Talking Under Water
Talking Under Water is a One Water podcast for the water industry. Editors from Endeavor’s Water Group highlight news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts. Topics covered include water and wastewater treatment, stormwater and erosion control, diversity, regulations/legislation, flooding, circular water economy, water scarcity, small systems, emerging contaminants, smart water and more.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss relevant industry news, including the approval given to the National Weather Service to hire 450 new employees; Wyoming Department of Transportation projects that intersect roads, bridgese and stormwater; updates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the Tijuana sewage crisis and a sediment control project; and finally, the importance of workplace safety in light of recent sombering events.
Show Notes:
National Weather Service to hire 450 workers following cuts
Wyoming Transportation Commission awards $33.1 million in contracts for DOT projects
South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant completes 10 MGD expansion
EPA, Ohio and Partners Highlight Sediment Cleanup Project Start in Cuyahoga Falls
Authorities identify 3 workers who died due to toxic sewer gas in Trinity County
Three Houston-area men die from toxic gas exposure in Trinity County manhole incident
Two Workers Killed by Suspected Gas Exposure in Sewer Line Accident Near Mobile, Alabama
OSHA’s confined space regulations
Timestamps:
Cold Open | 00:00
Introductions & Subscription reminder | 00:00:38
Episode summary | 00:01:20
National Weather Service hiring 450 staff | 00:01:41
Wyoming DOT stormwater and infrastructure projects | 00:02:11
EPA Updates: Tijuana sewage crisis and Cuyahoga River sediment cleanup | 00:03:37
Texas trench tragedy & Workplace safety reflections | 00:06:50
Housekeeping | 00:10:10
Resources:
Wastewater Digest YouTube
WaterWorld September/October issue
SWS Stormwater Awareness Week Webinar
Stormwater Solutions September/October issue
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B, highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.
Editor's Note: The episode timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

Friday Aug 22, 2025
Rivers Under the Microscope: How to Use AI to Monitor Water Quality
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-Host Katie Johns is talks with Professor John Colbourne, director of the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Environmental Research and Justice and Dr. Xiaojing Li, post- doctorate research fellow in precision and environmental health at University of Birmingham, to discuss their research using AI and water fleas to identify harmful substances in waterways. The two touch on their research results and how they can inform future regulations but also share how AI can be used elsewhere in the water industry.
Show Notes:
Daphnia as a Sentinel Species for Environmental Health Protection: A Perspective on Biomonitoring and Bioremediation of Chemical PollutionClick to copy article link
Bioactivity Profiling of Chemical Mixtures for Hazard Characterization
The Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ)
Timestamps:
Episode introduction | 00:00:09
How AI helps analyze water quality |00:01:28
Using AI with chemical and biological datasets | 00:05:02
River selection for case study research | 00:06:58
Why water fleas (Daphnia) were chosen | 00:08:49
Unique biology and ecological role of Daphnia | 00:13:08
Research results: five patterns, 43 key chemicals | 00:15:36
Implications for regulation and toxicity testing | 00:19:13
AI, accountability, and environmental justice | 00:22:06
Other uses of AI in the water industry | 00:24:01
Collaboration between academia and industry | 00:25:37
Housekeeping and listener resources | 00:28:04
Resources:
WWD YouTube
WaterWorld subscriptions
SWS State of the Industry Survey
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B, highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.
Editor's Note: The timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-hosts Katie Johns, Mandy Crispin, and Alex Cossin discuss recent industry news, including the Waterkeeper Alliance’s latest PFAS analysis, revealing that 98% of sampled U.S. waterways tested positive for PFAS contamination; recent business acquisitions; infrastructure upgrades by San Jose Water, including water main replacements and the use of AI in asset management, and Indiana American Water’s groundbreaking of a new $50 million treatment plant in Seymour, Indiana. Finally, the hosts dive into updates on State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The U.S. House of Representatives has proposed significant cuts to SRF programs, while the Senate favors maintaining current funding levels. With the September 30 budget deadline looming, the future of water infrastructure funding remains uncertain.
Show Notes:
98% of waterways found to have PFAS contamination
Waterkeeper Alliance PFAS Report Phase II
StormTrap CEO discusses Faircloth Skimmer acquisition
San Jose Water
Indiana American Water breaks ground on $50 million water treatment facility
National Association of Counties appropriations tracker
Timestamps:
Hosts introduce the episode | 00:00:50
PFAS found in 98% of tested waterways |00:01:14
StormTrap acquires Faircloth Skimmer |00:02:32
San Jose Water’s infrastructure upgrades |00:03:19
Seymour, Indiana’s new water treatment plant |00:05:41
Overview of the SRF program | 00:08:15
How appropriations and SRF funding are decided | 00:09:51
Budget cuts proposed by the House |00:11:10
Senate supports level SRF funding |00:11:54
Final funding outcome still uncertain |00:12:00
Housekeeping and industry updates |00:12:20
Resources:
Register for StormCon and use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass.
WWD YouTube
WaterWorld subscriptions
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Friday Jul 25, 2025
Small systems, big challenges: What’s ahead for water utilities
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In this episode of Talking Under Water, Bob Crossen speaks with Elora Arnette, associate director of Water Finance Assistance, about the multifaceted challenges facing small water utilities in 2025. They explore workforce shortages, including the growing number of soon-to-retire operators and the difficulty in replacing them, particularly in rural communities. Arnette discusses how many small utilities rely on multitalented local staff and even second-career workers, but stresses that this model is not sustainable long-term. The conversation also covers funding cuts to state revolving funds, the growing threat of extreme weather events, and the resource limitations that prevent proactive planning. Arnette highlights available support options, such as discounted training and emergency planning services, and calls for strategic rate reviews to maintain system viability.
Show Notes:
EPA announces $49 million to aid rural, small, and tribal communities with wastewater challenges
How resilience and rate-setting can improve Wastewater's D+ ASCE grade
How value engineering is helping small systems secure big dollars
Timestamps:
Introduction to small system workforce issues | 0:00
Guest Elora Arnette joins the discussion | 1:13
Expected wave of workforce retirements | 2:20
Small systems rely on multi-role community hires | 3:31
Recruiting passionate locals is key but unsustainable | 4:00
Older workers entering industry as second career | 4:45
Families encouraging next generation into water careers | 6:38
Regulatory uncertainty creates operational whiplash | 7:10
Small systems can’t pivot like larger ones | 8:27
SRF budget cuts hurt small systems most | 9:07
Lack of rate revenue complicates project funding | 10:17
Extreme weather overwhelms small system preparedness | 12:06
Required planning exists but is often unused | 13:32
Northern systems more equipped for typical local events | 14:44
Lack of backup infrastructure hampers storm resilience | 15:24
Consistent theme: lack of resources everywhere | 16:07
Free and discounted support programs are available | 17:06
Rate reviews crucial for long-term viability | 18:25
Closing thoughts and future conversations | 19:28
Housekeeping and announcements for listeners | 20:00
Resources:
Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.
Wastewater Digest YouTube channel
WaterWorld Top Project nominations
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.
Editor's Note: The episode summary and timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

Friday Jul 18, 2025
Cyber resilience and investment strategy in the water sector
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 18, 2025
In this sponsored episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Bob Crossen spoke with Ian Bramson, vice president of industrial cybersecurity for Black & Veatch about how water utilities can best prepare their cybersecurity efforts and investments. Bramson touches on Black & Veatch’s 2025 Water Report, which found that 95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity investment, a growing number. Throughout the interview, Bramson explains what to learn from previous cyberattacks on water systems, why these systems are vulnerable, and what kind of protections exist for utilities of all sizes.
Show Notes:
Why OT security is critical to defending against cyber threats
Black & Veatch 2025 Water Report: Navigating regulatory uncertainty and cybersecurity threats
Smart stormwater management programs rely on IoT technology
Timestamps:
Episode intro | 0:00
Host introduces episode and explains how cyberattacks on water utilities are rising fast.
Utility cybersecurity investments are growing | 1:10
95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity
Why cybersecurity focus is increasing | 2:30
Attack frequency, sophistication, and regulations are converging.
From theory to real threat | 03:54
Cyber risks now feel urgent and tangible.
Why utilities are vulnerable | 04:27
Motive and opportunity have both increased significantly.
Common cyber threats | 06:11
Ransomware, malware, and internal errors are rising.
Internal exposure and USB threats | 08:30
Most attacks stem from user behavior.
Smart tech and cloud challenges | 09:39
Cloud visibility helps, but control adds risk.
Hybrid cloud in operations | 11:03
OT and IT integration brings complexity.
Major challenges for utilities | 12:52
Training, budget, and expertise shortages hinder progress.
Bridging the cybersecurity gap | 14:45
Utilities struggle between priorities and capabilities.
Start with the basics | 15:39
Asset inventory is the first critical step.
Budgeting and investment strategy | 16:57
Risk-based prioritization is key to progress.
Cybersecurity as part of CapEx | 17:49
Build-in is cheaper than bolt-on.
Creating a cybersecurity culture | 20:06
Start early, especially at small utilities.
Cybersecurity as public safety | 21:41
Protecting infrastructure equals protecting people.
Futureproofing with AI awareness | 22:29
AI is here, ready or not.
AI is a new dependency | 24:32
Utilities must manage unseen AI risks.
Digital transformation needs security | 25:56
Fast progress requires strong cybersecurity foundations.
Cybersecurity as car safety analgogy | 26:31
Comparing cybersecurity to the brakes, mirrors, and seatbelt in a car.
Built-in beats bolt-on | 27:33
Retrofit cybersecurity is costly and risky.
Closing thoughts & key takeaway | 28:38
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it's essential.
Housekeeping- 29:20
Check out features on AI and CSO monitoring.
Outro | 30:38
Resources:
Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.
Wastewater Digest YouTube channel
WaterWorld July/August Issue
Stormwater Solutions July/August Issue
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Friday Jul 11, 2025
Recent floods, PFAS settlement payouts & Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
In this episode of Talking Under Water, we discuss industry news, including the recent floods in Texas, North Carolina and New Mexico, President Trump’s spending and tax bill, known as the Big Beautiful Bill and PFAS settlement payouts.
Show Notes:
What to know about the Texas and North Carolina floods
[USA Today] Who's to blame for Texas flooding tragedy? There is a lot of finger pointing.
[The Washington Post] Chantal floods North Carolina, now moving into Mid-Atlantic
[NBC News] 3 dead after historic flash flooding hits New Mexico town ravaged by wildfires
[Raleigh News & Observer] 6 lives lost to Chantal in central NC. Here’s what we know about them.
Every Mention of ‘water’ in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill
More than $900 million awarded to clients from PFAS water contamination settlement
Timestamps:
Episode intro | 0:47Hosts introduce themselves and today's main topics.
Texas flooding overview | 01:18 Co-host Katie Johns covers devastating flash floods across multiple states.
Camp Mystic tragedy | 01:45Flooding near Guadalupe River causes more than 100 deaths, including campers and counselors from Camp Mystic.
Flood volume perspective | 02:36
Historical flood context | 03:23 Guadalupe River has flooded over a dozen times since 1978.
North Carolina flooding | 03:35Tropical Storm Chantal drops two months' worth of rain in some areas.
New Mexico flooding | 04:26Monsoons over wildfire burn scars cause deadly flash floods.
Big, Beautiful Bill | 05:32Co-host Mandy Crispin discusses Trump's new spending and tax bill.
Water industry funding | 06:04Details on source water and watershed funding.
Reclamation project funds | 07:11$1B for expanding water storage and conveyance systems.
Indirect industry impacts | 07:44Cuts to green energy; no water infrastructure funds.
PFAS settlement | 08:31Co-host Bob Crossen covers 3M, DuPont PFAS legal settlement funds.
Future PFAS claims | 09:54 Legal options remain for more water/wastewater systems.
Housekeeping | 10:10Call for nominations for Wastewater Digest’s Top Project awards; WaterWorld July/August issue available in print and online' StormCon 2025 promo and exclusive code
* Timestamps were written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Resources:
WWD Top Projects
WaterWorld July/August Issue
Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your StormCon attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Friday Jun 27, 2025
Talking Under Water: Electricity-based water purification
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
In 2025, a significant portion of the global population faces water scarcity. The UN World Water Development Report in 2024 estimated that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. How does the water industry not only address this challenge, but how does it do so without affecting future generations, and what is the future of the water energy nexus?
Show Notes:
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Best Innovation in Sustainability & Energy/Power Award
VVater
Time Stamps:
Intro and summary | 00:00
How many people are without safe drinking water | 0:25
Gasts's Background | 1:48
What is the Faraday Reactor? How does it work? | 2:40
How are you scaling to meet the needs of industrial manufacturing and is it scalable to drinking water treatment plants? | 5:14
Does this work on PFAS? | 8:56
How is VVater positioned to compete with long established companies? | 9:46
What partnerships can be fostered between the water and energy sectors | 12:53
Resources:
SWS Top Projects Nominations
WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Friday Jun 13, 2025
Insights & Trends from ACE 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Bob Crossen, vice president of content strategy for water and energy, recaps the American Water Works Associations' ACE show, which took place from June 8-11, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Crossen was joined at the show by WaterWorld editor-in-chief Mandy Crispin and Water Group associate editor Alex Cossin, so he shares insights the three of them gained from the show. First, Crossen discusses new products that Mueller and Neptune showcased then moves on to two interviews. The first is with AWWA CEO David LaFrance. LaFrance discussed funding, financing, rates, and public communications. The second is with Gigi Karmous-Edwards who spoke about the different kinds of artificial intelligence, and some innovative uses for generative AI in the water sector.
Show Notes:
PFAS treatment and litigation strategies for water systems
Mueller teases hydrant retrofit kits at AWWA ACE25
Neptune Technology Group highlights newest meter and cellular endpoint offerings
Deconstructing the conundrum of rising rates and water affordability
Time Stamps:
Introduction & summary | 0:11
Mueller teases new product | 0:56
Neptune showcasese new products | 1:24
Article read: PFAS treatment & litigation strategies for water systems | 2:18
Interview with David LaFrance begins | 4:42
Top challenges for water industry | 5:10
Rate-setting tools and recommendations | 5:59
Pressure on improving water quality | 8:15
Factoring in communication with the public | 9:05
Water 2050 | 11:12
Interview with David LaFrance ends | 12:15
Interview with Gigi Karmous-Edwards begins | 12:22
Breaking down what AI means | 13:06
Karmous- Edward's WRF AI project | 14:11
Where is AI falling short? | 15:07
Differences between Chatbots, AI and machine learning | 16:47
What does the future hold for these technologies in water? | 17:53
Interview with Gigi Karmous-Edwards ends | 22: 55
Housekeeping | 23:18
Resources:
SWS Top Projects Nominations
WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Friday May 30, 2025
Reflecting on a water legacy: Dean Amhaus announces retirement
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
For 15 years, Dean Amhaus has led The Water Council in Milwaukee as CEO and president, but just earlier this year he announced his retirement. In this episode, co-Host Bob Crossen speaks with Amhaus about his career, how far the water industry has come, and where it's headed. Over his tenure, Amhaus has witnessed trends and shifts in businesses, and advancements in technology while helping The Water Council become a destination for water technology innovators and businesses seeking to make meaningful connections for their solutions.
Show Notes:
Trump administration breaks silence on PFAS
EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS
Toxic Release Inventory
[AWWA] Hazard Index for PFAS [Statement June 5, 2024]
Timestamps:
Intro and summary | 00:00
Retirement congratulations and plans | 1:05
Future work developments post-retirement | 2:40
How small business face similar problems to small utilities | 4:43
The importance of technical and financial assistance for small systems | 6:17
How microplastics and PFAS have taken over headlines | 7:35
How water scarcity isn't always about limited access to water supply | 10:10
Surprises in the business in the past 15 years | 12:36
How corporations are recognizing water's criticality to their businesses | 14:23
The intersection of economic growth and water infrastructure needs | 17:20
Most memorable moments in 15 years with The Water Council | 19:01
The Water Council pioneered collaborative water hubs | 22:40
Why community and culture are vital to business success | 25:16
Words for Dean's successor as CEO | 26:52
Resources:
SWS Top Projects Nominations
WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Friday May 16, 2025
EPA shakes up PFAS regulations
Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss recent industry news, including President Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which amounts to $4.2 billion in a total funding reduction across the entire agency in 2026 compared to 2025 for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the hosts discuss recent U.S. Geological Survey grants to 12 state agencies to support landslide risk reduction and hazard mitigation projects; and the EPA’s latest strategy update on addressing PFAS chemicals. Finally, the hosts share news on the EPA extending compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS and rescinding the Hazard Index.
Show Notes:
White House proposes $2.4B in SRF cuts for 2026
California moves forward with Right to Clean Water Act bill
USGS awards $1 Million in grants for landslide risk reduction projects
Trump administration breaks silence on PFAS
How PFAS regulations have changed in the Trump administration, so far
EPA extends compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS, rescinds Hazard Index
EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS
Toxic Release Inventory
[AWWA] Hazard Index for PFAS [Statement June 5, 2024]
Timestamps:
Host introduction & summary | 0:48
White House proposes $2.4B cut to water SRF programs | 1:26
USGS awards $1 million for landslide risk reduction | 5:01
California committee passes Right to Clean Water Act | 5:40
A concentrated month for PFAS regulatory changes | 6:35
Housekeeping — nominate a top project | 15:45
Resources:
SWS Top Projects Nominations
WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.