Wichita greenlights $9.2 million direct potable reuse pilot project

Wichita greenlights $9.2 million direct potable reuse pilot projectFollowing the recent passage of state legislation enabling potable reuse, Wichita is moving forward with a small-scale advanced water purification pilot at Plant 2 to drought-proof its future water supply.

The City Council approved a $742,000 contract amendment with CDM Smith, pushing the total project budget to $9.2 million.

The pilot will process 50 gallons per minute using ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection.

The project follows the April 2026 signing of Kansas House Bill 2462, which mandates the state to create potable reuse regulations by 2028.

Wichita has secured Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study approval, paving the way for Title 16 grant funding applications.

The Wichita City Council unanimously approved a contract amendment and revised funding budget on July 7 to initiate a small-scale direct potable reuse pilot project. Driven by historic droughts from 2021 to 2025, the city is advancing the pilot to secure a locally controlled, sustainable water supply and support future economic development. The council authorized a $742,000 contract amendment with engineering firm CDM Smith for the design and operational support of the pilot, bringing the firm's total contract to just over $1.9 million. Constructing and operating the pilot facility for several years is estimated to cost an additional $7 million. To cover these expenses, the council approved reallocating $8 million in available funding from the adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP), raising the total water reuse project budget to $9.2 million. The pilot will be located at the city's main wastewater treatment facility, Plant 2, which currently discharges 25 million gallons per day into the river. The small-scale system will process 50 gallons per minute—approximately 70,000 gallons per day—testing a multi-barrier advanced water purification process that includes ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection. During the pilot phase, the purified water will not be distributed to the public; instead, it will be cycled back into the treatment plant. Gary Jansen of Public Works and Utilities noted that the pilot will serve as a critical proving ground for technology and regulation. The initiative follows the April 9, 2026, signing of Kansas House Bill 2462, landmark legislation that directs the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to develop regulations for potable reuse by 2028. "There are only about a handful of states in the nation that have fully developed regulations for potable reuse," Jansen told the council. "This is something that Wichita truly is leading the way on for not just our region, but for the state of Kansas." While the city previously evaluated indirect potable reuse options—such as pumping treated water 37 miles back to Cheney Reservoir—officials are increasingly focused on direct potable reuse. Jansen cited the high costs of conveyance pipelines and the inefficiencies of evaporation inherent in open reservoirs, noting that direct potable reuse offers a more efficient closed system. To offset the significant long-term costs of full-scale implementation, Wichita is aggressively pursuing federal assistance. The city recently received approval for a feasibility study submitted to the Bureau of Reclamation, allowing staff to proceed with applications for Title 16 grant funds dedicated to water recycling and reuse projects. Process equipment procurement for the pilot is expected to begin late this year, with delivery anticipated in 2027. The system is slated to be fully operational by late 2027 following the completion of ongoing biological nutrient removal (BNR) upgrades at the plant.