WaterSMART: Title XVI Water Recycling Projects Under the WIIN Act

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The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), P.L. 114-322, was enacted in December of 2016 to address water resources infrastructure that is critical to the Nation’s economic growth, health, and competitiveness. Section 4009(c) of Subtitle J of WIIN includes amendments to Reclamation’s Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program (Title XVI), established by P.L. 102-575 in 1992. Prior to the enactment of WIIN, funding for water recycling project construction could only be provided for congressionally authorized Title XVI projects. The WIIN amendments will allow new water recycling projects to be eligible to receive Federal fundingWater recycling is an essential tool in stretching the limited water supplies in the Western United States. Title XVI water recycling projects develop and supplement urban and irrigation water supplies through water reuse, thereby improving efficiency, providing flexibility during water shortages, and diversifying the water supply. These projects provide growing communities with new sources of clean water while promoting water and energy efficiency and environmental stewardship and increase water management flexibility, making our water supply more resilient. Title XVI water recycling projects are an important part of the WaterSMART Program. For further information on the WaterSMART Program, see www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.

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