Executive Director
Wasatch Front Water Quality Council
Bio:
Leland Myers is the Executive Director of the Wasatch Front Water Quality Council. The Council is a research entity funded by local wastewater utilities to research Utah Lake, Jordan River, and the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem. Leland has been involved in GSL research since 2002. Leland is currently a member of the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council for the State of Utah and has served on the GSLAC since its formation. Leland previously worked as the District Manager for Central Davis Sewer District and was a member of the State Water Quality Board. Leland has also been on a bunch of other Boards and Councils probably of no particular interest to anyone. Leland has also received a bunch of awards, that again interest nobody. Leland is a graduate of the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Utah and California and is a certified Wastewater Collections and Treatment operator.
Title: Wastewater Reuse in the GSL Basin (When is Recycling Not Necessarily Good)
Abstract: According to the font of all knowledge, ChatGPT, “Wastewater reuse, also known as water recycling or water reclamation, is a sustainable and innovative approach to address the growing global water scarcity challenges. In the face of increasing population, urbanization, and climate change, the demand for fresh water has escalated, making the efficient and responsible management of wastewater an imperative. Wastewater reuse involves the treatment and repurposing of wastewater for various beneficial applications, such as irrigation, industrial processes, and even potable water supply.” There you have it, who can argue with buzz words like sustainable, innovative, or repurposing. That said, reality is often more complex than meets the eye. Reuse in the GSL Basin is not only challenging but it sends water to evapotranspiration when otherwise it would reach the Lake. Water reuse is not bad if it does not create additional losses to the ecosystem. This presentation will discuss the state of water reuse in the GSL Basin, the process for approval of reuse applications, and the net effect on Great Salt Lake.