Bob Crossen, vice president of content strategy for water and energy, recaps the American Water Works Associations' ACE show, which took place from June 8-11, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Crossen was joined at the show by WaterWorld editor-in-chief Mandy Crispin and Water Group associate editor Alex Cossin, so he shares insights the three of them gained from the show. First, Crossen discusses new products that Mueller and Neptune showcased then moves on to two interviews. The first is with AWWA CEO David LaFrance. LaFrance discussed funding, financing, rates, and public communications. The second is with Gigi Karmous-Edwards who spoke about the different kinds of artificial intelligence, and some innovative uses for generative AI in the water sector.
Show Notes:
PFAS treatment and litigation strategies for water systemsMueller teases hydrant retrofit kits at AWWA ACE25Neptune Technology Group highlights newest meter and cellular endpoint offeringsDeconstructing the conundrum of rising rates and water affordability
Time Stamps:
Introduction & summary | 0:11 Mueller teases new product | 0:56Neptune showcasese new products | 1:24Article read: PFAS treatment & litigation strategies for water systems | 2:18Interview with David LaFrance begins | 4:42Top challenges for water industry | 5:10Rate-setting tools and recommendations | 5:59 Pressure on improving water quality | 8:15Factoring in communication with the public | 9:05Water 2050 | 11:12Interview with David LaFrance ends | 12:15Interview with Gigi Karmous-Edwards begins | 12:22Breaking down what AI means | 13:06Karmous- Edward's WRF AI project | 14:11Where is AI falling short? | 15:07Differences between Chatbots, AI and machine learning | 16:47What does the future hold for these technologies in water? | 17:53Interview with Gigi Karmous-Edwards ends | 22: 55Housekeeping | 23:18Resources:
SWS Top Projects NominationsWaterWorld Top Projects NominationsWastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
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