# The Title XVI Water Reuse Program: Implementation and Legislative Issues

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/crs%3ARL33707

## Record

- **Collection:** Congressional research report
- **Document type:** CRS Report
- **Published:** October 27, 2006
- **Citation:** RL33707

## Text

The Title XVI Water Reuse Program:
Implementation and Legislative Issues
name redacted
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy
name redacted
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy
October 27, 2006

Congressional Research Service
7-....
www.crs.gov
RL33707

CRS Report for Congress
Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

The Title XVI Water Reuse Program: Implementation and Legislative Issues

Summary
Congress authorized the Department of the Interior (DOI) to undertake a program to provide
limited federal financing for water reuse (i.e., planned beneficial use of treated wastewater and
impaired surface and groundwaters) in Title XVI of P.L. 102-575—the Reclamation Wastewater
and Groundwater Studies Feasibility Act of 1992. Title XVI’s implementation by DOI’s Bureau
of Reclamation has been contentious; many Members of Congress, particularly from water-scarce
western states, support both the program and specific projects, but are frustrated by growing
backlogs of projects seeking authorization or awaiting appropriations.
The Bush Administration has generally opposed authorizing additional projects, citing the
backlogs and noting that the projects proposed for authorization generally do not meet
Reclamation’s requirements for a feasibility study. At the same time, the Administration’s
requests for appropriations for Title XVI have been relatively consistent for several years, with
the FY2007 request at $10.1 million, albeit nearly half of what Congress has appropriated in
recent years. The resulting inertia in implementation has raised congressional interest in possible
changes to the program. Options discussed range from clarifying the program’s criteria (e.g.,
focus on areas of most need), to changing the way projects are evaluated (e.g., replacing the
requirement for a Reclamation feasibility study with an evaluation of technical and financial
viability), to expanding and prioritizing Title XVI appropriations.
Views on how to proceed vary based on perspectives of the proper role of the federal government
in water supply, the appropriate priority for the program in the current fiscal environment, the
history and mission of the program, and the urgency and need for investment and promotion of
water reuse technologies. Title XVI’s genesis includes helping Southern California reduce its
reliance on Colorado River water. As authorizations for projects in other areas and with other
purposes were added, the justification for federal involvement in these projects, which expand
municipal water supply, and the long-term goals and planning for the program came under
increasing scrutiny, particularly by the Administration. At the same time, the program was
increasingly pursued by project sponsors as a route for federal assistance, which was then
leveraged for additional support and financing. Several project sponsors have directly pursued
congressional authorization outside the Title XVI feasibility study process. It is not clear if this is
due to the Administration’s resistance to pursue Title XVI projects, or due to a combination of
other factors.
In the face of decreasing support from the Administration and mounting dissatisfaction of project
sponsors, the 109th Congress has engaged in oversight of the program and authorized only a
limited set of additional Title XVI projects. The issue for Congress is whether and how to change
the program. The challenge for Congress is that stakeholders’ perspectives on how to improve the
program are fundamentally different. Project sponsors generally prefer a more streamlined project
development process and expanded program appropriations, while the Administration supports a
smaller, more focused program with long-term objectives tied to federal interests. This report will
be updated as events warrant.

Congressional Research Service

The Title XVI Water Reuse Program: Implementation and Legislative Issues

Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................1
Title XVI Overview ....................................................................................................................2
Program Establishment .........................................................................................................2
Federal Reuse Activities..................................................................................................4
Status of the Title XVI Program and Projects.........................................................................4
Authorizations ................................................................................................................4
Program and Project Funding ..........................................................................................5
Project Status and Characteristics ....................................................................................5
Program Performance Evaluation ....................................................................................6
Title XVI Issues for Congress .....................................................................................................8
Broad Policy Issues...............................................................................................................8
Implementation Issues...........................................................................................................9
Program Criteria .............................................................................................................9
Project Evaluation and Authorization ............................................................................ 10
Project Funding Issues .................................................................................................. 11
Where to Go from Here? ........................................................................................................... 11
Legislative Considerations ........................................................................................................ 12
Overview of Legislative Options ......................................................................................... 12
Conclusion................................................................................................................................ 14
Active Projects.............................................................................................................. 15
Inactive Projects............................................................................................................ 15
Title XVI Federal Contribution ..................................................................................... 16

Figures
Figure 1. Location of Title XVI Projects Relative to Areas of Potential Water Conflict ................7

Tables
Table A-1. Title XVI Projects by State: Federal Authorization, Funding, and Quantity of
Reclaimed Water .................................................................................................................... 17

Appendixes
Appendix. Title XVI Projects .................................................................................................... 15

Contacts
Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 22

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The Title XVI Water Reuse Program: Implementation and Legislative Issues

Introduction
Growing populations and changing values have increased demands on water supplies and river
systems, resulting in water use and management conflicts throughout the country. These demands
are particularly evident in the West, where population is rapidly increasing and where climate
variability and water scarcity make managing water supplies especially challenging. 1 In many
western states, agricultural and urban needs conflict, and these demands also compete with water
demand for threatened and endangered species, recreation, and scenic enjoyment.
Debate over western water resources revolves around the issue of how best to plan for and
manage the use of this renewable, yet limited resource. Some observers advocate enhancing water
supplies, through such steps as building new storage or diversion projects, expanding old ones,
and funding water reclamation and reuse facilities. Others emphasize conservation and policies
that provide opportunities for more efficient use of existing supplies, such as using market
mechanisms or providing better price signals, which theoretically would result in more efficient
water use. In practice, all of these tools are used by western water managers to varying degrees,
and all have been addressed by Congress, again to varying degrees.
To address growing challenges in western water management, Congress in 1992 directed the
Secretary of the Interior to establish a federal water reclamation, recycling, and reuse program
(Title XVI of P.L. 102-575, the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Studies and Facilities
Act; 43 U.S.C. §390h). The act directed the Secretary to “investigate and identify” opportunities
for water reclamation and reuse in the West, for design and construction of “demonstration and
permanent facilities to reclaim and reuse wastewater, and to conduct research, including
desalting, for the reclamation of wastewater and naturally impaired ground and surface waters”
(43 U.S.C. §390h(a)).
The Title XVI program appears to be at a crossroad. As reuse2 and desalination have become
more viable options for addressing a variety of water management issues, legislative proposals for
authorizing Title XVI projects have increased. At the same time, Administration support for the
program has changed from full support prior to enactment in 1992, to the Administration’s current
position of generally not supporting projects proposed for authorization by project sponsors
(primarily municipal water agencies) that have not gone through Reclamation’s feasibility
process. For example, the Administration, when asked, has testified against every Title XVI bill in
the 108th Congress and most of the pending bills in the 109th Congress, citing mostly budgetary
and project feasibility concerns. Further, the Administration continues to request funding only for
projects that have received funding in prior years. Also during this time, congressional
authorization of new projects has been significantly less than demand. Since 1996, six projects
have been authorized. Of approximately 13 project authorization bills introduced during the 108th
Congress, two were enacted; as of August 2006, the 109th Congress has enacted one bill and has
16 individual project authorizations in pending legislation.

1

Five of the country’s fastest-growing states are among the 17 western “reclamation” states.
For this report, reuse connotes planned beneficial use (e.g., landscape watering, agricultural irrigation, and industrial
cooling) of treated municipal wastewater. Reclamation is treatment of wastewater or other impaired surface water (e.g.,
seawater) or groundwaters (e.g., groundwater with high levels of contaminants, such as arsenic, or salts) to make it
usable or reusable. Recycling connotes the capture of wastewater and its redirection back into the same water scheme,
such as the multiple reuse of water in a manufacturing facility.
2

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This situation has created frustration and confusion over the existing program, its future, and to
some degree, the future role of the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation
(Reclamation) in the rapidly growing West. Frustration is especially apparent among project
sponsors whose authorized projects remain without Title XVI funding or with limited funding,
and sponsors of pending project proposals, resulting in increased pressure on Congress and the
Administration to address program issues. In sum, the resulting backlog of sparsely funded and
unfunded projects, and pent-up demand for federal assistance, have raised the question of the
future of the Title XVI program.
Following is a Title XVI overview covering its genesis, implementation, and current status. This
overview is followed by a brief discussion of a number of policy options for addressing issues
associated with the Title XVI program. The Appendix provides details on the status of individual
Title XVI projects and the overall program in Table A-1.

Title XVI Overview
Program Establishment
Title XVI authorized design and construction of demonstration and permanent facilities to
reclaim and reuse wastewater, and provided authority to conduct research, including on desalting,
for the reclamation of wastewater and naturally impaired ground and surface waters.
Responsibility for undertaking the new program—commonly referred to as the Title XVI
program—was assigned to Reclamation in the Department of the Interior (DOI). The original
statute directed the Secretary to undertake appraisal investigations to identify opportunities for
water reclamation and reuse, and provided authority to participate with other federal agencies, as
well as state, regional, and local authorities in developing feasibility studies.
Title XVI in a Nutshell
Authority. Title XVI of P.L. 102-575, as amended (43 U.S.C. §390h).
Projects. Congress has authorized 33 Title XVI projects. Three have been completed. Water reclaimed by Title XVI
projects may be used for municipal and industrial (M&I) water supply (non-potable or indirect potable uses), irrigation
supply, groundwater recharge, fish and wildlife enhancement, or outdoor recreation.
Project Purposes. An original rationale for the program was to help Southern California reduce its reliance on
Colorado River water; however, the act does not include a purposes section. The general purpose of Title XVI
projects appears to be to supplement water supplies by reclaiming (including via desalination) or recycling/reusing
agricultural drainage water, wastewater, brackish surface and groundwater, and other sources of contaminated or low
quality water.
Financing. Federal financing (i.e., federal grants) is generally limited to 25% of total project costs. Federal financing
for projects authorized after 1996 is limited to a maximum of $20 million, or 25% of total project costs.
Eligibility Requirements. Title XVI is limited to projects in the 17 western states and Hawaii. Projects may be
permanent or for demonstration purposes. Authorized recipients of Title XVI funds include “legally organized nonfederal entities” (e.g., municipalities or irrigation districts). Construction funding is generally limited to projects for
which (1) an appraisal investigation and feasibility study have been completed and approved by the Secretary; (2) the
Secretary has determined that the project sponsor is capable of funding the non-federal share of project costs; and (3)
the local sponsor has entered into a cost-share agreement with Reclamation. The Administration has noted in recent
budget justifications and hearing testimony that it will focus on Title XVI projects supported in prior fiscal year budget
requests (i.e., it will not undertake new starts). Congress authorizes each Title XVI project individually.

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The genesis for Reclamation’s wastewater reclamation and reuse program was a six-year western
drought in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In particular, the drought strongly affected California
and the Southwest. It led to an intense debate in Congress over federal water supply policies,
including how to address conflicts between the need and desire for continued operation of the
federal Central Valley Project and the application of state and federal environmental laws that
could potentially limit water deliveries in order to protect certain aquatic species or comply with
water quality standards. The result of several years’ effort in addressing this conflict was the
Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-575). While much
attention has been given to Title XXXIV of that act (the Central Valley Project Improvement Act),
Title XVI authorized construction of five specific reclamation water reuse and recycling projects
in Arizona and California and established the reuse program. Title XVI of the act also authorized
a comprehensive reuse study for Southern California, including Colorado River hydrologic
regions. The latter language provides specific statutory authority for activities that were underway
in 1991 in response to then-Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan’s announcement of a
“Comprehensive Water Reuse Initiative” for Southern California which spoke to the federal
interest in management of the Colorado River. 3
In addition to increasing the water supplies available to the area [southern California], this
program would also decrease the area’s dependency on water imports from the Colorado
River, California, and Los Angeles Aqueducts, help restore and protect the quality of
existing ground-water reserves, and help meet environmental water needs. Lujan said ...
“Reclaimed water—one of the most dependable, abundant and underutilized water supplies
available—could provide as much as 2 million acre-feet of water each year for the area.”4

The Southern California study and other reuse studies initiated under the Title XVI authority,
however, became caught in an apparent policy shift to decrease Administration support for the
Title XVI program, a shift that grew out of the preparation of the FY2004 Reclamation budget.5
That FY2004 budget included an evaluation of the Title XVI’s effectiveness by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB PART review process, discussed below). The policy shift
resulted in an uncertain future for the studies underway, thus frustrating project sponsors. For
example, the document produced from the Southern California study is a point of contention with
a long history among Southern California stakeholders and Reclamation. 6
3
U.S. Department of the Interior, Interior Secretary Lujan Announces Comprehensive Water Reuse Initiative for
Southern California, news release, Office of the Secretary, Aug. 5, 1991.
4
Ibid., p. 1.
5

See U.S. Department of the Interior, letter from the Secretary of the Interior, Gale A. Norton, and Deputy Secretary of
the Interior, Steven Griles, to the Solicitor, Inspector General, Assistant Secretaries, and Heads of Bureaus and Offices,
stamped Nov. 22, 2002. Subject: Conclusion of the Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Formulation Process. The letter thanks
officials for their efforts in identifying activities that could be scaled back or eliminated and notes a Reclamation
proposal to “devolve significant responsibilities in the Water Reclamation and Reuse (Title XVI) program” in order to
conserve resources to “implement innovative, new approaches to address long-standing problems such as those relating
to endangered species.”
6
Reclamation undertook the “Southern California Comprehensive Water Reclamation and Reuse Study,” along with
eight state and local agencies in 1992. By October 23, 1991 (prior to enactment of Title XVI), Reclamation had held its
first pre-planning committee meeting for the Southern California Water Reclamation and Reuse Study. The effort was
later broadened to include 70 Southern California water supply and wastewater treatment agencies. The study was
largely completed by April 2001 and was published as a final report in July 2002 (2002 Report); however, the report
was not officially submitted to Congress, as required under the act. (Section 1606(c) requires submission of the study
within six years of the first appropriations for the title (by FY2000)). According to an October 2003 letter to relevant
project managers, the Department of the Interior found the original report contained “more detail than desired for a
submittal [sic] to Congress.” The then-Assistant Secretary for Water and Science asked Reclamation to prepare a
(continued...)

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Federal Reuse Activities
Reclamation’s Title XVI program is the only active federal program providing localities with
financial and technical assistance for the development and construction of water reclamation and
reuse facilities. However, according to the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), “a
broad range of federal agency program activities employ water reuse, recycling, and reclamation
technologies to achieve conservation and other program objectives.”7 Although both the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have limited
authorities to provide assistance to local entities for recycling projects (e.g., specific provisions
for the Corps in 1992 and 1999 Water Resources Development Acts;8 a pilot program by EPA
under the Alternative Water Sources Act;9 and general Clean Water Act water treatment and
wastewater authorities), neither has an established, regularly funded program dedicated to such
activities. Some of the authorized Corps reuse activities received funding for FY2003 in Title I of
the Energy and Water Development Appropriation Act for FY2003 (P.L. 108-7; Division D). The
Corps also has authority for design and construction of Everglades wastewater reuse technology
(P.L. 106-541). In all, it appears $110.5 million in assistance has been authorized for Corps water
reuse activities, with approximately $22.6 million appropriated as of FY2005.
According to the CEQ report (pp. 8 and 9), water reuse, recycling, and reclamation activities fall
within larger EPA program areas of water treatment, wastewater management, or water resources
management (33 U.S.C. §1376). Funding for water reuse, recycling, and reclamation projects
may be accomplished via Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act State Revolving Fund
programs (33 U.S.C. §1381 and 42 U.S.C. 300f-300j, respectively). Although funds are not
specifically authorized by Congress or targeted by EPA for such purposes, Congress periodically
earmarks funding for specific reuse projects. For example, according to CEQ, project-specific
reuse funding appropriated to EPA for FY2005 totaled $6.4 million.

Status of the Title XVI Program and Projects
Authorizations
Congress has authorized 33 Title XVI projects (see the Appendix for additional information). To
date, Reclamation has undertaken planning, design, and/or engineering activities for 21 projects.
(...continued)
“concise, to-the-point version of that Report.” The Southern California Comprehensive Water Reclamation and Reuse
Study, Reclamation Compendium was submitted to Congress February 20, 2004. However, the word “feasibility” was
removed from the “compendium,” raising the question of whether the submission complies with the directives of §1606
for feasibility studies.
7
U.S. Executive Office of the President, Council on Environmental Quality, Federal Agency Water Reuse Programs, A
Report to Congress, white paper published October 3, 2005, p. 3. This report confirms earlier findings of the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the scope of reclamation and reuse activities of federal agencies. Hereafter
referred to as the CEQ report. (See also, U.S. Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget,
Performance and Management Assessments. Budget of the U.S. Government, Fiscal Year 2004 (Washington, DC: U.S.
Govt. Print. Off., Feb. 2003), p. 173. Hereafter referred to as OMB PART review. See also PART worksheets for the
Department of the Interior’s Title XVI water reclamation and reuse program at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
budget/fy2004/pma.html, p. 2.
8
§217 of P.L. 102-580, and §502 of P.L. 106-53, respectively.
9
Title VI of P.L. 106-457. The program was never funded and expired in 2004.

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Nearly half of the 33 authorized projects are concentrated in Southern California. This
concentration reflects the Southern California and Colorado River hydrologic region focus of the
program as first authorized.

Program and Project Funding
The Title XVI contribution is limited to 25% of total project costs. Amendments in 1996 (P.L.
104-266) authorized 18 new projects (of the current 33) and established new program guidance.
The 1996 amendments retained the 25%/75% federal/non-federal cost share, but limited the
federal Title XVI share to no more than $20 million per project. Reclamation has completed its
funding obligations for three projects.10 Title XVI federal funding obligations are nearly complete
(80% or more) for six other projects.11
Total federal Title XVI funding through 2006 is estimated by Reclamation to be $324.5 million
(see Table A-1 in the Appendix). The remaining total federal contribution for all authorized
projects is estimated to be $354 million. Non-federal Title XVI investment as of September 30,
2004, is estimated to be $1.1 billion.12 Title XVI funding for FY2006 is $25.6 million; the budget
request for FY2007 is $10.1 million for program administration and eight projects.13 Congress
typically includes funding for more projects (e.g., 21 projects in FY2006, and 18 projects in
FY2005, compared with funding for eight projects requested by the Administration in FY2006,
and five for FY2005).

Project Status and Characteristics
Using color-coded markers, Figure 1 depicts authorized Title XVI projects in the 17 traditional
reclamation states.14 These projects are overlain on DOI’s “hot-spots” illustration, which shows
areas where water conflicts are especially prevalent in the 17 reclamation states.15 Thirty Title
XVI projects have been authorized for construction in eight traditional reclamation states:
Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington (and three more
have been authorized in Hawaii, which is not depicted in Figure 1). The project states depicted in

10

The three projects are (1) the Los Angeles (CA) area water reclamation and reuse project; (2) the Tooele (UT)
wastewater treatment and reuse project; and (3) the Port Hueneme (CA) Desalination project. The demonstration phase
of a fourth project, Willow Creek (OR), is also complete; however, it was not included in the chart provided to CRS
from Reclamation.
11
Those projects are San Gabriel Demonstration (CA); North San Diego County (CA); Orange County Regional (CA);
Mission Basin Desalination (CA); Albuquerque Metropolitan (NM); and the City of El Paso (TX). U.S. Department of
the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding History, Reclaimed
Water Deliveries and Project Status, January, 2006. Revised Chart provided to CRS via e-mail February 1, 2006.
(Hereafter referred to as 2006 Reclamation Reuse Chart.)
12
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Title XVI Project Costs and Investment as of Sept. 30, 2004,
chart provided to CRS February 2005.
13
The eight projects in the FY2007 budget request were: (1) Calleguas (CA); (2) Long Beach Area (CA); (3) North San
Diego County Area (CA); (4) Orange County (CA); (5) Phoenix (AZ); (6) San Diego Area (CA); (7) San Gabriel Basin
(CA); and (8) San Jose (CA).
14
To view Figure 1 in color, congressional users can access the CRS website at http://www.crs.gov/.
15
The DOI’s hot spot illustration, titled “Potential Water Supply Crises by 2025,” without the overlay is available at
http://www.doi.gov/water2025/images/supply-hi.jpg.

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Figure 1 represent many of the states especially active in applying reuse technologies and
practices, but not all; two active states, Florida and Colorado, do not have Title XVI projects.16
More than two-thirds of the 33 Title XVI projects have received some Title XVI funding. These
projects are depicted in Figure 1 by the darkest blue triangles (completed projects) and the
grayish blue triangles (other projects receiving some Title XVI funding). The light blue triangles
represent authorized projects that had not received Title XVI funding by the end of FY2005.
Reclamation estimates a total maximum design capacity of Title XVI projects funded to date of
747,558 acre-feet of water annually.17 More information on project status is available in the
Appendix.

Program Performance Evaluation
In 2002, during development of the FY2004 budget, OMB reviewed the Title XVI program using
the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART)—an analytic tool to assess program strengths and
weaknesses. Although the Title XVI program fared reasonably well on most evaluation criteria,
OMB found it weak in providing a clear link between federal funding and progress toward
specific outcomes, and in long-term planning. OMB’s supporting documents for the FY2004
PART review describe the program as an “earmark-driven grant program for local projects” for
which there is no competitive grant process.18 These supporting documents state that the program
helps Reclamation “meet its mission to manage and develop water and related resources in an
economically and environmentally sound manner” (and specifically notes the program’s role in
assisting Southern California reduce its reliance on Colorado River water); however, the summary
of the PART review declares that the water reclamation and reuse activity is “not one of
Reclamation’s core functions.” The Title XVI PART review concludes that the program should be
scaled back because it serves a largely local function that should be a local responsibility.

16

Florida is not eligible for Title XVI support; Florida is not designated as a “reclamation state,” as defined by the
Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended (43 U.S.C. §391), nor has Congress authorized specific Title XVI activities in
the state, as it has for Hawaii.
17
2006 Reclamation Reuse Chart. CRS estimates a total capacity of nearly 800,000 acre-feet of water annually from
projects that have received Title XVI funding and those projects for which CRS was able to acquire data that have not
received Title XVI funding (see Table A-1 for more information).
18
OMB PART review, p. 173. See also PART worksheets for the Department of the Interior’s Title XVI water
reclamation and reuse program at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2004/pma/waterreuse.pdf, p. 2. See also
Administration testimony on the Title XVI program and individual projects proposed for authorization in the 108th and
109th Congresses, such as the February 28, 2006, testimony by John W. Keys III, Commission of the Bureau of
Reclamation before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power available at
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_senate_hearings&docid=f:27706.pdf.

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Figure 1. Location of Title XVI Projects Relative to Areas of Potential Water Conflict

Source: U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Potential Water Supply Crisis by 2025 Illustration, May 2003 (water crisis illustration), and Title XVI Water
Reclamation and Reuse Program Funding History, Reclamation Water Deliveries and Project Status, January 2006 (Title XVI projects and quantity of reclaimed water). Map
prepared in part by the Congressional Cartography Program, Library of Congress, 2006.

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The Title XVI Water Reuse Program: Implementation and Legislative Issues

Consistent with this conclusion, the Administration’s budget request for FY2004 was $12.6
million—65% less than the enacted level for FY2002 and 59% less than the enacted level for
FY2003. Congress subsequently appropriated $28.4 million for FY2004. The Administration
requested $11.5 million for FY2005 and $10.2 million for FY2006. Congress appropriated $23.0
million and $25.6 million for those years, respectively. The Administration request of $10.1
million for FY2007 is 40% of the enacted level for FY2006. Administration requests between
FY2001 and FY2003 ranged from $17.1 million to $22 million.

Title XVI Issues for Congress
OMB’s PART review raises several specific policy issues not unique to Title XVI. First, it
highlights the tension between congressional and Administration priorities. For example, while
the PART review concludes congressional earmarks drive the Title XVI program, congressional
supporters express frustration with the Administration’s lack of participation in the program, and
hence seek to fund the program in line with congressional priorities. Second, the PART review
raises questions regarding the appropriate federal role in water supply development for municipal
and industrial (M&I) uses. For example, is Congress redefining the federal government’s role in
M&I water supply and treatment as it authorizes new site-specific projects? To what degree
should the federal government provide incentives for water supply development via new
technologies, and what geographic, regional, or social factors should be considered? Third, is
coordination or realignment of certain federal water activities needed to ensure efficient use of
scarce federal resources?
In general, Title XVI policy issues fall into two categories: (1) broad policy issues and (2) issues
specific to the program’s implementation and structure.

Broad Policy Issues
A broad policy issue central to discussions of the future of Title XVI is the debate over the
appropriate federal role in water supply development, particularly for M&I purposes. Because
Title XVI projects are municipal water development project and the most recent articulated
congressional policy on these types of projects is nearly half a century old, there remains
confusion over how to manage the differences of opinion over the appropriate federal role in
water reuse projects that are raised between Congress and the Administration, and within
Congress. At issue for Congress is the basic question of whether supporting Title XVI’s municipal
water development projects is an appropriate federal role.
Historically, federal water resource agencies’ involvement in water supply was limited to
developing irrigation projects and multiple use projects. Unlike other areas of water resources
management in which the federal role is more prominent (e.g., irrigation water supply, flood
damage reduction, and navigation; or supporting wastewater and drinking water treatment
investments through revolving loan programs), the federal role in water supply development for
M&I uses largely has been secondary to the primary role of state and local governments. Water
supply development for M&I purposes generally has been incidental to the primary project

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purposes of large, multi-purpose irrigation, flood reduction, hydro power, and navigation projects,
pursuant to congressional policy established in the Water Supply Act of 1958.19
While as a general matter, local, regional, or state agencies have been responsible for water
supply development, and wary of federal involvement in allocating water, Congress occasionally
has deviated from this policy. For example, over the last two decades, Congress has increasingly,
and incrementally, authorized the DOI to participate in construction of approximately 13 water
supply projects for small and rural communities, as well as water reclamation and reuse projects
under Title XVI. Although Congress has increasingly passed bills for site specific projects and
established the Title XVI program, it has not re-articulated long-standing congressional policy
regarding the federal role in M&I water supply development since the 1958 Water Supply Act.

Implementation Issues
On the implementation front, what is at issue for Congress is whether the Title XVI program’s
current implementation inhibits the achievement of congressional interest in water reuse projects.
Recent questions and concerns about the implementation of the Title XVI program appear to have
increased in part because of the nature of project evaluation and authorization processes and the
lack of a clear program funding process that is typical of federal water quality programs; this is
demonstrated by OMB’s PART review and the Administration’s current positions on authorizing
new projects and its budget requests.
Criticism of Title XVI implementation has spawned discussions of the future of the program, and
comparisons to other federal programs. Other federal water assistance programs, such as state
revolving loan funds for wastewater and drinking water administered by EPA, and rural water and
wastewater disposal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have
criteria, regulations, and competitive processes for projects and funding. Congress appropriates
money annually for these programs; however, project funding is not appropriated by line item, as
is the case for Reclamation projects. Instead, depending on the program, states or federal agencies
allocate program funding based on program and project eligibility criteria. For more information
on other federal water programs, see CRS Report RL30478, Federally Supported Water Supply
and Wastewater Treatment Programs, coordinated by (name redacted).
Other overarching issues include the scope of the program and the degree to which project
assistance should be targeted to certain types of projects or broadened to include more projects in
more areas. Different stakeholder views on these overarching issues will ultimately affect specific
decisions to address broad policy issues, as well as program criteria, project evaluation, and
funding issues discussed below.

Program Criteria
In contrast to several other federal water programs, there are no legislatively mandated or
promulgated development criteria and no competitive grant processes for Title XVI projects.
19

“It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to recognize the primary responsibilities of the States and local
interests in developing water supplies for domestic, municipal, industrial, and other purposes and that the Federal
Government should participate and cooperate with States and local interests in developing such water supplies in
connection with the construction, maintenance, and operation of Federal navigation, flood control, irrigation, or
multiple purpose projects” (Water Supply Act of 1958, 72 Stat. 320; 43 U.S.C. §390b, note).

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Sections 1603 and 1604 of Title XVI establish a project evaluation process, which directs the
Secretary to undertake appraisal investigations before preparation of feasibility studies on
potential reuse measures and lists several “considerations” that must be addressed.20 However, the
act does not include clear evaluation or decision-making criteria, such as listing criteria that
feasible projects must meet for a project to be recommended for construction authorization. Nor
does the current authority include project ranking or eligibility criteria.
To implement the program, Reclamation developed guidelines for the development of Title XVI
projects. 21 These guidelines provide more explicit evaluation and feasibility criteria than is
provided in the statute; however, again, they are phrased as things that must be “considered” and
as such do not function as eligibility or decision-making criteria. While OMB in the past has
noted Reclamation’s Title XVI guidelines provide “solid criteria ... to evaluate potential projects
prior to funding, and also to monitor and evaluate projects under construction,”22 the guidelines
provide little guidance on project ranking. Further, these guidelines have never been officially
promulgated as official rules or regulations; nor do they appear to be binding.

Project Evaluation and Authorization
Under the evaluation process established in Title XVI of P.L. 102-575 (as amended), Reclamation
requires projects first to pass an appraisal phase, second to pass a feasibility phase, and third to
receive a feasibility recommendation by the Secretary. Positive recommendations are forwarded
to Congress for construction approval via a project-specific authorization. Authorized projects are
then funded (or not) via the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. However,
in practice, many project authorizations and pending legislative proposals are for projects that
have not gone through the project evaluation process outlined in Title XVI. The reasons for this
are varied. First, it appears that Reclamation itself has initiated few Title XVI appraisal or
feasibility studies in recent years. Second, some sponsors have engaged Reclamation in a
feasibility study, but have found agency support lacking in recent years. Third, some contend
feasibility studies are better suited to traditional, large, multi-purpose projects that Reclamation
used to construct and that the process is ill-suited for smaller, primarily locally financed water
reclamation and reuse projects. In other words, some view the feasibility process as too
cumbersome and costly for the amount of federal assistance being sought.
It is not clear whether it is the feasibility (evaluation) process itself, funding levels, a change in
Administration policy toward implementing the Title XVI program, or other reasons that have
contributed to a lag in feasibility study recommendations. Regardless of the cause, it appears that
in recent years, relatively few entities have successfully completed a feasibility process that met
with Reclamation’s approval. Yet, Reclamation will not support legislative proposals for projects
it has not reviewed or studied for feasibility. This situation has contributed to confusion and
frustration over implementation of the Title XVI program.

20

43 U.S.C. §390h-1(a)-(c) and 43 U.S.C. §390h-2(a)-(c).
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Guidelines for Preparing, Reviewing, and Processing Water
Reclamation and Reuse Project Proposals Under Title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as Amended (Washington DC:
Bureau of Reclamation, 1998).
22
PART worksheet for the Department of the Interior’s Title XVI water reclamation and reuse program at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2004/pma.html, p. 6.
21

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Project Funding Issues
Funding for Title XVI projects has been controversial in recent years because of differences in
congressional and Administration priorities. For example, Reclamation has limited its budget
request to projects that have received prior federal funding, while Congress has provided funding
for more projects than have been requested by the Administration. The budget request for the last
three years has been 40%-67% less than the enacted appropriation for each of the last three years.
The Administration’s request of $10.1 million for Title XVI for FY2007 is 40% less than the
FY2006 enacted appropriation of $25.6 million.
While between $1 million and $3 million is devoted to program management annually, there is no
overall program funding per se. Instead, each project receives appropriations via a separate line
item in Reclamation’s Water and Related Resources budget account. This process is consistent
with most water resource project funding (e.g., Corps of Engineers project funding); however, it
is markedly different from other federally supported water treatment programs, which receive
program funding that is then dispersed by formula or other means by the administering agency
(e.g., by EPA and USDA) or via state agencies. Further, lack of funding for already authorized
projects has led some to oppose new project authorizations.
The above issues raise several questions:
•

Is new or revised program guidance needed, via a formal rule-making process,
congressional action, or both?

•

Would new or revised guidance forestall the issue of projects being authorized by
Congress prior to undergoing the Title XVI project evaluation process?

•

Could the Title XVI program be designed to help alleviate funding issues and
controversy over differing administrative and congressional budget priorities
(e.g., by establishing ranking or prioritization criteria)?

Where to Go from Here?
Growing pressure on water supplies in the West make it likely that the demand for Title XVI
projects and requests for federal assistance, and hence pressure on Congress to approve more
projects, will increase. At the same time, the potential for future requests to escalate and create an
entirely new class of water supply assistance, appears to have increased congressional,
Administration, and traditional Reclamation stakeholder concerns over the implementation and
authorization of new Title XVI projects. Under the current process, the potential result is an evergrowing list of pending Title XVI legislative proposals, and for those gaining congressional
approval, a growing list of projects competing for limited appropriations and Administration
support. Currently, almost a third of the 33 authorized projects are unfunded—a “backlog” the
Administration has repeatedly cited as a reason to oppose new authorizations—and an additional
16 project authorizations are in legislation pending before the 109th Congress. Some of these
proposals have been pending for multiple Congresses.
Thus, the 109th Congress is faced with the question, what should be the future of the Title XVI
program? Fundamental to deciding the future of the program are underlying questions related to
the federal role in municipal water reclamation and reuse specifically, and perhaps municipal
water supply more generally. How urgent is the problem of water scarcity in West? What are

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other options to address the problem? How important is the problem? While the problem may be
acute in some areas, it may be less so in others—should an adjustment to the program
acknowledge such differences and focus federal resources in certain areas? Should it be a federal
responsibility to promote reuse in the West? If so, why, or why not nationwide? How does reuse
contribute to national well-being?
If Congress decides to affirm a federal role for water reuse in the West, a different set of questions
arises:
•

How does promoting or facilitating reuse in the West facilitate other federal
goals, objectives, and legal obligations (e.g., protection of threatened and
endangered species)?

•

How does, or could, the Title XVI program mesh with other federal activities
(e.g., Interior’s Water 2025 challenge grant initiative or CALFED water reuse
and storage activities)?

•

Should the program be tied to alleviating demand or reducing existing diversions
where endangered species or other fish and wildlife, or water quality concerns
are at issue?

•

Should it be used to help communities drought-proof their supplies, or to slow
pressure on agricultural water supplies, by possibly slowing conversion of
“agriculture-to-urban” water transfers?

•

Will promotion of water reclamation and reuse simply encourage more growth in
already water scarce areas?

•

Will growth or development come at the expense of federal investment in other
economically depressed areas with plentiful water resources?

These questions are just a few that arise when discussing the future of Title XVI.

Legislative Considerations
Oversight hearings have been held on the Title XVI program in both the 108th and 109th
Congresses; however, only recently have comprehensive bills been introduced which would
amend Title XVI. Stakeholders include local and regional proponents of new but unauthorized
Title XVI projects, proponents of authorized yet unfunded Title XVI projects, the Administration,
congressional sponsors and committees of jurisdiction, as well as traditional Reclamation
stakeholders concerned about the programs’ potential to siphon funds away from non-Title XVI
projects.

Overview of Legislative Options
A wide range of options is available for addressing the Title XVI issues addressed above. One
option currently being pursued focuses on evaluation issues. Two recently introduced bills, H.R.
5768 and S. 3639, would replace the existing appraisal and feasibility evaluation process with a
more limited technical and financial viability and review process. The bills also address
implementation issues such as the purpose of the program (to authorize both permanent and
demonstration projects in western states and Hawaii), and clarify that desalination and recycling

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are permitted Title XVI activities. The Administration testified that the proposed legislation
would improve the program and make it easier for Reclamation to administer; however, the
Administration supported adjustments to the legislation to “ensure that project assessment and
authorization is prioritized to focus on areas of greatest need,” and to ensure projects are worthy
of federal investment. 23 The Administration stated it could not support S. 3639 in its current form.
Another option would be to focus on program and project eligibility and ranking criteria. This
direction is supported in the Administration’s testimony on S. 3639. The Administration
specifically called for developing ranking criteria that would help Reclamation, Congress and the
Administration prioritize projects. According to Reclamation, “such ranking criteria would
address whether the project actually alleviates significant water conflict or shortage and whether
it would add water supply in one of the likely crisis areas that we have focused on in efforts like
the Water 2025 program.”24 Under this option, other stakeholder priorities might also be
addressed. These priorities range from assisting communities with drought resilience to focusing
on projects with innovative and new technologies. While S. 3639 includes several factors that
must be considered during review of project proposals, including how the project might serve an
identified federal interest, these factors are not presented as decision-making or ranking criteria.
Another approach would be to evaluate programs using a funding focus. Funding issues could be
addressed via economic or financial prioritization during the evaluation process, through new
program eligibility and ranking criteria, or both. For example, in order to justify federal
investment in local projects, many federal capital investment programs include requirements for
some type of economic analysis of project alternatives. Federal water resource projects are
generally evaluated using “Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water
Resource Projects” (P&Gs). The focus of the P&Gs is on National Economic Development
(NED) benefits, although analysis of regional economic development (RED) is also included.
Although using the P&Gs is typically a necessary component of Reclamation’s feasibility study
process, Reclamation guidelines explicitly state that the P&Gs are not used for Title XVI projects
because of the project’s local (not national) scope. Instead, the guidelines require an assessment
of a project’s “economic feasibility” relative to other alternatives the local sponsor could pursue.
Many other federal agencies also require economic analyses of projects via alternatives analysis.
For example, the Federal Transit Administration’s “New Starts” program requires evaluation of
cost-effectiveness (via an alternatives analysis) as part of its overall financial and project
justification evaluation process (§3011(a) of SAFETEA-LU; 49 U.S.C. §5309(d)). Also, although
project-level decisions under the EPA’s Clean Water Act state revolving fund program are made
by the states, the Clean Water Act directs the EPA Administrator to publish guidelines for
evaluation methods, including cost-effectiveness (§212(2)(C) of P.L. 92-500, 33 U.S.C.
§1292(2)(C)), such as the “identification and selection of cost effective alternatives to comply
with the objective and goals” of the act (§217). Further, projects receiving federal financial
assistance under the act must be the most economical and cost-effective (§218(a) and (b)).
Relevant Clean Water Act state revolving fund guidelines are published at 40 CFR 35, Subpart E,
Appendix.

23

Statement of Larry Todd, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, before Senate Energy and Natural
Resources Water and Power Subcommittee, July 27, 2006, pp. 1-2.
24
Water 2025 is a relatively new Department of the Interior small grants program for “innovative” water resource
projects.

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These are just a few of the options to address identified Title XVI implementation issues. Other
legislative options include dismantling or phasing out the Title XVI program, strengthening the
program, or other less drastic adjustments, such as providing Reclamation with clearer direction
on the purpose for it to carry out these activities. Options that could be pursued administratively
include strengthening agency guidelines, and developing formal rules or regulations with specific
program and project eligibility, funding, and ranking criteria.25 While no option is likely to garner
the support of all stakeholders, an examination of options may clarify perspectives on the
appropriate federal role in reuse and define goals of federal participation in reuse.

Conclusion
The Title XVI program is at a crossroad. Growing demands on water resources in the West and
elsewhere make it likely that demand for assistance with water reclamation and reuse projects
will continue to increase. Depending on one’s perception of problems with the Title XVI
program, different solutions to resolving program issues will be sought. Different stakeholders
will have different opinions on the magnitude, importance, and scope of the broad policy,
program criteria, project evaluation, and funding issues identified in this report. Congress and the
Administration have several options to address Title XVI implementation issues. Resolution of
these issues will depend on many factors, including whether or to what degree congressional and
Administration priorities for the program can be articulated and balanced. For example, it appears
from recent testimony that projects sponsors are generally interested in a more streamlined
project development process and expanded program appropriations, while the Administration
supports a more limited program with long-term objectives focused on federal interests. The
challenge for Congress will be how to proceed in the face of divergent positions.

25
While the Administration developed guidelines for the Title XVI program in the mid-1990s, the guidelines have not
been revised and were never formally promulgated as rules. Nor have other administrative options been actively
pursued.

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Appendix. Title XVI Projects
Title XVI has been amended multiple times since 1992,26 resulting in a total of 33 authorized
projects (see Table A-1).27 For accounting purposes, Reclamation has deemed the 12 authorized
projects that have not yet received funding from Reclamation, or received minor amounts, as
inactive. These projects are shown in italics in Table A-1. The other Title XVI projects are
considered active.

Active Projects
As noted earlier, Title XVI funding obligations for three projects are complete, and nearly
complete for five additional projects. Title XVI projects were yielding an estimated 121,678 acrefeet of water annually as of September 20, 2005—nearly 25% of the 525,000 acre-feet of water
reused in California in 2001—and they are expected to yield 163,243 acre-feet by the end of
FY2006.28 Because water yield figures are based on total design capacity, actual water yield will
likely be slightly less.

Inactive Projects
Except for the one Oregon project, the other inactive projects have received no Title XVI funding;
however, some of the inactive projects have received funding from EPA, and in one case from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
To determine the status of the 12 inactive projects, CRS contacted the project sponsors and
determined that at least six inactive projects are moving forward in some manner with local
funding. Of the 12 projects, CRS completed interviews with seven project managers and found
that three projects have started construction. One of these is complete, and another is expected to
be completed in 2006. The third involves two sub-projects, one of which is 10% complete. Three
other projects have not yet started construction, but appear to be moving forward. These projects
are in various stages of planning, pre-feasibility, and permitting/environmental analysis. The
seventh project, for the City of Tracy (San Joaquin Area Water Reclamation and Reuse Project,
CA), is no longer being pursued. Most project sponsors appear to be seeking alternative funding;
some have been more successful than others. Most project managers expressed desire for
26

P.L. 104-266 (1996 amendments) authorized specific construction projects in California, Utah, New Mexico,
Nevada, and Texas (see Table A-1); P.L. 105-321 (1998) authorized a project in Oregon (Willow Lake); P.L. 106-554
(2000) authorized an additional project in Nevada (Sparks); P.L. 106-566 (2000) extended the Secretary’s research and
planning authority to include project investigations in Hawaii; P.L. 107-344 (2002) authorized a project in Washington
state (Lakehaven); P.L. 108-7 (2003) authorized an additional project in Nevada (North Las Vegas); P.L. 108-233
(2004) authorized an additional project in California (Irvine Basin); 108-316 (2004) authorized an additional project in
Texas (Williamson County); and, P.L. 109-70 (2005) authorized three projects in Hawaii (Kalaeloa (desalination),
Kealakehe, and Lahaina).
27
CRS reports 33 projects have been authorized, while Reclamation reports 32 projects. The discrepancy can be
explained by the way CRS and Reclamation count one project and one project authorization bill. CRS initially counted
the Hawaii project authorization as one project, resulting in a total of 31 projects; however, the legislation authorizes 3
projects. Further, Reclamation does not include the Port Hueneme project in its list of congressionally authorized
projects because it is authorized under standing authority. However, because Reclamation includes Port Hueneme (CA)
in budget totals for project XVI funding, CRS includes the Port Hueneme project in its count.
28
2006 Reclamation Reuse Chart.

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engagement with Reclamation and, not surprisingly, felt that their projects would be farther along
with federal funding. Some had begun working with Reclamation in the early stages of the project
(e.g., during the pre-feasibility/planning stage), but have not received assistance in recent years.
All in all, it appears six of the seven projects for which CRS completed interviews are either
moving or attempting to move forward with local funding. CRS was unable to secure information
on all 12 projects.

Title XVI Federal Contribution
Title XVI projects authorized prior to 1996 ranged in total costs from $152 million ($38 million
for Reclamation’s share), to $690 million ($172 million for Reclamation’s share), with 25% of the
total project costs eligible for Title XVI funding. In 1996, the program’s authorization was
amended to limit the federal share to no more than $20 million per project. The three costliest
Title XVI projects were authorized in 1992, before federal contributions were capped at $20
million. Post-1996 projects have been smaller in scale, ranging from $10 million ($2 million for
Reclamation’s share) to $280 million ($20 million for Reclamation’s share).

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Table A-1.Title XVI Projects by State: Federal Authorization, Funding, and Quantity of Reclaimed Water29

Project Name and
Authorization
(Public Law Number)

Estimated Title XVI
Contribution
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
FY1994-FY2006
($ in thousands)

Estimated
Project
Completion
Date

Title XVI Funding
as a % Estimate
Contribution

Reclaimed Water
(acre-feet)
(N/A=not available)
Max.
Project
Capacity

By
2006

Arizona
Phoenix Metropolitan Water
Reclamation and Reuse, AZ
(P.L. 102-575; P.L. 106-53
repealed study cost-share limit)

$20,000

1,260

6%

Subtotal Arizona

$20,000

$1,260

20,000

8,853

44%

N/A

0

Irvine Basin Project, CA
(P.L. 108-233)

12,710

Long Beach Area Water
Reclamation, CA (P.L. 104-266)

2010-2015

0

100,000

0

100,000

2010

9,500

10,000

N/A

N/A

0

1,100-5,500

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

4,000

18,836

9,857

52%

2011

10,000

18,000

Long Beach Desalination Demo,
CA (P.L. 104-266)

20,000

4,599

23%

2014

0

8,960

Los Angeles Area Water
Reclamation and Reuse, CA (P.L.
102-575)

69,970

69,970

100%

Completed

35,640

102,000

California
Calleguas Municipal Water
District Recycling, CA (P.L. 104266)
High Desert Wastewater
Collection and Reuse (Yucca
Valley, CA)
(P.L. 104-266)

29

Projects in italics are considered “inactive” by Reclamation for budgeting purposes. According to Reclamation, projects are generally considered inactive if they are both
incomplete and not currently receiving federal funding, or have received only minor federal funding (e.g., Willow Lake, OR, project) in prior years.

CRS-17

Project Name and
Authorization
(Public Law Number)

Estimated Title XVI
Contribution
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
FY1994-FY2006
($ in thousands)

Estimated
Project
Completion
Date

Title XVI Funding
as a % Estimate
Contribution

Reclaimed Water
(acre-feet)
(N/A=not available)
By
2006

Max.
Project
Capacity

Mission Basin Brackish
Groundwater Desalting Demo,
CA (P.L. 104-266)

3,112

2,543

82%

2006

3,360

3,360

North San Diego County Water
Recycling, CA (P.L. 104-266)

20,000

17,063

85%

2008

4,916

13,532

Orange County Regional Water
Reclamation, CA (P.L. 104-266)

20,000

16,164

81%

2008

5,040

72,000

Pasadena Reclaimed Water, CA
(P.L. 104-266)

5,760

345

6%

N/A

0

2,015

Port Hueneme Brackish Water,
CA (P.L. 104-266)

4,000

4,000

100%

Completed

3,970

4,370

San Diego Area Water
Reclamation, CA (P.L. 102-575)

172,590

80,437

47%

2012

23,050

80,880

San Gabriel Basin, CA(P.L. 102575)

38,090

30,935

81%

2010

41,135

75,580

San Joaquin Area Water Reuse
and Recycling, City of Tracy, CA
(P.L. 104-266)30

N/A

0

N/A

N/A

0

0

San Jose Area Water Reclamation
& Reuse, CA (P.L. 102-575)

109,959

27,080

25%

2011

7,537

36,000

Watsonville Area Water
Recycling, CA (P.L. 104-266)

17,975

2,870

16%

2008

0

4,000

$533,002

$274,716

144,148

435,797

Subtotal California

30

Sponsor indicated to CRS that the project is not currently being pursued.

CRS-18

Project Name and
Authorization
(Public Law Number)

Estimated Title XVI
Contribution
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
FY1994-FY2006
($ in thousands)

Estimated
Project
Completion
Date

Title XVI Funding
as a % Estimate
Contribution

Reclaimed Water
(acre-feet)
(N/A=not available)
By
2006

Max.
Project
Capacity

Hawaii (Hawaii Water Resources Act Projects)
Kalaeloa Desal, HI (P.L. 109-70)

N/A

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Kealakehe Recycling, HI (P.L. 10970)

N/A

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Lahaina Recycling, HI (P.L. 109-70)

N/A

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Subtotal Hawaii

N/A

0

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Las Vegas Shallow Aquifer
Desalination R&D, NV
(P.L. 104-266)

20,000

540

3%

N/A

0

20,000

North Las Vegas Water Reuse,
NV (P.L. 104-266; P.L. 108-7)

20,000

4,105

21%

N/A

0

72,810

Southern Nevada Water
Recycling, NV (P.L. 104-266)

20,000

20,000

100%

2006

9,391

113,000

Truckee Watershed Reclamation
Project (P.L. 106-554)

N/A

0

N/A

N/A

0

N/A

$60,000

$24,645

9,391

205,810

Albuquerque Metropolitan
WRRP, NM(P.L. 104-266; P.L.
105-62)

11,687

11,687

5,730

6,181

Subtotal New Mexico

$11,687

$11,687

5,730

6,181

Nevada

Subtotal Nevada
New Mexico

CRS-19

100%

2007

Project Name and
Authorization
(Public Law Number)

Estimated Title XVI
Contribution
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
FY1994-FY2006
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
as a % Estimate
Contribution

Estimated
Project
Completion
Date

Reclaimed Water
(acre-feet)
(N/A=not available)
By
2006

Max.
Project
Capacity

112

600-1,200

112

600-1,200

Oregon
Willow Lake / City of Salem Natural
Treatment, OR (P.L. 105-321)31

950

032

Subtotal Oregon

$950

0

El Paso Water Reclamation and
Reuse, TX (Northwest Area)
(P.L. 104-266)

8,691

8,670

99.8%

N/A

2,474

2,514

Williamson County Water
Reclamation and Reuse, TX
(P.L. 108-361)

20,000

95

0.5%

N/A

N/A

5,000

Subtotal Texas

$28,691

$8,765

2,474

7,514

Central Valley Water Recycling, UT
(P.L. 104-266)

7,750

0

N/A

N/A

0

9,000

St. George Area Water Recycling,
UT (P.L. 104-266)

3,000

033

N/A

N/A

N/A

3,900-11,700

Tooele Water Reclamation and
Reuse, UT (P.L. 104-266)

3,409

3,409

100.00%

Completed

1,500

2,537

N/A

2006
(demo phase)

Texas

Utah

31

This project is listed here as inactive because it is not listed as a financially active project in the 2006 Reclamation Chart. However, it may be counted by Reclamation in other
lists of “active” projects, as it meets other “active” criteria.
32
Actual funding for this project has been approximately $270,000; however, it is not reported by Reclamation in funding tables provided to CRS because the project does not
meet other “active” project budget criteria. In order to keep this column consistent with Reclamation estimates, we do not include the $270,000 in actual funding totals.
33
The project has not received Title XVI funding via Reclamation; however, it received $5.5 million from DOI’s Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Shivwits Band portion of the
project (to provide 200 acre-feet annually to the Tribe), as part of an Indian settlement agreement. EPA provided a grant of $0.2 million via the State of Utah.

CRS-20

Project Name and
Authorization
(Public Law Number)

West Jordan Water Reclamation and
Reuse, UT (P.L. 104-266)

Estimated Title XVI
Contribution
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
FY1994-FY2006
($ in thousands)

Title XVI Funding
as a % Estimate
Contribution

N/A

0

$14,159

$3,409

Lakehaven, WA (P.L. 107-344)

9,50034

0

Subtotal Washington

$9,500

Subtotal Utah

N/A

Estimated
Project
Completion
Date

N/A

Reclaimed Water
(acre-feet)
(N/A=not available)
Max.
Project
Capacity

By
2006
0

N/A

1,500

15,437 23,237

0

6,717 13,435

0

6,717 13,435 AF

163,35536

778,056 797,574

Washington

TOTAL

$677,989

N/A

N/A

$324,48235

Sources: Data supplied to CRS by Reclamation in January and February 2005; 2006 Reclamation Reuse Chart; and CRS interviews with project sponsors, November 2005
- January 2006. Subtotals and totals represent minimum estimated federal costs because some funds are not accounted for due to missing data. Water to be Reclaimed
column represents maximum project design capacity (or range for multi-phase projects). Numbers are based on project design capacity upon completion; they may not
correspond to eventual amounts reclaimed or sold, which will likely be less. Subtotals and totals for water to be reclaimed often indicate a lower bound estimate of water
to be reclaimed, as water quantity information was not available for all projects.

34

Based on estimated construction cost of $38 million.
Total shown here is slightly more than sum of the column listings due to rounding.
36
Total reclaimed by end of FY2006 may be more than reported by Reclamation; this total includes estimates from interviews with project sponsors.
35

CRS-21

The Title XVI Water Reuse Program: Implementation and Legislative Issues

Author Contact Information
(name redacted)
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy
[redacted]@crs.loc.gov, 7-....

Congressional Research Service

(name redacted)
Specialist in Natural Resources Policy
[redacted]@crs.loc.gov, 7-....

22

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/crs%3ARL33707. Public record. Not legal advice.