A water reuse project, particularly one that could include indirect or even direct potable reuse, can require an opinion and behavior change to get people behind it. The idea of recycling wastewater to add to drinking water supplies may be unfamiliar and initially unappealing to the public, and it is well known that it is not the technology, but negative public perception/outcry that is the most common reason why these projects can fail. However, utilities across the country have successfully moved forward with water recycling projects with public support, and there are some best practices and winning strategies for community engagement. Building public support means engaging with audiences in a strategic way, such as engaging elected officials, regulators, and industry professionals in the initial phase, and having their understanding and engagement help guide and support the outreach program as it widens its scope to community groups and the general public in the next phases of outreach. The City of Franklin, TN is looking to increase the amount of water it reuses and is in the early stages of planning for a new Clean Water Facility (CWF) that uses advanced technology. The City is setting itself up for success by following the models of other utilities who engage the public from the very start while also creating a program that is unique to its own community. As part of the CWF project, the City has already launched a public outreach program that includes messages, materials, and activities for a variety of stakeholder audiences. This session will cover several things: what are the key components of an outreach program for a water recycling project that any utility can implement; what are some examples of engagement activities, including the Next Round Brewing beer program and other similar events; what the City of Franklin is doing to advance the CWF project and tailor its approach to public engagement; and how an outreach program can evolve along with project progress and the everchanging media and communications landscape. This session will be useful for anyone interested in how to communicate with the public about water and get past the hurdles of opposition. Victory will not happen overnight, but committing to long-term community engagement and making sure everyone in the organization is knowledgeable about the project are essential.