LOC News
Water Reuse Advisory Group: LOC Seeks City Input
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has convened a new Water Reuse Advisory Group to help implement House Bill 2169, which directs state agencies to identify and overcome regulatory, institutional, and funding barriers to expanding water reuse in Oregon. The advisory group's initial focus is municipal recycled water, with the goal of developing recommendations that improve policies, identify barriers, and inform future rulemaking.
The LOC is participating on the advisory group to represent the interests of cities. One of the group's primary objectives is to develop a comprehensive inventory of barriers that make recycled water (reuse) projects difficult to implement, whether those challenges are regulatory, permitting, operational, financial, or otherwise. The DEQ has expressed a strong interest in identifying specific issues that can be addressed to help move water reuse projects forward.
We want to hear from you. If your city has explored, implemented or considered a recycled water project, the LOC would appreciate hearing about any barriers you've encountered. Examples might include permitting challenges, regulatory uncertainty, funding limitations, operational concerns, cross-agency coordination issues, or other obstacles. Specific examples are especially helpful.
Please send your comments or experiences to the LOC so we can bring real-world city examples to the advisory group and help ensure the DEQ's work reflects the needs of Oregon communities. City input will help shape future policy changes and rulemaking intended to expand safe, practical water reuse opportunities across the state.
Contact: Michael Martin, Lobbyist – mmartin@orcities.org
Last Updated 6/26/26