In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen touch on federal water news, including potential WOTUS updates, the confirmation of Radhika Fox to the U.S. EPA Office of Water and movement on federal infrastructure funding. Finally, the interview this month is with Brad Clements, senior corporate account manager, Lodging segment for Nalco Water. Del Ciello spoke with Clements about sustainable hotel water management and how One Water principles can play a role. Timestamps: Cold Open: (0:00) Host Introduction: (0:43) Waters of the United States: (1:38) Senate Confirms Radhika Fox to lead EPA Office of Water: (3:45) INVEST in America Act: (5:44) President Biden and Senators reach $1.2T infrastructure package compromise: (7:01) Introducing Brad Clements interview: (8:52) Effect of drought and barriers to efficient hotel water management: (10:18) Costs associated with hotel water: (14:24) How water quality impacts cooling tower management: (18:41) Considerations when choosing where to target water savings initiatives: (22:48) Recognizing that no two systems are alike: (25:40) Customer awareness surrounding sustainable hotel water management (26:50) How one water plays into sustainable hotel water management: (29:46) Interview ends: (32:50) Housekeeping: (32:59) End (35:40)

Talking Under Water

Episode 42: Sustainable Hotel Water Management

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen provide a brief update on the progress of the Lead and Copper Rule Revision, which is now undergoing community roundtables to gather feedback. The hosts also explore current water scarcity issues in the U.S., including Lake Mead’s declining water levels and the impact of water scarcity on the entire water cycle ranging from surface water to groundwater. Finally, the interview this month is with Scott Slater, CEO of Cadiz Inc. about water scarcity and how it affects the economy, relates to water equity and more. Timestamps: Cold Open - Gameshows: (0:00) Host Intro: (0:44) Lead & Copper Rule update: (1:33) Drought in the Western U.S.: (5:28) The connection between agriculture water use and water wells: (9:06) Introducing Scott Slater, CEO of Cadiz Inc.: (13:07) Biggest challenges regarding water scarcity in the Western U.S.: (13:59) Factors contributing to water scarcity: (19:17) Water scarcity’s impact on the economy: (23:22) How water scarcity affects water equity: (28:23) Aquifer storage as a water scarcity solution: (35:54) Interview ends: (39:51) Housekeeping: (39:58) End: (42:40)

Episode 41: Water Scarcity, Economy & Equity

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss the recent Senate passage of the Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, and touch on a new U.S. EPA web-based app to help communities identify potential sources of pollution to recreational waters. They also unpack recent survey results conducted by Water Quality Products, Storm Water Solutions and Water & Wastes Digest on water industry attitudes towards live event attendance. Finally, the interview this month is with Rajan Ray, digital solutions leader for CDM Smith, on emerging technologies that are advancing the engineering and design phases of projects in the water and wastewater industry.

Talking Under Water Episode 40: Funding, Travel & New Technologies

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss how the recently announced American Jobs Plan may impact the water sector before diving into two industry expert interviews regarding the current legislative landscape for water infrastructure priorities. The interviews this month are with Nathan Ohle, CEO for the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and Shellie Chard, water quality division director for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Ohle and Chard testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works March 17, highlighting the need for investment in water and infrastructure. Both represent different facets of the water industry yet stress the need for collaboration.

Episode 39: Seizing Water's Moment

n this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss the latest coronavirus relief package — the American Rescue Plan — and its impact on the water industry. We’ll also dig into the results of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card as pertains to water infrastructure. Finally, the interview this month is with Rich “Raz” Razgaitis, co-founder and CEO for FloWater. Johns spoke with Razgaitis about microplastics and how the issue impacts all aspects of the water industry from consumer to municipality workers. Show Notes: Congress adopts $1.9 trillion stimulus, securing first major win for Biden EPA Action Notices Extend Lead & Copper Rule Revision Effective Date US House Passes Stimulus Bill, Includes Water Assistance ASCE Infrastructure Report Card: Drinking Water, Wastewater & Storm Water Grades Storm Water Earns ‘D’ on ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure Timestamps: Cold open: (0:00) Host introduction: (0:28) American Rescue Plan Act effect on water industry: (1:45) An update on the status of the Lead & Copper Rule Revision: (4:46) ASCE Drinking Water & Wastewater Grade briefing: (6:09) ASCE Storm Water Grade briefing: (7:42) Unpacking the ASCE Report Card grades: (9:02) Introducing Rich “Raz” Razgaitis: (12:34) Defining microplastics in water: (13:17) Threats microplastics pose to humans and the environment: (14:23) The impact of microplastics on water, wastewater and storm water treatment: (18:30) Are regulations on the horizon for microplastics?: (20:50) Why banning single-use plastics doesn’t always work: (23:49) How tap water is a crucial element in solving the microplastics problem: (26:04) Microplastics regulations for wastewater and stormwater facilities?: (27:19) What can water industry professionals do to address microplastics: (29:02) Housekeeping: (35:03) End: (37:52)

Episode 38: When it Rains, it Pours

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen explore how the Biden administration may impact the water sector and provide updates on the Lead & Copper Rule revisions discussed in last month’s episode. The hosts also briefly share water industry efforts and resources pushing diversity and inclusion. Finally, the interview this month is with Andrea Hall, senior director of diversity and inclusion for Brown & Caldwell. Crossen spoke with Hall about diversity and inclusion, creating safe spaces to have challenging conversations, and the importance of confronting issues about race, diversity and inclusion.

Episode 37: Balance And Belonging

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss recent updates to the Lead and Copper Rule for the first time in 30 years and potential impacts on the water industry at large. The conversation also unpacks the recent Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s assessment of the State of the Bay, which declined slightly from 2018. Finally, our interview this month is with Dorothée Chabredier, principal for Amane Advisors. Del Ciello spoke with Chabredier about trends in water investment, including an increased interest in sustainable investing. Chabredier explains the categories in sustainable investing, which have the greatest growth and how water businesses can optimize their business models to benefit from sustainable investing. She also shared her water wish list for 2021 and beyond.

Episode 36: Trends in Sustainable Investment

Wrapping up 2020, Talking Under Water hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Bob Crossen and Katie Johns present the second annual special State of the Industry episode. The episode features snippets from conversations with multiple industry leaders reflecting on the state of the industry from their perspective segments of the water industry, including the wastewater sector, residential/commercial drinking water treatment sector, and storm water and erosion control sectors. Del Ciello, Crossen and Johns weave the interview clips with discussion delving into the issues explored, including market impact of COVID-19, smart technology, consumer focus on water access/quality, regulatory issues down the pipeline and more. A special thanks to all of this month's podcast guests for sharing their industry insights, including Derek Berg, president of the Stormwater Equipment Manufacturers Association; Adam Dibble, president of the International Erosion Control Association; Colin Sabol, senior vice president and president for Xylem’s Measurement & Control Solutions; Kristina Surfus, NACWA managing director of government affairs; and Samuel Karge, president, North America Water Treatment for A.O. Smith. Timestamps: Cold open: (0:00) Host introduction: (0:41) Thoughts from Derek Berg on industry outlook: (1:45) Adam Dibble shares his experiences about digital evolution in the industry: (5:24) Colin Sabol explains how utilities are finding new uses for existing equipment: (11:05) Kristina Surfus notes water equity, water affordability and water access will be policy cornerstones moving forward: (14:45) Sam Karge discussing the challenges of evermore stringent regulations: (20:15) Sam Karge asks if the health and wellness trend will continue after the pandemic: (24:31) Host wrap up the episode(28:22) End: (31:47)

Episode 35: 2020 State of the Industry

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen highlight conversations with two women in water on their career journeys, women in leadership, diversity in the workplace, the role of mentorship and more. Plus, the podcast guests share advice for young professionals entering the water industry.

Episode 34: Women in Water

In this special episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Bob Crossen, Lauren Del Ciello and Katie Johns share the final interview in the four-part Value of Water Series. The series aims to share diverse voices and perspectives on solving water access, equity and affordability issues starting with the role of one water before digging into the utility perspective, a community group perspective and finally a perspective from the ground floor on water access. In this episode, Lauren interviews Carmen George, research & MEQ manager for the Community Outreach & Patient Empowerment (COPE) program. The program is a partnership with the Navajo Nation Community Health Representative Outreach Program to improve the lives of those living with chronic diseases in Navajo Nation. The program has also been significantly involved in water access issues in the community, especially in light of current circumstances. Lauren and Carmen discuss COPE’s mission and barriers to clean drinking water access. Additionally, the conversation digs into the role of education in long-term change for water access and use, as well as how the “one water” approach can be a sustainable, long-term method to meet these access and education obstacles.

Value of Water Series: Water Access Perspective with COPE

In this special episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Bob Crossen, Lauren Del Ciello and Katie Johns share the third interview in the four-part Value of Water Series. The series aims to share diverse voices and perspectives on solving water access, equity and affordability issues starting with the role of one water before digging into the utility perspective, a community group perspective and finally a perspective from the ground floor on water access. In this episode, Katie interviews Kirsten Shead and Brenda Coley, co-executive directors of the Milwaukee Water Commons.They talk about the efforts of the Milwaukee Water Commons and water equity in the city of Milwaukee and beyond. The series will conclude next week, Oct. 30, with an interview between Lauren and Carmen George, research & MEQ manager for the Community Outreach & Patient Empowerment (COPE) program discussing water access. The TUW hosts are committed to elevating conversations surrounding issues of water access, equity and affordability and the role of one water in driving change. We encourage you to reach us at talkingunderwater@sgcmail.com to share your thoughts and start a dialogue.

Value of Water Series: Community Perspective with Milwaukee Water Commons

In this special episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Bob Crossen, Lauren Del Ciello and Katie Johns share the second interview in the four-part Value of Water Series. Each Friday in October, TUW is releasing a special episode in conjunction with the Value of Water Campaign – a US Water Alliance campaign – and Imagine a Day Without Water, which is October. 21. The series will share diverse voices and perspectives on solving water access, equity and affordability issues starting with the role of one water before digging into the utility perspective, a community group perspective and finally a perspective from the ground floor on water access. In this episode, Bob interviews OJ McFoy, the general manager for Buffalo Sewer Authority, about the affordability programs that they have implemented in Buffalo, New York.

Value of Water Series: Utility Perspective with Buffalo Sewer Authority

This special episode of Talking Under Water is the first in a four-part series digging into the value of water. We are releasing a special series each Friday in October in conjunction with the Value of Water Campaign—a U.S. Water Alliance campaign—and Imagine a Day Without Water, which is October 21. The series will focus on sharing diverse voices and perspectives on solving water access, equity and affordability issues, starting with the role of one water before digging into the utility perspective, a community group perspective and finally a perspective from the ground floor on water access.

Value of Water Series—One Water with Radhika Fox

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss a trifecta of water-positive news, including new water technology investment in Cleveland aimed at creating a “blue economy,” the U.S. EPA’s proposed 2020 Financial Capability Assessment for the Clean Water Act, and a major tech company’s commitment to replenish more water than it consumes. Finally, our interview this month is with Yu-Chun Su, Technical Director, Environmental & Water Resources Engineering at Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam. Katie spoke with Yu-Chun about best practices to prevent and control source water contamination, as well as long-term impacts across the water sector ranging from storm water to residential water quality.

Episode 33: Source Water Contamination

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss water sustainability goals driven by diverse industries including jeans manufacturers and unpack Chicago’s new equity-focused lead service line replacement program and its broader impacts. Finally, they share an interview with Ralph Exton, chief marketing officer and chief digital officer for Suez Water Technologies and Solutions. Crossen spoke to Exton about the acceleration in adoption of digital technologies in 2020 and the impact of that trend in 2021 and beyond. The podcast hosts also preview a special series. Talking Under Water will present the regular October episode to listeners early at the start of the month and each subsequent Friday the hosts will release a special episode in conjunction with the Value of Water Campaign—a U.S. Water Alliance campaign—and Imagine a Day Without Water, which is October 21. The series will focus on sharing diverse voices and perspectives on solving water access, equity and affordability issues, starting with the role of one water before digging into the utility perspective, a community group perspective and finally a perspective from the ground floor on water access. The first episode of the series will drop October 9 and we can’t wait to share these conversations with you. The Talking Under Water hosts are committed to elevating conversations surrounding issues of water access, equity and affordability and the role of one water in driving change.

Episode 32: Acceleration of Digital Technologies

Talking Under Water is the preeminent podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. Credit for Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com

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