In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Eric Johnson, Executive Director of the Fox River Water Reclamation District (FRWRD), to unpack a unique leadership journey and explore a forward-thinking approach to water management. Eric’s path to running a regional wastewater agency is anything but conventional. Starting in public service at age 19 while in college, he transitioned from political roles to township supervisor, then city manager, and eventually into the water sector. What stands out is how he’s brought a legal and administrative mindset into a highly technical domain, focusing on assembling expert teams rather than becoming the technical expert himself.

We dive into the scale and complexity of FRWRD’s operations—three plants serving over 200,000 residents across multiple counties, with a $24 million operating budget and up to $20 million in annual capital projects. Eric walks us through a strategic pivot the agency is undergoing: its first-ever facility master plan. This includes initiatives like implementing a digital twin, improving asset management, and exploring plant consolidation to drive efficiency.

We also talk about regionalization. Eric makes a strong case for consolidating smaller wastewater utilities into regional agencies to improve cost-effectiveness, compliance, and service quality. He cites examples from his own district and explains the political and institutional barriers to broader adoption, highlighting the need for leadership willing to set aside control for the greater good of the community.

Financially, FRWRD recently completed a rate study, aiming to keep costs fair and predictable while balancing regulatory pressures and infrastructure needs. Eric shares how the utility is pursuing alternative revenue streams, including water reuse and solar energy, to reduce the financial burden on ratepayers. He also emphasizes the importance of public communication, using scale, continuity, visibility, and plain language to help people understand the unseen but essential role wastewater infrastructure plays.

Operationally, FRWRD faces challenges with aging infrastructure, rising costs, and a tightening labor market. Eric outlines efforts to modernize the organization—from equipping staff with better technology to launching workforce development partnerships and emphasizing leadership training. His passion for building high-performing, collaborative teams is clear, and he sees talent development as central to his long-term vision.

Eric closes with reflections on legacy. For him, success means advancing regionalization, fostering innovation, and creating an environment where employees thrive—even if that means they eventually move on to bigger roles. He hopes FRWRD becomes known as a forward-thinking, mid-sized agency that others look to for leadership, innovation, and talent.

More:

Fox River Water Reclamation District: https://www.frwrd.com/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Andrea Cole, General Manager of Dominion Water & Sanitation District in Colorado. With a background in engineering and law, Andrea brings a multidimensional perspective to leading water, wastewater, and stormwater efforts in the fast-growing Sterling Ranch community. We begin by exploring her journey from a small town in Wyoming, where an early appreciation for natural resources sparked her passion for water. Her unique blend of technical knowledge and legal expertise has positioned her to address the regulatory, financial, and political challenges that utilities face today.

We dive into Sterling Ranch’s model of sustainability, where renewable water is foundational—not an afterthought. Dominion, under Andrea's leadership, has helped position the community as a leader in water efficiency, achieving usage rates as low as 0.17 acre-feet per home annually. This mindset-first approach has shaped a culture where residents inherently value water as a finite resource. With only 10% of the community built out so far, Sterling Ranch is on track to grow to nearly 60,000 residents, with infrastructure in place to support long-term sustainability.

We also look at Douglas County’s broader vision for growth, where Dominion plays a central role in establishing renewable water systems to support future economic development. A key highlight is the $34 million regional wastewater treatment plant set to break ground, which will treat reusable water and enable indirect potable reuse. This project also connects a nearby disadvantaged community to modern infrastructure and safe water, correcting long-standing issues with non-renewable, contaminated sources.

Andrea emphasizes the importance of soft skills in leadership—stakeholder engagement, regulatory navigation, and political awareness—as often more critical than the technical engineering work itself. Her legal training enables her to view regulatory frameworks not as barriers but as tools for innovative problem-solving. We also discuss Dominion’s forward-thinking investment strategy, totaling over $70 million across wastewater, pump stations, and water pipeline projects in the coming years.

Despite being a small and growing utility with only 11 employees, Dominion is leveraging its flexibility to adopt modern technology like GIS to enhance planning and operations. Workforce development is another key theme, with Andrea focusing on hiring people who thrive in dynamic environments and want to help shape the district’s future. She closes by expressing her vision for a legacy rooted in sustainability—a future where our great-grandchildren can enjoy water and nature just as we have.

Links:

Dominion Water & Sanitation District: https://www.dominionwsd.org

Sterling Ranch Community: https://www.sterlingranchcolorado.com

Douglas County Government: https://www.douglas.co.us

American Rescue Plan Act: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with John J. Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and the Las Vegas Valley Water District. John oversees the water supply for 2.5 million residents and 40 million visitors annually in one of the most water-stressed regions of the United States. He shares his journey from environmental law to leading a major water utility and highlights the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to water management, including the 2002 Colorado River drought and the 2007-2009 recession.

John explains the vast scale of SNWA’s infrastructure, from its 250 miles of massive pipelines to the 7,000 miles of distribution lines in the Las Vegas Valley Water District. With climate change and cybersecurity as the biggest challenges facing water utilities, he emphasizes how SNWA has aggressively tackled conservation. Through innovative measures like removing non-functional turf, enforcing watering schedules, and deploying water enforcement officers, Southern Nevada has added 800,000 people since 2002 while reducing total water consumption by 35-40%.

We discuss the importance of strategic investments, including a $1.5 billion low-lake-level pumping station at Lake Mead, designed purely for redundancy to secure supply. John also shares insights into international and interstate water negotiations, where he has played a key role in agreements involving the seven Colorado River Basin states and Mexico. He highlights the delicate balance of ensuring every party “loses” just enough to reach a compromise that sustains long-term water management.

A key advantage for Las Vegas is its ability to recycle nearly 100% of indoor water use. Thanks to its unique geography, all wastewater is treated and returned to Lake Mead, allowing for legal return flow credits. The city’s only significant water losses come from outdoor irrigation, evaporative cooling, and septic systems, which SNWA is actively addressing. John also discusses their use of innovative leak detection technology, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and automated metering to enhance efficiency.

One remarkable case study is how SNWA worked with Formula 1 to make the Las Vegas Grand Prix the first net-positive water race in history. By offsetting race-related water use with an atmospheric water generator installed at MGM, the event saved more water than it consumed. John sees AI playing an increasing role in optimizing pipeline maintenance and customer leak detection, making conservation even more effective.

Another is the building 54 weirs, which are erosion-controlled structures to slow down the water. And over the last 20 years, the number one source of materials for those weirs is imploded old casinos.

As we wrap up, John reflects on his legacy, emphasizing pragmatism and the importance of speaking truth to power. His leadership has positioned Southern Nevada as a global model for water conservation and resilience, proving that even in the face of extreme scarcity, strategic planning and innovation can secure a sustainable water future.

More: 

Las Vegas Valley Water District: https://www.lvvwd.com/

Southern Nevada Water Authority: https://www.snwa.com/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Matthew Wirtz, Deputy Director and Chief Engineer at Fort Wayne City Utilities. With over 25 years of experience, Matt has played a crucial role in shaping the city’s water infrastructure, addressing challenges like flood prevention, stormwater management, and sustainability. Coming from a farming background, Matt’s early exposure to water management laid the foundation for his career in civil engineering.

We explore Fort Wayne’s ambitious efforts to modernize its water systems while balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility. Matt discusses the city’s 18-year-long control plan to separate sewer and stormwater systems, a major initiative aimed at reducing overflows by over 95%. Now in its final year, this project marks a significant milestone in Fort Wayne’s water management history. The city has also been investing heavily—up to $135 million annually—in infrastructure improvements, including lead pipe replacement, asset management, and innovative energy solutions.

One of Fort Wayne’s standout achievements is its microgrid system, which integrates solar power, battery storage, and methane-powered engines to enhance power resiliency at its water and wastewater treatment facilities. This setup provides 40-80% of the city’s energy needs daily while ensuring backup power during critical events. Matt emphasizes how this model not only supports sustainability but also enhances operational reliability.

We also discuss how Fort Wayne is leveraging technology and innovation to optimize utility operations. The city is adopting machine learning for sewer inspections, implementing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to improve water management, and exploring AI-driven tools for asset management and customer service. Additionally, Fort Wayne is addressing workforce challenges by growing its in-house engineering team, recruiting interns, and investing in professional development to build a strong talent pipeline.

Looking ahead, sustainability remains a key focus. Fort Wayne is developing large-scale green infrastructure projects, such as converting a 140-acre former golf course into a wetland for flood mitigation and water quality improvement. The city is also working toward a more integrated approach by breaking down traditional utility silos, fostering collaboration between engineering and operations teams.

Matt shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing work-life balance, mental well-being, and a people-first approach to management. His goal is to leave behind a utility that is not only technologically advanced but also a great place to work.

This conversation highlights Fort Wayne’s forward-thinking strategies in water management, blending innovation, sustainability, and resilience to create a model for the future.

Fort Wayne Public Works Website: https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/public-works-departments/board-of-public-works.html

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

This episode of 21st Century Water features a dynamic conversation with Ghassan Korban, Executive Director of the Sewage & Water Board of New Orleans. Korban shares insights from his six-year tenure, focusing on the challenges and transformative solutions for New Orleans’ water infrastructure, a system vital to a city below sea level. The episode dives into the critical steps taken to modernize the city’s systems, sustain its population, and adapt to increasing environmental challenges.

Korban reflects on transitioning to New Orleans after 31 years in Milwaukee, driven by his passion for solving complex engineering problems. He recounts inheriting a system struggling with aging infrastructure and a battered reputation following significant flooding in 2017. Korban emphasizes the importance of prioritizing efforts, starting with stabilizing critical systems while pursuing long-term, future-proof solutions.

A major milestone for the city has been the development of a new power generation complex, ensuring reliable energy for drainage operations—essential for keeping the city dry during rain events. This new system transitions from antiquated, failure-prone turbines to a robust mix of external power supply and backup gas turbines, designed to serve the city for decades. Korban also highlights the successful rollout of smart meters (AMI), addressing billing inaccuracies and modernizing customer service, with over half the population now transitioned to the new system.

The discussion explores innovative funding strategies, including New Orleans’ unique “fair share” agreement, which channels tourism-generated tax revenue into water infrastructure projects. With the Super Bowl around the corner and Mardi Gras to follow, Korban explains New Orleans' unique position as a city with more tourists than residents. This effort, alongside loans and grants from programs like WIFIA and SRF, has helped fund critical improvements while reducing the financial burden on residents. Korban underscores the importance of earning trust through effective execution, ensuring future funding access.

Korban also describes the intricacies of New Orleans’ drainage system, consisting of 24 strategically placed pumping stations with nearly 100 pumps. These systems often activate up to 20 times a year, often during heavy rains, to prevent flooding. Additionally, Korban shares the city’s response to new threats like saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River, driven by drought and climate change, which jeopardizes the city's raw water supply.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of workforce development and legacy building. Korban expresses confidence in the team he has cultivated and their ability to carry forward a culture of innovation, responsibility, and resilience. He also emphasizes the urgency of addressing talent gaps and sustaining investment in infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of a changing environment.

Korban’s work exemplifies leadership through prioritization, execution, and adaptability. His focus on sustainable, resilient systems and creative funding solutions serves as a model for cities grappling with aging infrastructure and climate challenges.

New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board: https://www.swbno.org

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In this episode of 21st Century Water, Mahesh Lunani speaks with Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, about the transformative changes he has overseen in Pittsburgh's water infrastructure. Pickering shares his unconventional journey into utility leadership, tracing his career from public policy roles in Washington, D.C., to heading a water utility that was in dire need of reform when he joined.

Pickering discusses the challenges Pittsburgh Water faced, including outdated infrastructure, lead service line contamination, and public distrust exacerbated by national crises like Flint, Michigan. Since joining in 2016, Pickering has prioritized rebuilding customer trust and modernizing the utility through strategic investments. Notably, Pittsburgh Water has replaced more than half of its lead service lines at no cost to customers, aided by federal grants and low-interest loans. This proactive approach has established the utility as a national model for lead mitigation.

Pickering also highlights the utility's shift from a reactive "fix-it-when-it-breaks" model to a proactive philosophy that emphasizes long-term planning, public engagement, and affordability. A rebranding effort, launched recently, aims to unify the utility's identity and signal a break from its troubled past, while reinforcing a "one water" approach across drinking water, sewer, and stormwater services.

In addressing broader challenges like climate change and infrastructure resilience, Pickering stresses the importance of preparing for unpredictable risks, from extreme weather to cybersecurity threats. Under his leadership, Pittsburgh Water is leveraging data-driven tools like asset management systems and predictive analytics to prioritize investments and extend the life of critical assets.

Looking ahead, Pickering identifies affordability, regulatory compliance (particularly around emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics), and customer engagement as key focus areas. He envisions a utility that continues to innovate and serve as a national leader in water management, emphasizing that building a resilient, customer-focused organization is a legacy he hopes will endure long after his tenure.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of adaptable, forward-thinking leadership in the water sector, as Pickering’s commitment to both community and operational excellence shines through.

Pittsburgh Water Website: https://www.pgh2o.com/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In today's episode of the 21st Century Water Podcast, we engage in an insightful conversation with Greg Eyerly, Director of Houston Water. Greg's journey through the water industry spans three decades, and his career trajectory is a testament to his willingness to take risks and make bold decisions. He started in the laboratory and transitioned to operations, a move that laid the foundation for his eventual rise to leadership. His experiences in both the private and public sectors, including significant roles in Clackamas County and the city of Salem, have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of water management challenges and solutions.

Greg shares some pivotal moments in his career, such as his transition from a comfortable laboratory position to becoming a wastewater operator, and later advancing to management roles after earning an MBA. His role in the flood recovery of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, highlights his ability to handle large-scale crises, demonstrating his leadership and problem-solving skills. His move to Houston Water, driven by a desire to make a greater impact, underscores his commitment to addressing the city's unique water challenges.

Houston Water, the largest city-run water utility in the U.S., faces several strengths and weaknesses. Greg points out the city's strong water rights and proximity to abundant water sources as significant advantages. However, the aging infrastructure, lack of redundancy, and susceptibility to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and even ice events pose substantial challenges. Houston's rapid population growth also adds pressure to the water infrastructure.

Greg emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among elected officials and community partners about the risks and consequences of infrastructure failures. He discusses the ongoing efforts to comply with a $9 billion consent decree aimed at improving wastewater systems, alongside the critical need to address water leaks and aging pipes. Innovative use of AI technology significantly improves efficiency in inspecting and maintaining sewer systems, saving thousands of staff hours and reducing sanitary sewer overflows.

Looking ahead, Greg outlines major investment priorities, including the construction of a new oxygen plant, the rehabilitation of the East Water Purification Plant, and the replacement of deteriorating waterlines. These efforts are crucial to reducing water loss and ensuring the resilience of Houston's water infrastructure. He also highlights the importance of exploring governance models to better manage the utility's extensive responsibilities and improve regional collaboration.

Greg's leadership philosophy emphasizes flexibility, openness to opportunities, and the importance of building teams with subject matter experts. His vision for the future includes embracing circular economy principles, such as water reuse and recovery, and leveraging advanced technologies like digital twins to optimize operations.

In summary, Greg Eyerly's leadership at Houston Water is marked by a proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to improving water management for the benefit of the community and beyond. We look forward to seeing the continued progress and impact of his work in Houston.

More:

Houston Public Works: https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In this episode of the 21st Century Water podcast, Mahesh Lunani talks with Craig Miller, the general manager of the Western Municipal Water District in California. Craig brings over three decades of experience in water management, focusing on operations, engineering, and community service. He discusses the significant decisions in his career and his vision for creating a climate-resilient water system in Southern California.

Craig begins by reflecting on his career in the water industry, emphasizing the importance of his decision to enter the field. He recounts how a mentor guided him early in his career, leading him to secure vital water rights on the Santa Ana River. This 16-year journey culminated in securing 500,000 acre-feet of annual water rights for the Orange County Water District, which was a pivotal achievement in his career.

Another major decision Craig discusses is the implementation of storage programs to capture and retain water from winter storms. He shares the challenges and successes of working with the federal government to secure water conservation storage behind reservoirs initially built for flood control. These efforts, despite taking years and involving significant regulatory hurdles, have proven crucial for water management in the region.

California's recurring droughts and their impact on water supply are central themes of the discussion. Craig highlights the severe water crisis California faces, particularly during prolonged drought periods. To address this, he initiated the "Solve the Water Crisis" campaign, which has grown to include various stakeholders across the state. This initiative aims to advocate for significant investments in water infrastructure to ensure long-term water supply resilience.

Craig also talks about Western’s diverse and sophisticated water infrastructure. Initially formed to import water, Western has expanded to include wastewater treatment plants, brackish desalters, storage basins, and complex groundwater systems. By developing local water supplies and creating innovative solutions like the wholesale enterprise system, Western has enhanced water reliability and reduced costs for its customers.

Budgeting and affordability are critical issues for water agencies. Craig explains how Western is focusing on efficiency to offset the rising costs of water supply. By optimizing energy use, investing in battery storage, and improving operational strategies, Western has achieved significant cost savings. These efforts are crucial in maintaining affordability while ensuring the reliability of water services.

Circular economy principles are integral to Western's operations. Craig discusses initiatives to use water multiple times before it is discharged, emphasizing the importance of recycling and reusing water. He also underscores the need for blending traditional and innovative water management strategies to achieve a sustainable water supply.

In discussing leadership, Craig advises aspiring water leaders to embrace change, communicate effectively, and get things done. He highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with great leaders and developing a strong team. Craig's approach to leadership and his commitment to long-term water supply planning provide valuable insights for anyone in the water industry.

Craig's vision for a climate-resilient water system in Southern California involves a combination of strategic investments, innovative thinking, and collaboration across various sectors. His work demonstrates the importance of proactive planning and leadership in addressing the complex challenges of water management in the 21st century.

More information:

Western Municipal Water District: https://wmwd.com

California State Water Resources Control Board: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: https://www.mwdh2o.com

California State Legislature - SB 366: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB366](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB366

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In the "21st Century Water" podcast episode hosted by Mahesh Lunani, listeners are introduced to Kishia Powell, the General Manager and CEO of WSSC Water, which is recognized as the eighth-largest water utility in the United States. With a career spanning over 25 years, Powell has significantly contributed to the water sector, focusing on the provision of essential services, the economic implications of water, and the maintenance and operation of water and wastewater infrastructure.

Powell shares her journey within the water sector, starting from her education in civil engineering to her various leadership roles across different cities and utilities. She emphasizes the importance of water beyond its basic consumption purposes, highlighting its role in public health, economic development, and job creation. Her internships and early career decisions were motivated by the perennial demand for water and wastewater services, ensuring job security and a pathway to impact communities positively.

During her tenure in various capacities, including her significant roles in Baltimore and as COO at DC Water, Powell was instrumental in developing operations and maintenance plans, emphasizing the need for practical, hands-on solutions for system maintenance and improvement. She also initiated customer assistance programs aimed at addressing affordability and access to water services, reflecting on personal experiences to advocate for equitable water policies.

Looking ahead, Powell outlines her vision for the future of water infrastructure over the next decade, focusing on the resilience and maintenance of the $9 billion in infrastructure assets under her purview. She discusses the challenges of securing adequate funding and the importance of leveraging technology and operational efficiency to mitigate costs and enhance service delivery. Powell is keen on investing in the workforce, acknowledging that technology advancements and operational needs must balance with human resource development.

At WSSC Water, Powell embarked on a strategic planning process involving a transition team to identify key priorities and actions for improvement. This approach aimed at engaging employees across the organization, fostering a culture of trust, communication, and inclusion. Financial stewardship, service delivery, operational reliability, and resilience were identified as key focus areas, alongside a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.

Powell also addresses the challenges facing the water sector, including regulatory changes, funding gaps, and the need for affordable water services amidst rising costs. Her advocacy efforts extend to seeking more federal support and fostering community engagement to ensure equitable access to water services.

Innovation and technology play a significant role in Powell’s strategy for advancing water utility management. She highlights initiatives such as smart water technologies, data analytics, and sustainable practices aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing water quality. These efforts are part of a broader "Smart One Water Initiative," reflecting a commitment to embracing digital transformation and innovation within the sector.

Leadership and community engagement emerge as recurring themes in Powell’s narrative. She expresses a desire for her legacy to be defined not by specific projects or accomplishments but by a positive cultural shift within WSSC Water and the broader community. Powell emphasizes the importance of building a supportive work environment, engaging with the community, and ensuring that water utility management remains focused on serving the public good.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Kishia Powell’s contributions to the water sector, her vision for the future, and her strategic approach to leadership, innovation, and community engagement in water utility management.

More on Kishia:

Bio on NACWA Website: https://www.nacwa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/kishia-powell

WSSC Water Website: https://www.wsscwater.com/person/kishia-l-powell

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

In our latest episode of the 21st Century Water Podcast, we had the privilege of engaging with Shivaji Deshmukh, General Manager of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. Shivaji, a veteran in the field with over two decades of experience in sustainable water solutions, sheds light on the evolution and challenges of Southern California's water systems, emphasizing the importance of innovative practices in water management.

We kicked off the conversation with Shivaji sharing his top three significant professional experiences: the development of the groundwater replenishment system in Orange County, pioneering work at the West Basin Municipal Water District on recycled water and desalination projects, and his current role at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, focusing on comprehensive recycling and groundwater replenishment initiatives.

Shivaji elaborated on the complexities of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency's operations, including wastewater treatment, recycled water programs, and advanced water quality testing. The agency's commitment to innovation is highlighted through its involvement in various projects, such as the RP-5 expansion, which integrates membrane bioreactor technology for enhanced water treatment efficiency.

Addressing risks, Shivaji underscored the challenges of water supply reliability and workforce development. He introduced the Chino Basin Program, a forward-thinking project aimed at augmenting water supply reliability through advanced recycled water treatment and groundwater storage, showcasing the agency's proactive approach to addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainability.

The discussion transitioned to the role of technology in water management, with Shivaji expressing enthusiasm for advancements in control systems, SCADA, and artificial intelligence, while also acknowledging the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting water infrastructure.

Shivaji's vision for a circular economy in water management was evident as he detailed the agency's initiatives in composting, energy generation, and recycling. His leadership is driven by a commitment to sustainability, community education, and leveraging innovative solutions to meet the region's water needs.

Concluding the episode, Shivaji reflected on his legacy and aspirations for the water sector, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive impact through collaborative efforts and innovative projects. His dedication to improving water management practices exemplifies the spirit of the 21st Century Water Podcast's mission to inspire and inform about the advancements and challenges in the water industry.

Inland Empire Utilities Agency and more on Shivaji: https://www.ieua.org/leadership/senior-leadership/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/