Best Best & Krieger LLP water attorney and managing partner, Eric Garner and John Freshman, senior director of governmental affairs, recently attended a meeting of Southern California water suppliers and water treatment agencies to discuss the impacts of the California drought on water recycling.

The event, hosted by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, was by invitation only and John Freshman, who represents Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts in Washington, D.C.  helped initiate and organize it. BB&K was as the only law firm present. In addition to hosting area water agencies and treatment districts, the event also welcomed Rep. Jared Huffman, Rep. Linda Sanchez and Rep. Grace Napolitano. Representatives of California’s 2nd, 38th and 32nd congressional districts respectively.

Rep. Huffman, who has drafted a $1.4 billion drought bill, used the event to emphasize the need for research, technology sharing and funding for crucial infrastructure needed during drought conditions like California is currently experiencing. However, with funding in tight supply the emphasis was equally on how to create more “new” water by continuing to recycle treated water. Southern California has made major strides in this regard and is a national leader in this emerging area.

Bringing together area agencies, districts and political leaders to discuss the implications of California’s four-year long drought is an important move as the state begins to grapple with a “new normal” in terms of water supply, water quality and water rights.