Talking Under Water

Talking Under Water

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Talking Under Water episodes

  • Hurricane Melissa, USACE funding pause & American Water and Essential Utilities Merger

    In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts break down recent news happening in the water industry. First, they covers the impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which made historic landfall in Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane before moving through Cuba and the Bahamas, leaving widespread damage and power outages across the Caribbean. Then, they dive into the Trump administration’s decision to pause more than $11 billion in funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. Finally, they details the blockbuster $63 billion all-stock merger between American Water and Essential Utilities—set to create one of the largest regulated water and wastewater providers in the U.S.

    Show Notes:    
    • What to know about Hurricane Melissa
    • Trump administration pauses $11B in Army Corps water projects amid budget standoff 
    • Army Corps of Engineers Pausing $11B in Projects, White House Official Says 
    • How the government shutdown affects water and wastewater utilities 
    • NJ Governor proposes revisions to data center reporting bill to include water use study 
    • American Water and Essential Utilities announce merger to form $40B water and wastewater utility
    • Timestamps:   
      • Cold open and intro | 0:00
      • Episode summary | 01:17
      • Hurricane Melissa impacts across the Caribbean | 01:33
      • Transition to next story |03:39
      • Pause in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project funding | 03:50
      • New Jersey governor revises data center reporting bill | 07:07
      • American Water and Essential Utilities announce $63B merger | 08:01
      • Housekeeping and announcements | 11:04
      • Resources: 
        • WEFTEC coverage
        • WaterWorld subscriptions
        • StormCon call for papers
        • 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, stormwater 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.      

          Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

           
           

          Editor's note: The episode summary and timestamps were written with the assistance of AI.

           

          13 min
        • The Future of Water: Meet the 2025 Rising One Water Leaders

          In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-Host Katie Johns spoke with Ryan Barton, hydrologist for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources Water Management Branch, and Jocelyn Lu Morinishi, principal engineer at Brown and Caldwell as both of them have been named the Outstanding Rising One Water Leaders for the 2025 US Water Prize awarded by the US Water alliance. The two share their career paths, what the One Water movement means to them, their career goals and much more.

          Show Notes:    
          • US Water Prize
          • Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission
          • Timestamps: 
            • Introduction | 0:00 
            • Early career journeys | 01:00 
            • Inspiration and shared roots | 05:45 
            • Becoming Rising One Water Leaders | 06:45 
            • Reflections on culture and community | 10:30 
            • Looking ahead: career goals | 13:10 
            • Mentorship and stewardship | 18:30 
            • Water sector challenges and solutions | 19:30 
            • Closing thoughts and resources | 27:00 
            • Resources: 
              • WWD State of the Industry Survey
              • Wastewater Digest WEFTEC content
              • WaterWorld State of the Industry Survey
              • SWS webinar with the Center for Watershed Protection
              • 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, stormwater 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.      

                Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                Editor's note: The timestamps were written with the assistance of AI.

                30 min
              • PFAS legal action, Jessica Kramer’s EPA appointment & updates to NOAA’s flood mapping tool

                In this episode of Talking Under Water, the co-hosts discuss recent industry news including two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PFAS legal actions. First, the agency motioned to partially vacate a court case in which American Water Works Association (AWWA) sued the agency for procedural missteps in how it developed the concentration limits that defined the Hazard Index. Second, EPA announced its intentions for the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as CERCLA or the Superfund. The hosts also cover Jessica Kramer’s confirmation as assistant administrator of the EPA’s Office of Water; the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s updates to its flood mapping tool; and post-Hurricane Helene recovery efforts a year after the storm.  

                Show Notes:    
                • Legal challenges cloud future of PFAS regulation as EPA moves to vacate PFAS MCL
                • EPA outlines next steps on PFOA and PFOS cleanup under CERCLA
                • EPA funds water infrastructure resiliency in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
                • NOAA expands flood inundation mapping tool to cover 60% of the U.S. population
                • Senate confirms Jessica Kramer to lead EPA Office of Water
                • Timestamps:   
                  • Cold open & intro | 00:00
                  • Episode overview | 00:22
                  • Government shutdown update | 00:45
                  • Jessica Kramer confirmed to EPA Office of Water | 01:42 
                  • PFAS legal actions | 04:33
                  • EPA post-hurricane funding in North Carolina |08:09
                  • NOAA flood inundation mapping tool expansion | 09:06
                  • Housekeeping & announcements | 10:19
                  • Closing | 11:3
                  • Resources: 
                    • Tunnels & Tech eBook 
                    • WWD workplace culture webinar 
                    • Renew your WaterWorld subscription 
                    • SWS webinar with the Center for Watershed Protection 
                    • 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, stormwater 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.      

                      Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                       

                       

                      13 min
                    • Graceful Failure vs. Flawless Operations: Understanding an AMI System's True Fortitude

                      As climate uncertainty and cybersecurity threats escalate, the utility industry is bracing for a future it can’t fully control. Over the past year alone, we’ve seen catastrophic events that exposed the vulnerabilities of water systems across the country. Talking Under Water Podcast host and VP of EB2B’s Water Group Bob Crossen spoke with Blake Michal, Manager of Solution Management at Kamstrup North America, about the difference between reliability and resilience, and learn why utilities must prioritize one over the over.

                      Show Notes
                      • Learn more about Kamstrup: https://www.kamstrup.com/en-us/water-solutions
                      • Timestamps
                        • 00:00 – Introduction to episode and guest
                        • 00:27 – Utilities face growing operational threats
                        • 00:40 – Smart tech for reliability and resilience
                        • 01:15 – Preparing for inevitable disruptions
                        • 02:22 – Building flexible, resilient systems
                        • 03:02 – Graceful failure vs flawless performance
                        • 04:11 – Reliability vs resilience explained
                        • 06:22 – Why reliability must come first
                        • 07:18 – Reliable ultrasonic meters and networks
                        • 08:23 – Resilience during system failures
                        • 10:13 – Real-world hurricane response example
                        • 11:09 – Kamstrup’s failure-free performance mindset
                        • 12:19 – Less than 0.25% return rate
                        • 13:08 – Where utilities should begin
                        • 14:24 – Final message: invest in both
                        • 15:47 – Smart Water eHandbook promo
                        • 16:13 – Water reuse eHandbook promo
                        • 16:34 – Stormwater survey call-to-action
                        • 17:02 – Contact and social media info
                        • Resources
                          • World of Water: www.waterworld.com/world-of-water
                          • Hot Innovations in Wastewater Treatment eHandbook: https://www.wwdmag.com/ehandbooks/wastewater-treatment/whitepaper/55281395/wastewater-treatment
                          • Register for StormCon: www.stormcon.com
                          • 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.

                            18 min
                          • Finding holistic One Water success with the A-I-R process

                            In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-Host Bob Crossen speaks with Jacquelin Mutter, One Water planning lead, and Trent Stober, utility management services director, both for HDR about using the A-I-R process to optimize One Water processes. Mutter and Sober discuss how A-I-R, which stands for Assess, Identify and Reimagine, can help utilities navigate their One Water approaches successfully. The two also discuss why the One Water approach is important to the industry and how A-I-R can benefit water utilities.

                            Show Notes:
                            • Discover and Expand Multiple Benefits by Applying a One Water Perspective
                            • One water: Integrated water resource management is the future
                            • What is One Water?
                            • Timestamps:
                              • Intro | 00:00
                              • Meet the guests: Jacqueline Mutter & Trent Stober of HDR |00:01:00
                              • Challenges facing today’s utilities | 00:02:20
                              • Defining One Water and making it actionable | 00:04:00
                              • The AIR process: Assess, Identify, Reimagine | 00:05:00
                              • Embedding equity and resilience into planning | 00:08:10
                              • Benefits of One Water for utilities & communities | 00:09:40
                              • Enhancing core services through a holistic approach | 00:12:15
                              • Real-world challenges: data centers, industry, and partnerships | 00:14:30
                              • Building smarter investments and business cases | 00:16:40
                              • Workforce resilience & cross-training initiatives | 00:18:00
                              • The growing role of communications in the water sector | 00:19:30
                              • Closing reflections | 00:20:00
                              • Outro & housekeeping (magazine, WEFTEC, webinars) | 00:21:35
                              • Resources:
                                • WaterWorld September/October issue
                                • Stormwater Awareness Week Webinar
                                • Subscribe to WaterWorld
                                • Subscribe to Stormwater Solutions
                                • 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, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B,  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.      

                                  Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                                  Editor's Note: The episode timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

                                  24 min
                                • NSW hiring, WY DOT projects, Tijuana sewage updates & workplace safety

                                  In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss relevant industry news, including the approval given to the National Weather Service to hire 450 new employees; Wyoming Department of Transportation projects that intersect roads, bridgese and stormwater; updates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the Tijuana sewage crisis and a sediment control project; and finally, the importance of workplace safety in light of recent sombering events.

                                  Show Notes:    
                                  • National Weather Service to hire 450 workers following cuts
                                  • Wyoming Transportation Commission awards $33.1 million in contracts for DOT projects
                                  • South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant completes 10 MGD expansion
                                  • EPA, Ohio and Partners Highlight Sediment Cleanup Project Start in Cuyahoga Falls
                                  • Authorities identify 3 workers who died due to toxic sewer gas in Trinity County 
                                  • Three Houston-area men die from toxic gas exposure in Trinity County manhole incident 
                                  • Two Workers Killed by Suspected Gas Exposure in Sewer Line Accident Near Mobile, Alabama 
                                  • OSHA’s confined space regulations 
                                  • Timestamps:   
                                    • Cold Open | 00:00
                                    • Introductions & Subscription reminder |  00:00:38
                                    • Episode summary | 00:01:20
                                    • National Weather Service hiring 450 staff | 00:01:41
                                    • Wyoming DOT stormwater and infrastructure projects | 00:02:11
                                    • EPA Updates: Tijuana sewage crisis and Cuyahoga River sediment cleanup | 00:03:37
                                    • Texas trench tragedy & Workplace safety reflections | 00:06:50
                                    • Housekeeping  | 00:10:10
                                    • Resources: 

                                      Wastewater Digest YouTube 

                                      WaterWorld September/October issue

                                      SWS Stormwater Awareness Week Webinar 

                                      Stormwater Solutions September/October issue

                                      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, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B,  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.      

                                      Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                                      Editor's Note: The episode timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

                                       

                                       

                                      12 min
                                    • Rivers Under the Microscope: How to Use AI to Monitor Water Quality

                                      In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-Host Katie Johns is talks with Professor John Colbourne, director of the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Environmental Research and Justice and Dr. Xiaojing Li, post- doctorate research fellow in precision and environmental health at University of Birmingham, to discuss their research using AI and water fleas to identify harmful substances in waterways. The two touch on their research results and how they can inform future regulations but also share how AI can be used elsewhere in the water industry.  

                                      Show Notes:    
                                      • Daphnia as a Sentinel Species for Environmental Health Protection: A Perspective on Biomonitoring and Bioremediation of Chemical PollutionClick to copy article link
                                      • Bioactivity Profiling of Chemical Mixtures for Hazard Characterization
                                      • The Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ)
                                      • Timestamps:   
                                        • Episode introduction | 00:00:09 
                                        • How AI helps analyze water quality |00:01:28
                                        • Using AI with chemical and biological datasets | 00:05:02
                                        • River selection for case study research | 00:06:58
                                        • Why water fleas (Daphnia) were chosen | 00:08:49
                                        • Unique biology and ecological role of Daphnia | 00:13:08 
                                        • Research results: five patterns, 43 key chemicals | 00:15:36
                                        • Implications for regulation and toxicity testing | 00:19:13
                                        • AI, accountability, and environmental justice | 00:22:06
                                        • Other uses of AI in the water industry | 00:24:01
                                        • Collaboration between academia and industry | 00:25:37
                                        • Housekeeping and listener resources | 00:28:04
                                        • Resources: 
                                          • WWD YouTube
                                          • WaterWorld subscriptions
                                          • SWS State of the Industry Survey
                                          • 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, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B,  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.      

                                            Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                                            Editor's Note: The timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

                                             

                                            30 min
                                          • State Revolving Fund updates, Waterkeeper Alliance PFAS analysis results & water system upgrades

                                            In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-hosts Katie Johns, Mandy Crispin, and Alex Cossin discuss recent industry news, including the Waterkeeper Alliance’s latest PFAS analysis, revealing that 98% of sampled U.S. waterways tested positive for PFAS contamination; recent business acquisitions; infrastructure upgrades by San Jose Water, including water main replacements and the use of AI in asset management, and Indiana American Water’s groundbreaking of a new $50 million treatment plant in Seymour, Indiana. Finally, the hosts dive into updates on State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The U.S. House of Representatives has proposed significant cuts to SRF programs, while the Senate favors maintaining current funding levels. With the September 30 budget deadline looming, the future of water infrastructure funding remains uncertain. 

                                            Show Notes:    
                                            • 98% of waterways found to have PFAS contamination
                                            • Waterkeeper Alliance PFAS Report Phase II 
                                            • StormTrap CEO discusses Faircloth Skimmer acquisition
                                            • San Jose Water 
                                            • Indiana American Water breaks ground on $50 million water treatment facility 
                                            • National Association of Counties appropriations tracker 
                                            • Timestamps:   
                                              • Hosts introduce the episode | 00:00:50
                                              • PFAS found in 98% of tested waterways |00:01:14 
                                              • StormTrap acquires Faircloth Skimmer |00:02:32
                                              • San Jose Water’s infrastructure upgrades |00:03:19
                                              • Seymour, Indiana’s new water treatment plant |00:05:41
                                              • Overview of the SRF program | 00:08:15
                                              • How appropriations and SRF funding are decided | 00:09:51
                                              • Budget cuts proposed by the House |00:11:10
                                              • Senate supports level SRF funding |00:11:54
                                              • Final funding outcome still uncertain |00:12:00
                                              • Housekeeping and industry updates |00:12:20
                                              • Resources: 
                                                • Register for StormCon and use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass.
                                                • WWD YouTube
                                                • WaterWorld subscriptions
                                                • 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, stormwater 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.      

                                                  Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                                                   

                                                  14 min
                                                • Small systems, big challenges: What’s ahead for water utilities

                                                  In this episode of Talking Under Water, Bob Crossen speaks with Elora Arnette, associate director of Water Finance Assistance, about the multifaceted challenges facing small water utilities in 2025. They explore workforce shortages, including the growing number of soon-to-retire operators and the difficulty in replacing them, particularly in rural communities. Arnette discusses how many small utilities rely on multitalented local staff and even second-career workers, but stresses that this model is not sustainable long-term. The conversation also covers funding cuts to state revolving funds, the growing threat of extreme weather events, and the resource limitations that prevent proactive planning. Arnette highlights available support options, such as discounted training and emergency planning services, and calls for strategic rate reviews to maintain system viability.

                                                  Show Notes:    
                                                  • EPA announces $49 million to aid rural, small, and tribal communities with wastewater challenges
                                                  • How resilience and rate-setting can improve Wastewater's D+ ASCE grade
                                                  • How value engineering is helping small systems secure big dollars
                                                  • Timestamps:
                                                    • Introduction to small system workforce issues | 0:00
                                                    • Guest Elora Arnette joins the discussion | 1:13
                                                    • Expected wave of workforce retirements | 2:20
                                                    • Small systems rely on multi-role community hires | 3:31
                                                    • Recruiting passionate locals is key but unsustainable | 4:00
                                                    • Older workers entering industry as second career | 4:45
                                                    • Families encouraging next generation into water careers | 6:38
                                                    • Regulatory uncertainty creates operational whiplash | 7:10
                                                    • Small systems can’t pivot like larger ones | 8:27
                                                    • SRF budget cuts hurt small systems most | 9:07
                                                    • Lack of rate revenue complicates project funding | 10:17
                                                    • Extreme weather overwhelms small system preparedness | 12:06
                                                    • Required planning exists but is often unused | 13:32
                                                    • Northern systems more equipped for typical local events | 14:44
                                                    • Lack of backup infrastructure hampers storm resilience | 15:24
                                                    • Consistent theme: lack of resources everywhere | 16:07
                                                    • Free and discounted support programs are available | 17:06
                                                    • Rate reviews crucial for long-term viability | 18:25
                                                    • Closing thoughts and future conversations | 19:28
                                                    • Housekeeping and announcements for listeners | 20:00
                                                    •  
                                                      Resources: 
                                                      • Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.
                                                      • Wastewater Digest YouTube channel
                                                      • WaterWorld Top Project 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.      

                                                        Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                                                         

                                                        Editor's Note: The episode summary and timestamps were written with the assistance of generative AI.

                                                        23 min
                                                      • Cyber resilience and investment strategy in the water sector

                                                        In this sponsored episode of Talking Under Water, Co-host Bob Crossen spoke with Ian Bramson, vice president of industrial cybersecurity for Black & Veatch about how water utilities can best prepare their cybersecurity efforts and investments. Bramson touches on Black & Veatch’s 2025 Water Report, which found that 95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity investment, a growing number. Throughout the interview, Bramson explains what to learn from previous cyberattacks on water systems, why these systems are vulnerable, and what kind of protections exist for utilities of all sizes.  

                                                        Show Notes:    
                                                        • Why OT security is critical to defending against cyber threats
                                                        • Black & Veatch 2025 Water Report: Navigating regulatory uncertainty and cybersecurity threats 
                                                        • Smart stormwater management programs rely on IoT technology
                                                        • Timestamps:
                                                          • Episode intro | 0:00 
                                                            • Host introduces episode and explains how cyberattacks on water utilities are rising fast. 
                                                            • Utility cybersecurity investments are growing | 1:10 
                                                              • 95% of utilities now prioritize cybersecurity  
                                                              • Why cybersecurity focus is increasing | 2:30 
                                                                • Attack frequency, sophistication, and regulations are converging. 
                                                                • From theory to real threat | 03:54  
                                                                  • Cyber risks now feel urgent and tangible. 
                                                                  • Why utilities are vulnerable | 04:27  
                                                                    • Motive and opportunity have both increased significantly. 
                                                                    • Common cyber threats | 06:11  
                                                                      • Ransomware, malware, and internal errors are rising. 
                                                                      • Internal exposure and USB threats | 08:30  
                                                                        • Most attacks stem from user behavior. 
                                                                        • Smart tech and cloud challenges | 09:39  
                                                                          • Cloud visibility helps, but control adds risk. 
                                                                          • Hybrid cloud in operations | 11:03 
                                                                            • OT and IT integration brings complexity. 
                                                                            • Major challenges for utilities | 12:52  
                                                                              • Training, budget, and expertise shortages hinder progress. 
                                                                              •  Bridging the cybersecurity gap | 14:45  
                                                                                • Utilities struggle between priorities and capabilities.   
                                                                                • Start with the basics | 15:39  
                                                                                  • Asset inventory is the first critical step.  
                                                                                  • Budgeting and investment strategy | 16:57 
                                                                                    • Risk-based prioritization is key to progress.
                                                                                    • Cybersecurity as part of CapEx | 17:49  
                                                                                      • Build-in is cheaper than bolt-on. 
                                                                                      • Creating a cybersecurity culture | 20:06 
                                                                                        • Start early, especially at small utilities. 
                                                                                        • Cybersecurity as public safety | 21:41  
                                                                                          • Protecting infrastructure equals protecting people. 
                                                                                          • Futureproofing with AI awareness | 22:29  
                                                                                            • AI is here, ready or not. 
                                                                                            • AI is a new dependency | 24:32 
                                                                                              • Utilities must manage unseen AI risks. 
                                                                                              • Digital transformation needs security | 25:56  
                                                                                                • Fast progress requires strong cybersecurity foundations. 
                                                                                                • Cybersecurity as car safety analgogy | 26:31  
                                                                                                  • Comparing cybersecurity to the brakes, mirrors, and seatbelt in a car.
                                                                                                  • Built-in beats bolt-on | 27:33  
                                                                                                    • Retrofit cybersecurity is costly and risky.  
                                                                                                    • Closing thoughts & key takeaway | 28:38  
                                                                                                      • Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it's essential. 
                                                                                                      • Housekeeping- 29:20  
                                                                                                        • Check out features on AI and CSO monitoring.
                                                                                                        • Outro | 30:38 
                                                                                                        •  

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                          Resources: 
                                                                                                          • Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com. 
                                                                                                          • Wastewater Digest YouTube channel 
                                                                                                          • WaterWorld July/August Issue 
                                                                                                          • Stormwater Solutions July/August Issue 
                                                                                                          •   

                                                                                                            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.      

                                                                                                            Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.  

                                                                                                              

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                            32 min

                                                                                                          About Talking Under Water

                                                                                                          From the publisher's feed

                                                                                                          Talking Under Water is a One Water podcast for the water industry. Editors from Endeavor’s Water Group highlight news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts.…

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