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This episode is part of a series Mississippi By Nature that explores how nature based solutions are helping the river and its communities. For the past 200 years, no single entity has had more influence on the Mississippi River than the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since 1824, the federal agency has been responsible for maintaining navigation, promoting commerce, and preventing flooding along the waterway. This responsibility has primarily involved the construction of rigid infrastructure such as levees and spillways, effectively constraining the river from its natural behaviors. In this episode, Tim Axtman, a Senior Planner at the Army Corps, delves into this rich history and its outcomes. He also explains how the agency is working to adopt an engineering with nature approach in the Mississippi, which often entails allowing the river to flow more freely and transport sediment as it did in the past.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.

This episode is part of a series Mississippi By Nature that explores how nature based solutions are helping the river and its communities. This episode features a ride to the mouth of the Mississippi River with Captain Richie Blink of Delta Discovery Tours, who shares how he has seen the river change over his decades on the water and how projects that use nature itself are beneficial. Then John Sabo, Director of the ByWater Institute at Tulane University in New Orleans, provides an overview of the health of the Mississippi and the role of nature based solutions in reducing flood threats and improving water quality.The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.

The iconic Charles River, central to Boston's suburbs and urban landscape, faces significant environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change. The problems such as flooding hit hardest in downstream areas that are often disadvantaged communities.Dira Johanif, with her roots in the diverse environments of Malaysia—from bustling cities to the lush rainforests of Borneo—brings a unique perspective to her role as a Senior Climate Resilience Associate at the Charles River Watershed Association in Massachusetts. Her international experiences have shaped her approach to water stewardship and environmental justice in the U.S. Dira's work centers on implementing nature-based solutions and spearheading collaborative initiatives like the Charles River Climate Compact, which demonstrates the essential role of regional cooperation in building climate resilience. To communicate the river’s issues to diverse audiences across the Boston region, Dira leverages storytelling and community engagement.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub that features interviews with diverse experts from communities across the country.

Water scarcity and groundwater overuse are driving land use dilemmas in California, particularly in agriculture. One promising solution gaining traction is multi-benefit land repurposing, which involves transforming unproductive farmland to capture rain, floods, and diverted water for groundwater recharge. These repurposed lands also provide various advantages for wildlife, recreation, education, and climate adaptation. This episode delves into discussions with experts and stakeholders involved in the program, such as Ann Hayden, Vice President of Resilient Water Systems at the Environmental Defense Fund.The potential of multi-benefit land repurposing is showcased through visits to Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Kaweah Oaks Preserve, Joseph Gallo Farms, and Castroville Slough Treatment Wetlands. Despite its complexity and cost, the program is gaining momentum, offering hope for California and beyond.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet that explores solutions for sustainability and equity in water. This episode is supported by the Environmental Defense Fund.

2024 is the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the landmark federal legislation designed to protect public health by regulating the quality of drinking water in the United States. This episode features a discussion with Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. He explores the state of America’s drinking water before the enactment of SDWA, the fundamental changes brought about by the law, and the progress of the past 50 years. Alan highlights how the 1986 and 1996 amendments to SDWA strengthened regulations and expanded the scope of protections. He also talks about opportunities to improve SDWA and changes that may shape the next 50 years of drinking water safety.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington DC, where waterloop is a media partner.

Sustainability is now a pivotal concern in the realm of corporate responsibility, pushing companies to integrate environmentally beneficial practices into their core strategies. This shift is particularly evident in the growing focus on water stewardship and the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, highlighting how businesses are increasingly held accountable for their efforts. In this episode, a discussion with Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, explores the evolution of corporate responsibility and water stewardship. Emilio delves into the significance of water management within corporate ESG strategies, shedding light on the multifaceted benefits of environmental stewardship for business. He also talks about consumer influence on corporate sustainability, innovative water resilience projects, and collaborative initiatives involving some of the world’s leading companies.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet that explores solutions. Visit waterloop.org

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) has consistently defied conventions in the use of social media by a water utility. Their approach combines humor and human connection to foster relationships within the community. During the last holiday season, they took their efforts a step further by encouraging people to dial a phone number, which greeted them with a heartfelt voice message. In this episode, a conversation with NEORSD Communications Manager John Gonzalez delves into the profound impact of this message and explores some of the most memorable moments from their social media endeavors. John also discusses the guiding principles behind NEORSD's social media activities, the strategies to gain support from utility management, and valuable insights for fostering meaningful engagement with customers.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

It only rains about 11 inches per year in Tucson, Arizona and decades of historic mismanagement compounded the water scarcity problems, resulting in dwindling groundwater supplies and a mostly dry Santa Cruz River. In response, this city in the Sonoran Desert became a leader in saving, reusing, and recycling water. Programs to conserve water and reclaim treated wastewater are discussed in this episode by John Kmiec, Director of Tucson Water. Efforts to use recycled water to restore flows in the Santa Cruz River are shared by Luke Cole, who directs the river’s restoration for the Sonoran Institute. And local resident Brad Lancaster explains how he harvests rainwater for all his needs at home and spurred the use of green infrastructure to capture stormwater in the neighborhood. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

As a variety of forces continue to change the water landscape in the American West, adaptation is the focus. This episode features conversations with several prominent water leaders from the One Water Summit in Tucson.Adel Hagekhalil, the General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, explains ambitious plans to capture, store, and recycle enormous amounts of water across the region. Felicia Marcus, a Fellow at Stanford University’s Water In The West Program, discusses California’s progress during the past decade and how it has created a comprehensive approach to adaptation. Sharon Megdal, a professor and Director of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, talks about the role of research in building public understanding of problems and advancing tangible solutions.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Members of the Color of Water directory bring extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in water solutions, environmental justice, climate resilience, on-the-ground research, and policy advocacy. A new collaborative series between waterloop and the Water Hub will provide a platform for these diverse experts, who are improving understanding and management of water in their communities. This episode features a conversation with Maya Richard-Craven, a freelance journalist and co-host of the series. Maya talks about her personal and professional connections to water, the importance of hearing from diverse experts, and her goals for the series.This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub that features interviews with diverse experts from communities across the country. Visit the Color Of Water.

Blue Plains, located in Washington, D.C., holds the title of the world's largest advanced wastewater treatment plant. In this episode, join Miguel Miranda, a process engineer at DC Water, for an informative and technical tour of the facility. Treating approximately 380 million gallons daily, the plant is a testament to cutting-edge environmental engineering. Miguel delves into the advanced treatment processes, including nitrification and denitrification, essential for discharge into the Potomac River. He also sheds light on the plant's solid handling techniques, from initial screening and removal to thermal hydrolysis and digestion, effectively converting waste into energy and biosolids for beneficial use.This episode is a conversation launched from the Reservoir Center in Washington D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

King tides are the highest high tides of the year and they are increasing due to factors such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and land subsidence. Communities are experiencing more flooding from king tides, posing a variety of challenges and hazards. This episode explores a collaboration between the North Carolina King Tides Project and Wetlands Watch that utilizes digital tools and citizen science to study these events. Gabi Kinney, the Community Engagement Project Manager for Wetlands Watch, explains how innovative apps and community engagement are used to gather crucial data during king tides. This information enhances understanding and preparedness for future challenges associated with sea level rise and flooding. Gabi also discusses how communities are responding to these evolving coastal conditions and their efforts to build resilience.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and winner of the US Water Prize for Communications. Visit waterloop.org.

There's an urgent need for assistance with water and sanitation in the United States, where 2 million people lack access to basic services. In this episode, Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, delves into the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly when it comes to accessing funds. Boris talks about the transformation of 14,000 engineers into volunteers, many of whom help in the U.S. through the Community Engineering Corps. The volunteer engineers engage with communities, conduct needs assessments, and produce reports to secure financial resources.Boris also shares insights into the growing influx of students and young professionals eager to create a positive impact, the mentorship provided by veteran engineers, and the rewarding experiences that come with helping communities gain water access.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and winner of the US Water Prize for Communications. Visit waterloop.org

In a groundbreaking episode, water management in the digital era is explored through a unique engagement with artificial intelligence. ChatGPT was used to create Dr. Aqua, an AI persona embodying a water management expert. Dr. Aqua's responses were then given voice and visual life through AI tools, presenting a fascinatingly interactive character.Dr. Aqua discusses the integration of digital twins, effective data management, the crucial role of cybersecurity, and the innovative use of drones and robots. The episode also delves into the potential of AI and tools like ChatGPT, exploring how these technologies can enhance communication with the public and address water challenges.Dr. Aqua shares insights on the adoption of digital tools in water management versus other industries, the risks of technological stagnation, and practical advice for embracing digital advancements. This conversation is not just an exploration of water management strategies but also a testament to the evolving role of AI in understanding and solving complex industry issues. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and the winner of the 2023 US Water Prize for Communications: waterloop.org

Water management is critical and challenging for Navajo Nation, which spreads across 27,000 square miles of the arid Southwest. In this episode, Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Principal Hydrologist for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources, shares her experiences and observations, including how climate change is impacting the landscape. She discusses the role of Navajo Nation in management of the Colorado River and how tribes in the basin are seeking greater influence. Crystal also talks about the influx of federal funds for infrastructure and how it is supporting progress on Navajo water projects. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics. Learn more at flumewater.com

This is an epilogue to the series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Fear. The chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution. In this episode, waterloop founder Travis Loop shares some of the pivotal soundbites from an array of experts including environmental scientists, utility managers, public health researchers, community advocates, and regulators. He also shares his professional perspective and personal commentary on PFAS pollution.Find the complete series at PFAS puzzle.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.This series is sponsored by: Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfasPFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.comALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions

There is tremendous potential in onsite reuse, where a building’s greywater, wastewater, or stormwater is treated and used again at the same location. To raise awareness of this technology, a beer was brewed using water recycled by an onsite system at a San Francisco apartment building. The OneWater Brew and the concept of onsite reuse are discussed in this episode with Aaron Tartakovsky, CEO of Epic Cleantec. Aaron explains the process of creating the beer and the media attention it has garnered. He also discusses efforts to increase acceptance of onsite reuse among regulators, builders, utilities, and the public.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Historic levels of funding are available to replace lead service lines across the United States.But thousands of water systems are so small they lack the staff expertise and capacity needed to identify, apply for, and manage funds. That’s why there is a massive push to expand and deploy technical assistance, including the launch of more environmental finance centers. The effort is discussed in this episode with Palencia Mobley, Midwest Funding Navigator Manager for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. The episode also features a conversation with Dante Sawyer, Village Manager for Hazel Crest in Illinois, who shares the experience of a small municipality that utilized technical assistance to fund removal of lead lines.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:-120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.com-LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com-BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

Resilience is a shared characteristic of rural communities, often dealing with adversity through their close-knit and resourceful nature. However, the ongoing rural struggles related to water infrastructure, pollution, and workforce shortages are now amplified by the effects of climate change. New strategies and technical assistance can build up their resilience, as discussed in this podcast with Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Olga sheds light on the power of collaboration and regionalization, enabling small water systems to benefit from economies of scale and gain a more powerful voice. She also emphasizes the critical need for flexible funding mechanisms and workforce development to enhance the capacity of rural communities.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

A sommelier is commonly associated with wine expertise, but there exists a category of professionals specializing in the assessment of water's taste, texture, and quality. These experts offer valuable insights into attributes like mineral composition, source, and purity, all of which are explored in this episode featuring Milin Patel, a water sommelier and consultant. Milin takes the podcast host on a journey through a water tasting experience, featuring a variety of waters, including municipal tap water, reverse osmosis-treated water, and well-known bottled brands. Additionally, Milin delves into the sommelier's role in public outreach and discusses how people react to educational experiences centered around water tasting.This episode is sponsored by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Time spent exploring outdoors can provide the best perspective on the state of our water world. This episode delves into the remarkable lessons offered by the mountains and rivers of Colorado, insights shared by Chris Wolff on his Adventure Hydrology Instagram page. Chris takes us through the observations and transformations he's witnessed during his hikes, rafting excursions, and skiing adventures amidst the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, he sheds light on his prior contributions to water conservation efforts at the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, as well as his current role dedicated to advancing sustainability in the Colorado River Basin with Quantified Ventures.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

It’s the year 2099 and civilization has finally achieved global water sustainability. In this positive era, water is a human right, properly valued, efficiently and productively used, extensively reused, and part of thriving ecosystems. The path to this future is discussed in this episode with Peter Gleick, author of The Three Ages of Water and President Emeritus of the Pacific Institute. He explains the fundamental choice made in the 2020s that led to a sustainable water world and how obstacles were overcome in politics, pricing, efficiency, energy, and agriculture. This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet exploring solutions for sustainability and equity in water. Visit waterloop.org

The NFL has long had an environment program to mitigate the impact of its major events and leave a green legacy in host cities. But over the last few years, water stewardship has become a more prominent part of the portfolio, particularly in conjunction with the Super Bowl, as discussed in this episode with Jack Groh, Director of the NFL Environment Program. He explains how the NFL works with FORCE BLUE, an organization of military special operations veterans, to conduct water projects, including restoring coral reef in Florida, helping the kelp forest in California, and removing invasive snails in an Arizona river.Jack also talks about engaging the NFL fans to raise awareness of current water issues and increase stewardship.This episode is from a conversation at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. This episode is supported by Open Water, the ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed water canned in the U.S. in BPA-free aluminum packaging. Learn more at drinkopenwater.com\waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Water treatment facilities use tremendous amounts of energy, often responsible for up to 30 percent of a municipality's energy consumption and cost. There is a movement to make these water facilities net zero, meaning they produce as much energy as they consume. Oregon is home to one of the original net zero facilities in the U.S., as discussed in this episode with Jacob Corum, an engineer at the Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant. During a tour of the plant, Jacob explains how it achieved net zero status, particularly by increasing production of biogas, optimizing processes for energy efficiency, and installing solar panels on the property. This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet exploring solutions for sustainability and equity in water. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead.A group of experts from government, banking, and advocacy recently gathered at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. to discuss funding options and opportunities and how to advance the work. This episode features presentations from the event on topics including federal loan programs, activities at the municipal level, technical assistance for communities, use of bond financing, and resources to navigate funding. The speakers are:-Anita Thompkins, Director of Drinking Water Infrastructure Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -Tom Neltner, Senior Director of Safer Chemicals at the Environmental Defense Fund-Carolyn Berndt, Legislative Director for Sustainability at the National League of Cities-Cynthia Koehler, Executive Director at the WaterNow Alliance-Nathan Anderson, Assistant Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Maureen Cunningham, Chief Strategy Officer at the Environmental Policy Innovation Centerwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:-120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.com-LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com-BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

Fresh perspectives and innovative ideas play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, water equity, and environmental justice. This is why it's crucial to identify, recognize, and nurture emerging leaders, a topic explored in this episode with Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, Senior Director for Environmental Justice at The White House Council on Environmental Quality. She joins the podcast to celebrate the recipients of the WaterNow Alliance 2023 Emerging Leader Award. During the conversation, she delves into the intersection between emerging leaders and environmental justice, emphasizes the significance of effecting change at the grassroots level, and underscores the imperative for early and mid-career water professionals to be bold in their pursuits.This episode is a collaboration with WaterNow Alliance. Learn more about their 2023 Emerging Leader Award Winners. This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com and connect at [email protected] is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

There are one million people in California without safe drinking water and many of them live in the San Joaquin Valley, a region dominated by agriculture. Many residents, particularly low-income, Latino farmworkers in rural communities, face the harsh reality of dry wells or contaminated water sources due to the excessive water consumption and pollution caused by the agricultural industry. But there are organizations fighting for fairness in water access, as discussed in this episode with Susana De Anda of Community Water Center, Linda Gutierrez of the Yettum-Seville Community Services District, and Jessi Snyder of Self-Help Enterprises. They talk about the basic assistance of providing emergency tanks, delivering water, and drilling wells for homes. They also explain efforts to unite tiny utilities, build networks of community leaders, assist towns with operations, and raise the voice of those in need. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Sports have tremendous influence and impact on many facets of society, including the environment. The potential to turn the sports industry into a powerful driver of sustainability led to the formation of the Green Sports Alliance in 2010. Over a decade later, its member teams, leagues, venues, and businesses are creating change, as discussed in this episode with Dune Ives, the organization’s co-founder and board member. Dune explains how the Green Sports Alliance was initially focused on energy and waste, but that water is now becoming a more prominent issue. She talks about a new playbook that aims to help venues improve water management and the opportunities for the water and sports industries to deepen collaboration. This episode is supported by Open Water, the ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed water canned in the U.S. in BPA-free aluminum packaging. Learn more at drinkopenwater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution.This episode is about regulations.Some of the big questions about PFAS are how industrial facilities have been able to discharge the chemicals and whether regulations like the Clean Water Act are being properly utilized. Those regulatory issues and the situation for the Cape Fear River are discussed in this episode with Elizabeth Biser, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and Geoff Gisler, Program Director at the Southern Environmental Law Center. They talk about the requirements for compliance with a consent order and groundbreaking permit for a facility on the Cape Fear. Geoff summarizes the variety of PFAS litigation around the country and direction of the legal fight, while Elizabeth explains the response and approach by state regulators.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis series is sponsored by: Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfasPFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.com ALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions/

Athletes have tremendous influence - on fans, teams, brands, and more. That power can be used to create positive change for the environment, as discussed in this episode with Chris Dickerson, a former Major League Baseball player and co-founder of Players For The Planet. Chris explains how he developed an interest in sustainability when surrounded by single-use plastic in a baseball clubhouse and then launched the organization to create opportunities for athletes to take action. He also talks about the growing interest among players and the need for teams and venues to move faster.From a conversation at the Green Sports Alliance Summit.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet exploring solutions for sustainability and equity. Visit waterloop.org

Many people, particularly in younger generations, want careers that make a positive impact on broad issues such as social justice and climate change. The water industry is promoting that it has jobs that deliver results for people and the planet. One of the messengers is Maura Jarvis, a community outreach consultant for the Philadelphia Water Department. In this episode, Maura discusses how water careers are excellent opportunities to create change in communities, the impact of her work in public engagement, and advice for people interested in entering the industry. This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. Learn more at reservoircenter.orgwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead.Replacing the nation’s lead service lines in a timely manner is going to require funding beyond government dollars. The municipal bonds that utilities use for a variety of water infrastructure projects are an untapped resource for lead service line replacement. This episode about the use of municipal bonds is particularly of interest to utility leadership, financial staff, and municipal managers. The conversation features Marc Uy, portfolio manager for municipal impact at AllianceBernstein; Stephen Spitz, leader of the water and wastewater financing team at Orrick; and Clifford Gerber, tax lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright. The guests discuss how impact investors are interested in water infrastructure such as lead service line replacement, the ability for municipalities to finance the work on private property because of the public benefit, and the tax implications including exemption.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.comLeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.comBlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

Philadelphia is one of the country’s leaders in the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater and bring benefits to communities. Since launching its Green City, Clean Waters initiative in 2011, Philly has installed 2,800 green tools at more than 800 sites, which together capture a staggering 3 billion gallons of water. The city’s approach and accomplishments are discussed in this episode with Stephanie Chiorean, Environmental Scientist Specialist and Planner at the Philadelphia Water Department. Stephanie leads visits to three standout locations for green infrastructure - the American Street, Adaire School, and Waterloo Playground. Along the way she provides insights on lessons learned and advice for other cities working to go green.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

For a long time, the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. was nicknamed the Forgotten River due to a lack of investment, heavy pollution, and surrounding low-income neighborhoods. Now ecological restoration and a development boom have brought attention to the Anacostia. This episode is a ride on the river with Trey Sherard, Anacostia Riverkeeper. Trey talks about challenges such as environmental racism, toxic sediment, and gentrification, as well as progress on sewer overflows, stormwater controls, and community engagement.This episode is a conversation launched from the Reservoir Center in Washington D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Societal events of the past few years have many water utilities working to address diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has established an Office of DEI that is focusing on an array of work and has a top executive that reports directly to the general manager rather than the human resources department. These efforts are discussed in this podcast with Cathie Chavez-Morris, Utility Services Manager with the LADWP Office of DEI. She talks about striving for improvements in the areas of workforce, workplace, and marketplace. Cathie also explains the opportunity to use historic levels of infrastructure funding to make progress on DEI. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Over the past 20 years, trust in public institutions has plummeted and sales of bottled water have skyrocketed. A new book titled Profits Of Distrust explores how these trends are related and the correlation between distrust of tap water and government agencies such as utilities. The analysis is discussed in this episode with Manny Teodoro, one of the book’s authors and a Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to outlining the problem, the book presents a series of reforms that could rebuild public trust in the water coming out of the tap. Manny talks about several of them including consolidation of utilities, enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act, improving Consumer Confidence Reports, paying attention to the taste of tap water, and providing universal service across America. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution.This episode is about health.The emergence of PFAS has epidemiologists and toxicologists working to understand the health impacts. Researchers in North Carolina are on the leading edge of the science and in this episode Dr. Jane Hoppin of North Carolina State University and Dr. Jamie DeWitt of East Carolina University discuss what is known about human health impacts. They talk about studying the blood of people in the Cape Fear region and finding higher levels of PFAS than the average American, communicating those results to people, and sharing recommendations for monitoring health moving forward. Jane and Jamie share what they have learned as researchers and offer advice for other scientists working on PFAS.This series is sponsored by: Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfasPFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.comALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions/

What will water look like in the year 2050?Envisioning the future and the forces shaping it can help the water utility sector to plan and be proactive, as discussed in this episode with David LaFrance, Chi Ho Sham, and Joe Jacangelo of the American Water Works Association.They talk about brainstorming water in 2050 with a group of experts and the drivers of sustainability, technology, governance, economics, and demographics.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. Learn more at reservoircenter.orgwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

New Orleans has a complicated relationship with water. The city draws much of its identity from the Mississippi River, the bayous and swamps of southern Louisiana, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. But the location and topography mean New Orleans has historically faced storms and flooding, which are worsening due to climate change. The traditional use of large, engineered infrastructure to manage water is not enough. This episode explores how New Orleans is adopting a Living With Water approach to bolster its resilience. Rami Diaz, an architect with Waggonner & Ball, discusses lessons from the Dutch in allowing water to be part of the landscape and how spaces across the city are being transformed. Meagan Williams, Urban Water Program Manager with the City of New Orleans, explains how green infrastructure is being implemented on public property and reducing floodwaters. Angela Chalk, Executive Director of Healthy Community Services, talks about helping residents in the 7th Ward install nature based solutions at their homes and improve their neighborhood.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead. There are perhaps 10 million lead service lines in the ground in the U.S. and it may cost $50 billion to remove them. The series explores financing lead service line replacement, technical assistance for under-resourced communities, and examples of successful approaches.This episode is about how Denver did it.When Denver Water decided to replace 64,000 to 84,000 lead service lines over 15 years, the question arose of how to pay for the work. The utility ultimately decided to use public funds for the work on private property. The decision came after much research into the financial approach and clarification that it was permissible from the Government Accounting Standards Board, as discussed in this episode with Angela Bricmont, Chief Financial Officer of Denver Water, and Ed Harrington, former President of the Government Finance Officers Association. Angela and Ed also talk about building comfort with this method of funding lead service line replacement and the significant interest in the approach from other water utilities.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.com LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution. This episode is about advocacy.PFAS poses difficult challenges on multiple fronts for environmental advocacy groups. High levels of PFAS in the Cape Fear River meant local advocates had to learn about the complex chemicals and at the same time provide information to concerned community members and take steps to address the pollution. The work and the lessons learned are discussed in this podcast with Dana Sargent, Executive Director of Cape Fear River Watch, and Kemp Burdette, the Cape Fear Riverkeeper. Dana and Kemp also talk about pursuing legal action against state regulators and the industrial polluter, working with the water utility and public health researchers, and advise for advocates dealing with PFAS in other communities. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.This series is sponsored by: PFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.comALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutionsBlack & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfas

For 50 years, American Rivers has worked to protect and restore waterways across the country. During the organization’s existence and through its efforts, many rivers have improved, such as the Neuse and Elwha, while others are in tough shape, like the Colorado and Snake. The progress and challenges are discussed in this episode with Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers. Tom also talks about the goal of protecting one million miles of rivers and removing 30,000 dams by the year 2050, as well as how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can help with the work.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Science has always been foundational to water management. That tradition continues in 2023, with a staggering breadth and depth of research underway. It’s particularly important to gain knowledge about emerging contaminants, impacts of climate change, and water reuse, as discussed in this podcast with Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation. Peter explains how research can be applied to improve water management, the opportunity for regulators to use research to accelerate solutions, and the science of PFAS.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. Learn more at reservoircenter.orgwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed drinking water regulations for several types of PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals that are pervasive in society and the environment and pose a risk to human health. The announcement was made at an event in Wilmington, North Carolina and this episode features the remarks by EPA Administrator Michael Regan and commentary by waterloop host Travis Loop. The episode also includes reactions from Secretary Elizabeth Biser of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, La’Meshia Whittington of The Green Majority, and Emily Donovan of Clean Cape Fear. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead. There are perhaps 10 million lead service lines in the ground in the U.S. and it may cost $50 billion to remove them. The series explores financing lead service line replacement, technical assistance for under-resourced communities, and examples of successful approaches.This episode is about the role of state and local policy.State and local policies play a central role in financing of lead service line replacement. The ability of utilities to use public funds for work on private property is often the key challenge, as discussed in this episode with Tom Neltner of the Environmental Defense Fund. He cites Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as examples of states that have adopted policies to facilitate financing of the work. Successful funding approaches at the local level are also highlighted in this episode by Kareem Adeem of Newark Water and Sewer and Nancy Quirk of Green Bay Water.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. This episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.comBlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

Analysis has shown a significant lack of diversity in the sources cited in media coverage. This means failing to include Black, Latino, and Indigenous water experts and to present the stories of people within impacted communities. The Color of Water platform was created to counter this trend. It’s an online directory that journalists can use to connect with a diverse set of experts, as discussed in this episode with Jose Aranda, Relationships Manager for the Water Hub. Jose explains how the Color of Water is training these experts to bolster their skills, sharing where they appear in media coverage, and aiming to add their voices to policy discussions and professional gatherings. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina, there are continued efforts to make New Orleans more resilient to storms and climate change. A recent innovation is the green mortgage, a program that helps lower-income people buy a home and provides a budget for retrofits for water, wind, and energy projects. The green mortgage concept is discussed in this episode with Damon Burns, President and CEO of Finance New Orleans. He explains how green mortgages can also be used to bolster resilience of multi-family affordable housing developments and surrounding water infrastructure. Damon talks about creating an environmental impact bond to finance the program.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. This episode was made possible by support from Spring Point Partners. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution. This episode is about the drinking water.The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington, N.C. found itself in a difficult situation when high levels of PFAS were discovered in its water. How should the utility manage the forever chemicals, particularly in the absence of drinking water standards, information about health impacts, and a method of removal? In this episode, Ken Waldroup, executive director of CFPUA, discusses the lessons learned by the utility. He talks about building a $43 million treatment system for PFAS, pursuing the company responsible for the pollution, and rebuilding public trust in the water coming from the tap.This series is sponsored by: Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfasPFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.com ALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions/

Black people in environmental conservation have not historically received the same visibility in the media. This not only fails to acknowledge their contributions, but also leaves young people without role models in fields such as water.That’s why a conservationist is profiled each day during Black History Month by Sierra Taliaferro, founder of the Green Obsidian. In this episode, she talks about five years of writing the profiles and shares examples of people she is highlighting this year. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead. There are perhaps 10 million lead service lines in the ground in the U.S. and it may cost $50 billion to remove them. The series explores financing lead service line replacement, technical assistance for under-resourced communities, and examples of successful approaches.This episode is about the menu of options.The ways to fund lead service line replacement and some of the key financial aspects are discussed in this episode with Cynthia Koehler of the WaterNow Alliance and Tim Male of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. Cynthia and Tim talk about the $15 billion for lead pipe removal from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the use of municipal bonds to fund work on private property, the role of state and local policies, and help for communities in need.This episode is made possibly by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center. The episode is sponsored by:BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit BlueConduit.com120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120Water.comLeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit LeadCopperRule.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org