A Framework for Permitting Innovation in the Wastewater Sector

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) | December 1st, 2024

Our research and this report have focused primarily on how the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process implementing the Clean Water Ac

Our research and this report have focused primarily on how the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process implementing the Clean Water Act works for municipal wastewater utilities. However, the issues and potential strategies to improve how the permitting process addresses innovation are also relevant for other water management sectors such as stormwater, drinking water, watershed, wetland, and industrial wastewater management, along with other permitting contexts.

Adapting to Change: Utility Systems and Declining Flows

California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) | November 1st, 2017

During the recent historic drought, Californians responded to the call for emergency statewide water use reductions, which the state has recognized as a highly su

During the recent historic drought, Californians responded to the call for emergency statewide water use reductions, which the state has recognized as a highly successful outcome. However, this significant reduction in water demands has brought to light some unintended consequences of declining flows that ripple throughout the interconnected urban water cycle. These observations offer a preview into the potential impact of establishing permanent indoor water use targets at or below the thresholds achieved as a result of the governor’s emergency conservation mandate. California’s water industry leaders, including regulators and purveyors, are working to understand the system-wide impacts of increased conservation so that decision makers are better informed as they address California’s current and future water challenges. Through a partnership with California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), Water Research Foundation(WRF), WateReuse California, and California Water Environment Association(CWEA), California WaterUrban Agencies(CUWA) has developed this white paper to provide decisionmakers, water/wastewater system managers, and other stakeholders an understanding of the impacts of declining flows resulting from substantial reductions in indoor water use and how utilities are adapting to these circumstances.

Adapting wastewater management systems in California for water conservation and climate change

Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure (Taylor & Francis) | February 27th, 2023

Basic & Urgent: Realizing the Human Right to Water & Sanitation for Californians Experiencing Homelessness

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | August 15th, 2018

The report’s three main sections follow this executive summary. The Problem Overview examines: what is driving what one source called an “explosion” in the numbe

The report’s three main sections follow this executive summary. The Problem Overview examines: what is driving what one source called an “explosion” in the number of Californians who are unsheltered; the stark reality of a severe shortfall between the number of affordable housing units needed and the number that will be available for the foreseeable future; the many problems associated with failing to ensure access to water and sanitation for homeless Californians, and how access to these basic needs compares with international minimum standards; and key barriers to progress. The Case Studies on Berkeley, Oakland, and Sacramento offer: an inventory of publicly available potable water, toilets, and showers in the three cities; discussion of how unsheltered residents struggle to meet their basic water-related needs; and an examination of municipal, non-profit, and resident-driven efforts to connect people experiencing homelessness to water and sanitation. Finally, based on the research conducted for this report, the Recommendations section offers six policies, programs, and actions that advocates can bring to State or municipal leaders responsible for upholding the human rights to water and sanitation for all Californians, particularly the State’s most vulnerable unsheltered residents.

Bioanalytical and chemical-specific screening of contaminants of concern in three California (USA) watersheds

Heliyon (Elsevier) | May 5th, 2022

To broaden the scope of contaminants monitored in human-impacted riverine systems, water, sediment, and treated wastewater effluent were analyzed using receptor-based cel

To broaden the scope of contaminants monitored in human-impacted riverine systems, water, sediment, and treated wastewater effluent were analyzed using receptor-based cell assays that provide an integrated response to chemicals based on their mode of biological activity. Samples were collected from three California (USA) watersheds with varying degrees of urbanization and discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To complement cell assay results, samples were also analyzed for a suite of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) using gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC- and LC-MS/MS). For most water and sediment samples, bioassay equivalent concentrations for estrogen and glucocorticoid receptor assays (ER- and GR-BEQs, respectively) were near or below reporting limits. Measured CEC concentrations compared to monitoring trigger values established by a science advisory panel indicated minimal to moderate concern in water but suggested that select pesticides (pyrethroids and fipronil) had accumulated to levels of greater concern in river sediments. Integrating robust, standardized bioanalytical tools such as the ER and GR assays utilized in this study into existing chemical-specific monitoring and assessment efforts will enhance future CEC monitoring efforts in impacted riverine systems and coastal watersheds.

Bisphenols in San Francisco Bay: Wastewater, Stormwater, and Margin Sediment Monitoring

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | October 28th, 2022

Bisphenols are a class of synthetic, mobile, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Bisphenol A (BPA), the most well-studied bisphenol, is produced and used in vast quantities w

Bisphenols are a class of synthetic, mobile, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Bisphenol A (BPA), the most well-studied bisphenol, is produced and used in vast quantities worldwide—especially in polycarbonate plastics and as a polymer additive. Recently, some manufacturers have begun using alternative bisphenol compounds, such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS). These uses of bisphenols have led to widespread bisphenol detections in the environment and wildlife. The present study examined wastewater effluent in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Francisco Bay sediment samples for 17 bisphenols. The effluent samples were compared to available stormwater runoff data to better understand bisphenol transport, fate, and potential risks to wildlife.

Bulletin No. 31, Santa Ana River Basin

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | January 1st, 1930

Bulletin No. 32, South Coastal Basin

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | January 1st, 1930

City and County of San Francisco v. United States Environmental Protection Agency

Supreme Court of the United States | January 8th, 2024

For a plain language summary from Scotusblog, click here.

For a plain language summary from Scotusblog, click here.

Clean Watersheds Needs Survey 2012

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | December 13th, 2012