Discoverwaterloop: exploring solutions
waterloop: exploring solutions

waterloop: exploring solutions

Author: Travis Loop

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A podcast helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. waterloop is for people who work in water at utilities, government, universities, engineering firms, technology companies, and environmental organizations. The podcast helps listeners to become more knowledgeable experts, creators of change in communities, and builders of a sustainable and equitable water future. waterloop is hosted by Travis Loop, who brings two decades of experience in journalism and water communications, including at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
215 Episodes
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This episode is part of a series Mississippi By Nature that explores how nature based solutions are helping the river and its communities. This episode features a ride to the mouth of the Mississippi River with Captain Richie Blink of Delta Discovery Tours, who shares how he has seen the river change over his decades on the water and how projects that use nature itself are beneficial. Then John Sabo, Director of the ByWater Institute at Tulane University in New Orleans, provides an overview of the health of the Mississippi and the role of nature based solutions in reducing flood threats and improving water quality.The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.
The iconic Charles River, central to Boston's suburbs and urban landscape, faces significant environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change. The problems such as flooding hit hardest in downstream areas that are often disadvantaged communities.Dira Johanif, with her roots in the diverse environments of Malaysia—from bustling cities to the lush rainforests of Borneo—brings a unique perspective to her role as a Senior Climate Resilience Associate at the Charles River Watershed Association in Massachusetts. Her international experiences have shaped her approach to water stewardship and environmental justice in the U.S.Dira's work centers on implementing nature-based solutions and spearheading collaborative initiatives like the Charles River Climate Compact, which demonstrates the essential role of regional cooperation in building climate resilience. To communicate the river’s issues to diverse audiences across the Boston region, Dira leverages storytelling and community engagement.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub that features interviews with diverse experts from communities across the country.
Water scarcity and groundwater overuse are driving land use dilemmas in California, particularly in agriculture. One promising solution gaining traction is multi-benefit land repurposing, which involves transforming unproductive farmland to capture rain, floods, and diverted water for groundwater recharge. These repurposed lands also provide various advantages for wildlife, recreation, education, and climate adaptation. This episode delves into discussions with experts and stakeholders involved in the program, such as Ann Hayden, Vice President of Resilient Water Systems at the Environmental Defense Fund.The potential of multi-benefit land repurposing is showcased through visits to Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Kaweah Oaks Preserve, Joseph Gallo Farms, and Castroville Slough Treatment Wetlands. Despite its complexity and cost, the program is gaining momentum, offering hope for California and beyond.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet that explores solutions for sustainability and equity in water. This episode is supported by the Environmental Defense Fund.
2024 is the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the landmark federal legislation designed to protect public health by regulating the quality of drinking water in the United States. This episode features a discussion with Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. He explores the state of America’s drinking water before the enactment of SDWA, the fundamental changes brought about by the law, and the progress of the past 50 years. Alan highlights how the 1986 and 1996 amendments to SDWA strengthened regulations and expanded the scope of protections. He also talks about opportunities to improve SDWA and changes that may shape the next 50 years of drinking water safety.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington DC, where waterloop is a media partner.
Growing up with a strong fear of water doesn’t typically lead someone to a career in coastal issues. However, after grappling with this fear during childhood in India, Vidya Balasubramanyam found the courage to pursue a career in coastal resilience and environmental advocacy in the U.S. In this episode, Vidya shares her personal journey and professional perspective. She discusses various options for building resilient shorelines in places like Illinois and New Hampshire. Vidya also delves into the impacts on communities of color and disadvantaged populations in coastal areas, along with strategies for bolstering their resilience. Vidya currently serves at the Coastal States Organization, and although she is not representing it in this interview, she provides insights into the organization's role in advancing resilience and offering solutions for vulnerable communities on the coast.This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub that features interviews with diverse experts from communities across the country. Visit the Color Of Water directory.
Sustainability is now a pivotal concern in the realm of corporate responsibility, pushing companies to integrate environmentally beneficial practices into their core strategies. This shift is particularly evident in the growing focus on water stewardship and the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, highlighting how businesses are increasingly held accountable for their efforts. In this episode, a discussion with Emilio Tenuta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, explores the evolution of corporate responsibility and water stewardship. Emilio delves into the significance of water management within corporate ESG strategies, shedding light on the multifaceted benefits of environmental stewardship for business. He also talks about consumer influence on corporate sustainability, innovative water resilience projects, and collaborative initiatives involving some of the world’s leading companies.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet that explores solutions. Visit waterloop.org
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) has consistently defied conventions in the use of social media by a water utility. Their approach combines humor and human connection to foster relationships within the community. During the last holiday season, they took their efforts a step further by encouraging people to dial a phone number, which greeted them with a heartfelt voice message. In this episode, a conversation with NEORSD Communications Manager John Gonzalez delves into the profound impact of this message and explores some of the most memorable moments from their social media endeavors. John also discusses the guiding principles behind NEORSD's social media activities, the strategies to gain support from utility management, and valuable insights for fostering meaningful engagement with customers.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
It only rains about 11 inches per year in Tucson, Arizona and decades of historic mismanagement compounded the water scarcity problems, resulting in dwindling groundwater supplies and a mostly dry Santa Cruz River. In response, this city in the Sonoran Desert became a leader in saving, reusing, and recycling water. Programs to conserve water and reclaim treated wastewater are discussed in this episode by John Kmiec, Director of Tucson Water. Efforts to use recycled water to restore flows in the Santa Cruz River are shared by Luke Cole, who directs the river’s restoration for the Sonoran Institute. And local resident Brad Lancaster explains how he harvests rainwater for all his needs at home and spurred the use of green infrastructure to capture stormwater in the neighborhood. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
As a variety of forces continue to change the water landscape in the American West, adaptation is the focus. This episode features conversations with several prominent water leaders from the One Water Summit in Tucson.Adel Hagekhalil, the General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, explains ambitious plans to capture, store, and recycle enormous amounts of water across the region. Felicia Marcus, a Fellow at Stanford University’s Water In The West Program, discusses California’s progress during the past decade and how it has created a comprehensive approach to adaptation. Sharon Megdal, a professor and Director of the Water Resources Research Center at the University of Arizona, talks about the role of research in building public understanding of problems and advancing tangible solutions.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
Members of the Color of Water directory bring extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in water solutions, environmental justice, climate resilience, on-the-ground research, and policy advocacy. A new collaborative series between waterloop and the Water Hub will provide a platform for these diverse experts, who are improving understanding and management of water in their communities. This episode features a conversation with Maya Richard-Craven, a freelance journalist and co-host of the series. Maya talks about her personal and professional connections to water, the importance of hearing from diverse experts, and her goals for the series.This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub that features interviews with diverse experts from communities across the country. Visit the Color Of Water.
Blue Plains, located in Washington, D.C., holds the title of the world's largest advanced wastewater treatment plant. In this episode, join Miguel Miranda, a process engineer at DC Water, for an informative and technical tour of the facility. Treating approximately 380 million gallons daily, the plant is a testament to cutting-edge environmental engineering. Miguel delves into the advanced treatment processes, including nitrification and denitrification, essential for discharge into the Potomac River. He also sheds light on the plant's solid handling techniques, from initial screening and removal to thermal hydrolysis and digestion, effectively converting waste into energy and biosolids for beneficial use.This episode is a conversation launched from the Reservoir Center in Washington D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
King tides are the highest high tides of the year and they are increasing due to factors such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and land subsidence. Communities are experiencing more flooding from king tides, posing a variety of challenges and hazards. This episode explores a collaboration between the North Carolina King Tides Project and Wetlands Watch that utilizes digital tools and citizen science to study these events. Gabi Kinney, the Community Engagement Project Manager for Wetlands Watch, explains how innovative apps and community engagement are used to gather crucial data during king tides. This information enhances understanding and preparedness for future challenges associated with sea level rise and flooding. Gabi also discusses how communities are responding to these evolving coastal conditions and their efforts to build resilience.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and winner of the US Water Prize for Communications. Visit waterloop.org.
There's an urgent need for assistance with water and sanitation in the United States, where 2 million people lack access to basic services. In this episode, Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, delves into the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly when it comes to accessing funds. Boris talks about the transformation of 14,000 engineers into volunteers, many of whom help in the U.S. through the Community Engineering Corps. The volunteer engineers engage with communities, conduct needs assessments, and produce reports to secure financial resources.Boris also shares insights into the growing influx of students and young professionals eager to create a positive impact, the mentorship provided by veteran engineers, and the rewarding experiences that come with helping communities gain water access.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and winner of the US Water Prize for Communications. Visit waterloop.org
In a groundbreaking episode, water management in the digital era is explored through a unique engagement with artificial intelligence. ChatGPT was used to create Dr. Aqua, an AI persona embodying a water management expert. Dr. Aqua's responses were then given voice and visual life through AI tools, presenting a fascinatingly interactive character.Dr. Aqua discusses the integration of digital twins, effective data management, the crucial role of cybersecurity, and the innovative use of drones and robots. The episode also delves into the potential of AI and tools like ChatGPT, exploring how these technologies can enhance communication with the public and address water challenges.Dr. Aqua shares insights on the adoption of digital tools in water management versus other industries, the risks of technological stagnation, and practical advice for embracing digital advancements. This conversation is not just an exploration of water management strategies but also a testament to the evolving role of AI in understanding and solving complex industry issues. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and the winner of the 2023 US Water Prize for Communications: waterloop.org
Water management is critical and challenging for Navajo Nation, which spreads across 27,000 square miles of the arid Southwest. In this episode, Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Principal Hydrologist for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources, shares her experiences and observations, including how climate change is impacting the landscape. She discusses the role of Navajo Nation in management of the Colorado River and how tribes in the basin are seeking greater influence. Crystal also talks about the influx of federal funds for infrastructure and how it is supporting progress on Navajo water projects. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics. Learn more at flumewater.com
This is an epilogue to the series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Fear. The chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution. In this episode, waterloop founder Travis Loop shares some of the pivotal soundbites from an array of experts including environmental scientists, utility managers, public health researchers, community advocates, and regulators. He also shares his professional perspective and personal commentary on PFAS pollution.Find the complete series at PFAS puzzle.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.This series is sponsored by: Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfasPFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.comALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions
There is tremendous potential in onsite reuse, where a building’s greywater, wastewater, or stormwater is treated and used again at the same location. To raise awareness of this technology, a beer was brewed using water recycled by an onsite system at a San Francisco apartment building. The OneWater Brew and the concept of onsite reuse are discussed in this episode with Aaron Tartakovsky, CEO of Epic Cleantec. Aaron explains the process of creating the beer and the media attention it has garnered. He also discusses efforts to increase acceptance of onsite reuse among regulators, builders, utilities, and the public.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
Historic levels of funding are available to replace lead service lines across the United States.But thousands of water systems are so small they lack the staff expertise and capacity needed to identify, apply for, and manage funds. That’s why there is a massive push to expand and deploy technical assistance, including the launch of more environmental finance centers. The effort is discussed in this episode with Palencia Mobley, Midwest Funding Navigator Manager for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. The episode also features a conversation with Dante Sawyer, Village Manager for Hazel Crest in Illinois, who shares the experience of a small municipality that utilized technical assistance to fund removal of lead lines.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:-120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.com-LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com-BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com
Resilience is a shared characteristic of rural communities, often dealing with adversity through their close-knit and resourceful nature. However, the ongoing rural struggles related to water infrastructure, pollution, and workforce shortages are now amplified by the effects of climate change. New strategies and technical assistance can build up their resilience, as discussed in this podcast with Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Olga sheds light on the power of collaboration and regionalization, enabling small water systems to benefit from economies of scale and gain a more powerful voice. She also emphasizes the critical need for flexible funding mechanisms and workforce development to enhance the capacity of rural communities.This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
A sommelier is commonly associated with wine expertise, but there exists a category of professionals specializing in the assessment of water's taste, texture, and quality. These experts offer valuable insights into attributes like mineral composition, source, and purity, all of which are explored in this episode featuring Milin Patel, a water sommelier and consultant. Milin takes the podcast host on a journey through a water tasting experience, featuring a variety of waters, including municipal tap water, reverse osmosis-treated water, and well-known bottled brands. Additionally, Milin delves into the sommelier's role in public outreach and discusses how people react to educational experiences centered around water tasting.This episode is sponsored by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Comments (1)

nasrin attar

Thank you It was great talk.

Mar 23rd
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