waterloop

Inside infrastructure, there’s a simple device called check valves quietly protecting water systems from chaos, stopping dirty water from flowing backward, and keeping everything running smoothly amid bigger storms, tighter regulations, and growing cities. In this episode, Cal Hayes from Proco Products explains the vital role of check valves. He explains how they need zero maintenance or power, making them ideal for handling sewage backups in treatment plants and at coastal outfalls to avoid costly overflows. Cal shares how innovative valves mix drinking water reservoirs more effectively, cutting down on chemicals and downtime for greener, more reliable supplies. In tough spots like massive ocean waves near Djibouti or flood-prone shores in New Jersey, flexible rubber versions hold up against harsh conditions. He also spotlights smart adaptations in Oregon, where valves spread treated wastewater gently to protect rivers and wildlife.Learn more about Proco Products.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Pittsburgh is writing a playbook on lead pipe replacement, aiming to eliminate all toxic lines by 2027.In this episode, Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis of Women for a Healthy Environment reveal the strategy behind this national model.With over $200 million in federal grants and low-interest loans, the city has replaced 13,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents. Digitized records and GIS mapping pinpoint pipes for efficient, low-disruption replacements using copper threading.Community trust, rebuilt through transparent outreach and an advisory committee, drives participation. Naccarati-Chapkis ’s workshops target vulnerable neighborhoods, prioritizing kids and low-income areas.This blend of tech, funding, and engagement offers a roadmap for clean water nationwide.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. This episode was supported by Blue Conduit, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.

As Southern California wonders if water scarcity could ever spiral into a “Day Zero” crisis, the region stands at a crossroads for securing its water future. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Ian James, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, dives into the critical decisions shaping the region’s water portfolio. With half its supply imported from vulnerable sources like the Colorado River, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and Sierra Nevada snowpack, Southern California faces growing risks from climate-driven aridification and reduced snowmelt. The region is evaluating massive wastewater recycling projects, like Pure Water Southern California, to bolster local supplies. The $20 billion Delta Conveyance Project, a proposed 45-mile tunnel, aims to secure water from the Sacramento River but sparks debate over environmental impacts on the Delta’s ecosystem. A hyper-focus on conservation and efficiency, backed by the Pacific Institute’s 2022 Untapped Potential report, highlights water-saving potential through native landscaping and upgraded appliances. Capturing stormwater in the LA River and other waterways offers another innovative solution to diversify and strengthen the region’s water resilience. These efforts to diversify water sources today should position Southern California to avoid running out of water in the future.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Houston is known as the energy capital—but it’s also the Bayou City, where water flows not just through the environment, but through culture, memory, justice, and resilience. In this episode from the Color of Water series, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, shares how her background in art and advocacy fuels bold environmental leadership rooted in equity. She discusses the group’s efforts to protect wetlands, hold polluters accountable, and connect communities with their watersheds. From suing to stop illegal sewage dumping to mapping critical wetlands and advancing green infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods, Bayou City Waterkeeper takes an integrated, justice-first approach to water. Ayanna also highlights the power of narrative change and cultural strategies in reimagining water policy and restoring people’s relationships to place. The Color of Water series is a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Texas is tackling its booming population’s water demands with a bold $20 billion investment plan to secure sustainable supplies and infrastructure by 2050. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Todd Votteler, a veteran water expert and editor of the Texas Water Journal, joins the podcast to discuss the state’s dynamic water landscape. With Texas expecting about 40 million residents by mid-century, the state is addressing urgent needs through a recently signed bill that allocates $10 billion for new water supplies and $10 billion for infrastructure upgrades, pending voter approval on November 4, 2025. Votteler highlights the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s pioneering groundwater regulation, born from 1990s endangered species litigation, which protects iconic springs like Barton Springs while balancing growth pressures. Innovative projects, such as Corpus Christi’s seawater desalination plant and El Paso’s groundbreaking direct potable reuse facility, signal Texas’s push toward diverse water sources.However, challenges persist, including groundwater strain in areas like Jacob’s Well and ongoing Rio Grande water disputes with Mexico. The state’s proactive approach, including a surprise veto and special legislative session, underscores its commitment to water security amid rapid growth.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet that explores solutions for water sustainability.

AI isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s reshaping how communications and marketing get done. In this episode, Shama Hyder, a leading voice in digital transformation, explains why this moment demands strategic urgency and how organizations must adapt or risk falling behind. She shares how AI is disrupting knowledge work, changing workflows, and redefining what entry-level even means.Shama lays out practical ways communicators can integrate AI tools right now—from automating meeting follow-ups to customizing reports for different audiences. She emphasizes that the path forward isn’t fear or passivity, but immersion, experimentation, and ownership. Her advice for individuals and teams: stop waiting for permission, start solving problems, and use AI to scale human impact.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Healthy rivers are essential for thriving communities, and smart, nature-based solutions are proving crucial to turning things around in a changing climate. In this episode, Derek Vollmer, Director of Waterscapes for the World Wildlife Fund, shares how their program uses innovative, place-based strategies to restore rivers and build resilience worldwide. From the US-Mexico border, solutions for the Rio Grande include removing invasive trees and optimizing dam operations to restore flow and support wildlife. In Pakistan, the groundbreaking Recharge Pakistan project uses ecosystem restoration, like forests and wetlands, to reduce both flood and drought risks. Further, lessons from the Netherlands' Room for the River program show how giving rivers space to ebb and flow can protect communities from climate impacts, providing powerful insights for the U.S.This is a conversation from the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.

California's water future could be shaped by a $20 billion gamble with the controversial Delta Tunnel.This episode dives deep into the high-stakes project with Camille von Kaenel, California Environment Reporter for Politico.She unravels the complex plan to transport water from Northern to Southern California, detailing its immense cost, the decades-long permitting battles, and the stark divide between its proponents and opponents, , including Governor Gavin Newsom who champions it as a climate resiliency project as his term heads to an end.With Southern California utilities facing budget holes from successful conservation and a dwindling Colorado River supply, the conversation explores the decisions ahead and whether to invest in the massive tunnel infrastructure or prioritize ambitious local water recycling projects.Learn why this debate isn't just about water, but about politics, endangered species, and the very identity of California's communities.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for sustainability in water.

Decades of overpumping groundwater around Houston caused the land to sink by as much as 15 feet, forcing neighborhoods to flood and entire communities to relocate. This episode explores how land subsidence developed, and how science, regulation, and infrastructure are now stopping the ground from sinking.Chrissy Butcher of Baytown Nature Center and Jason Ramage of the U.S. Geological Survey explain how groundwater extraction triggered massive subsidence and how the problem was first discovered through local surveys and monitoring data. Mike Turco of the Harris Galveston Subsidence District details how regulations now limit groundwater pumping, driving a shift to surface water and helping subsidence rates drop to near zero in key areas. Chris Canonico of Ardurra Group explains the construction of massive surface water infrastructure that supplies millions of people and supports Houston’s rapid growth. Tina Peterson of the Harris County Flood Control District discusses the added flood risks from subsidence and how flood detention, buyouts, and channel improvements are reducing flood damage. John Ellis of INTERA describes how advanced science tools like extensometers, InSAR, and groundwater models inform long-term management decisions. Houston’s experience now serves as a model for other regions facing subsidence challenges, including California’s Central Valley.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

The hard-fought plan to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest has been abruptly derailed, threatening one of the most significant tribal and environmental agreements in decades. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Tony Schick of Oregon Public Broadcasting breaks down how the Trump administration scrapped a landmark deal that would have paved the way for breaching four Snake River dams to save salmon populations. The agreement, developed under the Biden administration with tribes, states, and environmental groups, paused decades of litigation in exchange for bold steps: river restoration, hatchery investment, and renewable energy projects led by tribal nations. The goal was to replace the dams’ hydropower with solar, wind, and storage solutions, giving salmon a shot at recovery while meeting rising energy demands. Schick explains how the deal began to unravel even before the administration change, with funding delays and personnel exits signaling trouble. Tribes now face yet another broken promise—despite holding treaty rights to fish in waters increasingly devoid of fish. With legal battles likely to return, this story underscores how fragile progress can be when politics collide with ecological urgency.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Billions of dollars are finally flowing into the water industry, but the financial landscape is still far behind energy, climate tech, and other booming sectors. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Travis Loop is joined by Antoine Walter, host of the (don’t) Waste Water podcast, for an insider look at how investment in the water sector is evolving—and where it’s still stuck. They discuss how private equity, venture capital, and institutional investors are cautiously entering water, often drawn by its long-term stability but frustrated by its slower growth cycles compared to fast-scaling industries. Antoine explains how early-stage water startups face much longer timelines—often 16 to 25 years to reach market maturity—making water a challenging space for traditional VC models.They explore the surge in private equity consolidation, with firms attempting to replicate past roll-up success stories. The conversation also dives deep into sectors attracting the most attention, including digital water, PFAS removal and destruction, membranes, desalination, and atmospheric water generation. Antoine shares how AI, data centers, and tech giants like Microsoft and Google are pushing water reuse and efficiency as public pressure mounts over their water footprints. The episode wraps by examining how water scarcity, PFAS contamination, and infrastructure failures are both exposing risks and unlocking new financial opportunity. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Turning lawns into water savings, rewriting city codes, and protecting forests upstream—these are just some of the ways communities are reimagining their water systems with help from the WaterNow Alliance. In this conversation from the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C., Cynthia Koehler, Executive Director of the organization, shares how their Project Accelerator provides pro bono support to utilities ready to scale distributed, climate-resilient solutions. From helping Golden, Colorado craft the state’s first graywater ordinance to guiding New Orleans through a citywide green infrastructure overhaul, Cynthia details how local leaders can make meaningful progress with the right technical, policy, and financial tools.She explains how WaterNow tackles challenges like lead pipe replacement, equitable community outreach, and securing capital funding for projects traditionally seen as “non-infrastructure.” The discussion also explores the growing role of forest restoration in source water protection and the need for utilities to communicate more clearly with the public about the true cost—and value—of water.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

What does a 21st-century water-powered economy look like? In this conversation, Brett Walton of Circle of Blue discusses their new reporting series on the blue economy in the Great Lakes region—where water is being used to drive innovation, jobs, and sustainable growth.The discussion explores how cities like Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Chicago are building a future around water tech, smart infrastructure, and workforce development. Walton breaks down efforts to turn wastewater into wealth, attract global companies, and create testing hubs like Cleveland’s “smart watershed.” He also examines critical challenges covered in the series, from agriculture’s ongoing pollution pressures to eco-gentrification and the environmental toll of new data centers.Amid shifting federal support and infrastructure strains, the Great Lakes region is positioning itself as a global model for how to build a thriving, water-centered economy without repeating the environmental mistakes of the past.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

EPA is moving forward with PFAS drinking water limits but delaying compliance deadlines and withdrawing a controversial hazard index. At the same time, the Trump White House has proposed about a 90% cut to the State Revolving Funds—raising serious concerns about how utilities will afford compliance and critical infrastructure upgrades. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Bob Crossen, Editorial Director of WaterWorld and Wastewater Digest, explains the latest regulatory developments and what they mean for the water sector.The conversation covers EPA’s updated PFAS strategy, potential legal challenges, and the “polluter pays” approach to liability. Bob also discusses how smaller utilities struggle to access SRF funding, the role of WIFIA, and what Congress might do next. With billions in water projects on the line, this episode provides a clear breakdown of major headlines shaping the future of drinking water and wastewater in the U.S.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

A legacy of pollution and neglect once left the James River and surrounding waterways in ecological crisis. But decades of federal protections and grassroots advocacy have shown that nature can heal—if given the chance. In this episode, Beth Roach, Vice Chair of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and National Water Conservation Campaign Manager for the Sierra Club, shares her personal and professional journey in water protection. Beth reflects on the environmental trauma of growing up beside a toxic river and the powerful return of wildlife spurred by the Clean Water Act. She describes how her tribe is leading efforts to reconnect people with their ancestral waters through cleanups and cultural engagement, and how the Tribal Coastal Resilience Connections project is building stronger bridges between Indigenous communities and government agencies.Beth also discusses the rollback of wetland protections, Sierra Club’s national clean water campaigns, and why relationship-building is the enduring strategy to drive equity and resilience—even in politically turbulent times.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration with the Water Hub.

Stormwater management solutions that are effective, space-conscious, and sustainable are increasingly important for cities. One increasingly popular solution is deep infiltration, a practice that moves stormwater into native soils far below the surface, to avoid harmful runoff and recharge groundwater. In this episode, Gregor Patsch of Oldcastle Infrastructure explains how vertical drywells work, why they’re different from injection wells, and how they’re gaining traction with both local governments and developers. He shares that these systems can reach up to 100 feet underground and include built-in pretreatment chambers to keep pollutants out of groundwater. Gregor highlights their usefulness in areas with impermeable surface layers, like clay, or dense urban environments with limited footprint for infrastructure. The conversation includes a case study from Los Angeles, where hundreds of drywells are being used to transform the San Fernando Valley into a sponge, helping reduce flooding and increase local water supply. He also discusses the broader implications of deep infiltration for water resilience and how it fits into a shift toward managing stormwater, groundwater, and drinking water as one interconnected system.This episode is sponsored by Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH Company and the leading provider of building materials, products and services for infrastructure projects to several North American market sectors, including Water, Communications, and Energy. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

As a new administration and Congress settle into Washington, questions loom about how federal water policy will take shape amid broader political turbulence. Fortunately, water remains a rare bipartisan issue, providing a pathway for continued investment and action around critical infrastructure and public health.In this conversation from the Reservoir Center, Mae Stevens of Banner Public Affairs explains why water has stayed steady compared to more contentious topics like immigration and defense, and how key programs are advancing under calmer conditions.She discusses the continuation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, clarifies the outlook for PFAS and lead regulations, and highlights efforts underway for a major new reauthorization bill for water infrastructure. Mae also explains how environmental justice and climate advocates can adjust their communications to keep making progress in a shifting political landscape. Finally, the discussion emphasizes how personal engagement, strategic messaging, and building strong relationships remain essential to influencing water policy in Washington.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Desalination is a proven technology—but it’s still too costly, energy-intensive, and inaccessible for the communities that need it most. To change that, XPRIZE launched a $119 million global competition to drive breakthroughs in seawater desalination and deliver scalable, sustainable solutions. Lauren Greenlee, Executive Vice President of Food+Water+Waste at XPRIZE, shares how the foundation uses incentive-based competitions to tackle massive global challenges—and why water is now a top priority. She details the goals of the Water Scarcity Prize, explains its two-track structure, and emphasizes the importance of real-world demonstration and ecosystem-building. The conversation also explores major barriers in desalination, including brine waste and fragile membranes, and how new innovations could benefit underserved regions and even inland U.S. communities. Greenlee highlights how XPRIZE is pushing the water sector to think bigger, act faster, and collaborate globally to close the water access gap.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

A 2,600-year-old bald cypress tree stands quietly in North Carolina’s Three Sisters Swamp—older than the Roman Empire, untouched by time, and protected by a resurgent tribal community. In this powerful episode, Travis Loop joins members of the Coharie Tribe on a World Water Day paddle through their ancestral waters on the Black River. Guided by Kullen Bell and other tribal leaders, the journey reveals a deep cultural revival grounded in environmental stewardship. The conversation explores the tribe’s restoration of forgotten waterways, their discovery of a 650-year-old dugout canoe, and the creation of a paddling trail that reconnects people to place. Bell also discusses the Great Coharie River Initiative and how community action has led to visibility, funding, and a new generation of programs. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.

Radhika Fox has spent her career at the intersection of people, policy, and infrastructure. In a conversation from the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C., the former head of EPA's Office of Water shares how she helped lead the largest federal investment in U.S. water infrastructure, advance PFAS regulation, and expand environmental justice efforts. Radhika reflects on her path to leading federal water policy, shaped by experience at the San Francisco PUC and the US Water Alliance. She explains how EPA launched $500 million in technical assistance to help more underserved communities access federal funding. Radhika also discusses the creation of EPA’s first agency-wide PFAS strategy and the importance of holding polluters accountable. Plus, she shares what she’s working on now—from sector disruption and AI to impact investing and democracy renewal. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. To help our mission, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.