Talking Under Water

Episode 47: State of the Industry 2021

Wrapping up 2021, Talking Under Water hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Bob Crossen and Katie Johns present the third annual special State of the Industry episode. The hosts touch briefly on the recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act; however, the bulk of the conversation focuses on the State of the Industry. 
Del Ciello, Crossen and Johns each share key snippets and trends from their individual brands/markets (Water Quality Products, Water & Wastes Digest, Storm Water Solutions) regarding what they have been seeing through State of the Industry surveys and subsequent reports, which dive deep into the the wastewater, storm water and water quality sectors respectively. Finally, the hosts dig into a discussion on cross-sector overlap. In January, the podcast will be back with the regular format of news discussion plus a guest interview.
Show Notes:
Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill Into Law; Water Funding Breakdown 
State of the Industry Report by Brand
WQP State of the Industry 2021
WWD State of the Industry 2021
SWS State of the Industry 2021
Listen to last year’s State of the Industry episode—Talking Under Water Episode 35: State of the Industry 2020
 
Timestamps:
Cold Open: 0:00
Host introduction: 0:46
Episode overview: 1:03
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law overview: 2:12
Municipal water and wastewater breakdown and headwinds: 3:28
Storm water breakdown: 4:41
Residential and commercial water breakdown: 5:33
State of the Industry overview
State of the Industry for Water Quality Products: 7:19
State of the Industry  for Water & Wastes Digest: 9:53
State of the Industry for Storm Water Solutions: 14:17
Supply chain disruption: 17:54
Staffing, recruiting and retention: 23:17
Funding, regulation, and permitting: 29:04
Inflation: 33:34
Housekeeping: 37:28
Outro: 39:05
End: 39:51
 
Events:
WQP is now accepting nominations for our Industry Icon award program. Submit nominations at wqpmag.com/nominations by January 1st.
Watch the Top Projects videos at bit.ly/2021wwdtopprojects. Also, nominate for WWD Young Pros at bit.ly/wwdyoungprosnomination. Nominations close in March, but it is never too early to recognize the rising stars in your organization!
SWS is now accepting nominations for its Young Pros and Industry Icon. To submit nominations, visit https://bit.ly/SWSawards.
 
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 46: Women in Water 2021

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen highlight conversations with four women in water on their career journeys, women in leadership, diversity in the workplace, the role of mentorship and more. Plus, the podcast guests share advice for young professionals entering the water industry. 
For this episode, Johns interviewed Mariyana Spyropoulos, a member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago’s Board of Commissioners. Del Ciello spoke with Sivan Zamir, senior director of Xylem’s Innovation Labs. Crossen spoke with ​​Felicia James, associate vice president and asset management lead for Carollo Engineers and Haley Goddard, project engineer and young professionals facilitator for Carollo Engineers.
Show Notes:
Listen to last year’s Women in Water episode: Talking Under Water Episode 34: Women in Water
Watch a recent WQP Checking In video interview on another noteworthy woman in water leadership: Checking In #56: Shelley Peters on CWQA & Women in Leadership
Read more about Sivan Zamir, when she was honored as a WWD Young Professional in 2017: Making Waves at Water Companies
Read an SWS digital-exclusive Q&A with Jamila Johnson, managing director for Water Resources in Walter P Moore’s Houston office, for more Women in Water conversation. 
 
Timestamps:
Cold Open: 0:00
Host Introduction: 1:00
Episode Summary: 1:12
Interview with Mariyana Spropoulos starts: 2:31
How Spropoulos got started in water: 3:29
Spropoulos’ duties as MWRD of Chicago Commissioner: 5:05
Did Spropoulos expect to become a commissioner?: 6:47
Challenges faced in the industry: 8:03
Experience as a woman in the industry: 9:21
Education’s value in attracting more women to the industry: 11:55
Importance of investment in water infrastructure: 14:20
What is the role of mentorship in careers?: 16:33
Advice for women and young professionals: 18:08
Resilience in the face of adversity and managing discouragement: 19:18
Interview with Sivan Zamir starts: 20:56
Zamir’s career path: 21:48
The learning curve of starting businesses in the water industry: 25:42
Drivers behind the innovation increase in the water sector: 28:16
The role of mentorship in the industry: 30:41
Mentorship is a two-way street: 34:02
Barriers to women leadership in the water industry: 35:10
Curating a culture of uplifting team members: 39:15
Who Sivan is outside the office: 40:19
Interview with Felicia James and Haley Goddard starts: 42:15
James’ career path: 42:54
Goddar’s career path: 45:33
Barriers for women in the water industry: 54:05
Confidence in the workplace: 56:33
The importance of networking: 57:22
Acceptance of different personalities and establishing authority: 60:51
The value of a diversity of skill sets: 62:22
Catering to a more diverse hiring pool: 63:42
Market the industry to find new talent: 65:45
Diversity of careers in the industry: 68:55
Advice for young professionals: 70:00
Housekeeping: 72:13
End: 74:11
 
Events:
WQP is now accepting nominations for our Industry Icon award program. Submit nominations at wqpmag.com/nominations by January 1st.
Watch the Top Projects videos at bit.ly/2021wwdtopprojects
Registration is open for the final session in our 2021 SWS Webinar Series. At 1 p.m. on December 16, we're closing out this year's series with a presentation on erosion control and vegetation. Register at: https://bit.ly/SWSWebErosion
 
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.
 

Episode 45: The Future of One Water

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) new five principles for advancing water equity and new regional roundtables on WOTUS announced by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Army.
Finally, the interview this month is with Renée Willette, vice president of programs and strategy for the US Water Alliance. Ahead of Imagine a Day Without Water, recognized annually on October 21, Crossen spoke with Willette about what is new in the One Water sphere for the US Water Alliance; the impact of extreme weather on how the industry and the public talk about water; and how listeners can engage with Imagine a Day Without Water. 
Show Notes:
NAWC Adopts Five Principles for Advancing Water Equity
EPA, Army Announce Regional Roundtables on WOTUS
Listen to the Talking Under Water 2020 Value of Water Series:
Value of Water Series: One Water With Radhika Fox
Value of Water Series: Utility Perspective With Buffalo Sewer Authority
Value of Water Series: Community Perspective With Milwaukee Water Commons
Value of Water Series: Water Access Perspective With COPE
Timestamps:
Cold Open: 0:00
Host Introduction: 0:54
Episode Summary: 1:08
NAWC adopts five water equity principles: 1:49
EPA & Army announce WOTUS round tables: 4:35
Introducing Renée Willette: 6:22
What’s new in One Water and were are we heading?: 6:59
How has the perception of water changed during the pandemic?: 9:40
How climate and extreme weather events impact The Value of Water campaign: 13:34
How climate stress and extreme weather become water discussion points: 18:40
Getting involved in Imagine A Day Without Water: 21:25
What’s next for US Water Alliance?: 23:11
Housekeeping: 26:48
End: 29:06
Surveys:
Share your feedback in the SWS 2021 State of the Industry Survey: https://bit.ly/2021SOTI
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 44: How is PFAS a One Water Issue?

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen touch on a water crisis in Lebanon related to high fuel prices. The hosts also dig into the impacts of Hurricane Ida on all aspects of water, from drinking water to wastewater and storm water
Finally, the interview this month is with Scott Wilson, president and CEO of Regenesis. Del Ciello spoke with Wilson about PFAS, the impact on groundwater, a rise in consumer awareness and how PFAS is a One Water issue. 
Show Notes:
Lebanon's fuel crisis is causing a drinking water crisis
Ida’s Heavy Rains Send Louisiana Residents on a Hunt for Clean Water
New Orleans, Louisiana, Faces Difficulty With Sewer System in Aftermath of Hurricane Ida
New York & New Jersey Face Flash Flood Emergency After Hurricane Ida
The Surprising Places PFAS Are Being Found
Timestamps:
Cold Open: 0:00
Host Intro: 0:53
Lebanon fuel crisis is causing a drinking water crisis: 1:38
Host discussion on Lebanon drinking water crisis: 2:39
Hurricane Ida wreaks havoc on eastern U.S.: 5:19
Host discussion on Hurricane Ida: 7:55
Introducing Scott Wilson interview: 11:11
What is/are PFAS?: 11:52
Where can PFAS be found?: 15:13
Putting PFAS’ creation in context: 17:15
The lack of analytical tools at the time of PFAS’ creation: 18:16
How does PFAS impact groundwater professionals compared to surface water?: 19:10
How is PFAS contamination a One Water issue?: 28:25
Interview ends: 31:44
Housekeeping: 32:07
End: 34:26
Events:
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The Utility Expo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Register for the event today at sgcwaterpavilion.com.
Send the Talking Under Water hosts feedback on 2022 show topics: talkingunderwater@sgmail.com.
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 43: Small Systems Trends

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen touch on recent news from the US Water Alliance — another One Water advocate like this podcast — announcing a new CEO. The hosts also cover progress on the U.S. Investment and Jobs Act, following months of bipartisan negotiations between the Biden Administration and a bipartisan group of Senators. Then they dig into a discussion on the relationship between recent increasing extreme weather events and water.
Finally, the interview this month is with Ronit Erlitzki, director of business development and innovation for AdEdge Water Technologies, and RJ Cavagnaro, director of marketing for AdEdge Water Technologies. Crossen spoke with Ronit and RJ about small systems trends in requested treatment tech, packaged systems and contaminants of most concern.
Show Notes:
Mami Hara Announced as the Next US Water Alliance CEO
Meet Mami Hara, Incoming CEO of the US Water Alliance
Senate Passes $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Timestamps:
Cold open: (0:00)
Host intro: (1:32)
US Water Alliance announces new CEO Mami Hara: (2:37)
US Senate passes $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill: (3:16)
Hurricane and wildfire update: (4:49)
Interview with Ronit Erlitzki and RJ Cavagnaro begins: (7:19)
Trends in small systems bid specifications: (8:05)
The growing trend toward packaged systems: (12:23)
Drivers behind the trends in small systems treatment: (14:04)
The evolution of treatment technology for small systems: (19:22)
Rain water, water harvesting and water runoff for small systems: (28:02)
The sincerity of commercial and corporate water reuse: (30:44)
Interview ends: (32:58)
Housekeeping: (33:32)
End: (35:28)
Events:
Take the WQP Buyer’s Guide Preferences Survey: bit.ly/WQPBG2021
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The Utility Expo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Register for the event today at sgcwaterpavilion.com.
SWS and IECA are partnering to bring you a free sediment control webinar on August 26. Register at bit.ly/SWSAugustWeb.
Send the Talking Under Water hosts feedback on 2022 show topics: talkingunderwater@sgmail.com.
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 42: Sustainable Hotel Water Management

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen touch on federal water news, including potential WOTUS updates, the confirmation of Radhika Fox to the U.S. EPA Office of Water and movement on federal infrastructure funding.
Finally, the interview this month is with Brad Clements, senior corporate account manager, Lodging segment for Nalco Water. Del Ciello spoke with Clements about sustainable hotel water management and how One Water principles can play a role.
Show Notes:
EPA & Army Announce Intent to Revise Definition of Water of the United States
US Senate Confirms Radhika Fox to Lead EPA Office of Water
President Biden & Bipartisan Group of Senators Agree to $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
USA Today: Biden reaches $1.2 trillion infrastructure compromise with bipartisan group of senators
Timestamps:
Cold Open: (0:00)
Host Introduction: (0:43)
Waters of the United States: (1:38)
Senate Confirms Radhika Fox to lead EPA Office of Water: (3:45)
INVEST in America Act: (5:44)
President Biden and Senators reach $1.2T infrastructure package compromise: (7:01)
Introducing Brad Clements interview: (8:52)
Effect of drought and barriers to efficient hotel water management: (10:18)
Costs associated with hotel water: (14:24)
How water quality impacts cooling tower management: (18:41)
Considerations when choosing where to target water savings initiatives: (22:48)
Recognizing that no two systems are alike: (25:40)
Customer awareness surrounding sustainable hotel water management (26:50)
How one water plays into sustainable hotel water management: (29:46)
Interview ends: (32:50)
Housekeeping: (32:59)
End (35:40)
Events:
Send the Talking Under Water hosts feedback on 2022 show topics: talkingunderwater@sgmail.com.
View the SGC Water Group Western Water Crisis Hub.
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The Utility Expo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Send us your abstracts: bit.ly/WaterPavilionAbstracts
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 41: Water Scarcity, Economy & Equity

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen provide a brief update on the progress of the Lead and Copper Rule Revision, which is now undergoing community roundtables to gather feedback. The hosts also explore current water scarcity issues in the U.S., including Lake Mead’s declining water levels and the impact of water scarcity on the entire water cycle ranging from surface water to groundwater.
Finally, the interview this month is with Scott Slater, CEO of Cadiz Inc. about water scarcity and how it affects the economy, relates to water equity and more.
Show Notes:
EPA Announces Lead & Copper Rule Community & Tribal Roundtables
Lake Mead at the Hoover Dam to reach lowest water level in decades
Persistent drought has water well drillers booked solid for 2-years   
Clearing the Way for Recovery: Cal OES Reports Statewide Debris Removal of the 2020 Wildfires in California Reaches 90% Completion
The Relationship Between Water Scarcity & Economy 
Timestamps:
Cold Open - Gameshows: (0:00)
Host Intro: (0:44)
Lead & Copper Rule update: (1:33)
Drought in the Western U.S.: (5:28)
The connection between agriculture water use and water wells: (9:06)
Introducing Scott Slater, CEO of Cadiz Inc.: (13:07)
Biggest challenges regarding water scarcity in the Western U.S.: (13:59)
Factors contributing to water scarcity: (19:17)
Water scarcity’s impact on the economy: (23:22)
How water scarcity affects water equity: (28:23)
Aquifer storage as a water scarcity solution: (35:54)
Interview ends: (39:51)
Housekeeping: (39:58)
End: (42:40)
Events:
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The Utility Expo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information and to register visit sgcwaterpavilion.com.
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 40: Funding, Travel & New Technologies

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss the recent Senate passage of the Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021, and touch on a new U.S. EPA web-based app to help communities identify potential sources of pollution to recreational waters. They also unpack recent survey results conducted by Water Quality Products, Storm Water Solutions and Water & Wastes Digest on water industry attitudes towards live event attendance.
Finally, the interview this month is with Rajan Ray, digital solutions leader for CDM Smith, on emerging technologies that are advancing the engineering and design phases of projects in the water and wastewater industry.
Show Notes:
Senate Passes Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021
EPA Releases Updated Tool to Protect Recreational Waters
SGC Water Group COVID-19 Travel Impact Survey Results
WQP: How Has COVID-19 Impacted Events for Water Quality Professionals?
SWS: How do Storm Water Professionals Feel About Traveling Amid COVID-19?
WWD: How Comfortable Are Water Professionals With Attending Live Events in 2021?
Our Water Future Is Digital written by Rajan Ray and Amy Corriveau
Timestamps:
Cold open: (0:00)
Central Life Sciences Sponsor Message: (0:54)
Host Introductions and episode overview: (1:12)
U.S. Senate Passes Drinking Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Act: (2:02)
U.S. EPA Updates Sanitary Survey App for Marine and Freshwaters: (5:41)
SGC Water Group Travel Impact Survey Results: (6:36)
WQP Results: (7:58)
SWS Results: (8:49)
WWD Results: (9:42)
Interview with Rajan Ray begins: (14:18)
The changing and evolving landscape of digital engineering technologies: (14:56)
HoloLens, virtual reality and remote walk-throughs: (18:28)
The most exciting technology on the horizon: (20:11)
How CDM Smith is leveraging emerging technologies: (21:20)
The benefits to utilities brought on by these technologies: (25:35)
The future of digital technologies and tools for engineers and utilities: (29:10)
Why simplicity is crucial for adoption: (33:16)
Easy to use and secure: (34:40)
Housekeeping: (35:51)
End: (37:51)
Events:
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The Utility Expo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Send us your abstracts: bit.ly/WaterPavilionAbstracts
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 39: Seizing Water’s Moment

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss how the recently announced American Jobs Plan may impact the water sector before diving into two industry expert interviews regarding the current legislative landscape for water infrastructure priorities.
The interviews this month are with Nathan Ohle, CEO for the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and Shellie Chard, water quality division director for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Ohle and Chard testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works March 17, highlighting the need for investment in water and infrastructure. Both represent different facets of the water industry yet stress the need for collaboration.
Show Notes:
Does the American Jobs Plan Affect the Water Industry?
Industry Associations Respond to American Jobs Plan
Fact Sheet: The American Jobs Plan’
Industry Organizations Testify on Water Infrastructure for Senate EPW Committee
Timestamps:
Cold Open: (0:00)
This episode is sponsored by Central Life Sciences: (0:38)
Host introduction: (0:55)
The American Jobs Plan as it relates to one water: (1:10)
Introducing Nathan Ohle interview: (3:54)
What is RCAP?: (5:34)
Handling growth during a time of increased public awareness: (6:49)
The challenges rural and tribal communities face: (7:33)
Understanding the volume of small community water systems in the U.S.: (9:27)
Testifying for the Senate EPW Committee & the future of water: (12:19)
The importance of low-income protections for water access: (14:35)
How to be a champion for change in the industry:(16:58)
Introducing Shellie Chard interview: (20:43)
Gauging the climate on water infrastructure in Washington, D.C.: (21:34)
The three greatest priorities for water in discussions in D.C.: (25:53)
A fourth bonus priority for water: (29:45)
The emphasis on funding and financing programs in the AJP proposal: (31:59)
How to communicate water’s value to Congressional leaders: (38:11)
The importance of the volume of voices calling Congressional leaders: (43:03)
How can we create a unified message on water nation-wide?: (43:57)
Housekeeping: (48:51)
End: (51:22)
Events:
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The UtilityExpo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Send us your abstracts!: bit.ly/WaterPavilionAbstracts
SWS, WWD & WQP are partnering once again with Global Water Works to bring you a new webinar series. The third and final part of the series will take place April 27 at 1 p.m. CT and will discuss smart strategies for facilities to ensure the health and safety of tenants and the continuity of operations. You can register at bit.ly/GWWSeries3
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

Episode 38: When it Rains, it Pours

In this episode of Talking Under Water, One Water, One Podcast, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss the latest coronavirus relief package — the  American Rescue Plan — and its impact on the water industry. The hosts also dig into the results of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card as pertains to water infrastructure.
Finally, the interview this month is with Rich “Raz” Razgaitis, co-founder and CEO for FloWater. Johns spoke with Razgaitis about microplastics and how the issue impacts all aspects of the water industry from consumer to municipality workers.
Show Notes:
Congress adopts $1.9 trillion stimulus, securing first major win for Biden
EPA Action Notices Extend Lead & Copper Rule Revision Effective Date
US House Passes Stimulus Bill, Includes Water Assistance
ASCE Infrastructure Report Card: Drinking Water, Wastewater & Storm Water Grades
Storm Water Earns ‘D’ on ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure
Timestamps:
Cold open: (0:00)
Host introduction: (0:28)
American Rescue Plan Act effect on water industry: (1:45)
An update on the status of the Lead & Copper Rule Revision: (4:46)
ASCE Drinking Water & Wastewater Grade briefing: (6:09)
ASCE Storm Water Grade briefing: (7:42)
Unpacking the ASCE Report Card grades: (9:02)
Introducing Rich “Raz” Razgaitis: (12:34)
Defining microplastics in water: (13:17)
Threats microplastics pose to humans and the environment: (14:23)
 The impact of microplastics on water, wastewater and storm water treatment: (18:30)
Are regulations on the horizon for microplastics?: (20:50)
Why banning single-use plastics doesn’t always work: (23:49)
How tap water is a crucial element in solving the microplastics problem: (26:04)
Microplastics regulations for wastewater and stormwater facilities?: (27:19)
What can water industry professionals do to address microplastics: (29:02)
Housekeeping: (35:03)
End: (37:52)
Call for Nominations:
Learn about WQP’s 2021  Industry Icon & Young Professionals: www.wqpmag.com/faces-industry-2021
Events:
The Scranton Gillette Communications Water Group, which includes Water & Wastes Digest and Storm Water Solutions, is bringing a Water Pavillion to The Utility Expo Sept. 28 to 30, 2021 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Look out for a call for abstracts soon.
SWS, WWD & WQP are partnering once again with Global Water Works to bring you a new webinar series. The second part of the series will take place March 30 at 1 p.m. CT and will discuss approaches to help utilities accelerate resilience. You can register at bit.ly/GWWSeries2
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 Water & Wastes Digest (WWD), Water Quality Products (WQP) 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. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@sgcmail.com or engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.