In a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe explains the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how water systems use various layers of treatment to ensure that the water coming out of a tap is safe for public consumption. Your host for this episode is Ryan Magee, a technical assistance provider at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, in Albuquerque, NM.

One of the greatest challenges that communities face when planning and managing green infrastructure programs is maintenance and upkeep of their green infrastructure installations. Green infrastructure (water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that uses natural systems to mitigate water quality and quantity) requires management and maintenance – but do you have a knowledgeable, reliable, and enthusiastic workforce to get it all done?

The City of Tucson’s Storm to Shade program does. Listen in on a conversation with Brooke Bushman, the City of Tucson’s Storm to Shade Program Green Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance Manager. She develops communication and technical systems to oversee and coordinate the upkeep of the city’s 800+ legacy and new green stormwater assets. In this interview with Shannon Sloane Pepper from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, Brooke shares key insights, processes, and suggestions for anyone looking to develop or advise on green infrastructure workforce development.

This podcast features Goleta Water District in Santa Barbara County, California. The district operates to provide water to over 87,000 people living in the greater Goleta Valley with an infrastructure of more than 270 miles of pipeline. GFOA worked with the Goleta Water District on a risk-based reserve project to assist the District re-evaluate it reserve policy to right-size fund levels to account for exposed risks and a broad range of externalities beyond its control. This podcast provides further insights into risk management for water systems through the case study of Goleta Water District.

In this podcast, host Danish Kumar speaks with Jennifer Egan, Program Manager at the UMD EFC about the pressing but often overlooked issue of wastewater management in mobile home parks and rural communities. They explore the challenges posed by aging septic systems, deferred maintenance, and complex ownership structures, particularly in low-income areas. Jennifer shares real-world examples from Delaware, including communities working toward centralized wastewater solutions with help from technical assistance and funding programs. The episode offers practical advice for park managers and system operators on how to track maintenance, identify early warning signs, and plan for long-term resilience.

In the world of wastewater treatment, operators often wear many hats—including that of the sampler. Sampling is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a cornerstone of effective plant operation and environmental protection. Yet, many operators face challenges due to limited access to proper tools and training.

In this second episode of a two-part series, the Environmental Finance Center Network’s own Mike Rivera—a seasoned operator and plant manager—discusses the different type of samples a wastewater worker may conduct to optimize their wastewater treatment process and meet regulatory requirements. Mike provides a walkthrough of the wastewater treatment plant from a samplers point of view and discusses the samples that can be taken after each process and how they can help improve wastewater treatment.

Tune in to learn how to improve your sampling practices and continue safeguarding your community and the environment.

In the world of wastewater treatment, operators often wear many hats—including that of the sampler. Sampling is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a cornerstone of effective plant operation and environmental protection. Yet, many operators face challenges due to limited access to proper tools and training.

In this first episode of a two-part series, the Environmental Finance Center Network’s own Mike Rivera—a seasoned operator and plant manager—shares practical guidance on how to get started with sampling and how to ensure your procedures are accurate and compliant. From choosing the right equipment to avoiding common pitfalls, Mike offers actionable tips that every operator can use.

Tune in to learn how to improve your sampling practices and continue safeguarding your community and the environment.

Veteran operator, Mike Rivera, shares real-world water sampling insights—from compliance prep and troubleshooting to working in tough environments. Practical tips for small system water operators.

Join the Environmental Finance Center Network as we explore how capital improvement planning can lead to a more financially resilient utility.

In this episode, Southwest EFC Research Engineer A.J. Barney speaks with Rose Fenton, the Wastewater Plant Operations Manager at the Village of Jemez Springs, NM. Rose shares her firsthand perspective on the journey of developing a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from the ground up. Whether you're new to capital planning or looking to refine your approach, you'll gain valuable insights into:

• Starting the process with no prior experience
• Overcoming common challenges in plan development
• Understanding the long-term benefits of a well-crafted CIP
• Practical steps other systems can take to get started

Tune in and take the first step toward building a stronger future for your system.

This podcast features an interview with Nicole Rentz, the Director of Market Development and Policy for New Columbia Solar, a company that specializes in commercial and industrial solar energy solutions.

The discussion revolves around the use of solar energy in wastewater treatment plants, covering topics like the benefits of solar, assessing feasibility, costs, financing options, technical and site requirements, and common pitfalls to avoid while planning for solar at your facility.

Presenter: Danish Kumar, UMD EFC

For decades, a Community Based Organization have been stewards of the Las Curías lake in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In this Spanish-language episode, we talk with limnologist Jorge Ortíz about an outreach project developed by Syracuse University EFC in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico. This Community Science and Stewardship project provides opportunities for collaborative learning, allowing participants to explore scientific concepts and communications engagement strategies among community members and environmental science students, focusing on the impacts of decentralized wastewater systems on water quality to increase best management practices and environmental stewardship.

Durante décadas, una Organización Comunitaria ha participado en el manejo de los recursos ambientales del lago Las Curías en San Juan, Puerto Rico. En este episodio en Español, conversamos con el limnólogo Jorge Ortíz, acerca de un proyecto participativo, desarrollado por el Centro para el Financiamiento Ambiental de la Universidad de Syracuse en colaboración con la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Este proyecto de Ciencia y Gestión Comunitaria Ambiental ofrece oportunidades de aprendizaje colaborativo, permitiendo a los participantes explorar conceptos científicos y estrategias de comunicación entre miembros de la comunidad y estudiantes de ciencias ambientales. Enfocándose en el impacto de los sistemas descentralizados de aguas residuales en la calidad del agua, para así fomentar las mejores prácticas de manejo y de gestión comunitaria ambiental.