The National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Water Systems 2024 Action Plan
Accelerating the adoption of onsite water reuse in communities nationwide
When it comes to advancing onsite water reuse, the need for collaboration between cities, regulators, building owners, technology providers and other entities is vital for purpose-driven industry transformation. The combination of changing climate, aging infrastructure and increased urbanization is creating a scenario where more needs to be done to protect our limited water resources.
We already have the technology and solutions to aid in greater adoption of water reuse, but the scale of deployment is often the biggest hurdle to overcome. Pushback from regulators, cities, and everyday people on the “yuck factor” of reusing water has led to a slow implementation of reuse strategies. However, a new wave is emerging for the reuse industry.
What is the National Blue Ribbon Commission?
In 2014, representatives from city municipalities, water utilities, public health officials, the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation, the Water Research Foundation, and the US Water Alliance formed the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Water Systems to address the challenges our nation is facing in wide scale adoption of onsite water reuse. The NBRC’s objective is to advance best management practices that support the use of onsite water systems in individual buildings or at the community scale by being a trusted source of knowledge and centralized information; crafting guidance, model policies, and establishing frameworks for reuse implementation; and developing tools and resources for the public based on case studies, collaboration and best practices.
Map of NBRC representative locations
Chaired by SFPUC Director of Water Resources, Paula Kehoe, the NBRC released their 2024 Action Plan to accelerate onsite water systems in communities. This action plan outlines 10 goals to help broaden the acceptance of reuse systems in our communities nationwide. Epic Cleantec is proud to be listed as a partner for energy efficiency on this action plan, as it reflects our mission to transform the built environment through sustainable water solutions!
2024 NBRC Action Plan: Accelerating Onsite Water Systems in Communities
The NBRC has established a new set of goals to increase the adoption of onsite water systems within our communities.
- Goal 1: Establish national health risk-based treatment guidance for OWS;
- Goal 2: Identify model treatment trains that allow for flexibility and innovation;
- Goal 3: Maximize the energy-efficiency potential of OWS;
- Goal 4: Promote nature-based treatment within OWS;
- Goal 5: Make the case for OWS;
- Goal 6: Increase the adoption of OWS programs among states and jurisdictions; and
- Goal 7: Promote training and workforce development opportunities.
Additionally, the NBRC is broadening its focus to include the following goals to unlock additional water supply and ‘fit-for-purpose’ water.
- Goal 8: Expand and standardize the NBRC health risk-based framework to include additional end uses;
- Goal 9: Expand NBRC guidance to address single family water reuse applications; and
- Goal 10: Broaden NBRC partnership with other organizations engaged in onsite water systems.
These goals will enable us to create a more resilient and sustainable water management system by leveraging alternative and viable water sources for non-potable purposes, helping to minimize the strain on municipal wastewater systems. You can read more about each of these goals in the 2024 Action Plan document or learn more about the National Blue Ribbon Committee from their fact sheet.
