Hazen Leads WateReuse Arizona Webcast on Brine/RO Concentrate Management Technologies

(TEMPE, AZ – May 13, 2026) – Hazen Principal Scientist Kinnari Shah, PhD, PE, recently presented a WateReuse Arizona webcast titled, “Reclaiming ROC: Assessment of Advanced Membrane and Non-Membrane Technologies to Manage Reverse Osmosis Concentrate.” Moderated by Hazen Senior Associate and WateReuse Arizona President Andrea Odegard-Begay, PE, the webcast included discussion on the challenges of ROC management in potable-water reuse and desalination and highlighted numerous technologies to help utilities manage ROC. 

A growing number of utilities across the United States are exploring water reuse strategies to expand and diversify their water supplies while also bolstering their resilience. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a prominent membrane-based advanced water treatment technology that is often used as part of these reuse initiatives.  

However, RO generates a waste stream that can contain concentrated levels of salts, nutrients, and other contaminants. This ROC can vary widely in composition based on the source, and it is often difficult and expensive for utilities to manage. This challenge is especially prevalent in arid inland regions like Arizona, where discharge options are limited and disposal can be energy-intensive, prohibitively costly, and require abundant land space.

To support the feasibility and expansion of water reuse and desalination initiatives, technologies must be developed that can help utilities more effectively treat and manage ROC while producing additional water for reuse. In this presentation, Dr. Shah discussed the features and technological maturity of many of these methods, including enhanced evaporation techniques, high-recovery RO configurations, electrodialysis, and thermal distillation techniques.

“Water reuse and advanced water treatment initiatives are booming throughout Arizona and the southwestern United States,” said Troy Walker, Water Reuse Practice Leader at Hazen. “ROC management is a significant challenge that utilities in this region need to solve to bring these programs to life. Our deep bench of experts, including Dr. Shah, are helping utilities find the most effective, tailored solutions to meet their needs.” 

For more information and to view the recording of the webcast, which is available to members, visit the WateReuse Association site.