
227 million gallons per day (mgd)
Capacity of funded projects
160 mgd
Daily use
858
Miles of reuse mains
Alternative water supply grant funding since 1998
Reclaimed water use in the District (2005):
*More than 45 percent (159 mgd) of wastewater in our area is reused.
*Six local power plants use reclaimed water as cooling water.
*More than 160 area golf courses irrigate with reclaimed water.
*Almost 9,000 acres of mostly citrus crops are irrigated with reclaimed water.
*About 78,000 residential customers in our area irrigate with reclaimed water.