There are several pilot studies for potable reuse currently underway in Florida. Clearwater, Altamonte Springs, Daytona Beach, and the Jacksonville Electric Authority have all conducted pilot programs for potable reuse with much success. In 2021, FDEP formed One Water Florida as an initiative to promote the benefits of recycled water and how it will safely supply Florida’s future. One Water conducted an online survey of Floridians to gauge the public’s perception of recycled water and potable reuse. In the survey, people were asked about their feelings concerning the use of direct or indirect potable water for all purposes, including drinking. The results from the survey showed that, after some education, support rose from 40 to 65 percent and opposition decreased from 30 to 6 percent. It’s therefore apparent that Floridians know the critical need for action. As active members in Florida communities, utility owners, engineers, contractors, and suppliers should be vocal supporters of potable reuse strategies and projects. It’s essential that the water and wastewater community continues constructing quality projects that consistently perform as designed. Effective treatment technologies, the long history of success, and the economic benefits of potable reuse must be stressed to the public and should involve craft workforce personnel. The women and men who physically build the infrastructure should absolutely have a clear understanding of the impact of their efforts on the water supply in the state. They would then become multipliers by advocating potable reuse to the public. Working together, the timeline can be shortened to generate potable water, thereby restoring and sustaining Florida’s water resources and the environment.
Leadership Awards Nominations Being Accepted Winners introduced at Water Quality Association convention in 2022 Nominations and applications are open for the Water Quality Association (WQA) annual leadership awards, which recognize individuals and companies excelling in their service to the water quality improvement industry. Members of WQA, as well as their peers and colleagues within the water industry, are encouraged to submit a nomination for one of the following awards: S Hall of Fame S Lifetime Membership S Key S Ray Cross S Regents S Award of Merit S International Award of Merit S Honorary Membership S Next Gen Award Applications are also being taken for the WQA Excellence Award, established in 2017 to honor member companies that
demonstrate excellence in customer service, business operations, community service, and innovation in two categories: S Manufacturer/Supplier S Dealer Companies apply for this honor, rather than being nominated. At a minimum, the applicant must have been a WQA member for three years, sell or manufacture certified products, and have at least one certified professional on staff. The deadline for nominations and applications is October 15. Nominations are evaluated against individual award criteria, and winners are chosen by the WQA board of governors. Not all awards are necessarily given each year. Winners will be introduced during the 2022 WQA Convention and Exposition being held April 6-8, 2022, in Orlando. To learn more and see past award recipients visit www.wqa.org/awards. S
References • h ttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/ science/article/partner-content-worriedabout-water-floridan-aquifer • h ttps://floridadep.gov/sites/default/ files/Recycled%20Water%20Public%20 Sentiment%20Presentation.pdf Michael Rood is the west/central Florida area sponsor and Courtney Dantone is the business development manager for the municipal water market in Florida for Kiewit. S
Florida Water Resources Journal • October 2021
33
