National Water Reuse Action Plan
Completed Action

Action 3.3 Convene Experts to Address Opportunities and Challenges Related
to Urban Stormwater Capture and Use

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Background

Many states and cities are increasingly interested in
pursuing stormwater capture and use (SCU) to supplement
water supplies, SCU includes both the management of
rainwater on individual parcels, and the management of
precipitation that flows offsite to, or falls directly on, streets
and in municipal stormwater collection systems. However,
widespread adoption of SCU has been hampered by
perceived institutional, logistical, regulatory, and financial
constraints and concerns pertaining to ensuring adequate
environmental flows. Until recently, there was not a
comprehensive effort to assess barriers affecting
implementation of SCU, and to prioritize actions to address
perceived challenges. In September 2021, a convening was
held at the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread with experts
from across the country to identify the key activities needed
to advance SCU nationwide.

Accomplish merits/Impact

A series of webinars were held with partners - the
WateReuse Association, the National Municipal
Stormwater Alliance, the Water Environment
Federation. The webinars covered the drivers and
impediments of SCU, treatment standards, and
estimating project benefits.

An expert convening occurred at the Johnson
Foundation at Wingspread with over 25 attendees
from different parts of the country. Experts
discussed the primary opportunities and projects needed
to advance SCU nationwide. A report based on this convening
was published in March 2021.

An informal working group within EPA was formed to enhance
collaboration and build institutional capacity for stormwater capture and
use.

In 2023, two infographics will be released to demonstrate how SCU can be integrated
into the urban environment. The infographics build off the convening report and identify
various co-benefits communities may consider when pursuing stormwater capture and use.

Action Team

Action Leaders

U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA)

-	Justin Mattingly
(mattinalv.iustin@epa.aov')

-	Chris Kloss
fkloss.christopherffiepa.gov)

-	Dave Smith (retired)

¦	Johnson Foundation at Wingspread

-	Danielle Johnson
fdiohnson@iohnsonfdn.ora')

National Municipal Stormwater

Alliance

-	Seth Brown
fseth.brown@stormandstream.com')

Re-Inventing the Nation's Urban

Water Infrastructure

-	Dr. Richard Luthy
fluthv@stanford.edu')

¦	WateReuse Association

-	Greg Fogel
fofooel@watereuse.oro')

¦	Water Environment Federation

-	ClaudioTernieden

-	fcternieden@wef.org')

National Water Reuse Action Plan

Completed Action
Action 3.3

1

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Lessons Learned

During the implementation of this action and the through the expert convening, it was recognized that interest in
and experience with SCU varies widely around the country. Additionally, different practitioners will need different
types of support depending upon local water management circumstances. Most importantly, it was concluded that
SCU and integrated stormwater management is a critical tool in the portfolio of options for promoting the design
and management of resilient water systems in urban communities. As documented in the convening report, several
key needs include:

Advance the Nation's Commitment to SCU to build federal, state, and local capacity
Build Trust and Understanding Through Partnerships
Expand Funding Mechanisms
Clarify Regulations, Policy, and Guidance
Advance Science and Treatment Standards
Accelerate the Use of New Technologies and SCU Strategies

Action Implementation Process

Host a series of
webinars focused
on stormwater
harvesting topics of
interest.

Frame meeting
concept and
approach.

Prepare final meeting
report (including
recommendations for
action).

Develop and
distribute advance
meeting materials.

Issue final meeting
report.

Host participants at
Johnson Foundation
at Wingspread in
Racine, Wisconsin.

Potential Future Activity

One of the top recommendations from the convening report was for EPA to establish an internal leadership
caucus on SCU to spread awareness of outputs and initiatives on SCU. In response to this recommendation, the
Office of Water (OW) has formed an informal working group with representatives from different OW program
offices to meet regularly and share information, coordinate on initiatives that may impact SCU, and determine a
path forward to address additional needs. Two infographics are currently being developed by this working group
and discussions are ongoing about future products including a potential "Beginner's Guide" to help stormwater
managers get started with SCU.

Additional Resources

The summary report from the expert convening can be found here.

The webinar series can be found in the outputs tab on the WRAP Online Platform here.

EPA's resources on green infrastructure from stormwater management can be found here.

National Water Reuse Action Plan

Completed Action
Action 3.3

2

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