Water utilities are quietly strengthening the “immune system” of our water infrastructure, using compliance programs and technology to prevent pollution, protect drinking water, and reduce sewer overflows before they happen.

In this episode, Mick O’Dwyer of SwiftComply shares how his journey from wastewater engineer in Dublin to tech founder led to building software that modernizes programs for backflow, pretreatment, and FOG (fats, oils, and grease).

He explains how outdated, paper-heavy systems—once generating hundreds of thousands of documents—are being replaced with digital workflows that free up inspectors to focus on real environmental outcomes.

The conversation highlights how improving compliance isn’t about enforcement alone, but about making it easier for businesses that want to do the right thing through better communication and smarter systems. Utilities are already seeing results: higher inspection rates, fewer sewer overflows, and stronger protection of infrastructure and waterways.

With aging infrastructure, workforce turnover, and new regulatory pressures mounting, O’Dwyer points to a future where data and AI enable predictive compliance—identifying risks before failures occur. The goal: less reactive firefighting, more proactive protection of communities and the environment.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.