EPA Administrator Zeldin Launches G20 Initiative to Advance Water Security
G20 Members Gathered in Houston Agree to EPA-led Water Reuse Outcome Document
HOUSTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin launched the G20 Water Reuse Initiative during the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Session, advancing a shared framework for expanding the safe reuse of treated water as demand from industry, agriculture, and energy production continues to rise. Every G20 member assembled in Houston agreed to the Water Reuse Outcome Document spearheaded by EPA.
The Initiative is built on a "fit-for-purpose" approach, treating water to the quality its intended use requires, grounded in rigorous science, rather than forcing every application through a single standard. Water reuse can reduce pressure on freshwater supplies, improve drought resilience, and enhance the reliability of critical infrastructure.
“Water and energy security underpin economic prosperity, powering American industry, agriculture, and innovation,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We are rolling up our sleeves to build commonsense solutions that strengthen water resilience and cut red tape while maintaining rigorous safeguards for human health and the environment.
The Trump EPA is a global leader on this issue, having launched the Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0 on April 16, 2026, building on the foundation of the first Trump Administration’s groundbreaking nationwide framework for advancing water reuse. WRAP 2.0 unleashes the power of water reuse and American ingenuity to grow the economy, protect human health, and strengthen water resources. Under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, EPA is bringing a fresh focus to water reuse, emphasizing its importance for industry, the technology sector, and energy dominance.
The G20 Water Reuse Initiative recognizes there is no one-size-fits-all model for water reuse and that national, subnational, and local circumstances differ, which echoes EPA’s commitment to cooperative federalism at home in the United States. The Trump EPA supports approaches that preserve state sovereignty, respect local conditions, and empower decision-makers to choose the most effective solutions for their communities. The agency also recognizes the role of private sector innovation and investment in advancing modern water infrastructure and efficient water management.
Specifically, the initiative supports technology-neutral “fit-for-purpose” reuse standards; streamlined permitting and administrative processes; strong environmental and human health safeguards; reclamation and recycling across energy, manufacturing, agriculture, municipal systems, and data centers, voluntary information sharing, technical exchanges, and pilot projects; and capacity building and knowledge transfer, including support for developing countries.
The full outcome document is available here: G20 Water Reuse Initiative (pdf)