Water Values Podcast

Ajay Kasarabada, Associate Vice President and Director of Environmental Solutions for Black & Veatch, provides a brilliant discussion on the issue of water’s role in decarbonization and net zero. In this session, you’ll learn about: Ajay’s unique path to the environmental sector and his tie to the water sector The interrelationship between the air sector and the water sector Water’s role as a raw material in decarbonization The two primary sources of hydrogen Why hydrogen doesn’t exist freely in the universe How Ajay’s chemical engineering background fits perfectly in the water & decarbonization puzzle Water needs for hydrogen production Some of the policy challenges in decarbonization The three tiers of net zero Ajay’s work on the ETTAC (Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Commission) advising the U.S. Department of Commerce Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Ajay’s LinkedIn profile Black & Veatch’s website ETTAC’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Shannon Quinn, Global Water Stewardship Leader, and Elizabeth Kinney, Senior Communications and Sustainability Director, of Procter & Gamble provide an in-depth discussion P&G’s vision for a water positive future. They also discuss how companies can enhance their impact on water citing examples of P&G’s own water programs and partnerships. Plus, Reese Tisdale gives us a rundown on the latest water sector news on our Bluefield on Tap segment. In this session, you’ll learn about: Elizabeth’s and Shannon’s respective backgrounds and their unique paths to the water sector P&G’s water commitments The three pronged plan P&G is pursuing for a water positive future (& what “water positive future” means to P&G) How P&G is taking care of its own house through water efficiency programs How P&G is restoring water to water-stressed areas How P&G responds to big water challenges P&G’s Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program The water consumption delta between washing dishes by hand versus by dishwasher How specific P&G brands are supporting P&G’s goals How P&G partners with other organizations like the Bonneville Environmental Foundation Elizabeth’s & Shannon’s thoughts on how companies can make an impact on water issues Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Shannon’s LinkedIn profile Elizabeth’s LinkedIn profile P&G’s website P&G’s Change the Course website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer, takes us on an amazing journey into nanobubble technology – what it is, what it does and how it improves water efficiency, water quality, water processes and much more. In this session, you’ll learn about: Nick’s background and his unexpected path to the water sector What nanobubbles are How big nanobubbles are in comparison to a grain of salt – the answer will surprise you! How nanobubbles transfer gas into liquid so efficiently How nanobubbles behave different than normal bubbles The wide range of industries in which nanobubbles can make process improvements How nanobubbles increase agricultural yields, promote water quality and efficiency, improve nutrient absorption and mitigate against waterborne disease and biofilm How leadership continuity affects utility culture Use of nanobubbles in wastewater treatment, especially in the aeration process How nanobubbles improve energy efficiency Use of nanobubbles in the energy sector How nanobubbles can be used in the natural world to reduce harmful algal blooms and other Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Nick’s LinkedIn profile Moleaer’s website Thank You!Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Will Pickering, the CEO of the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority, provides a master class in utility leadership covering a wide range of issues from capital programs to the art of building trust with your customers. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins us for a Bluefield on Tap segment discussing some interesting economic information in the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about: Will’s background How Will navigated starting at PWSA during the pandemic PWSA’s lead service line (LSL) replacement program Why PWSA does not undertake partial LSL replacements How the LSL replacement program helped rebuild trust in the community Will’s tips on rebuilding trust in the community How leadership continuity affects utility culture PWSA’s capital improvement program, including its water reliability plan Why the Pennsylvania legislature put PWSA under PUC jurisdiction The impact of PUC jurisdiction over PWSA How PWSA succeeded as a public authority in a state favorable to privatization Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Will’s LinkedIn profile PWSA’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Dr. Spencer Taintor, Head of School for St. Mark’s Episcopal School and Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, fills us in on Sea Lab and the awesome programming it provides, as well as an inspirational message of hope about water quality. In this session, you’ll learn about: Spencer’s background How watching water quality degrade in Biscayne Bay while growing up affected Spencer What Sea Lab is Why Spencer wants to teach kids to be “solution makers” not “solution thinkers” How Spencer interfaced with the local business community to establish Sea Lab The researchers Sea Lab has partnered with The broad age range that can take advantage of Sea Lab How to think globally but act locally Some of the research projects that are underway Some of the struggles Spencer encountered when building the tidal pool for Sea Lab How the Sea Lab program is expanding How Sea Lab is educating the community for the long term Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Spencer’s LinkedIn profile Sea Lab’s website (make sure you check out the Sea Lab launch video!) Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Financial journalist and The Water Values Podcast veteran guest, Antony Currie, returns to discuss the water issue in the context of green hydrogen. Antony delivers a fantastic interview and highlights that green hydrogen developers need to pay more attention to water. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins our Bluefield on Tap segment to discuss a significant development in the private water utility space. In this session, you’ll learn about: What’s new with Antony since he was last on the podcast in 2019 Antony’s thoughts on how the financial sector impacts climate The line between water and green hydrogen What the financial statements of green hydrogen developers say about water The key water assumptions green hydrogen developers use Which renewable resource green hydrogen developers gravitate to and the typical water resources where those resources are plentiful Green hydrogen and water efficiency and conservation Water resource allocation issues related to green hydrogen Antony’s thoughts on green hydrogen production in arid areas Why Antony uses stoichiometric so much when discussing water Antony’s argument for greater transparency with respect to water in the energy industry Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Antony Currie’s LinkedIn profile Antony’s The Liquid Asset webpage Reuters’ Breaking Views Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

In this session, you’ll learn about: Parker’s background and how a mechanical engineering student developed a passion for water The interrelationship between water and soil health The current state of soil health Parker’s thoughts on how to improve soil health How regenerative agricultural practices improve soil health How yields are affected by using regenerative practices The ROI of using regenerative agricultural practices How improving soil health saves water Steps to improving soil health Where the “Soil Surgeon” moniker came from How soil health also improves golf course water management (& also indirectly makes those golf courses more available to the public) Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Parker Cohn’s LinkedIn profile Parker’s Twitter Handle: @thesoilsurgeon Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

The one and only Pat Mulroy provides a stark reality check and status update on the state of the Colorado River negotiations. And Reese Tisdale from Bluefield Research provides his observations on several recent P3 announcements in the water space. In this session, you’ll learn about: Pat’s update on what’s new with her since she was last on the podcast The two proposals made to the Department of the Interior How the Six States Proposal and the California Proposal are different How recent precipitation affects the negotiations How neither proposal reaches the required cut mark Where the Six States Proposal pushes the majority of the cuts Why the California Proposal is a strict priority based proposal How the current acre feet allocation works Pat’s guess as to what happens this year in the negotiations How the federal government plays into the negotiations Why Pat believes a negotiated settlement, rather than a lawsuit, is the most likely outcome Pat’s guess as to how the SCOTUS would rule in a lawsuit Why paper water rights are worthless if Lake Mead goes to dead pool Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Pat’s LinkedIn profile The Water Problem on Amazon (book edited by Pat) Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Wayne Griffith, now the Acting Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of DC Water, Ben Grumbles, the Executive Director of Environmental Council of the States, Christine Boyle, Vice President of Business Incubation for Xylem, and Dave McGimpsey, water, energy and utility Partner at Dentons engage in a panel discussion surrounding water technology and its role in finding solutions for utilities. In this session, you’ll learn about: DC Water’s Strategic Plan How DC Water uses technology to assist customers DC Water’s Blue Plains Facility Why the US needs a national water policy that affords State and local governments flexibility to achieve policy goals Why innovation at the State and local government levels are needed to address water quantity and water quality concerns How interplay between grey infrastructure and nature based solutions Examples of collaboration and conflict between States The connection between the “Conservation Conundrum” and data science Digitization and data aggregation leading to real-time decision making How utilizing digital strategies can leverage nature-based solutions and reduce grey infrastructure costs Convergence in the energy and water sectors Changing the utility paradigm What the panel sees for the future of water technology implementation Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Wayne Griffith’s LinkedIn profile Ben Grumbles bio on the ECOS website Christine Boyle’s LinkedIn profile Dave McGimpsey’s bio on Dentons’ website Moderator Linda Willard’s bio on Dentons’ website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

After a 5 year hiatus, Patricia Sinicropi, Executive Director of the Water Reuse Association, relates the exciting and substantial changes seen in the water reuse sector over the last 5 years. Plus, Reese Tisdale breaks down the Xylem agreement to acquire Evoqua in our Bluefield on Tap segment. In this session, you’ll learn about: How water reuse and recycling has changed over the past 5 years How the IIJA has impacted water reuse What the drivers for water recycling are and how it differs in various regions of the country How businesses are influencing the move toward water reuse Some examples of businesses achieving “water positive” facilities How the Water Reuse Association (WRA) promotes water reuse in the business community The inaugural Industrial Water Reuse Champion Award WRA’s 2023 Water Reuse Symposium in Atlanta, GA, from March 5-8, 2023 Details on El Paso’s new DPR facility and the public’s positive reaction to it Advances in potable reuse technologies Colorado’s DPR rulemaking Los Angeles’ recycling of wastewater What’s next for water reuse and the WRA? Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Patricia’s LinkedIn profile Water Reuse Association’s website Water Reuse Symposium in Atlanta on March 5-8, 2023 Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

John Richard Saylor, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University, provides a fascinating look at lakes and things you didn’t know about them. He provides examples of unique lakes around the world and offers a warning about natural resources and the human tendency to deplete them. In this session, you’ll learn about: The unique circumstances that brought Prof. Saylor to lake research Prof. Saylor’s lake research and some fascinating aspects of lakes How lakes store carbon dioxide and can cause an explosion of the lake What causes thermal stratification of lakes What Carolina Bays are and the mystery behind how they were formed Subglacial lakes and how chemosynthesis drives lake ecology How subglacial lakes were formed and were discovered Why glaciers are the “master builder” of lakes Several ways that lakes die The story of the Aral Sea (which in reality is a lake) and its warning for the Great Salt Lake How salt lakes form Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Prof. Saylor’s Clemson University profile John Richard Saylor’s webpage Amazon page for Prof. Saylor’s Book: Lakes: Their Birth, Life and Death

Water rock star Adel Hagekhalil imparts a powerful vision for leadership in the water sector through the lens of his work at Metropolitan. Plus, Reese Tisdale kicks off our Bluefield on Tap segment by providing his top 5 water issues to be on the lookout for in 2023. In this session, you’ll learn about: How Adel’s life has changed since he was last on in 2019 Why Metropolitan declared a regional drought emergency and what it means How Metropolitan is experiencing a “Second Mulholland Moment” The programs Metropolitan is developing and implementing to promote conservation and create sustainable supplies How Adel promotes an inclusive and cooperative approach through his “We are one” program What Adel means by building a “virtual aqueduct” How Adel coalesced support from a divided board The biggest surprises Adel encountered after coming to Metropolitan The 5 principles Adel adopted in his business plan for Metropolitan Why embracing partnership, not partisanship, is so important on water issues Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Adel’s LinkedIn profile Metropolitan’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

An all-star panel of water leaders, including Alyson Watson, Tony Parrott, and Robert Puente, discuss the year that was in water and share insights and perspectives on the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about: Our panelists’ discussion of affordability in the face of inflation How SAWS addressed fairness in rate design during 2022 Louisville MSD’s affordability and equity programs Woodard & Curran’s experience creating efficiencies in system operations and capital planning that promote affordability Louisville MSD’s success in regionalism initiatives SAWS’s challenges with regionalism Alyson’s perspective on water technology and adoption in 2022 and the “adoption hurdle” How SAWS demonstrated ROI for its smart meter program and overcame the “adoption hurdle” Louisville MSD’s use of technology in capital planning, integration of assets into real time operations, and implementation of AI Key takeaways for the year 2022 from each panel member Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Robert’s bio on the SAWS website Tony’s LinkedIn profile Alyson’s LinkedIn profile

Evan Thomas, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Colorado – Boulder, details the fascinating story of Virridy and how Virridy promotes water security through remote sensing. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins us for the final Bluefield on Tap of 2022. In this session, you’ll learn about: How a bioastronautics Ph.D. became an environmental engineering professorWhy Evan founded Virridy to facilitate water security in drought prone regions in AfricaHow Evan identified the date gap that Virridy filledHow the sensing technology worksHow Virridy connects sensing data to satellite dataHow Virridy leverages predictive analytics and machine learning to “pre-position” water supplies and food suppliesHow and why Virridy imported its technology to the U.S.The needs Virridy’s sensory and satellite linked technology fill in the U.S.How Virridy facilitates demand response programs by electric utilitiesWhere Evan sees sensing technology and data usage in driving water policyHow Virridy’s technology fits in the water-energy-food security nexusHow Virridy provides basic water security through carbon credits and climate financing Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Evan’s LinkedIn profileVirridy’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Manny Teodoro returns to discuss his new co-authored book, The Profits of Distrust. Manny lends his keen insights and explains the tenets of the book in a clear and concise manner. His findings, all backed by substantial evidence, will definitely surprise you and should cause utility leaders to sit up and take notice. In this session, you’ll learn about: Manny’s COVID experience moving during the pandemic and starting a new jobWhy Manny and his co-authors wrote The Profits of DistrustThe relationship between the increase in commercial water consumption and the decrease in the trust in government and institutionsThe populations that distrust government most, which in turn causes those populations to buy commercial waterThe socio-economic class that drinks tap waterThe socio-economic class that drinks commercial waterWhat it means when a consumer “exits” tap waterWhy utility leaders need to worry about consumers that exit tap waterWhy the silence of the customer base has an ethnic accentWhy utilities need to operate with excellence, openness and equity to rebuild trust Key components of the co-authors’ plan to achieve excellence, openness and equity Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Manny’s LinkedIn profileManny’s websiteThe Profits of Distrust at the Cambridge University Press website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Austin Alexander, Vice President of Sustainability and Social Impact at Xylem, lays out key features of Xylem’s new report, Net Zero: The Race We All Win. Austin delves into simple ways to start on the path to net zero and enhancers to achieve net zero in the water industry. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins us for another Bluefield on Tap segment talking desalination. In this session, you’ll learn about: Austin’s journey to the water sector (it started in middle school!)Austin’s work on decarbonizing the water sectorXylem’s new report, Net Zero: The Race We All WinWhy net zero is not a scary termHow to take the first step toward net zeroSimple strategies utilities can take to reduce their carbon footprintEasy ways to integrate decarbonization into capital planningHow to use what you have smarterHow most electric related emissions can be reduced 50% at cost savings or at least cost savingsStrategies for making the net zero story tangible to decision makers and the publicExamples of utilities around the world that are experiencing success and making progress toward net zero Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Austin’s LinkedIn profileXylem’s websiteLink to download the Net Zero: The Race We All Win Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

MentorAPM Co-founder & CEO, Tacoma Zach, takes us on a fantastic ride covering asset management and how it helps utilities manage their most important assets. In this session, you’ll learn about: Tacoma’s work history domestically and internationally, including interesting perspectives on the impact of different governments and financial systems on project successWhat asset management isHigh level overview of ISO 55000 Why making risk-based decision is so important to asset managementWhy the water sector needs asset managementHow “level of service” impacts asset managementWhy “minimum level of service” trips people upTacoma’s car analogy. Trust me – it’s fantastic!How asset management helps utilities optimize their spendingHow to get good, quality data for asset management decision-making Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Tacoma’s LinkedIn profileMentorAPM’s websiteInternational Organization for Standards’ ISO 55000 Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Melissa Kelly, Staff Director and Attorney for the Center for Land, Environment, and Natural Resources at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, and Caroline Koch, Water Policy Director for WaterNow Alliance, provide an enlightening discussion on localized water infrastructure. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins us for another Bluefield on Tap segment. In this session, you’ll learn about: Melissa’s work with the Center for Land, Environment, and Natural Resources (CLEANR)Caroline’s work with the WaterNow AllianceWhat we mean by localized water infrastructureDiscrete examples of localized water infrastructure projects in multiple geographies in the U.S.:Turf replacement in NevadaGreen infrastructure project in WisconsinSource water protection project in ArkansasThe One Water nature of localized water infrastructure projectsHow to provide incentives to undertake localized water infrastructure projectsHow localized water infrastructure projects supplement rather than replace centralized systemsHow localized water infrastructure projects support workforce development at favorable wagesWhat barriers prevent broader implementation of localized water infrastructure projectsHow to overcome the barriers to greater deployment of localized water infrastructure Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Kelly’s LinkedIn profileCaroline’s LinkedIn profileCLEANR’s websiteWaterNow Alliance’s websiteLink to download the Tap into Resilience: Pathways for Localized Water Infrastructure report Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

374Water’s Marc Deshusses provides unique insights on supercritical water oxidation and its ability to destroy PFAS. Marc also discusses his early efforts to harness the power of supercritical water oxidation, overcoming technological obstacles, and the path towards commercialization. In this session, you’ll learn about: What supercritical water oxidation isWhat supercritical water oxidation does (hint: it will not only remove stains from your laundry, it will eviscerate your laundry)How Marc applied for and received funding in 2013 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Reinvent the Toilet ChallengeThe history of technical challenges for supercritical water oxidation that blocked prior commercialization attemptsThe best applications for supercritical water oxidationThe undesirable compounds in biosolids that supercritical water oxidation treats Why landfill operators don’t like biosolids deposited in their landfillsThe outputs of supercritical water oxidation: clean water, waste heat and resource recovery (including phosphorous)How supercritical water oxidation treats and destroys PFAS and other emerging contaminantsWhy supercritical water oxidation is, in Marc’s view, the best option to treat and destroy PFAS Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Marc’s LinkedIn profile374Water’s websiteEPA Announcement on Proposed Rule Designating PFAS as a Hazardous Substance under CERCLA Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

The AWWA’s Barb Martin (Director of Engineering and Technical Services) discusses the fantastic opportunity to participate in the inaugural Transformative Water Leadership Academy. Reese Tisdale also appears for a Bluefield on Tap segment discussing the Jackson, MS, crisis and the SouthWest Water-Corix tie up. In this session, you’ll learn about: What the Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA) isWhy it’s necessaryThe details of the program – what is required, time commitment (it’s not overwhelming!), the size, and other issuesWhat the AWWA and WaterNow Alliance are looking for in TWLA candidatesWhy diversity is important for the applicant poolThe types of skills participants will developThe “faculty” of the TWLAOpportunities to volunteer for the programHow the TWLA will promote the triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performanceHow to apply – September 15, 2022 is the application deadline for the inaugural cohortInformation about The Water Values Podcast scholarship for the TWLA Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Barb’s LinkedIn profileTransformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA) websiteApplication for the TWLA Program Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Mae Stevens, Chair of the Water Practice at Banner Public Affairs, delivers a terrific interview discussing some of the ins and outs of Capitol Hill, unpacking the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and providing tips to ensure the water sector gets its due from Congress. In this session, you’ll learn about: Mae’s background on The Hill and in water policyThe Congressional aide program and quick tips on how to get a job on The HillThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (i.e., IIJA, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or BIL)How SRF funding levels have been increasedThe new water funding programs created by the BILWhy the BIL is just a drop in the bucket of needed water infrastructure fundingHow to keep water infrastructure top of mind with legislators and the general publicThe difference between “authorized” versus “appropriated” fundingThe challenges and opportunities as BIL funding gets rolled outWhy legislators need to hear your voice! Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Mae’s LinkedIn profileBanner Public Affairs’ website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Alexander Loucopoulos, a partner with Sciens Water, provides an overview of Sciens Water’s well-thought out market and investment strategy. Alexander also makes the case that water is a great investment and that we need more people investing in water. In this session, you’ll learn about: The story of how Alexander and Sciens Water landed in the water sectorWhy Alex chose to approach water investments in the mid-market private equity space with a focus on real assetsHow water offers the ability to earn private returns while making a positive impact on people and communitiesAlexander’s thoughts on the current economic climate and the water mid-market’s capital attraction possibilitiesThe themes that Sciens Water supports with its water investments: 1) water utility consolidation; 2) recycle/reuse; and 3) deep infrastructure (targeting prestressed concrete tanks)The overlay strategies Sciens Water uses to enhance its core water investmentsHow Sciens Water uses digital solutions to bring efficiencies to small systems through scaleThe types of utility systems Sciens Water is consolidatingWhy the water sector is a great place to invest Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Alexander’s LinkedIn profileSciens Water’s websiteCentral States Water Resources’ website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Dr. Stephanie Smith, Product Segment Manager for Xylem’s Laboratory Solutions for North America, presents a great opportunity for water in solving the climate crisis. Stephanie explores practical methods for the water sector to address its climate impacts and also provides her position to get water higher on the policy agenda. In this session, you’ll learn about: Stephanie’s awesome story of how she came to the water sectorHow Stephanie views the climate crisis as a huge opportunityHow the Integrated Panel on Climate Change was formed and what it doesWater’s role in climate changeHow the water sector has a business opportunity to help solve climate changeThe link between nonrevenue water and greenhouse gas emissionsHow digital tools play a role in the solution to climate changeWhy utilities cannot afford not to make changesWhy data needs to support changes rather than relying on the generalities of climate changeHow to get water on the policy agendaStephanie’s great leave behind message Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Stephanie’s LinkedIn profileXylem’s website for YSIThe United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Emily Simonson, the Director of Strategic Partnerships of the US Water Alliance, shares findings, insights and strategies distilled from the US Water Alliance’s recent report entitled Catalyzing Community-Driven Utility Consolidations and Partnerships. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins us for another Bluefield on Tap segment discussing The Digital Water Revolution. In this session, you’ll learn about: Emily’s background and how she gravitated to the water sector Why the US Water Alliance chose to tackle the issue of fragmentation and consolidation in the water utility sector The recent report by the US Water Alliance on community based consolidations Why utility consolidations are so difficult Why consolidation opportunity for utilities are incredibly customizable How the US Water Alliance assembled the team of experts and stakeholders to address the consolidation issues What some of the roadblocks to consolidation are Strategies to overcome the roadblocks Some of the policy tools that can be deployed to achieve consolidation goals How political will-building for consolidation can be fostered in “Step Zero” Why the US Water Alliance is working toward a rate calculator to help forecast what rates might be as a result of consolidation How the US Water Alliance is continuing the momentum from the report Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Emily’s LinkedIn profile US Water Alliance’s website US Water Alliance’s Report: Catalyzing Community-Driven Utility Consolidations and Partnerships Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Aaron Tartakovsky, CEO & Co-founder of Epic Cleantec, provides an outstanding overview of water reuse systems, their benefits and how centralized and decentralized components of a water system support and strengthen each other. In this session, you’ll learn about: Epic Cleantech’s origin story in the onsite water reuse spaceThe policy background driving onsite reuseHow onsite reuse supplements centralized treatment systemsWhy and how San Francisco implemented its requirement for onsite reuse systemsHow onsite water reuse regulation is spreading across the United StatesHow onsite reuse diversifies supply and enhances resiliency of water supplyHow onsite reuse helps recapture waste heat from wastewaterHow the waste heat provides significant energy savingsOvercoming the “Yuck!” factorIndividual home vs. district water reuse systemsWhere the U.S. is on the spectrum of water reuse around the globeAaron’s thoughts on what the U.S. can do better in the policy arena to promote better water stewardship Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Aaron’s LinkedIn profileEpic Cleantech’s websiteSan Francisco’s water reuse regulationsNBC News story on Epic Cleantec Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Alan Tucker, Information Technology Program Manager with Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, provides a compelling case for collaboration in the utility technology space. In this session, you’ll learn about: Alan’s background and how he came to the water sectorAlan’s thoughts on state of innovation and data usage in the water utility industryAlan’s work on Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District’s digital twinThe paradox between speed of technological advancement and utility adoptionWhy Alan thinks its unfair to peg utilities as slow to adopt technologySome of the organizational obstacles that hinder technology adoptionCandidate attraction challengesWhy technology for technology’s sake is a recipe for failureWhat Alan thinks will drive technology adoptionMaking the pivot from reactive to proactive decision-makingWhy collaboration is key to achieving technological advancement in utilities Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Alan’s LinkedIn profileMetropolitan St. Louis Sewer District’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Mike Sumner, the Director of Information Technology for the Consolidated Utility District of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, provides cybersecurity basics and tips. Mike entertains with his description of the Oldsmar, Florida, water utility cyberattack and its context occurring during Super Bowl week. In this session, you’ll learn about: Mike’s background in cybersecurity in the auto and utility industriesA comparison of cybersecurity issues in the auto and utility sectorsPassword/passphrase basicsWhat hackers are afterWhy data security is so importantWhy layers of cybersecurity provide greater protectionThe different types of cyberattacksAn analysis of the Oldsmar, Florida, cyberattack and its timing vis-à-vis the Super BowlWhat a honeypot website isWhy your cybersecurity plan needs to include “people, process, and technology”Why cybersecurity testing and auditing is importantWhy a VPN is an important cybersecurity toolWhy a firewall is importantMike’s suggestions for getting a basic cybersecurity plan together Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Mike’s LinkedIn profileConsolidated Utility District’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Kendall Dix, National Policy Director for the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, comes on to discuss his recent article for the People’s Policy Center advocating for elimination of water rates. In this session, you’ll learn about: Kendall’s background Why Kendall wrote his article advocating for elimination of residential water ratesWhy residential water rates are typically regressiveWhy Kendall believes water usage is inelasticHow Kendall proposes to replace water utility revenuesHow Ireland essentially is already doing thisWhy Kendall believes the relationship between water availability/shortages and water rates support his view that water rates should be eliminatedHow to overcome the public’s reticence to pay more taxesKendall’s perspective on how his proposal applies to investor-owned utilities Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Kendall’s LinkedIn profile Kendall’s Twitter handle: @kendixLink to Kendall’s article: Water For All Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Katrina Donaghy, founder of Civic Ledger and Water Ledger and blockchain leader, comes on to discuss blockchain and how it can benefit the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about: Katrina’s background in Australian disaster response and how it transitioned her into the utility spaceKatrina’s work in the “utility of the future” space for a major utilityA lay explanation of blockchainThe connection between data and blockchainHow blockchain helps interoperability of data across enterprises (i.e., how blockchain frees data from data silos)How blockchain helps the water sectorHow blockchain brings trust, accountability and transparency to dataWhat needs to happen before a company/market can engage in blockchainWhy blockchain will not solve “bad data”Why blockchain is not an answer for every situationKatrina’s problem first, tech second approach to determining when blockchain should be usedHow blockchain can help the tragedy of the commons involving waterHow blockchain serves the public interest and strengthens property rightsBlockchain’s role in democratizing information and making markets more efficientWhy the agricultural water sector is ripe for blockchain (and how blockchain is used in Australian water markets) Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Katrina’s LinkedIn profileCivic Ledger’s websiteWater Ledger’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Bryan Stubbs, the President and Executive Director of the Cleveland Water Alliance, provides a compelling case for the water tech model that embraces economic development while nestled along the shores of the Great Lakes where 21% of the world’s fresh surface water resided. In this session, you’ll learn about: Bryan’s entrepreneurial background in sustainable economic developmentHow Cleveland Water Alliance promotes the water economy in the Cleveland areaHow the Cleveland Water Alliance has fostered job growth in the Cleveland areaBryan’s explanation of innovation test beds for water technologiesHow the municipal utility test bed is trying to identify lead service lines without breaking groundHow mobile test beds allow greater technology testing and further reachHow the Cleveland Water Alliance has expanded into a regional player involving multiple geographiesHow a Data as a Service model helped accelerate the technology testingThe role of legal and insurance in building trust and making sure all risks are considered and adequately addressedThe process for accepting companies into the Cleveland Water Alliance’s programsHow Cleveland Water Alliance has developed buy-in with market participants and built up trust with utilities and other market participantsBryan’s perspective on climate change and its impact on water tech innovation and the impacts on the Great Lakes Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Bryan’s LinkedIn profileCleveland Water Alliance’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Iris Gonzales, Philippine Star reporter and columnist, provides an eye-opening discussion on water in the Philippines and the Manila water concessions. Iris also explains the impact of the recently enacted legislative franchises granted by the Filipino government. In this session, you’ll learn about: Iris’ coverage of water in the PhilippinesHow the Philippines set up water utilities after achieving independence on July 4, 1946Why President Ramos privatized the water utility industry in the PhilippinesWhere President Ramos got the idea to privatize the water utility industryThe background on the Manila water utility concessionsWhy Manila split its water utility concessions between an East Zone and a West ZoneHow the Manila water concessions are ––structuredHow the Manila water concessionaires are regulatedThe legislative franchise the Congress of the Philippines enacted for the concessionaires How the legislative franchise interfaces with the Manila water concessionsWhy the legislative franchise provides a safety net for the concessionaires’ investment in water infrastructureWhether privatization improved water utility service in the PhilippinesIris’ take on the Filipino view of water as a right Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Iris’ page on the Philippine Star’s websiteIris’ Twitter handle & Instagram handle: @eyesgonzalesManila’s Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Service webpage explaining the concessions Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Robin Craig, the Robert C. Packard Trustee Chair in Law at USC Gould School of Law and long-time water law professor, joins us to discuss the background, arguments and holding in Mississippi v. Tennessee, and provides some insights on what the case might mean for State water policy moving forward. In this session, you’ll learn about: Robin’s extensive background in water lawThe factual background of Mississippi v. TennesseeThe procedural history of Mississippi v. TennesseeWhy Mississippi sued Tennessee and not the actual entity pumping the waterWhat Mississippi’s claim wasWhat the briefings revealed about the parties’ positionsThe issues the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) probed during oral argumentsWhat the SCOTUS held in Mississippi v. TennesseeWhat equitable apportionment isHow equitable apportionment interfaces and impacts compacts between the StatesHow the SCOTUS’ holding might impact State compact negotiations over water rights (and potentially other natural resources)How the holding of Mississippi v. Tennessee might impact other conflicts among the States over groundwater Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Robin’s LinkedIn PageRobin’s bio on the USC Gould School of Law Faculty PageThe Supreme Court of the United States Opinion in Mississippi v. TennesseeRobin’s blog post on SCOTUSblog about the case Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Christina Lundbäck provides a fascinating discussion of SurfCleaner and its applications to remove contaminants from water at wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, ports, harbors, and spills. In this session, you’ll learn about: What SurfCleaner isHow the technology behind SurfCleaner was developedHow SurfCleaner was developed based on the human heartHow SurfCleaner worksHow SurfCleaner helps separate and capture floating solidsHow SurfCleaner helps remove oil and fuel from waterHow reduced emissions is a byproduct of SurfCleanerWhy industrial applications are ideal for SurfCleanerWhy pretreatment applications are ideal for SurfCleanerWhy “upstream” applications are ideal for SurfCleanerThe difficulties of using SurfCleaner in the open sea and oceanHow SurfCleaner differs from traditional skimmersChristina’s SurfCleaner leave-behind message Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Christina’s LinkedIn PageSurfCleaner’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Water industry veteran and Association of State Drinking Administrators (ASDWA) Executive Director Alan Roberson discusses the big issues facing the water sector from a state regulatory perspective. Plus, Reese Tisdale joins us for a Bluefield on Tap segment. In this session, you’ll learn about: What ASDWA isASDWA’s membershipThe priorities in 2022 for state drinking water regulatorsWhy the Lead and Copper Rule is the most complex regulation to administerHow the Lead and Copper Rule interplays with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the service line inventory periodsHow state drinking water administrators view compliance and enforcementASDWA’s perspective on PFASHow PFAS regulation might unfoldHow ASDWA interfaces with the U.S. EPAHow ASDWA looks at cybersecurity for drinking water systemsHow ASDWA views the upcoming funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Alan’s LinkedIn PageASDWA’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

An all-star panel of water leaders participate in a roundtable discussion about what happened in the year that was 2021 and provide insights on what 2022 might hold for the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about: Each panelist’s takeaways from 2021Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding issuesWhy the IIJA needs to be a “down payment” on our infrastructure rather than a one-time investmentWhy our panelists are worried about small and medium sized utilitiesHow larger utilities can help small and medium sized utilitiesWhy access to infrastructure funds need to be simplifiedHow we can help our communities understand water’s role in building our communitiesHow historic underinvestment in infrastructure has and is manifesting itselfHow affordability took on an even bigger role in 2021Innovation and the role of technology for utilities moving forwardOur panelists’ favorite holiday traditions Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Cathy’s LinkedIn PageOJ’s LinkedIn PageCindy’s LinkedIn Page Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Christoph Gorder, Chief Global Water Officer, blows us away with a deep dive on charity: water and its work. In this session, you’ll learn about: How Christoph transitioned from disaster relief to charity: watercharity: water’s missionHow charity: water’s unique structure helps it achieve successHow charity: water overcame one of the unique fundraising challengesWhy clean water helps reduce infant mortality rates, increase literacy rates and increase incomeHow much it costs charity: water to implement a water projectHow charity: water uses technologyWhat technology solutions charity: water deploysHow the technology solutions benefit rural communitiesHow climate change impacts the populations served by charity: waterThe steps charity: water takes to ensure its projects are resilient to climate changeHow charity: water interacts with governments where its projects are locatedHow to get involved with charity: water Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Christoph’s LinkedIn Pagecharity: water’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Alyson Watson, CEO of Woodard & Curran, delivers a tour de force performance explaining why the water industry needs a fresh approach to delivering services and advocating for an outcome based contracting approach focused on trust and empathy. In this session, you’ll learn about: Alyson’s background as a “water brat”Alyson’s perspective on the prevailing mode of project deliveryWhy shifting to an outcome based approach makes more senseHow risk can be shifted to the private sector to facilitate an outcome based approach What needs to happen to shift to an outcome based approachWhy trust is key to this outcome based approachHow empathy factors into the trust equationHow water leaders can foster outcome based contracting in their organizationsSeveral case studies that demonstrate the benefits of outcome based contractingHow outcome based approaches might have ancillary benefits, such as employee retentionAlyson’s ideas to foster collaboration in the water industry How outcome based approaches and collaboration can help combat climate change Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Alyson’s LinkedIn PageWoodard & Curran’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Cameron was a civilian employee working on a U.S. Army base before moving to a military contractor. Cameron gives a terrific interview shining a light on water issues on military installations in this U.S. Army approved interview. In this session, you’ll learn about: Cameron’s backgroundWhy water is important to the armed forcesWater needs and use on military basesCameron’s role as a civilian working on water issues for the U.S. Army The collaboration on water issues between the military and civilians on military installationsWater and the impact of COVID-19 on military installationsHow the military used wastewater epidemiology to build a predictive analytics model to monitor the spread of COVID-19 on military basesThe collaboration among the local university, the civilian water team, and the military on developing the wastewater epidemiology modelWhy wastewater epidemiology models are system specific Water and sustainability on military basesClean water issues for field based military units Cameron’s thoughts on military sustainability and resilience Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Cameron’s LinkedIn PageConcurrent Technology Corporation’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

James Eklund returns to The Water Values Podcast for a third time to provide an argument for why demand management is critical to the future of the Colorado River. In this session, you’ll learn about: What James has been up to since his last podcast appearanceA brief history of the Colorado River CompactHow the Upper Basin and Lower Basin came to beHow climate change has impacted the Colorado River CompactWhat demand management isHow demand management and water banking worked in the Lower BasinThe creation of the water banking account in the Upper BasinWhy demand management represents a viable solution for Upper Basin StatesHow demand management can stem the proliferation of “buy and dry”Why demand management hasn’t taken off in the Upper BasinWhy only sovereigns can “bank” water & the lawsuit behind itJames’ thoughts on where we go from here on the Colorado River Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: James’ LinkedIn PageEklund Hanlon’s websiteSaving the Colorado River: How Demand Management Can Save the Colorado River, article by James Eklund Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Alison Adams, now Chief Technology Officer at INTERA, drove innovation at Tampa Bay Water when she helped pioneer Tampa Bay Water’s digital transformation. Alison provides firsthand knowledge about how to design a program for digital transformation, how to get employee buy in, and the benefits your utility will achieve along the way. Plus Reese Tisdale joins us for another Bluefield on Tap segment. In this session, you’ll learn about: How Alison’s upbringing on a farm helped form her appreciation of the importance water How an environmental issue led to Tampa Bay Water’s need to make the digital transformation Why Tampa Bay Water needed to address groundwater pumping The Floridian aquifer system and its relation to surface water Tampa Bay Water’s early adoption of the digital transformation over two decades ago The four defined steps needed to be undertaken in a utility’s digital transformation How breaking down internal silos helped the digital transformation process How Tampa Bay Water built a decision support system What some of the bumps in the road were How to message that the technology will not replace workers and jobs but will help them do their jobs better–how to create quick wins How Tampa Bay Water’s digital transformation achieved its original goal–environmental recovery–and found new benefits along the way Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Press Release when Alison joined INTERA Press Release on Alison’s recent promotion to Chief Technical Officer at INTERA Tampa Bay Water’s website INTERA’s website Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Claudia Toussaint, General Counsel of Xylem, provides a terrific discussion of ESG issues from the perspective of a publicly traded corporation’s general counsel. In a nutshell, Claudia describes how little acorns of ESG can grow into mighty oaks when corporate boards use ESG to guide their business strategies. In this session, you’ll learn about: Claudia’s unique backgroundWhat ESG is from a publicly traded company’s perspectiveWhy the water sector is so central to ESG issuesHow sustainability has morphed from primarily being an environmental concept to a business and social conceptWhy an entity’s business strategy needs to align with its sustainability strategyThe ESG issues involved in the Exxon Mobil proxy fightWhy ESG needs to be front and center for publicly traded companies (guess what – the logic applies to all businesses!)Why it is critical for corporate boards to have an ESG strategyHow ESG supports a corporation’s access to capital and lowers the cost of capitalHow ESG supports a corporation’s workforce and the corporation’s strategic directionHow businesses measure ESGWhy Claudia thinks the water sector can lead on ESG Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Claudia’s LinkedIn PageXylem’s websiteSmart sewer technology satisfies EPA consent decree, saves city $400 million

Tom Ferguson of Imagine H2O fame and now captaining Burnt Island Ventures joins The Water Values Podcast for an engaging discussion on early stage and venture capital investing in the water sector and a big picture discussion about what the water sector needs to achieve greatness. In this session, you’ll learn about: Tom’s unique story for how he landed in the water sectorWhy Tom believes that deserving companies in water typically get funded, although their paths may be disparateBurnt Island Venture’s “broad at seed” strategyThe due diligence Burnt Island Ventures undertakes looking for investment opportunitiesFinding the pain point to accelerate the investment horizonThe investment lifecycleWhy investment diversification is importantBurnt Island Ventures’ current “Island” (you’ll need to listen to learn what this is)What Tom likes about water sector investing. And what he doesn’tTom’s big picture thoughts on the water sectorWhy the water industry needs to start shouting from the rooftops Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Tom’s LinkedIn PageBurnt Island Venture’s websiteTWV #176: The Evolution of a Water Start-Up with Dana HaaszTWV #165: Private Equity in the Water Sector with Cimbria Capital’s Brian Iversen Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Brent Fewell of the Water Finance Exchange shares the story of why the Water Finance Exchange was established and how it aims to serve the significant need for water infrastructure funding in the market. In this session, you’ll learn about: What the Water Finance Exchange isWhy the Water Finance Exchange was foundedHow the Water Finance Exchange is fundedBrent’s view on why communities have not been proactive in seeking water infrastructure fundingBrent’s thoughts on how the Water Finance Exchange might fit into the infrastructure billCriteria for Water Finance Exchange fundingHow Water Finance Exchange aims to help build utilities of the futureBrent’s observations on “water cooperatives”Why communities need to be open to change from a water funding perspectiveBrent’s thoughts on regionalization Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Brent’s LinkedIn PageWater Finance Exchange’s website

Jeffrey Kightlinger provides an excellent interview offering profound thoughts on the water industry that was recorded during the waning days of his 15-year tenure as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Plus, Reese Tisdale of Bluefield Research comes on for Bluefield on Tap to discuss how population shifts might impact the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about: Why Jeff decided to retire from Metropolitan at this juncture Jeff’s perspective on what makes a good water leader Where the gaps in water leadership are and whether they’re being filled The advice Jeff received when he began his tenure at Metropolitan Whether Jeff heeded that advice How has the GM position changed during his tenure Jeff’s biggest surprises in dealing with water issues Jeff’s proudest accomplishments during his years at Metropolitan What Jeff wishes had worked out differently Jeff’s public words of advice for his successor, Adel Hagekhalil Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Jeff’s LinkedIn Page Jeff’s Twitter handle: @8thGenCA Other exit interviews: Verde Exchange (Part 1 and Part 2) and org TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger TWV #142: Los Angeles’ Approach to Infrastructure with Adel Hagekhalil Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Locus Technologies founder and CEO Neno Duplan provides a wealth of experience on water quality in the cloud. Neno began cloud-based data work before any of us knew what the cloud even was. He does a great job explaining the steps needed to undertake and the significant benefits of a cloud-based digital transformation, and much more! In this session, you’ll learn about: Neno’s background and start in the nuclear sector consulting on cooling waterNeno’s perspective on water quality data and the cloudThe digital transformation from spreadsheets to local data bases to the cloudThe one advantage that utilities still keeping data on spreadsheets haveNeno’s advice on getting started with data collection and validationThe cross-functional benefits of using cloud-based dataThe benefits of cloud-based data in regulatory reporting and strategic decision makingWhat utilities can be doing now from a data collection standpoint to prepare for future regulationWhy cloud-based and validated data aids utilities in regulatory reportingWhere Neno thinks the future of water liesHow blockchain fits into the water quality regulation Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Neno’s LinkedIn PageLocus Technologies’ websiteNews Release: US EPA Establishes New Council on PFAS Thank You!

James Perry of Utilis joins us to discuss Synthetic Aperture Radar and its many and varied applications in the water sector. James provides a wealth of information about how the technology developed to its cost-effective use and application in the water sector. Plus, Reese Tisdale of Bluefield Research provides more water industry insights on the California drought and how utilities are bringing climate adaptation experience learned in California to other regions of the United States. In this session, you’ll learn about: Jim’s background in big public companies and start-upsWhat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) isHow SAR worksHow SAR can find the “underground signature” of waterHow SAR mapping can help identify where leaks occur in a water systemThe types of leaks SAR mapping can identify, from slow drips to large main breaksHow SAR mapping allows system surveys to allow utilities to target problem leak areasUtilis’ experience as to where the infrastructure is leaking (mains, service lines, meters, hydrants, valves, etc. – the answer might surprise you)Additional uses for SAR like alternative supply locations, soil moisture monitoring, earthen dam monitoring, wastewater leakage, and much moreHow utilities using SAR experience a 6 month ROI Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: James’ LinkedIn PageUtilis’ website Thank You!

Plutoshift CEO Prateek Joshi comes on to talk about digital transformation in the water sector. Prateek hits on a number of important and practical points in a wide-ranging discussion on data, AI, and machine learning in the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about: Prateek’s background & how it influenced his arc into the water sectorWater-intensive industries and using water data in those industriesPrateek’s view on digital transformationHow COVID influenced the digital transformationThe limitations of human-based decision-makingCommon challenges for data-centric organizationsHow to drive organizational behavior change with respect to data usageThe difference between AI and machine learningData quality and verification issuesThe factors companies look for when selecting an AI system Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Prateek’s LinkedIn PagePlutoshift’s websitePrateek’s website Thank You!

Water entrepreneur (and new mom) Meena Sankaran discusses data collection and usage in the water sector. She provides fascinating perspectives on everything from driving the digital transformation to common data gaps to cybersecurity. Get ready for a terrific interview from Meena! In this session, you’ll learn about: Meena’s upbringing in India and its impact on her work in water today Meena’s view on the use of data in the water sector Why upcoming workforce retirements should drive the digital transformation Meena’s insights into managing data How to figure out what data is important Common data gaps The difference between qualitative and quantitative data gaps Getting employees to buy into the digital transformation Data collection and management inside the fence versus outside the fence Meena’s thoughts on cybersecurity in the water sector Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Meena’s LinkedIn Page Ketos’ website TWV #179: Data Enhanced Wastewater Treatment with Kando CEO Ari Goldfarb TWV #147: The Power of Digital Water with Cindy Wallis-Lage Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Water entrepreneur (and new mom) Meena Sankaran discusses data collection and usage in the water sector. She provides fascinating perspectives on everything from driving the digital transformation to common data gaps to cybersecurity. Get ready for a terrific interview from Meena! In this session, you’ll learn about: Meena’s upbringing in India and its impact on her work in water today Meena’s view on the use of data in the water sector Why upcoming workforce retirements should drive the digital transformation Meena’s insights into managing data How to figure out what data is important Common data gaps The difference between qualitative and quantitative data gaps Getting employees to buy into the digital transformation Data collection and management inside the fence versus outside the fence Meena’s thoughts on cybersecurity in the water sector Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Meena’s LinkedIn Page Ketos’ website TWV #179: Data Enhanced Wastewater Treatment with Kando CEO Ari Goldfarb TWV #147: The Power of Digital Water with Cindy Wallis-Lage Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Long-time water lawyer Scott Slater discusses the Cadiz water project and touches on everything from environmental issues to water equity to efficient use of infrastructure. Take a listen to gain a unique perspective on the development of a water project and how it impacts society in general. In this session, you’ll learn about: Scott’s long tenure as a California water lawyer The background of the Cadiz water project What a dry lake is How the Cadiz project intercepts groundwater before it evaporates in dry lakes The history of environmental review of the Cadiz project How the Cadiz project achieved a zero environmental impact designation The current state of the opposition to the Cadiz water project How water development relates to economic development activities and housing How the Cadiz project takes advantage of existing infrastructure and land rights How data has played a role in developing the Cadiz project The impact of the Cadiz water project on the equitable distribution of water Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Scott’s LinkedIn Page The Cadiz Water Project’s website LA Times article on the Cadiz Water Project TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger TWV #073: The Coachella Valley’s Water Story with CVWD’s Board President John Powell, Jr. Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!