Talking Under Water

WEFTEC 2024 Wrap-up

In this episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Mandy Crispin, Alex Cossin and Bob Crossen discuss their experience at WEFTEC and their main takeaways from the show. Crossen talks about his conversations surrounding destruction and disposal of PFAS and the concerns water professionals have about the emissions from destruction technologies. Crispin shares some insights from a conversation she had with a utility about its challenges relating to PFAS and Lead and Copper Rule compliance. And Cossin shares his thoughts about his first ever WEFTEC including some of the new products that he saw on the showfloor. Finally, the hosts answer questions submitted by listeners at the show. 
 Show Notes:    
WEFTEC 2024 kicks off with opening general session 
U.S. EPA issues final ruling requiring replacement of lead pipes within 10 years, announces funding 
PFAS Across the Water Cycle in 2024 
This PFAS removal system can use GAC or IX 
Oldcastle Infrastructure joins public-private partnership to solve water scarcity   
Resources:  
Subscribe to WWD  
SWS State of the Industry Survey  
WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations  
  
About the Podcast    
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WaterWorld and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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 commnting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.   
  

Clean Water Act Violations & Integrated Water Resources partnership

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss a report of alleged Clean Water Act violations in Idaho, a partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies to address water management challenges, and infrastructure funding news. 
 
Show Notes:   
Idaho wastewater treatment plant report shows 458 Clean Water Act violations in 2023 
Submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan 
Bureau of Reclamation joins partnership to address water management challenges 
 
 
 
Timestamps:   
0:0 | Cold open 
0:53 | Host introduction and episode summary 
1:28 | 458 Clean Water Act violations in Idaho 
3:05 | Bureau of Reclamation joins water management group 
4:11 | $7.5 billion in WIFIA funding available 
7:17 | Housekeeping  
 
 
Resources: 
Subscribe to WWD 
SWS State of the Industry Survey 
WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations 
  
About the Podcast   
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  
  

How will Metering as a Service Work for the Water Industry?

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Bob Crossen is joined by Bruce Bharat, country manager and vice president of North America for Kamstrup, and Jason Hewitt, managing partner of Infrastructure for Sustainability Partners. Crossen spoke with them about metering as a service, how their business model works, the safeguards in place for utilities, and the long-term goals they have in mind. 
 
Show Notes:   
St. Lucie, Florida West Services District deploys Kamstrup meters 
Navigating the digital landscape toward a water secure future 
 
 
Timestamps:   
Intro | 0.08 
Interview begins | 1:29 
Defining metering as a service | 2:05 
Breaking down the relationship in Maas | 4:27 
Who owns the meters in MaaS contract? | 9:32 
Maintenance and timelines and servicing speed | 13:40 
Utilities can still work on the meters | 17:07 
Upgrading Maas meters and price increases | 19:41 
What happens if utility goes bankrupt? | 25:06 
Housekeeping | 30:01  
  
About the Podcast   
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  
  
  

SpaceX permit application & a new PFAS testing initiative

In this episode of Talking Under Water, we share recent industry news including SpaceX’s application for a treated wastewater discharge permit; the Delaware Riverkeeper’s notice of in intent to sue U.S. EPA regarding proposed rules for the Clean Water Act; some Lead and copper rule updates and a deadline reminder; and finally, a PFAS testing initiative from EPA and the US Army. 
Show Notes
SpaceX submits TPDES application amid alleged Clean Water Act violations
Delaware Riverkeeper Network sends U.S. EPA notice of intent to sue for Clean Water Act violations
U.S. EPA and Detroit celebrate efforts to remove lead from drinking water 
Locating "lead-lined" iron pipes in drinking water distribution systems 
U.S. EPA and U.S. Army announce joint sampling project to detect PFAS contamination near Army installations 
Time Stamps
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction & episode summary | 1:04
SpaceX permit application | 1:43
Delaware Riverkeeper's intent to sue U.S. EPA | 2:58
Detroit's lead service line replacement success | 3:40
A new PFAS testing method | 5:16
Housekeeping | 7:04
Resources
Endeavor Water Group ehandbooks
About the Podcast  
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  

CROSSROADS Report: Charting the Future of Infrastructure

In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Katie Johns is joined by Maria Lehman, GHD’s U.S. Infrastructure Lead, past president of ASCE, and vice chair of the president's national infrastructure advisory council. Lehman and Johns discuss GHD’s new CROSSROADS research study, which explores intergenerational equity through an infrastructure lens. 13,000 people across multiple generations were surveyed globally to share their thoughts and insights of what the future of infrastructure looks like to them. In this episode, Lehman discusses key takeaways and more.
 Show Notes:
VIDEO: GHD study examines path to equitable infrastructure
New survey shows mixed feeling about future needs of America’s infrastructure
 
Timestamps:   
Introduction | 0:09
Interview begins |1:06
What is the CROSSROADS report? | 1:30
Surprising water findings from the report | 2:41
Charting a path forward | 8:02
Public vs. private sector impacts | 10:32
How does workforce impact the future of infrastructure? | 13:38
The growing engagement with water issues | 17:47
Parting thoughts | 19:03
Housekeeping | 20:43 
Resources
Endeavor Water Group ehandbooks
About the Podcast  
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  
  
  
 
   
 
 

Coastal Resiliency Funding & Safe Drinking Water Act Violations

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts dive into recent industry news, including NOAA funding for coastal resiliency along with a Safe Drinking Water Act Violation in New York state. Additionally, the hosts provide brief history and current notes on SRF funding. 
 
 Show Notes:  
NOAA announces nearly $220 million for habitat restoration and coastal resilience 
U.S. EPA announces settlement with New York water provider for violating Safe Drinking Water Act 
Don't mess with the money: A look into the Clean Water State Revolving Fund 
 
Timestamps:   
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction and episode summary | 0:36
NOAA funding for habitat restoration | 1:21
U.S. EPA SDWA settlement in New York | 2:42
CWSRF and the challenge of earmarks | 7:40
Housekeeping | 10:33
 
About the Podcast   
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  
  

SCOTUS overturns Chevron deference: Now what?

In June, the United States Supreme Court overturned a 40-year-old precedent called “Chevron deference” in the “Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo” case. Chevron deference essentially meant that in cases where interpretation of a law developed by Congress was grey the courts would yield their decisions to the primacy agency in charge of enforcing the law. With this latest ruling, deference will not be given to those agencies, however, and the courts will be the ones to decide the outcome.   
  
To better understand the impact this might have on the water industry, this episode features two interviews. In the first, Co-host Bob Crossen spoke with Jessie Rosell, a partner in Lathrop GPM's PFAS practice, about the impacts of Chevron on PFAS regulations and how the regulatory process may shift and change in the wake of his latest Supreme Court ruling. In the second interview, Co-host Katie Johns spoke with Seth Brown, executive director for the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance, about the impacts he anticipates seeing and what it means for the water sector.  
 
Show Notes:  
The future of regulatory authority – and how this may impact the stormwater sector 
Supreme Court Rulings Challenge EPA Authority, Sparking Environmental Concerns 
EPA designates PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA 
What do the new PFAS MCLs mean for the water industry? 
From Endeavor Business Media
Chevron deference is gone. What does that mean for trucking? - Fleet Owner
SCOTUS limits power of federal government to regulate environmental, energy issues - Oil & Gas Journal
Timestamps:  
Introduction and episode summary: 0:08
Overview of Chevron deference with Jessie Rosell | 1:46
The thrust of the original Chevron decision | 3:00
Impacts of Chevron's overturn on PFAS regulations | 3:52
Challenges to the PFAS MCLs | 5:48
How the reversal of Chevron impacts regulation promulgation | 7:24
More involved Congressional hearings for effective law-making |9:37
Are lower courts prepared for this case load? | 10:32
How uncertainty creates delays | 12:33
Chevron deference context with Seth Brown | 13:39
How Chevron will impact the water sector | 17:02
Loss of Chevron and insonsistent legal rulings | 23:10
Local and regional regulatory patchwork | 26:17
Chevron overturn impacts future regulations, not past ones | 30:38
Housekeeping | 34:09 
About the Podcast   
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  

NOAA announces $60 million for climate-ready workforce

In this episode of Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Mandy Crispin, along with Water Group Editor Alex Cossin share the trends they witnessed at AWWA ACE24 in Anaheim, California. Then, the hosts are joined by fellow co-host Katie Johns to discuss recent industry news, including $60 million in funding from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association to build a climate-ready workforce; and $65 million from the Department of Labor for workforce development in the U.S. with some specifically targeting the water sector. Also, hosts share information about microplastics legislation, Portland Maine’s lawsuit against DuPont and 3M for PFAS in wastewater, and microplastics legislation.  
Show Notes:  
White House announces $60 million to build climate-ready workforce
U.S. EPA publishes 2024-2027 climate adaptation plan
Portland, Maine, Water District joins wastewater class action lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers
Bill requiring study of microplastics in drinking water passes assembly health committee
U.S. Department of Labor awards $65 million in grants to community colleges to expand access to training
Timestamps: 
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction and episode summary | 0:40
The "as a service" business model trend in water | 1:35
AWWA | 6:23
OCWD tour's value for editors | 7:55
NOAA's $60M plan for a climate-ready workforce | 9:13
Department of Labor investment in workforce | 11:23
Microplastics monitoring begins in California | 13:32
Portland, Maine files lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers | 14:48
Housekeeping | 16:30
Resources: 
Meet the new AWWA President Cheryl Porter
Ace 2024 opening general session thread
About the Podcast   
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  

One year after Sackett v. EPA: What’s next?

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Duke McCall, partner in Environmental Counseling & Litigation at Morgan Lewis, discusses the 1-year anniversary of the Sackett vs. EPA ruling. The Supreme Court’s decision on Sackett v. EPA significantly altered ‘waters of the United States,’ only allowing the regulation of wetlands that are indistinguishable from a protected body of water. In this interview, McCall discusses what has happened in the year since the ruling, work that has been done since and how the ruling has impacted it and where the industry goes from here.
Show Notes:   
Supreme Court weakens Clean Water Act’s wetlands protections
Talking Under Water Episode 81: WOTUS & The Clean Water Act
EPA, Army amend WOTUS to align with Supreme Court wetlands decision
More than wetlands at stake in WOTUS fight
Timestamps:   
Introduction and episode summary | 0:00
Interview starts | 1:02
What's happened since the Sackett v. EPA ruling | 1:37
How does the election year impact these kinds of regulations? | 5:01
Have water professionals changed how they work? | 6:20
Slow rollout generations uncertainty | 7:37
Where do we go from here? | 8:44
Housekeeping | 10:59
Resources: 
SWS Top Project Nominations
WWD Top Project Nominations
About the Podcast  
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WQP and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.  

DuPont to spin off water business

In this episode, hosts discuss recent industry news, including DuPont's plans to spin off into multiple companies, in which the holding company’s electronics and water divisions will split from its core industrial chemical businesses. The hosts also discuss recent State Revolving Fund support across the water sector, Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant funding, the 2024 hurricane season and Yute Tribe water system funding.
Show Notes:   
NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
U.S. EPA announces over $2.8 million in funding for stormwater infrastructure in Region 7
From IndustryWeek: DuPont Preps Split Into Three Companies
 
Timestamps:   
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction and episode summary | 0:36
Overview of SRF Programs | 1:12
Funding programs for sewers | 3:11
Hurricane season predictions | 3:48
Dupont spins off water business | 4:49
Federal grants for water scarcity | 7:16
Housekeeping | 8:50
Resources: 
SWS Top Projects  
WaterWorld May/June Issue
WasteWater Digest Top Projects
About the Podcast   
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. 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.