Arizona is close to approving advanced water purification, which will allow cities and utilities to treat wastewater for direct reuse as drinking water.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recently published draft rules, with final approval anticipated by year’s end, permitting the construction of facilities capable of purifying water to a quality surpassing current standards.
Study Examines How Microplastics Spread in Freshwater Environments
Microplastics have been steadily increasing in freshwater environments for decades and are directly tied to rising global plastic production since the 1950s, according to a new study by an interdisciplinary team of Penn State researchers.
The findings provide insight into how microplastics move and spread in freshwater environments, which could be important for creating long-term solutions to reduce pollution, the researchers say.
USDA Aims to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden recently announced that USDA is partnering with the White House Office of the National Cyber Director and the National Rural Water Association to launch a one-year program study to enhance cybersecurity for rural water systems.
USDA is expanding its Circuit Rider Program to include more resources and personnel specifically trained to assess and improve cybersecurity capabilities at water systems in rural areas.
Through the Circuit Rider Program, USDA partners with NRWA to provide personnel in each U.S. state and territory, known as “circuit riders,” to help rural water systems navigate day-to-day operational, financial and managerial issues.
