Talking Under Water

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 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.