Talking Under Water

Talking Under Water: Electricity-based water purification

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.  

Insights & Trends from ACE 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.  
 

Reflecting on a water legacy: Dean Amhaus announces retirement

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.  

EPA shakes up PFAS regulations

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.  
  
 
   

Cyber threats in our water supply: What utilities need to know

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Frederick Johnson, cybersecurity practice lead at Stantec. Johnson helps utilities, government agencies, and private sector clients prepare for technological challenges. The cyber-attack on Wichita, Kansas, was about a year ago, and the cybersecurity issue in Arkansas City, Kansas, was about six months ago. Considering these events, the interview sheds light on the greatest threats to cybersecurity right now, any potential changes in regulation, and how utilities can address cybersecurity.  
Show Notes:   
Stantec blog: Cybersecurity defense in the water industry: 3 steps utilities can take now 
Arkansas City water treatment facility faces cybersecurity incident 
Talking Under Water Episode Preview 
Rockwell Automation talks cybersecurity with Editor in Chief Mandy Crispin 
Timestamps:   
Introduction | 0:00
The greatest threat to cybersecurity in the water sector | 1:16
Why water systems are targets for cyberthreats | 3:07
An example of a common cybersecurity attack tactic | 4:40
What to expect from an on-site cybersecurity risk assessment | 7:33
What lessons can be learned from notable water system cyberattacks? | 11:06
What percentage of utilities are prepared to address cyberattacks? | 13:07
An overview of introduced cybersecurity bills for U.S. water systems | 14:26
Housekeeping | 17:39
Resources: 
WWD webinar: Liquid stream vs. solids handling: Maximizing treatment and resource recovery 
SWS webinar: Blue Green Infrastructure – Learning from Successful Case Studies 
WaterWorld Top Projects submissions 
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.  
  

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.