WSW Issue #1691 October 13 2006 Bureau of Reclamation/Water Recycling and Reuse

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Page 1 of 3 WSW Issue #1691 October 13, 2006 ADMINISTRATION UPDATEMATER RESOURCES Bureau of Reclamation/Water Recycling & Reuse A number of bills introduced in this Congress to authorize water recycling and reuse projects are opposed by the Administration and are not likely to be enacted before adjournment. Last July 27, Larry Todd, Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's Water and Power Subcommittee that there are now 32 projects authorized for construction in nine Reclamation states under Title XVI of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (PL 102 -575). In 1996, the Reclamation Recycling and Water Conservation Act amended Title XVI and authorized the Secretary of Interior to participate in the planning design and construction of a number of projects, including two desalination research and development projects. Through FY2006, some $325M has been spent by Reclamation on the 32 projects, with another $340M estimated to complete 21 projects and $220M for the remaining 11 that have yet to be funded. Moreover, as any new construction projects are likely to "further burden Reclamation's already strained budget," Interior opposes enactment of such legislation. Mr. Todd, then addressing Senator Lisa Murkowski (R -AK) said, "Madam Chairwoman, the Department supports efforts to increase local water supplies in the West through the implementation of water recycling projects. However, the Department believes that Title XVI needs to be a focused program that will produce results consistent with Reclamation's mission of diversifying water supplies and proactively addressing water - related crises in the Reclamation States." Senator Murkowski and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D -CA) introduced S. 3639, the Reclaiming the Nation's Water Act, on July 12. It would provide standards and procedures for the review of water reuse and reclamation projects intended to assist in the permanent development of such local and regional water projects in Reclamation States. The bill would also support research and demonstration activities to further technological improvements. It directs the Secretary to evaluate project proposals developed and submitted as "technically and financially viable," by non - federal project sponsors. Once such information was confirmed by the Secretary, Interior would have 180 days to complete a notice of findings and a concise recommendation regarding authorization for construction. The bill would remove the current requirement for appraisal investigations and feasibility studies. (Congressional Research Service summary) Mr. Todd observed, "Over the past several years, Administration witnesses have consistently testified against authorization of new Title XVI projects. This is not because we do not recognize the value of water reuse and recycling to local communities. Rather, this steadfast opposition has its origins in several issues that any reform legislation must address for this to be a viable, useful program that the Administration can support: Water reuse and recycling is fundamentally a responsibility of state and local interests. Federal involvement should be used to facilitate these projects in high priority areas where the federal funds can have the greatest impact on addressing our long -term water challenges. The program currently has inadequate controls on project development to allow a reviewer to ascertain whether the preferred alternative for a project is in the best interest of the taxpayer. A proliferation of authorized projects, without adequate criteria to judge them, makes it difficult or even impossible to assess how any one project can contribute to meeting Reclamation's long -term goals. The Department, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congress all need to have a consistent, useful suite of performance- oriented metrics to help prioritize projects for funding." Other bills addressed in testimony at the hearing included: H.R. 177 - Santa Ana River Water Supply Enhancement; H.R. 2341 - City of Austin Water Recycling Project; H.R. 3418 - Central Texas Water Recycling and Reuse Project; and S. 3638 - the Water Recycling and Riverside- Corona Feeder Act. Others testifying included: Joe Grindstaff, Director, California Bay -Delta Authority; Chris Lippe, Director, City of Austin Water Utility; http: / /www.westgov.org/wswe /news /1691.html 10/24/2006