Talking Under Water

Episode 55: Challenges & Trends in Small Systems

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Katie Johns discuss the movement of EPA’s proposal for PFOA and PFOS to be listed as a hazardous substance under CERCLA and a $132 million investment in the national estuary program. The hosts also share an interview with Glenn Barnes, who is the director of Water Finance Assistance and works with numerous small utilities throughout the United States. Crossen and Barnes talked about the challenges facing small systems, how they are trying to adapt to the new normal, and how workforce concerns are nearing a tipping point. 
Show Notes: 
OMB Finishes Review of EPA’s Proposed Rule to Designate PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances Under CERCLA 
What is CERCLA? 
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $132 Million for EPA’s National Estuary Program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 
Timestamps: 
Cold open | 0:00 
Host Intros | 0:32 
Episode summary | 0:43 
OMB finishes review of PFAS CERCLA proposal | 1:12 
$132M investment for National Estuary Program | 4:08 
Introducing Glenn Barnes | 6:00 
Just how many small systems are there in the U.S.? | 6:32 
What small utilities are thinking about day to day | 9:11 
Small town public workers wear too many hats | 11:38 
How small utilities are looking at infrastructure funding | 14:30 
Inflation and rising costs hit small utilities hardest | 17:42 
Issues at the top of small systems’ minds | 20:13 
The future of small systems in the U.S. | 22:18 
Interview wrap up | 26:02 
Housekeeping | 26:52 
Awards: 
SWS is now accepting 2022 Top Projects nominations. Nominations are open until September 5. Submit here.
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 54: Measuring Water Insecurity

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, co-hosts Bob Crossen and Katie Johns discuss the PFAS health advisory limits announced by the U.S. EPA last month and share some of the conversations surrounding that news Additionally, they touch on the recent announcement of NOAA funding opportunities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Finally, we share an interview with Dr. Sera Young, professor of anthropology and global health at Northwestern University. Johns spoke with her about water scarcity and the Water Insecurity Experiences Scales, also known as WISE scales.
Show Notes: 
EPA Announces New Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFAS Chemicals 
Water Industry Responds to PFAS Health Advisories 
Communication & Education Vital for PFAS HALs, Firms Say 
WWD Water Scarcity Newsletter 
Biden Administration Announces Coastal & Climate Resilience Funding 
Water Insecurity Experience Scales
Timestamps: 
Cold open | 00:00 
Host introductions & episode summary | 01:03 
EPA announces PFAS Health Advisory Levels | 01:54 
NOAA climate funding news | 06:36 
Interview introduction & start | 8:30 
Career path and current work | 9:19 
Why measure experiences of water? | 12:51 
Biggest takeaways from water insecurity research | 17:20 
How do we increase visibility of this issue? | 19:23 
How to measure water insecurity | 21:59 
Why breaking down silos can address the issue | 23:41 
Goals for the future of the measurement of water insecurity | 26:10 
Interview wrap up| 27:37 
Housekeeping | 28:40
Awards 
SWS 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 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 53: Discussing Water as a Global Community

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water co-hosts Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss the Action Plan on Global Water Security that Vice President Harris announced earlier this month, in addition to the research American Water conducted on Americans’ perception of water infrastructure. Finally, this month’s interview is with Millicent Pitts, executive director of Ocean Exchange. Crossen and Pitts spoke about one water, circular economy and trends as it relates to technologies and frameworks for discussing water issues as a global community in addition to a local one.
Show Notes:
http://www.wwdmag.com/one-water/addressing-americans-misconceptions-about-water-infrastructure
https://bit.ly/wwdbentleywebinar
Action Plan on Global Water Security 
Timestamps:
Cold Open | 0:00
Host introductions | 0:54
Episode summary | 1:06
Americans’ misconceptions about water infrastructure | 1:38
Action Plan on Global Water Security | 4:58
Interview with Millicent Pitts begins | 7:50
What is Ocean Exchange? | 8:54
Innovation grant funds for solutions providers | 11:00
Criticality of a One Water vision and mission | 11:58
Why a siloed approach can create problems for other silos | 15:45
Water scarcity and how it is driving the industry | 16:45
Water scarcity as a result of water quality | 20:50
How Ocean Exchange evaluates start-ups for grant funding | 22:55
Technology and solutions trends in the water sector | 28:00
Interview ends | 33:12
Housekeeping | 33:46
Ends | 35:47
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 52: Flood Mitigation as a One Water Issue

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water the hosts highlight the recent DoD memo that temporarily halted the burning of PFAS as a disposal method and touch on the complexities of Build America Buy America. Additionally, they discuss new grant funding to the State Revolving Funds from the US EPA. Finally, they share an interview with Jesse Mains, the stormwater management division chief for the City of Alexandria and Brian Rahal, the division’s senior civil engineer. Co-host Katie Johns spoke with them about how Alexndria is managing flood mitigation work, how flooding affects wastewater and drinking water and green infrastructure solutions to flood mitigation.
Show Notes:
https://www.wwdmag.com/regulations/what-build-america-buy-america-baba
https://www.wwdmag.com/polyflouroalkyl-substances-pfas/what-dod-pfas-incineration-halt-means-water-professionals
Timestamps:
Cold Open | 0:00
Host introduction & episode summary | 1:06
U.S. Department of Defense temporary PFAS burning halt | 1:49
Build America, Buy America | 2:55
EPA announces issuance of State Revolving Fund money | 4:06
Interview introduction | 6:29
Water work in Alexandria, Virginia | 7:50
Collaborating with entities and communicating to the public | 9:50
Program allowing use of public funds on private property | 14:04
Eligible practices and flood mitigation devices for that program | 16:52
How the program has been going | 19:49
How flood mitigation can use a one water mindset | 21:05
Common flood mitigation solutions | 24:37
Storm intensity increasing and the challenges it creates | 27:56
Final thoughts | 32:40
Big Announcement: Joining Endeavor Business Media | 33:51
Housekeeping | 35:48
Events:
AWWA ACE22 | June 12-15 | San Antonio, Texas
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 51: Diving into Regulations

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Katie Johns and Bob Crossen talk about a new documentary, “FLINT,” that will be released on Friday, April 29. Additionally, they discuss an EPA memo regarding accelerating nutrient pollution reductions. 
Finally, the interview this month is with Maria Lehman, president-elect of the American Society of Civil Engineers and director of US Infrastructure for GHD. Johns talked with Maria about regulations, including the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, PFAS, lead service line replacement and more. 
Show Notes:
“FLINT” Documentary
EPA Announces Strategy to Protect Water Quality by Accelerating Nutrient Pollution Reductions
Talking Under Water Episode 34: Women in Water, including an interview with Maria Lehman
Timestamps:
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction | 0:57
Episode summary | 1:09
FLINT documentary analysis | 1:42
EPA Nutrient Pollution Reduction Memo | 5:35
Interview with Maria Lehman begins | 7:28
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law impacts on the water industry | 7:57
How the ASCE Report Card influences the infrastructure bill | 9:05
Next steps for utilities, engineers, etc. for BIL funding | 11:14
Lead service line replacements | 13:44
Obstacles the water industry must overcome despite the funding | 17:40
How to advance water equity | 19:50
PFAS in water and wastewater | 20:55
Sustainability and technology advancements | 23:31
Recruitment, retention and the future of the water workforce | 27:09
Final thoughts | 30:26
Housekeeping | 31:43
Videos:
WWD Young Pros Interviews
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 50: Women in Water

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen — in conjunction with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day — share two interviews with stellar women in water on their career journeys and advice to the next generation. Johns spoke with Jennifer Kelly Lachmayr, who recently concluded her service as past president of NEWEA and is an active vice president at Arcadis. Del Ciello spoke with Melissa Jones, group president for commercial water solutions for Pentair.
Plus, the hosts share a little about what this episode means to them as co-hosts and where you can find even more women in water Q&As in celebration throughout the month. This marks our 50th numbered episode of Talking Under Water.
Finally, the hosts bid farewell to co-host Lauren Del Ciello as she leaves the podcast and starts a new adventure.
Show Notes:
Overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law State Revolving Fund Implementation
Women in Water | WQP
Women in Water | WWD 
Women in Water | SWS
Timestamps:
Cold Open | 0:00
Host Introductions | 0:42
Episode Summary | 0:59
50th Episode Anniversary! | 1:44
Lauren says goodbye | 2:15
Women in Water coverage on all brands | 4:05
EPA State Revolving Fund Implementation Memo | 5:12
Comparing Women in Water Q&A responses | 6:16
Interview with Jennifer Kelly Lachmayr begins | 8:40
How did you get your start in water? | 9:05
Day-to-day duties with NWEA as president | 11:17
Mentorship’s value and importance | 13:33
Rewarding parts of being a mentor | 15:19
What does it mean to be a woman in the industry? | 16:57
Getting comfortable being uncomfortable | 19:42
Career goals | 21:58
Biggest topics or challenges facing the industry today | 24:19
General advice for young professionals entering the industry | 26:49
Interview with Melissa Jones begins | 29:02
Career path and journey to the water industry | 29:23
What drives you about your work? | 32:38
The role and criticality of mentorship | 34:15
No barriers, rather obstacles for women in water | 35:55
Who are you when you aren’t working | 37:10
Nature lovers in the water industry | 38:11
Advice for the next generation of the water workforce | 39:03
Housekeeping | 40:31
End | 43:49
Announcements:
WQP 2022 Industry Icon: Bridging the Divide
2022 Azbee Award of Excellence Finalist—WQP Editor's Letters
Next SWS webinar is on March 24 at 1 p.m. CT. Discussing drainage and flood control, and you can join the webinar for free at: https://bit.ly/SWSMarchWebinar
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 49: The Importance of DE&I to the Water Industry

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss ASDWA releasing a state implementation framework for lead service line inventories, as well as upcoming water-focused social media events to participate in. 
Finally, the interview this month is with Donnell Duncan, associate vice president for Arcadis, and Megan Yoo-Schneider, client-account leadership for Accenture. Together, they co-chair Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Johns spoke with Duncan and Yoo-Schneider about the WEF committee’s initiatives and goals, the importance of DE&I to the industry and how age plays into DE&I.
Next month marks our 50th numbered episode of Talking Under Water. In honor of the big 5-0, we want to hear from you. Send us your favorite water jokes for consideration for the March episode cold open intro (also in honor of World Water Day!) and get in on the action with us. Email us at talkingunderwater@sgcmail.com. 
Show Notes:
ASDWA Releases State Implementation Framework For Lead Service Line Inventories | WWD
22nd National Groundwater Awareness Week | WQP
Women’s History Month
World Plumbing Day
Fix a Leak Week
World Water Day
Talking Under Water Episode 37: Balance & Belonging | WWD
Timestamps:
Cold open | 0:00
Host introduction | 0:44
Episode summary | 1:00
Celebrating 50 episodes of Talking Under Water Podcast | 1:45
ASDWA State Framework for Lead Service Line Replacement | 2:58
National Groundwater Awareness Week | 3:50
Interview introduction | 5:10
Interview starts | 5:37
Water Environment Federation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee | 6:08
WEF DEI Committee initiatives | 7:34
Action items for municipalities to become more reflective of their communities | 11:54
Why diversity, equity and inclusion are not mutually exclusive terms | 18:20
How age and generational gaps influence DEI efforts | 21:47
Advice for starting a holistic approach to DEI | 25:24
How the water industry has changed with heightened awareness of DEI | 28:07
Why DEI is important to the industry at large | 31:58
Housekeeping | 38:13
End | 41:20
Announcements:
WQP: We’re about to announce our 2022 WQP Industry Icon at the start of March, so stay-tuned for that great coverage and subscribe for alerts at wqpmag.com/subscribe.
WWD: 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. And check out our weekly video interviews at bit.ly/wwdweeklydigest.
SWS: SWS is now accepting nominations for its Young Pros and Industry Icon. To submit nominations, visit https://www.estormwater.com/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 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 48: One Water Innovations & Tactics

In this month’s episode of Talking Under Water, hosts Lauren Del Ciello, Katie Johns and Bob Crossen discuss national news regarding the U.S. EPA finalization of the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) and its implications for water systems. The hosts also touch on the launch of a new EPA video challenge — “Companies Crushing Pollution” — and share how to get involved. Additionally, the hosts introduce "One Water Media," a new brand and platform by Storm Water Solutions, Water & Wastes Digest and Water Quality Products. One Water Media will be the new home for the Talking Under Water podcast. 
Finally, the interview this month is withNate Allen, executive director for WaterStart. Crossen spoke with Allen about innovation and how tactical decisions can be part of a grander One Water Strategy.
Show Notes:
Visit One Water Media
EPA Announces Nationwide Monitoring Effort to Better Understand Extent of PFAS in Drinking Water | US EPA
EPA Kicks-Off 'Companies Crushing Pollution' Video Challenge  
Visit WaterStart
Timestamps:
Cold Open | 0:00
Host Introductions | 1:06
Special Announcement: One Water Media | 2:04
EPA finalizes the UCMR 5 | 4:15
Companies Crushing Pollution video challenge | 7:04
Interview with Nate Allen begins | 9:31
What is WaterStart? | 9:43
Giving smaller solutions providers exposure | 11:16
Technology trends and innovations in water and wastewater | 13:00
Relieving the regulatory burden placed on utilities | 15:55
How small tasks can become big problems | 18:22
WaterStart’s role in the One Water conversation | 21:19
Tactical decisions for One Water strategies | 24:02
Trends for 2022 and WaterStart’s next steps | 24:59
Why having a working example is vital to innovation adoption | 28:09
Interview with Nate Allen ends | 30:24
Housekeeping | 30:57
Outro | 33:23
Announcements:
WQP: WQP just launched our new Faces of the Industry eNewsletter and hub. Check out the hub at wqpmag.com/faces-industry and submit pitches for people-focused content to highlight there at wqpeditor@sgcmail.com. 
WWD: 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! And check out our weekly video interviews at bit.ly/wwdweeklydigest.
SWS: 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 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.