Join us in our latest podcast episode where I discuss with John Matthews, Executive Director at AGWA, about effective water management in the era of climate change. He talks about the organization's approach to building resilience and adapting water resources management, a critical need in today's changing climate. Our conversation highlights how AGWA uses its methods to improve how we manage water globally. They bring together water management and climate science expertise, assisting governments, businesses, and communities in making smarter decisions about water use in the face of climate change

One of the key parts of our conversation revolves around the challenges of updating legacy water systems and the urgency of new investments in water infrastructure, especially in developing countries. John emphasizes the importance of adapting our water management systems to be more climate-resilient and the need for integrating policy, finance, and technical knowledge to create sustainable water management solutions.

He also shares some inspiring success stories from around the globe. From Udon Thani in Thailand, where urban lakes have become multifaceted solutions to water management issues, to Panama's climate ministry integrating water as a central theme in policy-making, and California emerges as a beacon of hope under Governor @Gavin Newsom, redefining water resilience as a driver of prosperity.

For young professionals in the water sector, John offers valuable advice. He stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and continuous learning. He encourages embracing the complexities of water management that go beyond the water cycle, involving legal, governance, economic, and social systems. 

Join Rhea and me on a captivating journey with Prof. Brett Bryan from Deakin University, as we deal with the dynamic world of water sustainability in our latest podcast episode. Ever wondered how water scarcity touches our global food supply, or the role invisible 'virtual water' plays in our daily lives? Prof. Bryan reveals the involved connections between local water bodies and global water trends, with a surprising twist on the impact of small lakes. What does this mean for our planet's health and our future? He brings to light the power of ecosystem service flows and the necessity of collaborative, cross-disciplinary solutions. Imagine a world where shared responsibility becomes the cornerstone of managing our water resources. Can storytelling transform the way we approach and solve complex environmental issues? Prof. Bryan thinks so. Tune in to discover the answers and explore the complicated textile of water sustainability with us.

In our podcast episode, we explore the world of water management with Professor Dragan Savic, CEO of KWR Water Research Institute. With his extensive background in Hydroinformatics and environmental engineering, Professor Savic shares his journey from academia to leading a prominent water research organization. But what makes KWR stand out in the crowded field of water research? Their unique approach blends scientific inquiry with practical applications, driven by the needs of Dutch and Flemish drinking water companies. How does this collaboration shape their research priorities, and what innovative solutions are they developing for the water sector? Professor Savic discusses the challenges and opportunities in aligning KWR's work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of tackling pollution and managing resource competition. But in an era of climate change and urbanization, how is KWR adapting its strategies for sustainable water cycle management? Discover how their innovative research and tools are paving the way for a more resilient future in water management, and what insights Professor Savic offers for those aspiring to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

In this episode, Valerie Fehst, co-founder of PipePredict, shares her journey from physics to launching a water leak detection system. How did her physics background lead to PipePredict's creation? The company's approach, blending data analysis, digital twin, machine learning, and existing sensors, aims to pinpoint leaks. But how does PipePredict navigate the complexities of diverse sensors and pipe types to ensure accuracy? Their work in leak detection also aids environmental conservation. What environmental impact is PipePredict achieving? Additionally, what future water management innovations is Valerie considering for PipePredict? For newcomers to the water industry, Valerie offers insights. Her story illustrates the significant impact achievable in specialized fields like water management.

In this latest podcast episode featuring Lyle King, CEO of Influx Search, as he sheds light on the nuances of recruiting in the water industry. King discusses his journey and the unique challenges in this specialized sector. But what drives a focus solely on water industry recruitment? 🤔He then explores the growth and expansion strategies of Influx Search, especially in clean tech and sustainability. Within technological advancements, how does Influx balance tech with the vital human element in recruitment? King emphasizes the importance of a passion for water conservation in candidates, beyond just technical skills. What advice does he offer to those transitioning to the water industry? For startups in the water sector, Influx Search isn't just a recruitment firm; it's a consultancy guiding them on talent needs, including navigating diverse regulatory landscapes.

📌 Your comments and thoughts are greatly appreciated – feel free to share them!

In this episode, join Dr. Arian Edalat, Co-Founder and CEO of Active Membranes, as we explore the journey from academic research to real-world industrial applications in water treatment. How has Edalat's team successfully accelerated the commercialization of Active Membranes in the desalination industry? Edalat shares that targeting areas with significant challenges, where people are eager for solutions and the impact is greatest, is key to the successful early adoption of innovative water technologies like Active Membranes. We discuss the challenges of fouling and scaling in desalination plants and how Active Membranes electrically conductive membranes offer a cost-effective and efficient solution. What does the future hold for these innovative “smart membranes” in water treatment? Discover how Active Membranes, recognized as Water Tech Idol 2023, is pushing the boundaries to make desalination more sustainable and accessible. Learn about the potential of transforming commercial nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes into active membranes utilizing the expertise at Active Membranes. 

In this episode, Rhea and I explore the world of agriculture and water management in Africa with our guest, Dr. André F. van Rooyen, a Principal Scientist at ICRISAT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We discussed the intricate dance between modern agriculture and age-old farming wisdom. As land areas get smaller, how can we optimize food production in places like Africa? Why, despite the World Bank's massive irrigation projects, do some solutions seem to add more complexity than clarity? Dr. van Rooyen challenges the notion that more water always equals more food and highlights the unintended consequences of over-reliance on fertilizers. Interestingly, he emphasizes that modern advanced agriculture has much to learn from indigenous, often illiterate, yet profoundly wise and intelligent farmers. Can we truly bridge the gap between modern science and millennia of farming knowledge, especially when it comes to water management?

In this episode, meet James Ellsmoor, the CEO @ Island Innovation. We'll explore the unique water challenges islands face. Consider this: tourism intensifies their water demands. So, how do they adapt? How does Island Innovation platform bridge sustainable island water solutions with water startups, governments, and financial institutions? Dive into our episode as we discuss the relationship between tourism, renewable energy, and island-specific water solutions. Are islands just smaller versions of global challenges or do they need their own solutions? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, Dr. Piotr Dlugolecki and I discuss water-based energy generation and storage, highlighting the potential of reverse electrodialysis technology and ion exchange membranes. We talk about the challenges and opportunities in hydrogen production, especially in Europe, and look at the future of energy storage solutions, including redox flow batteries. Our guest, Piotr, founder of Aqua-Azure, shares his journey from moving countries to starting a company and offers insights into helping businesses grow faster.

This episode features Karen Schuett, Co-Founder and CEO of Livestock Water Recycling (LWR). With her roots in zoology, Karen embarked on a journey from groundwater treatment in the oil and gas sector to forging solutions in livestock manure treatment. A local farmer's challenge with manure lagoons prompted this shift, leading to the development of LWR's specialized system.

Livestock waste is denser than municipal waste, making its treatment a challenge. LWR has developed a system that efficiently separates this waste and recovers nutrients. This approach is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and even allows farmers to sell the extracted nutrients. By using machine learning, LWR has cut chemical use by 40%. Karen Schuett and her team are now looking to harness data, like weather and animal health, to further refine their solutions. Learn about the future of livestock water recycling through Karen's insights