Could desalination actually help or hurt coastal environments? In this episode, we uncover the secret life of bays, estuaries, and the critters that call them home. Plus — what could desalination mean for our salty ecosystems? Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the ecology of bays and estuaries in relation to desalination with Paul Montagna of Harte Research Institute. 

Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show! 

First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:10)    

• B) Heavy rains and flooding do not necessarily end drought  
• C) More rain can mean more runoff, resulting in increased pollution of our waterways 

Today’s Keywords: (04:34) 

• Discharge Point: the pipe where the wastewater (brine concentrate) from desalination is released into surrounding water bodies (such as bays or estuaries) 

• Non-point Source Pollution: pollutants that enter water bodies from diffuse sources rather than singular identifiable sources (fertilizer runoff, litter, etc.) 

• Benthic/Benthos: describes anything associated with or occurring on the bottom of a body of water. 

Today’s Guest: Paul Montagna, Endowed Chair for HydroEcology at Harte Research Institute at TAMU-CC 

• Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:44) 

Paul Montagna explores the ecological impacts of desalination:  

• Waving the Book: Paul discusses his latest written work, Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries (GO READ IT!!!). (09:27) 

• River Systems Breakdown: What is considered a bay vs estuary, and how do they connect inland water bodies to the coast? (11:50) 

• Nutrient-Rich Nursery Grounds: How coastal regions contribute to safe breeding grounds. (13:50) 

• Bay-stuary Stressors: Paul outlines several integrated factors threatening the health of coastal habitats. (17:45) 

• Combined Priorities: "They care as much as we do,” learn how desalination plant designs often align with environmental priorities. (24:50) 

• Environmental Benefits of Desal: Can desalination replenish other environmental flows? (32:04) 

And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! 

• Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about economic considerations of desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University. 

Episode Links and Resources:  

• Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries 

• Texas Desalination Association 

• Submit a question to the pod! 

Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace   

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

What if the future of Texas’ water supply came from the ocean? In this episode, join hosts Carrie and Robert as they sit down with Bill Norris, President of the Texas Desalination Association, to explore how desalination could change the game for the Texas water supply. From the significance of Senate Bill 7 to the potential of seawater plants, we unpack the big moves happening behind the scenes. Don’t miss this fascinating dive into Texas’ water future. 

Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show! 

First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:47)    

Today’s Keywords: (04:20) 

• TDS: Total Dissolved Solids (total concentration of dissolved “stuff” in water) 

• Blended Cost: When a water supply comes from several different sources, and the price reflects the combined price points of the separate sources.  

• Texas Legislative Session: The Texas Legislature meets every two years. 

Today’s Guest: Bill Norris of Norris Water LLC and president of the Texas Desalination Association 

• Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:13) 

Bill Norris explores the viability of desalination as a new water source for Texans:  

• From “Square” to “Flare:” Bill shares the history and overview of the Texas Desalination Association and how current bills are shaping up. (08:40) 

• Funding the Future: Understand the Texas Water Fund’s role in water planning and the future of desalination. (14:20) 

• The “Hydro-Illogical” Cycle: Explore the shifts in attitudes about desalination in the Lone Star State. (17:58) 

• Cost/Benefit Analysis: What is a blended cost, and how can this reduce sticker shock for communities looking to implement desalination? (22:40) 

• Better Late than Never: Despite decades of delay, Bill has a positive outlook for implementation. (25:27) 

• Taking Notes: How can Texas learn from other countries about managing desalination? (28:58) 

And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! 

• Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about the ecological considerations of desalination with Paul Montagna. 

Episode Links and Resources:  

• lege+water 

• Texas Legislature Bill Search 

• Norris Water LLC 

• Texas Desalination Association 

• Submit a question to the pod! 

Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace   

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

Water scarcity is no joke—especially in Texas. But what if the Lone Star State could take a page from Israel’s playbook? Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they sit down with Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison of IDE Technologies. Lihy and Mark break down the similarities and differences between Israeli and Texan desalination operations and introduce us to the environmental benefits of desalination.  

Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show! 

First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (01:45)    

• In the last episode, Robert mentioned that Texas has one of the longest-running desalination plants in the United States. Which Texas city is it located in?  

• A) Corpus Christi  
• B) Muleshoe  
• C) El Paso  
• D) South Padre  
• E) Dell City 

Today’s Keywords: (03:11) 

• Water Supply: the process of providing water to communities 

• Water Security: the ability of a community to access safe, affordable, and reliable water for its needs 

• Drought: a lack of precipitation or water over an extended period of time, resulting in a water shortage 

Today’s Guests: Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison from IDE Technologies 

• Carrie Thompson introduces our guests (04:06) 

Lihy and Mark explore the benefits of bringing Israeli technology to Texas:  

• Israel’s Leading Innovations: Lihy explains groundbreaking tech that gives Israeli desalination its edge. (05:44) 

• Toward the Texas Miracle (Responsibly): Mark outlines how desalination can help the state meet growing water demands (10:57) 

• Putting the Water Where Our Mouths Are: What goes into selecting a desalination site? (13:33) 

• Herding the Cats: Lihy explains the Israeli water grid in comparison to Texas water policy (16:53) 

• From Sea to Shining Stream: How seawater desalination can replenish resources. (20:43) 

• The Recovery Ratio: Explore the exciting new technologies making desalination more sustainable. (23:03) 

• From Drying to Thriving: Mark shares a vision of Texas water security, and the role desalination could play. (25:27) 

And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!

• Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about policy and desalination in Texas. 

Episode Links and Resources:  

• IDE Technologies 

• Texas Desalination Association 

• NaCl (Sodium Chloride) 

• Submit a question to the pod! 

Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace   

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

Welcome to season three of Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140)! As changes in climate put strains on our natural resources, we’ve decided to take a deep dive into one possible solution for resilience and long-term sustainability. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for an overview of seawater desalination. In this episode, Dr. Robert E. Mace explains the ins and outs of this agent of resilience.  

Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here! 

First up, we have a big announcement:    

• New name, slightly different format, same great content (00:29) 

• Season 3 Overview (03:28) 

Today’s Guest: Dr. Robert E. Mace 

• Carrie Thompson re-introduces Dr. Robert E. Mace (04:35) 

Today’s Keywords: (06:37) 

• Desalination: The process of removing “stuff” dissolved in water. 

• Brine Concentrate: The salty waste byproduct of desalination. 

• Brackish Groundwater: Water in aquifers that is not fresh. 

• PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, aka “forever chemicals” 

• Freshwater: Generally defined as water with less than 1,000 parts per million of “stuff” dissolved in it. 

Today’s Pop Quiz: 

• A) the link at the bottom of the e-newsletter 

• B) the link in our show notes 

• C) email us directly at [email protected] 

• D) All of the above 

Dr. Robert Mace takes us inside seawater desalination:  

• The State of Freshwater: Dig into the factors impacting freshwater resources around the globe. (11:13) 

• Resilience and Reliability: We need to find “a lot more water,” so where can we find it? (14:46) 

• De-STUFF-ication: The history, process, and methods of seawater desalination. (16:53) 

• What’s the whine about the brine? Explore the issues around the waste byproduct of the desalination process at home and at scale. (19:33) 

• Powering the Process: The energy and economic realities of seawater desalination. (24:12) 

• Who gets the water? If there’s no or low water...does it go to people or the environment? (27:43) 

And... DON’T MISS OUT! 

• Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion with IDE Technologies about desalination efforts underway in Israel and Texas. (30:24) 

Episode Links and Resources:  

• Texas Desalination Association 

• Submit a question to the pod! 

Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace   

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

Welcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution.

In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising could mean for our future water security.

It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.

We’re back with more bonus content to get you through the holidays! Join season two, episode 5 guest, Dr. Soe Myint, as he explores his research on remote water sensing issues and solutions in his Blue Bag Lunch and Learn presentation from March 2023. As the climate becomes more unpredictable, Dr. Myint explores behaviors and strategies for building climate resilience. 

Listen along as Dr. Myint shares his findings... 

Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with fresh content, so follow us on social media and stay tuned! 

Episode Links and Resources: 

Theme song:  

Syzygy by Robert E. Mace   

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

This month, we’re delivering the bonus content you deserve! Join our host, Dr. Robert Mace, as he explores his research on how rainwater harvesting can be a viable alternative to conventional water sources. As our water sources are increasingly strained, you can rely on Fahrenheit 140 for creative ideas to keep your taps running! 

Listen along as Robert shares his findings... 

Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with fresh content, so follow us on social media and stay tuned! 

Episode Links and Resources: 

Theme song:  

 Syzygy by Robert E. Mace

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

This month, you asked the questions, and our cohosts delivered!  Join our hosts, Carrie and Robert, as they tackle listener-submitted questions, debunk common climate myths, and share highlights from season two. With producers Anna and Sarah along for the ride, it’s an episode packed with insights, surprises, and even a first-ever Pop Quiz that puts our experts to the test! 

Up first, Carrie and Robert unpack season two of Fahrenheit 140, dishing on their favorite season highs and lows. Then, the quiz begins—will they rise to the occasion or get stumped by Anna and Sarah’s trickiest questions? (06:08, 12:02) 

Listen along as Robert and Carrie answer your questions about… 

…and bust these myths: 

Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with more content, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned! (And don’t forget to vote!) 

Episode Links and Resources: 

Theme song:  

 Syzygy by Robert E. Mace   

We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. 

For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

The climate is changing, weather is getting increasingly unpredictable – so what can we do about it? The City of San Antonio has a few ideas. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for a discussion with Douglas Melnick, the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of San Antonio, about how the South Texas city is preparing for the changing climate. 

Our co-hosts bring you the latest climate news covering several topics:    

Douglas Melnick takes us through the key aspects of a comprehensive Climate Ready action plan:  

And…THE GOOD NEWS!  

Episode Links and Resources:  

Theme song:  

Syzygy by Robert E. Mace   

We would like to thank pixabay.com for providing sounds effects. 

For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠. 

What is urban greening, why does it matter, and which communities are at risk? What is the balance between water conservation and urban tree canopies? Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for a discussion with Dr. Soe Myint about his latest research on water conservation, urban greening, and environmental justice. 

Our co-hosts bring you the latest climate news covering several topics:    

Dr. Soe Myint, Chief Conservation Officer for the Meadows Center and Meadows Endowed Chair in Water Conservation, explains how water conservation, urban cooling, environmental justice, and trees are all connected:  

And…THE GOOD NEWS!  

Episode Links and Resources:  

Green Infrastructure Resources: 

Theme song:  

 Syzygy by Robert E. Mace   

We would like to thank pixabay.com for providing sound effects. 

For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.