Talking Under Water

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the co-hosts discuss recent industry news including two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PFAS legal actions. First, the agency motioned to partially vacate a court case in which American Water Works Association (AWWA) sued the agency for procedural missteps in how it developed the concentration limits that defined the Hazard Index. Second, EPA announced its intentions for the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as CERCLA or the Superfund. The hosts also cover Jessica Kramer’s confirmation as assistant administrator of the EPA’s Office of Water; the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updates to its flood mapping tool; and post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts a year after the storm.   Show Notes:     Legal challenges cloud future of PFAS regulation as EPA moves to vacate PFAS MCL EPA outlines next steps on PFOA and PFOS cleanup under CERCLA EPA funds water infrastructure resiliency in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene NOAA expands flood inundation mapping tool to cover 60% of the U.S. population Senate confirms Jessica Kramer to lead EPA Office of Water Timestamps:    Cold open & intro | 00:00 Episode overview | 00:22 Government shutdown update | 00:45 Jessica Kramer confirmed to EPA Office of Water | 01:42  PFAS legal actions | 04:33 EPA post-hurricane funding in North Carolina |08:09 NOAA flood inundation mapping tool expansion | 09:06 Housekeeping & announcements | 10:19 Closing | 11:3 Resources:  Tunnels & Tech eBook  WWD workplace culture webinar  Renew your WaterWorld subscription  SWS webinar with the Center for Watershed Protection  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, stormwater 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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.      

As climate uncertainty and cybersecurity threats escalate, the utility industry is bracing for a future it can’t fully control. Over the past year alone, we’ve seen catastrophic events that exposed the vulnerabilities of water systems across the country. Talking Under Water Podcast host and VP of EB2B’s Water Group Bob Crossen spoke with Blake Michal, Manager of Solution Management at Kamstrup North America, about the difference between reliability and resilience, and learn why utilities must prioritize one over the over. Show Notes Learn more about Kamstrup: https://www.kamstrup.com/en-us/water-solutions Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to episode and guest 00:27 – Utilities face growing operational threats 00:40 – Smart tech for reliability and resilience 01:15 – Preparing for inevitable disruptions 02:22 – Building flexible, resilient systems 03:02 – Graceful failure vs flawless performance 04:11 – Reliability vs resilience explained 06:22 – Why reliability must come first 07:18 – Reliable ultrasonic meters and networks 08:23 – Resilience during system failures 10:13 – Real-world hurricane response example 11:09 – Kamstrup’s failure-free performance mindset 12:19 – Less than 0.25% return rate 13:08 – Where utilities should begin 14:24 – Final message: invest in both 15:47 – Smart Water eHandbook promo 16:13 – Water reuse eHandbook promo 16:34 – Stormwater survey call-to-action 17:02 – Contact and social media info Resources World of Water: www.waterworld.com/world-of-water Hot Innovations in Wastewater Treatment eHandbook: https://www.wwdmag.com/ehandbooks/wastewater-treatment/whitepaper/55281395/wastewater-treatment Register for StormCon: www.stormcon.com 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.

In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-Host Bob Crossen speaks with Jacquelin Mutter, One Water planning lead, and Trent Stober, utility management services director, both for HDR about using the A-I-R process to optimize One Water processes. Mutter and Sober discuss how A-I-R, which stands for Assess, Identify and Reimagine, can help utilities navigate their One Water approaches successfully. The two also discuss why the One Water approach is important to the industry and how A-I-R can benefit water utilities. Show Notes: Discover and Expand Multiple Benefits by Applying a One Water Perspective One water: Integrated water resource management is the future What is One Water? Timestamps: Intro | 00:00 Meet the guests: Jacqueline Mutter & Trent Stober of HDR |00:01:00 Challenges facing today’s utilities | 00:02:20 Defining One Water and making it actionable | 00:04:00 The AIR process: Assess, Identify, Reimagine | 00:05:00 Embedding equity and resilience into planning | 00:08:10 Benefits of One Water for utilities & communities | 00:09:40 Enhancing core services through a holistic approach | 00:12:15 Real-world challenges: data centers, industry, and partnerships | 00:14:30 Building smarter investments and business cases | 00:16:40 Workforce resilience & cross-training initiatives | 00:18:00 The growing role of communications in the water sector | 00:19:30 Closing reflections | 00:20:00 Outro & housekeeping (magazine, WEFTEC, webinars) | 00:21:35 Resources: WaterWorld September/October issue Stormwater Awareness Week Webinar Subscribe to WaterWorld Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions 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, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B,  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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.   Editor's Note: The episode timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss relevant industry news, including the approval given to the National Weather Service to hire 450 new employees; Wyoming Department of Transportation projects that intersect roads, bridgese and stormwater; updates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the Tijuana sewage crisis and a sediment control project; and finally, the importance of workplace safety in light of recent sombering events. Show Notes:     National Weather Service to hire 450 workers following cuts Wyoming Transportation Commission awards $33.1 million in contracts for DOT projects South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant completes 10 MGD expansion EPA, Ohio and Partners Highlight Sediment Cleanup Project Start in Cuyahoga Falls Authorities identify 3 workers who died due to toxic sewer gas in Trinity County  Three Houston-area men die from toxic gas exposure in Trinity County manhole incident  Two Workers Killed by Suspected Gas Exposure in Sewer Line Accident Near Mobile, Alabama  OSHA’s confined space regulations  Timestamps:    Cold Open | 00:00 Introductions & Subscription reminder |  00:00:38 Episode summary | 00:01:20 National Weather Service hiring 450 staff | 00:01:41 Wyoming DOT stormwater and infrastructure projects | 00:02:11 EPA Updates: Tijuana sewage crisis and Cuyahoga River sediment cleanup | 00:03:37 Texas trench tragedy & Workplace safety reflections | 00:06:50 Housekeeping  | 00:10:10 Resources:  Wastewater Digest YouTube  WaterWorld September/October issue SWS Stormwater Awareness Week Webinar  Stormwater Solutions September/October issue 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, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B,  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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.   Editor's Note: The episode timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.    

In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-Host Katie Johns is talks with Professor John Colbourne, director of the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Environmental Research and Justice and Dr. Xiaojing Li, post- doctorate research fellow in precision and environmental health at University of Birmingham, to discuss their research using AI and water fleas to identify harmful substances in waterways. The two touch on their research results and how they can inform future regulations but also share how AI can be used elsewhere in the water industry.   Show Notes:     Daphnia as a Sentinel Species for Environmental Health Protection: A Perspective on Biomonitoring and Bioremediation of Chemical PollutionClick to copy article link Bioactivity Profiling of Chemical Mixtures for Hazard Characterization The Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) Timestamps:    Episode introduction | 00:00:09  How AI helps analyze water quality |00:01:28 Using AI with chemical and biological datasets | 00:05:02 River selection for case study research | 00:06:58 Why water fleas (Daphnia) were chosen | 00:08:49 Unique biology and ecological role of Daphnia | 00:13:08  Research results: five patterns, 43 key chemicals | 00:15:36 Implications for regulation and toxicity testing | 00:19:13 AI, accountability, and environmental justice | 00:22:06 Other uses of AI in the water industry | 00:24:01 Collaboration between academia and industry | 00:25:37 Housekeeping and listener resources | 00:28:04 Resources:  WWD YouTube WaterWorld subscriptions SWS State of the Industry Survey 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, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B,  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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.   Editor's Note: The timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.  

In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-hosts Katie Johns, Mandy Crispin, and Alex Cossin discuss recent industry news, including the Waterkeeper Alliance’s latest PFAS analysis, revealing that 98% of sampled U.S. waterways tested positive for PFAS contamination; recent business acquisitions; infrastructure upgrades by San Jose Water, including water main replacements and the use of AI in asset management, and Indiana American Water’s groundbreaking of a new $50 million treatment plant in Seymour, Indiana. Finally, the hosts dive into updates on State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The U.S. House of Representatives has proposed significant cuts to SRF programs, while the Senate favors maintaining current funding levels. With the September 30 budget deadline looming, the future of water infrastructure funding remains uncertain.  Show Notes:     98% of waterways found to have PFAS contamination Waterkeeper Alliance PFAS Report Phase II  StormTrap CEO discusses Faircloth Skimmer acquisition San Jose Water  Indiana American Water breaks ground on $50 million water treatment facility  National Association of Counties appropriations tracker  Timestamps:    Hosts introduce the episode | 00:00:50 PFAS found in 98% of tested waterways |00:01:14  StormTrap acquires Faircloth Skimmer |00:02:32 San Jose Water’s infrastructure upgrades |00:03:19 Seymour, Indiana’s new water treatment plant |00:05:41 Overview of the SRF program | 00:08:15 How appropriations and SRF funding are decided | 00:09:51 Budget cuts proposed by the House |00:11:10 Senate supports level SRF funding |00:11:54 Final funding outcome still uncertain |00:12:00 Housekeeping and industry updates |00:12:20 Resources:  Register for StormCon and use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass. WWD YouTube WaterWorld subscriptions 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, stormwater 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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.    

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Bob Crossen speaks with Elora Arnette, associate director of Water Finance Assistance, about the multifaceted challenges facing small water utilities in 2025. They explore workforce shortages, including the growing number of soon-to-retire operators and the difficulty in replacing them, particularly in rural communities. Arnette discusses how many small utilities rely on multitalented local staff and even second-career workers, but stresses that this model is not sustainable long-term. The conversation also covers funding cuts to state revolving funds, the growing threat of extreme weather events, and the resource limitations that prevent proactive planning. Arnette highlights available support options, such as discounted training and emergency planning services, and calls for strategic rate reviews to maintain system viability. Show Notes:     EPA announces $49 million to aid rural, small, and tribal communities with wastewater challenges How resilience and rate-setting can improve Wastewater's D+ ASCE grade How value engineering is helping small systems secure big dollars Timestamps: Introduction to small system workforce issues | 0:00 Guest Elora Arnette joins the discussion | 1:13 Expected wave of workforce retirements | 2:20 Small systems rely on multi-role community hires | 3:31 Recruiting passionate locals is key but unsustainable | 4:00 Older workers entering industry as second career | 4:45 Families encouraging next generation into water careers | 6:38 Regulatory uncertainty creates operational whiplash | 7:10 Small systems can’t pivot like larger ones | 8:27 SRF budget cuts hurt small systems most | 9:07 Lack of rate revenue complicates project funding | 10:17 Extreme weather overwhelms small system preparedness | 12:06 Required planning exists but is often unused | 13:32 Northern systems more equipped for typical local events | 14:44 Lack of backup infrastructure hampers storm resilience | 15:24 Consistent theme: lack of resources everywhere | 16:07 Free and discounted support programs are available | 17:06 Rate reviews crucial for long-term viability | 18:25 Closing thoughts and future conversations | 19:28 Housekeeping and announcements for listeners | 20:00   Resources:  Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com. Wastewater Digest YouTube channel WaterWorld Top Project 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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.     Editor's Note: The episode summary and timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

In this sponsored episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Bob Crossen spoke with Ian Bramson, vice president of industrial cybersecurity for Black & Veatch about how water utilities can best prepare their cybersecurity efforts and investments. Bramson touches on Black & Veatch’s 2025 Water Report, which found that 95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity investment, a growing number. Throughout the interview, Bramson explains what to learn from previous cyberattacks on water systems, why these systems are vulnerable, and what kind of protections exist for utilities of all sizes.   Show Notes:     Why OT security is critical to defending against cyber threats Black & Veatch 2025 Water Report: Navigating regulatory uncertainty and cybersecurity threats  Smart stormwater management programs rely on IoT technology Timestamps: Episode intro | 0:00  Host introduces episode and explains how cyberattacks on water utilities are rising fast.  Utility cybersecurity investments are growing | 1:10  95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity   Why cybersecurity focus is increasing | 2:30  Attack frequency, sophistication, and regulations are converging.  From theory to real threat | 03:54   Cyber risks now feel urgent and tangible.  Why utilities are vulnerable | 04:27   Motive and opportunity have both increased significantly.  Common cyber threats | 06:11   Ransomware, malware, and internal errors are rising.  Internal exposure and USB threats | 08:30   Most attacks stem from user behavior.  Smart tech and cloud challenges | 09:39   Cloud visibility helps, but control adds risk.  Hybrid cloud in operations | 11:03  OT and IT integration brings complexity.  Major challenges for utilities | 12:52   Training, budget, and expertise shortages hinder progress.   Bridging the cybersecurity gap | 14:45   Utilities struggle between priorities and capabilities.    Start with the basics | 15:39   Asset inventory is the first critical step.   Budgeting and investment strategy | 16:57  Risk-based prioritization is key to progress. Cybersecurity as part of CapEx | 17:49   Build-in is cheaper than bolt-on.  Creating a cybersecurity culture | 20:06  Start early, especially at small utilities.  Cybersecurity as public safety | 21:41   Protecting infrastructure equals protecting people.  Futureproofing with AI awareness | 22:29   AI is here, ready or not.  AI is a new dependency | 24:32  Utilities must manage unseen AI risks.  Digital transformation needs security | 25:56   Fast progress requires strong cybersecurity foundations.  Cybersecurity as car safety analgogy | 26:31   Comparing cybersecurity to the brakes, mirrors, and seatbelt in a car. Built-in beats bolt-on | 27:33   Retrofit cybersecurity is costly and risky.   Closing thoughts & key takeaway | 28:38   Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it's essential.  Housekeeping- 29:20   Check out features on AI and CSO monitoring. Outro | 30:38      Resources:  Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.  Wastewater Digest YouTube channel  WaterWorld July/August Issue  Stormwater Solutions July/August Issue     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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.             

In this episode of Talking Under Water, we discuss industry news, including the  recent floods in Texas, North Carolina and New Mexico, President Trump’s spending and tax bill, known as the Big Beautiful Bill and PFAS settlement payouts.    Show Notes:     What to know about the Texas and North Carolina floods [USA Today] Who's to blame for Texas flooding tragedy? There is a lot of finger pointing. [The Washington Post] Chantal floods North Carolina, now moving into Mid-Atlantic [NBC News] 3 dead after historic flash flooding hits New Mexico town ravaged by wildfires [Raleigh News & Observer] 6 lives lost to Chantal in central NC. Here’s what we know about them. Every Mention of ‘water’ in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill  More than $900 million awarded to clients from PFAS water contamination settlement Timestamps:    Episode intro | 0:47 Hosts introduce themselves and today's main topics. Texas flooding overview | 01:18  Co-host Katie Johns covers devastating flash floods across multiple states. Camp Mystic tragedy | 01:45 Flooding near Guadalupe River causes more than 100 deaths, including campers and counselors from Camp Mystic. Flood volume perspective | 02:36 Historical flood context | 03:23  Guadalupe River has flooded over a dozen times since 1978. North Carolina flooding | 03:35 Tropical Storm Chantal drops two months' worth of rain in some areas. New Mexico flooding | 04:26 Monsoons over wildfire burn scars cause deadly flash floods. Big, Beautiful Bill | 05:32 Co-host Mandy Crispin discusses Trump's new spending and tax bill. Water industry funding | 06:04 Details on source water and watershed funding. Reclamation project funds | 07:11 $1B for expanding water storage and conveyance systems. Indirect industry impacts | 07:44 Cuts to green energy; no water infrastructure funds. PFAS settlement |  08:31 Co-host Bob Crossen covers 3M, DuPont PFAS legal settlement funds. Future PFAS claims | 09:54  Legal options remain for more water/wastewater systems. Housekeeping | 10:10 Call for nominations for Wastewater Digest’s Top Project awards; WaterWorld July/August issue available in print and online' StormCon 2025 promo and exclusive code * Timestamps were written with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Resources:  WWD Top Projects  WaterWorld July/August Issue  Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your StormCon attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.      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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.          

In 2025, a significant portion of the global population faces water scarcity. The UN World Water Development Report in 2024 estimated that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. How does the water industry not only address this challenge, but how does it do so without affecting future generations, and what is the future of the water energy nexus? Show Notes: Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Best Innovation in Sustainability & Energy/Power Award VVater Time Stamps: Intro and summary | 00:00 How many people are without safe drinking water | 0:25 Gasts's Background | 1:48 What is the Faraday Reactor? How does it work? | 2:40 How are you scaling to meet the needs of industrial manufacturing and is it scalable to drinking water treatment plants? | 5:14 Does this work on PFAS? | 8:56  How is VVater positioned to compete with long established companies? | 9:46 What partnerships can be fostered between the water and energy sectors | 12:53 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 X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

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.    

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.  

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.           

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.     

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.  

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.       

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.  

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.      

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.    

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.