Talking Under Water

How to take the first step in your AMI upgrade

While many big utilities have largely implemented and installed advanced metering infrastructure for their distribution systems, medium and small systems are still making their way into that digital future.
The technology of today offers a lot of benefits for utilities as well as their customers. Custom alerts for when a leak is detected so a costly water bill can be avoided. Data on water usage throughout the year to better understand habits and improve conservation. Temperature readings to track water quality.
But each of those also results in a lot more data for the utility to process and analyze. So how have these AMI transformations impacted utilities around the U.S.? What are some of the pitfalls to avoid when planning an upgrade, and how does a water utility director identify what data points matter to them? 
The sponsor for this episode is Kamstrup, which offers these AMI solutions and more to water utilities around the world. Dive into the details of AMI integration with Travis Smith, VP of North American Sales from Kamstrup.
Show Notes
Learn more about Kamstrup: https://www.kamstrup.com/en-us/water-solutions
Timestamps
Introduction and episode summary | 0:00
How metering technologies have shifted water utility operations for decades | 1:55
Critical operational aspects to review for digital metering transformations | 5:13
How to turn common pitfalls into future benefits | 7:07
How much metering data has changed with AMI systems | 8:14
Stepping stones and priorities for graduating to AMI | 9:45
Examples of data creating successful operational outcomes | 12:00
How Kamstrup's Histogram provides use patter insights | 14:52
What do utilities do when data is inaccurate or missing? | 16:39
What are the causes of inaccurate or lost data? | 18:43
What does the utility of tomorrow look like? | 21:39
How do we make that utility of the future possible? | 24:48
Resources
World of Water: www.waterworld.com/world-of-water
Hot Innovations in Wastewater Treatment eHandbook: https://www.wwdmag.com/ehandbooks/wastewater-treatment/whitepaper/55281395/wastewater-treatment
Register for StormCon: www.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.

How PFAS regulations could change under President Trump

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss recent industry news, including construction and discharge updates at the international boundary; the completion of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) work in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, the EPA announcing a public hearing for an updated draft of the MS4 general permit in Massachusetts, what to expect for PFAS regulations under the new administration; and a ban on fluoride in drinking water.   
Show Notes:   
Mexico temporarily discharges wastewater into Tijuana River
USIBWC investigates transboundary wastewater flow into U.S.
EPA completes Hurricane Helene response in North Carolina
EPA announces public hearing for updated draft of MS4 general permit in Massachusetts
How PFAS regulations have changed in the Trump administration, so far
The Guardian:Trump officials quietly move to reverse bans on toxic ‘forever chemicals’
What do the new PFAS MCLs mean for the water industry?
Utah becomes first U.S. state to ban fluoride in drinking water
EPA to review scientific information on fluoride in drinking water
Timestamps:   
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction and episode summary | 0:20
Updates on the International Boundary and Water Commission discharges and construction | 1:05
U.S. EPA copmletes its FEMA support work for Hurricane Helene recovery effort | 4:40
How PFAS regulations could change during President Trump's term | 6:59
Housekeeping | 14:36
Resources:   
Wastewater Digest YouTube
SWS webinar: Commercial Industrial and Institutional (CII) NPDES Permit in two watersheds in the Los Angeles area
 
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.  

A Splash of Reality: Breaking down the ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts dive into the results from the American Society of Civil Engineers 2025 Infrastructure Report Card. Overall, the country received a “C,” which is its highest grade ever. The hosts zoom in on the drinking water, stormwater and wastewater grades, all of which received the same grades as 2021, and discuss the overlap in goals from ASCE on raising the grades in the future, including asset management, resiliency and funding.  
Show Notes:   
Drinking water earns "C-" on ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
Wastewater earns "D+" on ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
Stormwater earns 'D' on ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
Water industry reacts to ASCE's 2025 Infrastructure Report Card
Timestamps:   
Introduction and summary | 0:50
Wastewater earns a D+ | 1:26
Stormwater earns a D | 4:12
Drinking water earnes a C- | 7:09
Raising the grade with better asset management | 9:49
How to improve resilience for water infrastructure improvements | 12:07
ASCE recommends right-sizing ratepayer funding | 14:23
Housekeeping | 17:10
Resources: 
 WaterWorld March/April issue 
StormCon 2025
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.  
  
 

Bridging policy and progress in the water sector

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Karen Dettmer, Americas director of Water Resources for Ramboll, discusses water industry trends, her former work with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the public sector in Milwaukee, where she was the first woman public works commissioner. Dettmer also discusses her work with policy, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 
Show Notes:
Dropping By #87: What the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Means for the Water Industry | Part 1
Dropping By #88: What the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Means for the Water Industry | Part 2
 
Resources:
WaterWorld poll for President Trump's performance
Wastewater Digest poll for President Trump's performance
SWS March 27th webinar
 
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 on-site 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.  

The Water Chronicles: A Journey to Understand the World’s Water Disparities

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Mandy Crispin chats with Kaitlin Spiridellis, a Vanderbilt University Michael B. Keegan traveling fellow. Spiridellis has worked for over three years within Vanderbilt’s Drinking Water Justice Lab and focuses on the disparities in how people experience drinking water in different communities.  In the summer of 2024, she began touring various continents to gain a better understanding of the disparities in how people experience drinking water. In this episode, Crispin and Spiridellis start by discussing her trip to Latin America, and Spiridellis will be writing articles for WaterWorld on her experiences, called World of Water.
Show Notes: 
World of Water
Timestamps: 
Introduction & episode summary | 0:09
What motivated Kaitlin to conduct her globetrotting water study? | 0:49
The experience of locals in Mexico City | 2:25
How stormwater capture for drinking water supply becomes a critical resource | 4:33
Exploring how virtual water impacts water management in Argentina | 7:08
Chile's approach to One Water | 10:24
Governance barriers between rural and urban areas | 13:26
The cultural and gender burdens surrounding water supply and management | 17:12
Summarizing the European leg of Kaitlin's World of Water trip | 20:28
Housekeeping | 21:57 
Resources: 
Wastewater Digest Emerging Leaders Nomination Form  
WaterWorld Emerging Leaders Nomination Form  
StormCon  
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 on-site 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.  
 
 

President Trump’s first month, EPA Office of Water assistant administrator nomination & the California wildfires

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts summarize several actions of President Trump during his first month after reassuming the presidency and what those might mean for the industry, and they touch on the nomination of Jessica Kramer to the office of water at EPA as its assistant administrator. Finally, the episode ends with an update on the California Wildfires. 
Show Notes: 
EPA places DEI and Environmental Justice employees on administrative leave
Jessica Kramer nominated as EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Water
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announces "Powering the Great American Comeback" initiative
EPA renames its Gulf Division
 
Timestamps:   
Host intro & episode summary | 0:09
News round-up begins; President Trump's administration one month in | 0:50
Jessica Kramer nominated to lead EPA Office of Water | 7:15
California wildfires recap | 10:58
Housekeeping | 18:38
Resources: 
Nominate a Wastewater Digest Emerging leader 
Nominate a WaterWorld Emerging Leader 
Nominate a Stormwater Solutions Emerging Leader 
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 on-site 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.  
 

U.S. EPA releases PFAS risk assessment: Now what?

In April of 2022, Maine banned land application of biosolids due to concerns of PFAS. It has become a point of contention in the state, causing wastewater systems to scramble for alternatives with much of it going over the border to Canadian landfills as Maine landfills refuse to accept the waste or run into capacity issues. 
Nearly two years later, U.S. EPA released a long-awaited risk assessment of two PFAS chemicals — PFOA and PFOS — in sewage sludge and land-applied biosolids on January 14, 2025. While this assessment is not a regulation, it suggests a degree of risk that could one day include a regulation.  
So what do wastewater leaders need to do now and what does this assessment mean for them? Endeavor Business Media Water Group Editor Alex Cossin caught up with Kyle Thompson, the PFAS national practice lead for Carollo Engineers, to get the details. 
Show Notes:   
Watch: EPA draft sludge risk assessment for PFAS: What it means for utilities 
Read: Five takeaways from the EPA's draft sewage sludge risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS 
Timestamps:   
Introduction and episode summary | 00:09
Interview begins | 1:24
Findings and takeaways from the PFAS sewage sludge risk assessment | 1:37
How can utilities use this information to plan around PFAS? | 5:54
What are the best treatment options for PFAS in sludge and biosolids? | 10:19
What's the best way to communicate with customers on this? | 13:39
Housekeeping | 17:38
Resources: 
Nominate a Wastewater Digest Emerging leader 
Nominate a WaterWorld Emerging Leader 
Nominate a Stormwater Solutions Emerging Leader 
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.  
  
 

California wildfires, PFAS risk assessment & EPA administrator hearing

In this episode of Talking Under Water the hosts discuss recent industry news including the nomination hearing for Lee Zeldin, whom President Trump is seeking to lead the U.S. EPA; the California wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires along with others that began between January 22 and January 23; and the release of EPA’s risk assessment of PFAS in sewage sludge. This draft risk assessment, which is now available for public comment, hones in specifically on two PFAS chemicals: Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS).
Show Notes:
PFAS & funding dominate EPA admin nomination hearing
How Southern California transformed into a ‘tinderbox’
Mike McNutt of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District discusses California wildfires
From ABC 7 Eye Witness News: With rain on the way, crews race to protect Eaton Fire areas from threat of mudslides
From The Guardian: These are the hazards Californians face after fires – and what homeowners can do to protect themselves
Fire recovery efforts from the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Five takeaways from the EPA's draft sewage sludge risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS
White House clarifies funding freeze
Timestamps: 
Introduction and summary | 1:03
EPA Administrator Nominee Led Zeldin's career and political history | 2:40
Key takeaways from Lee Zeldin's EPA nomination hearing | 4:56
Impact of California wildfires on drinking water systems | 6:33
California wildfire recovery efforts | 8:57
U.S. EPA releases risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge | 12:55
Housekeeping | 16:14
Resources:
WWD YouTube
WaterWorld Videos
StormCon Registration
Stormwater Solutions videos
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 on-site 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.  

Water Reuse Strategies for U.S. Cities

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Bob Crossen talks with John Newsome, administrator for the Division of Water for the City of Columbus, Ohio and president of the newly founded Ohio WateReuse Association Chapter, discuss all things related to water reuse. 
Various states, including California, Texas, Florida and Arizona are all in various stages of water reuse regulatory developments, and here, Newsome discusses how Ohio has joined the pack. Newsome touches on what drove this desire, how water reuse fits into coordinating with industrial users and partners, and where the state is drawing inspiration from in developing the water future for Ohio.
Show Notes:
The Water Reuse Revolution
Water Reuse: A Short Guide
Key takeaways from U.S. EPA's Potable Reuse and PFAS Q&A document
Timestamps:
Intro | 0:09
Interview begins | 1:14
How conversations on water reuse look | 1:32
What are you relationships with industrial partners right now? | 3:34
Building upon existing relationships for future success | 6:05
Municipal versus on-site industrial reuse | 8:07
What does the Ohio wate reuse vision look like? | 9:31
Taking inspiration from other state water reuse frameworks | 12:10
Managing and educating stakeholders | 13:40
Water reuse technology is tested and proven | 14:5
WateReuse Indsustrial Conference in Columbus, OH | 15:17
Housekeeping | 16:38
Resources:
Five takeaways from the EPA's draft sewage sludge risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS
StormCon Registration
Infrastructure Technology Podcast
Mike McNutt of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District discusses California wildfires
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 on-site 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.  
 

Where is the water industry heading in 2025?

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss the state of the industry surveys from each water brand — Stormwater Solutions, Wastewater Digest and WaterWorld — with some data points. The hosts provide some analysis of the results, including what some of the biggest challenges and trends are moving into 2025.  
Show Notes:   
The Pulse of Water: State of the Industry Insights with Bentley 
GHD study examines path to equitable infrastructure
2024 State of the One Water Industry
Timestamps:   
Cold open | 0:00
Episode summary | 0:56
WaterWorld State of the Drinking Water Industry Report | 2:07
Wastewater Digest State of the Wastewater Industry Report | 8:11
Stormwater Solutions State of the Stormwater Industry Report | 13:44
Housekeeping | 17:55 
Resources: 
WWD November/December Digital Edition 
StormCon Registration 
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 on-site 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.