This special episode was recorded live at WATERCON 2025, the Illinois Section American Water Works Association annual conference.  We talked with seven guests from the Illinois water industry, discussing their perspective on challenges and opportunities they see in the water sector. 

A new episode drops every 1st Tuesday of the month!

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Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

How do communities set fair and sustainable utility rates? In this episode of B&W Insights, we discuss the need for rate studies to support infrastructure funding, public services, and long-term financial planning. Join our expert Mark Siefert as we explore how data-driven decisions help municipalities balance costs, ensure reliable service, and invest in the future. 

Episode Guest: Mark Siefert, Assistant Department Manager – Municipal Services 

A new episode of B&W Insights drops every 1st Tuesday of the month!

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

Stormwater regulations can be complex, but MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) compliance is essential for protecting our natural resources. Our conversation with Dan Bounds breaks down what municipalities need to know—covering coordination, compliance, and clean water strategies. Whether it’s wet or dry weather, effective stormwater management takes teamwork. Tune in as we explore MS4 regulations, best practices, and real-world solutions to keeping our waterways clean and communities thriving.

New episodes drop every 1st Tuesday of every month!

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

In this episode of B&W Insights, we dive into the importance of natural resources stewardship for municipalities. From sustainable stormwater management to habitat restoration, we’ll explore strategies that help communities improve environmental health and resilience. Tune in for expert insights, practical approaches, and actionable steps to enhance your municipality’s natural resources for a lasting impact.

Guest Bio:  Coilin P. McConnell, CWS, CPESC, DECI – Natural Resources Manager
    Coilin is an expert in natural resource management, specializing in environmental assessments, wetland delineations, and sustainable stormwater solutions. With a focus on long-term stewardship, he has implemented innovative strategies like bioswales and erosion control to enhance ecosystems. Coilin works closely with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and drive impactful, future-focused environmental solutions.
 
 

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

In this episode, explore the impacts of PFAS in drinking water and innovative solutions to tackle this pressing issue. Join our discussion with Megan Fox for insights on regulations, treatment technologies, and safeguarding public health.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

In this episode, discover how wastewater treatment facilities are addressing PFAS, the "forever chemicals" impacting the environment. Join us as we talk with Nichie Schaeffer and discuss removal technologies, regulatory updates, and strategies to manage these persistent pollutants effectively.

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

Join our conversation with Mark Siefert and Jason Ruffatti as we explore how design and construction teams collaborate to bring projects to life faster and more efficiently. Design Build is an integrated project delivery approach that turn visions into reality, shorten project timelines, and enhance project value. 

Guest Bio:
Jason is the Assistant Wastewater Department Manager at Baxter & Woodman with 6 years of experience in the water/wastewater industry and 3 years of experience managing design-build projects. Jason’s focus on Design-build projects includes several Combined Heat & Power/Biogas Treatment Systems at Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District (KWRD), Downers Grove Sanitary District (DGSD), and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). 

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

Join our 5 minute conversation with Mark Siefert and Jason Ruffatti as we explore how design and construction teams collaborate to bring projects to life faster and more efficiently. Design Build is an integrated project delivery approach that turn visions into reality, shorten project timelines, and enhance project value.

Guest Bio:
Jason is the Assistant Wastewater Department Manager at Baxter & Woodman with 6 years of experience in the water/wastewater industry and 3 years of experience managing design-build projects. Jason’s focus on Design-build projects includes several Combined Heat & Power/Biogas Treatment Systems at Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District (KWRD), Downers Grove Sanitary District (DGSD), and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). 

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

A conversation with Andy Zaletel where he provide an overview of  GIS and spatial technology tools that can benefit a municipality  and their data management.

For the quick 5-minute version of this topic, check out the B&W Bites episode!

Guest Bio:
Andrew E. Zaletel, GISP, is a seasoned expert in geospatial technology with over 25 years of experience. As the Geospatial Operations lead at Baxter & Woodman, Andy specializes in GIS asset management, custom application development, and web-based GIS solutions. He has played a key role in assisting communities with data analysis, conversion, and infrastructure system surveys, delivering tailored GIS solutions to enhance operational efficiency. 

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025

Five questions in under five minutes answering questions about GIS and spatial technology tools that can benefit a municipality and their data management.

For the full version of this topic, check out the B&W Insights episode!

Guest Bio:
Andrew E. Zaletel, GISP, is a seasoned expert in geospatial technology with over 25 years of experience. As the Geospatial Operations lead at Baxter & Woodman, Andy specializes in GIS asset management, custom application development, and web-based GIS solutions. He has played a key role in assisting communities with data analysis, conversion, and infrastructure system surveys, delivering tailored GIS solutions to enhance operational efficiency. 

For more information visit baxterwoodman.com
Produced by Baxter & Woodman, 2025