Water reuse is an essential activity for clean water agencies of the future. While effluent discharge to waterways predominates in water-rich regions, Penn State University has over five decades of research and experience in reclaiming its wastewater effluent for forest and crop irrigation and groundwater recharge through its Living Filter system, which is also challenged by its folded and faulted karstic hydrogeologic setting.
The conference will highlight the history of adaptive management strategies used to meet environmental goals, address regulatory compliance, and sustain community outreach. Topics will include nutrient management, emerging concerns (PFAS, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic resistance, etc.), hydrogeology, soil health, land management, operational challenges, wastewater treatment and more. The conference is intended for utility managers, watershed planners, researchers, students, consultants, and regulatory personnel engaged in innovative water resources management for the 21st century.