Beyond the Treatment Technology: The Story Behind Potable Reuse Regulation Development

The speakers will cover what goes into potable reuse regulation development and provide a comprehensive understanding of how regulatory frameworks and rules are developed and the necessary considerations to build a successful reuse program.

Session Objectives:

• Understand how goals are set when developing potable reuse regulations 
• Describe the differences between prescriptive and flexible regulatory framework
• Understand the technical and operational considerations 
• Learn the importance of public outreach and stakeholder buy-in  

Presenters:

Karthik Kumarasamy, is a civil and environmental engineer  with 14 years of experience specializing in drinking water, wastewater reclamation and direct potable reuse (DPR). With expertise in regulatory development, advanced water treatment, and risk assessment, he works to balance cost with public health protection while ensuring operationally sustainable and community-supported solutions. He served as the technical lead for Arizona’s DPR program and chaired the technical advisory committee for Arizona’s DPR program. He has authored multiple statewide policies for drinking water and reuse programs including the DPR operator certification program. 

Susan Brownstein,  is a senior project manager and has 20 years of industry experience, focused on drinking water regulatory compliance, utility capital improvements projects, and water quality. Her experience includes working as a utility engineer for Cleveland Water, as a drinking water regulator for the California Water Resources Control Board, and as a consultant on projects nationwide. She brings a wealth of experience in both regulatory and utility management in the specific areas of water quality and treatment, regulatory engagement strategy, Lead and Copper Rule compliance, potable reuse, drinking water utility project management, and capital improvements planning.