Partnerships are essential for tackling interdisciplinary issues like water reuse. Below is a listing of partners in Maryland's water reuse initiative.
Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA): CWEA is the Maryland, Delaware, DC chapter of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The CWEA Water Reuse Committee leadership and members are valuable sources of technical information with a local region perspective.
CONSERVE: A Center of Excellence at the Nexus of Sustainable Water Reuse, Food and Health: CONSERVE is a research, extension and education Center funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. CONSERVE includes 10 partnering institutions located in the Mid-Atlantic and Southwest regions of the US, as well as Southern Israel. The project director is a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Public Health at the College Park campus. An MDE staff member chairs the CONSERVE Advisory Committee. The mission of CONSERVE (Coordinating Nontraditional Sustainable watER Use inVariable climatEs) is to facilitate the adoption of transformative on‐farm treatment solutions that enable the safe use of nontraditional irrigation water on food crops. The vision of the Center is to be a national resource bringing together research, outreach, and education to effectively reduce the nation’s agricultural water challenges that are exacerbated by climate change.
Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC): The MCCC, established by Executive Order in 2007, is charged with developing an action plan for mitigation and adaptation to the likely consequences of climate change. The MCCC consists of 26 members representing diverse stakeholders. The MCCC is a valuable partner in Maryland’s reuse initiative because of the potential for reclaimed water to serve as part of protective measures against climate change, e.g., aquifer recharge for protection against saltwater intrusion; reclaimed water use to offset limited potable water supplies.
Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA): MDA is known as an advocate for Maryland farm products and sound agronomy, as well as managing pests, animal health and water and soil conservation. MDA staff members, including the State Chemist, help identify water reuse irrigation opportunities and help ensure that reclaimed water quality is safe for soil and agronomic health.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE): The MDE's mission is protect and restore the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders. As part of this mission, MDE has responsibilities and opportunities to enable water reuse from the perspectives of wastewater treatment, water supply and stormwater management programs. The integration among these water programs, and Department as a whole, is facilitated by the MDE Water and Science Administration Director's Office, Integrated Water Planning Program and MDE's Sustainability Coordinator.
Maryland Department of General Services (DGS): DGS is known for managing State facilities and promoting sustainable operations by State agencies. DGS oversees 6.3 million square-feet of State-owned facilities, and 4.6 million square-feet of leased space. As a supporting agency for the Maryland Green Building Council, DGS provides unique leadership making Governor Larry Hogan’s vision of "a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for the people of Maryland" a reality through facilities management.
Maryland Department of Health (MDH): The Environmental Health Bureau of MDH shares their expertise as a partner in Maryland's water reuse initiative as part of their mission to promote and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Known for managing the State's forests and park system, as well as fisheries, hunting and boating, DNR also has lead responsibility for the Power Plant Research Program (PPRP). The PPRP manages the consolidated review of power plant licensing process to secure a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Services Commission. In this role, DNR has the opportunity to steer power plants toward the reuse of water in a variety of ways.
Maryland Department of Planning (MDP): MDP is known for statewide land use and facilities planning, including a fundamental role in population projection. Since 2009, local comprehensive land use plans have required a Water Resources Element. These plans inform more technical local Water and Sewer plans. MDP reviews Water and Sewer plans for consistency with comprehensive land use plans as part of MDE's approval process. MDP's role in this fundamental water planning process makes it a natural partner on water reuse.
Maryland Energy Administration (MEA): MEA is a non-regulatory advisor to the Governor and General Assembly on energy policy. MEA also assists with financing and incentive programs. MEA's expertise in sustainable buildings makes it a natural partner on water reuse issues.
Maryland Environmental Service (MES): MES is an independent State agency, which receives no direct operating appropriations and, thus, functions like a private entity. It provides a full spectrum of environmental services including solid waste, renewable energy, monitoring, IT and the operation of State and local water and wastewater facilities. This positions MES ideally as a partner for on-the-ground integrated energy-water resources management including water reuse.
Maryland Board of Plumbing: The Maryland Board of Plumbing, part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, licenses and regulates individuals who provide or assist in providing plumbing and gas services in Maryland. Board members provide detailed technical knowledge that is essential to operationalizing many water reuse visions in a practical and safe manner. The Board was represented by Maryland's Water Reuse Committee that helped to draft the Class IV reuse guidelines.
The Water Research Foundation (TWRF, formerly Water Environment & Reuse Foundation): The Water Environment & Reuse Foundation recently merged with the WateResearch Foundation (effective January 1, 2018, but the integration will not become effective in terms of programs, subscriptions, etc. until 2019). The merged foundation will be “The Water Research Foundation” (TWRF). The merged Foundation will continue to organize and fund reuse-related research, as well as play an important role in the translation/dissemination of applied research, technology demonstration, and education.
Urban Water Innovation Network (UWIN): The mission of UWIN is to create technological, institutional, and management solutions to help communities increase the resilience of their water systems and enhance preparedness for responding to water crises. This includes stormwater and rainwater harvesting reuse. As a network, UWIN provides an excellent "portal" for finding academic experts. The UWIN Management Team includes Professor Claire Welty, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. MDE is represented on UWIN’s Mid-Atlantic Stakeholder Advisory Committee.
WateReuse Association: WateReuse is a membership trade association of utilities, government agencies and industry with a unique focus on advancing laws, policy and funding at the state and federal level to increase water reuse.
