Hazen Supporting the Development of a New Water Reuse Regulatory Guide for States
(LOS ANGELES, CA – December 5, 2025) – Hazen and Sawyer is supporting the WateReuse Association in the organization’s initiative to create a new State Water Reuse Regulatory Guide. This Guide will equip states and stakeholders with the foundational information, strategies, and best practices they need to develop and implement effective, sustainable state-level water reuse regulations.
In partnership with principal investigators from Brown and Caldwell, the Hazen team will bring extensive experience across many states supporting clients’ reuse planning and implementation journeys to this new resource.
“Hazen has been at the forefront of supporting the development of water reuse regulations across the U.S.,” said Troy Walker, Water Reuse Practice Leader at Hazen. “We look forward to helping develop this framework to support states and utilities so that they can successfully advance their reuse initiatives and achieve their long-term water goals.”
Practical guidance on how to develop water reuse regulations has become increasingly important in the U.S. A growing number of utilities and water agencies are exploring reuse strategies to ensure a resilient water future for their communities and address a variety of water challenges, from water scarcity to saltwater intrusion, evolving nutrient limits, and much more.
Regulations that ensure the protection of public health and the environment while also empowering water managers to effectively navigate reuse requirements are vital to the success of these programs. Water reuse regulations have already been promulgated in states including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and California. Many more states are likely to follow suit soon.
“As our membership expands into states with limited or undefined regulations, we are committed to helping develop clear and effective policies that account for their unique drivers and regulatory landscapes,” said Bruno Pigott, Executive Director at the WateReuse Association. “We are proud to lead this effort to ensure science-based and health-protective rules across the country.”
This new Guide will be distinct in that it will broadly address states seeking to create, expand, or enhance their regulations related to a variety of reuse scenarios. It will demystify complex regulatory concepts and provide essential insights into the challenges that may arise at each phase of rulemaking—and the technical and collaborative strategies for overcoming them.
The project team is facilitating numerous outreach initiatives in anticipation of the Guide’s expected May 2026 release, including a deep-dive workshop during the 2026 WateReuse Symposium from March 8-11 in Los Angeles.
The WateReuse Association’s funding partners for the Guide include the American Water Works Association (AWWA), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (ACWA), Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), and the Water Environment Federation (WEF).
Related: Water reuse and advanced water treatment are on the rise, and so is the need for people well versed in their complexities. Read our story to see how Hazen is working with forward-looking utilities and industry organizations to equip and inspire the next generation of water professionals.
