Talking Under Water

What is on the flood control horizon?

In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Katie Johns interviews Roland Jones, market director for the Mid-Atlantic Region for the Clean Water Partnership and Corvias Infrastructure Solutions. The two discuss various aspects of flood control, including funding, flood mitigation challenges and implementing flood control measures.  

Talking Under Water: The looming biosolids crisis in Maine

In this episode of Talking Under Water, we touch on recent industry news, including the looming biosolids crisis in Maine following the state's ban on land application due to biosolids. Incinerators and landfills have limited what they will accept and the only state-run landfill expects to run out of capacity by 2028. We also touch on funding for the Chesapeake Bay as well as some news about cybersecurity and infrastructure investments.
We are trying something new and separating news into its own episode, so you won’t hear an interview today. We are doing this to give us more space to discuss the news in more depth. Since it is an experiment, be sure to let us know your thoughts!
 
Show Notes
Industry warns of biosolids crisis in Maine
EPA announces $206M in grants to protect Chesapeake Bay
Timestamps
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction and episode summary | 0:34
Industry warns of biosolids crisis in Maine | 1:18
Chesapeake Bay funding from EPA | 6:00
Cybersecurity round up for water systems | 7:02
Housekeeping | 11:08
 
 
 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 WW, WWD 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.  

Talking Under Water: What do the new PFAS MCLs mean for the water industry?

On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS contaminants. This is the first brand new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set by the EPA since arsenic was updated in 2001. In this episode, four industry professionals; Miles Menyhert,  liquid phase applications engineer at Jacobi Carbons; Ken Sansone, partner at SL Environmental; Kyle Thompson, national PFAS lead at Carollo Engineers and; Tom Muilenberg, chemical engineer and the global product manager at De Nora, discuss what this means for the water industry.  
Show Notes:   
EPA designates PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA
EPA announces final PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL)
Water industry responds to EPA's PFAS MCL ruling
Water Coalition Against PFAS applauds House introduction for PFAS liability
Timestamps:   
Episode summary | 0:53
EPA adds PFAS chemicals to CERCLA | 4:44
View from a chemical engineer | 7:08
The value of source identification | 14:00
Vew from a lawyer holding polluters accountable | 16:37
Follow the money and the litigation | 22:05
View from a PFAS practice leader | 25:07
Supply and demand for PFAS treatment | 36:51
View from a product manager for PFAS treatment | 42:14
Human health impacts | 51:51
Housekeeping | 52:34
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.  

Talking Under Water: What utilities need to know about cybersecurity

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss how the Water Coalition Against PFAS testified on Capitol Hill during a PFAS hearing; share news about California's Department of Water Resources completing a groundwater mapping project; and the White House’s plans to work with state administrations to address cyber risk in the water industry. Finally, this week's interview is with Andrew Ginter, vice president of industrial security for Waterfall Security Solutions. Ginter talks about cybersecurity risk and what utilities need to think about when upgrading systems to smart technology. 
Show Notes:   
Waterfall Security 2024 Threat Report 
Engineering-grade OT Security — A Manager’s Guide 
Cybersecurity for small water systems by Andrew Ginter  
Water coalition testifies before Congress on importance of PFAS exemption for utility comapnies
Timestamps:  
Host introductions | 1:05
Episode summary | 1:19
Water Coalition Against PFAS testifies in D.C.
California Department of Water Resources groundwater mapping project | 4:04
EPA invites governors to meeting about cybersecurity for water systems | 5:11
Interview begins | 6:28
WaterFall Securities Threat Report | 7:16
Cyberattacks in the water industry | 10:11
What is different now? | 11:32
What exactly is ransomware? | 15:50
Cybersecurity always carries a cost | 20:05
What poses the greatest threat to security? | 21:16
What is too risky to conduct in the cloud? | 26:13
Finding the balance between smart systems and security | 34:49
Housekeeping | 41:41
Resources: 
Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions 
Subscribe to Wastewater Digest
Subscribe to WaterWorld   
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.  
 

Meet the new EPA water leader

In this episode of Talking Under Water, get to know the new acting assistant administrator to the U.S. EPA Office of Water, Bruno Pigott. Pigott was promoted to this role in February, and in this interview with Co-host Bob Crossen, Pigott touches on his vision for the future of water; issues to tackle, such as PFAS; how he hopes his past experiences and professional relationships can help the industry tackle certain challenges; water funding and much more.  
Show Notes:  
EPA's future depends on water and wastewater professionals
EPA Office of Water appoints Bruno Pigott to lead office
Time Stamps
Introduction | 0:00
Biggest issues facing the water industry today | 2:02
Highest priorities for EPA's Office of Water | 4:51
Bruno's vision fo the future of the water industry | 9:56
The role of the EPA Water assistant administrator in orchestrating vision | 12:53
Parting thoughts and bits of wisdom | 14:47
The value of generational infrastructure | 17:41
Housekeeping | 19:28
Resources: 
Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions 
Subscribe to Wastewater Digest
Subscribe to WaterWorld   
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.  

Women in Water with Kathy Romans

In this episode of Talking Under Water, we share our final episode celebrating Women’s History Month. Co-host Bob Crossen interviews Kathy Romans, water and wastewater segment manager for the protective and marine coatings division of PPG for US and Canada. Romans was the first woman president of NASSCO where she played a vital role in influencing safety practices and industry standards; and is a chemist who has developed into a respected and notable business professional in water. Romans shares her career path, how more women have entered the industry over time and the impact that has had, as well as advice for aspiring young professionals. 
 
Show Notes 
Talking Under Water: Building a network with Womxn in Water
Career beginnings with erosion: How it helped build relationships and shape my professional future
WaterWorld Women in Water 2024
Women in Water 2024
Closing the gap for women in science and water
Timestamps
Introduction | 0:00
Interview starts | 1:04
What it means to be a woman in the water industry | 1:24
Water takes us to our roots | 4:04
Did you find water or did water find you? | 5:29
Women in water over the years | 6:36
Why water is an industry for strong careers | 8:13
Catering to the next generation of water workers | 10:41
Lessons for aspiring water workers | 14:23
What piece of media has influenced you most | 17:28
Housekeeping | 20:21
Resources
Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions
Subscribe to Wastewater Digest
Subscribe to WaterWorld
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.  

Talking Under Water: Building a network with Womxn in Water

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss the recent leadership changes and movement in the EPA Office of Water, a letter from water leaders urging Congressional leaders to reinstate the complete funding of the SRF programs for drinking water and clean water, and Water Research Foundation's request for project pre-proposals.
Finally, our interview this episode features Amanda Jones, project manager for Tucson Water and founder of Womxn in Water. Amanda talks about being a woman in the water industry, finding Womxn in Water, her career and much more.
Show Notes:
EPA Office of Water appoints Bruno Pigott to lead office 
Radhika Fox appointed Senior Advisor at Xylem 
WRF seeks pre-proposals for One Water research projects 
Water leaders urge Congress to fully fund SRF programs for water 
Career beginnings with erosion: How it helped build relationships and shape my professional future 
 
Show Notes:
EPA Office of Water appoints Bruno Pigott to lead office 
Radhika Fox appointed Senior Advisor at Xylem 
WRF seeks pre-proposals for One Water research projects 
Water leaders urge Congress to fully fund SRF programs for water 
Career beginnings with erosion: How it helped build relationships and shape my professional future 
Timestamps: 
Cold open | 0:00
EPA Water leadership changes | 1:42
Water leaders urge Congrss to fund SRF | 3:57
Water Research Foundation seeks pre-proposals | 5:22
Interview with Amanda Jones begins | 7:08
Amanda's career path | 7:33
The founding of Womxn in Water | 9:12
Womxn in Water events and gatherings | 11:20
How DEI is about more than just race | 12:58
Mentorship | 15:03
What it means to be a woman in the water industry | 16:40
Women involvement in the water industry | 18:32
How industry involvement shapes careers | 20:11
Advice for young women entering the industry | 22:39
Overcoming impostor syndrome and being vulnerable | 24:56
Final thoughts | 27:14
Housekeeping | 28:14
Resources: 
SWS Top Projects Nominations 
StormCon Registration 
WaterWorld Young Pros 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.  
 
 

Talking Under Water: What California’s new direct potable reuse regulations mean

On December 19, 2023, the state of California passed new regulations for direct potable reuse. In this episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Mandy Crispin, editor-in-chief of WaterWorld, talks with David Pederson, the president of WaterReuse California, and Rosario Cortes, WaterReuse California’s regulatory affairs director about what direct potable reuse is and how and why the regulation was developed.
Show Notes:   
California approves regulations for direct potable reuse
2024 Wastewater Association Forecast
Why we shouldn't waste our wastewater
Timestamps:   
Introduction and episode summary | 0:00
What is direct potable reuse? | 1:09
Comparing different water supply strategies' speed | 2:55
How direct potable reuse rules were developed in California | 3:29
Why set rules at the state level instead of locally? | 5:20
Why is DPR important at this moment in time? | 8:14
We are all downstream of someone | 9:56
Why the timeline to make a rule has been so lengthy | 10:47
How much will DPR methods cost communities and utilities? | 12:39
Using a value rather than costs mindset | 15:09
Public trust and confidence are a high priority | 16:02
The criticality of collaboration and communication | 18:36
Housekeeping | 20:17
Resources: 
WaterWorld Young Pros nominations
SWS Young Pros nominations 
SWS Industry Icon 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.  
 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Water Sector

In this episode of Talking Under Water the hosts discuss U.S. EPA’s latest proposal to add nine PFAS to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act as hazardous substances, a public draft testing method for detecting 6PPD-quinone in stormwater and updates to the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements including public comments that were submitted. Additionally, this week’s interview features Ifetayo Venner, senior vice president for Arcadis and immediate past president of Water Environment Federation.  Co-host Mandy Crispin spoke with Venner about the important of diversity, equity and inclusion in the water sector. 
  
 
Show Notes:   
EPA develops 6PPD-quinone testing method for stormwater, surface waters 
Is Superfund the Future for PFAS? https://www.wwdmag.com/wastewater-treatment/article/21024076/what-is-the-future-of-pfas-regulation 
Water Associations Share Final Comments on PFAS CERCLA Proposal https://www.wwdmag.com/compliance-and-regulations/news/21437708/water-associations-share-final-comments-pfas-cercla-proposal 
EPA proposed to add nine PFAS to RCRAs hazardous constituents https://www.wwdmag.com/compliance-and-regulations/article/33036439/epa-proposed-to-add-nine-pfas-to-rcras-hazardous-constituents 
Common RCRA violations for wastewater professionals https://www.wwdmag.com/utility-management/video/33001983/common-rcra-violations-for-wastewater-professionals
LCRI Proposal https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/12/06/2023-26148/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations-for-lead-and-copper-improvements-lcri 
Public Comments on LCRI https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0801-0036/comment  
Timestamps:   
Host introductions and summary | 0:16
U.S. EPA's proposal to add 9 PFAS to RCRA | 1:12
Draft testing method for 6PPD-quinone | 2:24
A summary of LCRI public comments | 3:13
Interview with Ifetayo Venner begins | 6:02
Defining DEI | 6:19
Why DEI is important to the water sector | 8:18
How roles and job titles tie into diversity efforts | 11:36
How Ifetayo has influenced DEI initiatives in her career | 12:34
Advice for water professionals | 18:10
What initiatives are still needed in water? | 22:27
How to build a DEI culture | 24:02
The value of design thinking for perspective | 25:12
How Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) relates to diversity efforts | 27:24
What do people not realize about DEI? | 30:50
Housekeeping | 32:30
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.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How to elevate groundwater desalination efforts

In this week’s episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Katie Johns interviews Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) General Manager Joe Mouaward. EMWD has been elevating its work with desalinated water, so the conversation dives nto groundwater desalination, how stormwater plays a role and the importance of funding.  
Show Notes:  
EMWD places emphasis on groundwater desalination
Research finds low-energy method for desalination
Resources: 
SWS Young Pros
SWS Industry Icon  
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.