Beneath the Surface

When a job opening for water reclamation came across her desk, our guest's reaction was simple: "I've never heard of this." Eight years later, she is the person responsible for making sure every LRWRA employee goes home at the end of the day.

In this episode, Sherree Bynum, LRWRA's Environmental Security and Risk Supervisor, gives an inside look at protecting a workforce that spends its days in confined spaces, in live traffic, and around heavy equipment. She explains why the hazards that worry her most are not always the ones that look the most dangerous.

She shares the near miss that still stays with her, why near misses matter more than most people realize, and the answer she keeps returning to when asked how any of it works: everyone owns safety. It is work that happens out of sight, but it is the reason our crews come home every day.

Our inaugural guest was asked a simple question: "Did you find water, or did water find you?" While his path into the industry may have started by following the girl of his dreams, more than 17 years later, he has built a career he is passionate about, and he got the girl, too.

In this episode, Zach Crumpler, LRWRA’s FOG Specialist, gives an inside look at managing fats, oils, and grease in Little Rock. He explains how the relationships he builds with food service establishments help prevent costly backups and protect our shared sewer system.

He shares what the job looks like in the field, along with the challenges and unexpected moments he has experienced. It may not always be glamorous, but it is essential work that supports our city.

Real people. Real projects. Real progress.

Introducing Beneath the Surface — a new podcast from the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, hosted by CEO Jean Block. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of the work, the people, and the partnerships that keep Little Rock's sewer infrastructure flowing.

🎬 Episode 1 launches Thursday, June 25, 2026

Most of the work that protects Little Rock's water infrastructure happens out of sight. Beneath the Surface brings it into view — through honest conversations with the LRWRA staff, partners, and community members who do this essential work every day.

Whether you're a Little Rock resident, a water industry professional, or just curious about the infrastructure that makes modern life possible, you'll find something here.