Water Values Podcast

By Dave McGimpseyBusiness

Water Values Podcast episodes

August 17, 2021No Community Left Behind with Water Finance Exchange’s Brent Fewell
Brent Fewell of the Water Finance Exchange shares the story of why the Water Finance Exchange was established and how it aims to serve the significant need for water infrastructure funding in the market.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
What the Water Finance Exchange is
Why the Water Finance Exchange was founded
How the Water Finance Exchange is funded
Brent’s view on why communities have not been proactive in seeking water infrastructure funding
Brent’s thoughts on how the Water Finance Exchange might fit into the infrastructure bill
Criteria for Water Finance Exchange funding
How Water Finance Exchange aims to help build utilities of the future
Brent’s observations on “water cooperatives”
Why communities need to be open to change from a water funding perspective
Brent’s thoughts on regionalization
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Brent’s LinkedIn Page
Water Finance Exchange’s website
37 min
August 03, 2021An Exit Interview with Jeffrey Kightlinger
Jeffrey Kightlinger provides an excellent interview offering profound thoughts on the water industry that was recorded during the waning days of his 15-year tenure as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Plus, Reese Tisdale of Bluefield Research comes on for Bluefield on Tap to discuss how population shifts might impact the water sector.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Why Jeff decided to retire from Metropolitan at this juncture
Jeff’s perspective on what makes a good water leader
Where the gaps in water leadership are and whether they’re being filled
The advice Jeff received when he began his tenure at Metropolitan
Whether Jeff heeded that advice
How has the GM position changed during his tenure
Jeff’s biggest surprises in dealing with water issues
Jeff’s proudest accomplishments during his years at Metropolitan
What Jeff wishes had worked out differently
Jeff’s public words of advice for his successor, Adel Hagekhalil
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Jeff’s LinkedIn Page
Jeff’s Twitter handle: @8thGenCA
Other exit interviews: Verde Exchange (Part 1 and Part 2) and org
TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger
TWV #142: Los Angeles’ Approach to Infrastructure with Adel Hagekhalil
Thank You!
Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!
44 min
June 15, 2021Water Quality in the Cloud with Neno Duplan
Locus Technologies founder and CEO Neno Duplan provides a wealth of experience on water quality in the cloud. Neno began cloud-based data work before any of us knew what the cloud even was. He does a great job explaining the steps needed to undertake and the significant benefits of a cloud-based digital transformation, and much more!
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Neno’s background and start in the nuclear sector consulting on cooling water
Neno’s perspective on water quality data and the cloud
The digital transformation from spreadsheets to local data bases to the cloud
The one advantage that utilities still keeping data on spreadsheets have
Neno’s advice on getting started with data collection and validation
The cross-functional benefits of using cloud-based data
The benefits of cloud-based data in regulatory reporting and strategic decision making
What utilities can be doing now from a data collection standpoint to prepare for future regulation
Why cloud-based and validated data aids utilities in regulatory reporting
Where Neno thinks the future of water lies
How blockchain fits into the water quality regulation
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Neno’s LinkedIn Page
Locus Technologies’ website
News Release: US EPA Establishes New Council on PFAS
Thank You!
35 min
June 01, 2021Synthetic Aperture Radar and Its Fascinating Applications in the Water Sector with James Perry
James Perry of Utilis joins us to discuss Synthetic Aperture Radar and its many and varied applications in the water sector. James provides a wealth of information about how the technology developed to its cost-effective use and application in the water sector. Plus, Reese Tisdale of Bluefield Research provides more water industry insights on the California drought and how utilities are bringing climate adaptation experience learned in California to other regions of the United States.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Jim’s background in big public companies and start-ups
What synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is
How SAR works
How SAR can find the “underground signature” of water
How SAR mapping can help identify where leaks occur in a water system
The types of leaks SAR mapping can identify, from slow drips to large main breaks
How SAR mapping allows system surveys to allow utilities to target problem leak areas
Utilis’ experience as to where the infrastructure is leaking (mains, service lines, meters, hydrants, valves, etc. – the answer might surprise you)
Additional uses for SAR like alternative supply locations, soil moisture monitoring, earthen dam monitoring, wastewater leakage, and much more
How utilities using SAR experience a 6 month ROI
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
James’ LinkedIn Page
Utilis’ website
Thank You!
45 min
May 18, 2021Digital Transformation with Prateek Joshi
Plutoshift CEO Prateek Joshi comes on to talk about digital transformation in the water sector. Prateek hits on a number of important and practical points in a wide-ranging discussion on data, AI, and machine learning in the water sector.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Prateek’s background & how it influenced his arc into the water sector
Water-intensive industries and using water data in those industries
Prateek’s view on digital transformation
How COVID influenced the digital transformation
The limitations of human-based decision-making
Common challenges for data-centric organizations
How to drive organizational behavior change with respect to data usage
The difference between AI and machine learning
Data quality and verification issues
The factors companies look for when selecting an AI system
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Prateek’s LinkedIn Page
Plutoshift’s website
Prateek’s website
Thank You!
40 min
May 04, 2021Corralling Water Data with Meena Sankaran
Water entrepreneur (and new mom) Meena Sankaran discusses data collection and usage in the water sector. She provides fascinating perspectives on everything from driving the digital transformation to common data gaps to cybersecurity. Get ready for a terrific interview from Meena!
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Meena’s upbringing in India and its impact on her work in water today
Meena’s view on the use of data in the water sector
Why upcoming workforce retirements should drive the digital transformation
Meena’s insights into managing data
How to figure out what data is important
Common data gaps
The difference between qualitative and quantitative data gaps
Getting employees to buy into the digital transformation
Data collection and management inside the fence versus outside the fence
Meena’s thoughts on cybersecurity in the water sector
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Meena’s LinkedIn Page
Ketos’ website
TWV #179: Data Enhanced Wastewater Treatment with Kando CEO Ari Goldfarb
TWV #147: The Power of Digital Water with Cindy Wallis-Lage
Thank You!
Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!
46 min
May 04, 2021Top Digital Water Trends with Meena Sankaran
Water entrepreneur (and new mom) Meena Sankaran discusses data collection and usage in the water sector. She provides fascinating perspectives on everything from driving the digital transformation to common data gaps to cybersecurity. Get ready for a terrific interview from Meena!
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Meena’s upbringing in India and its impact on her work in water today
Meena’s view on the use of data in the water sector
Why upcoming workforce retirements should drive the digital transformation
Meena’s insights into managing data
How to figure out what data is important
Common data gaps
The difference between qualitative and quantitative data gaps
Getting employees to buy into the digital transformation
Data collection and management inside the fence versus outside the fence
Meena’s thoughts on cybersecurity in the water sector
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Meena’s LinkedIn Page
Ketos’ website
TWV #179: Data Enhanced Wastewater Treatment with Kando CEO Ari Goldfarb
TWV #147: The Power of Digital Water with Cindy Wallis-Lage
Thank You!
Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!
46 min
April 20, 2021 What’s the Outlook for Fixing America’s Lead Water Pipes?
It is finally “infrastructure week.” The Biden administration has proposed its US$2.2 trillion American Jobs Plan. Sure, the Biden plan is a wish list, but one thing that stands out for the water sector is the US$45 billion to tackle lead service lines. It is a well-documented, open secret that drinking water for millions of people is tainted with lead. For so long, no one has wanted to pay for this and there has been no documentation of the size of the problem, and now…. the world is bright.
Bluefield’s Reese Tisdale and Greg Goodwin discuss how big the problem is, the geographic impacts, and the types of companies and solutions positioning to solve the problem.
Water news…
Reese also shares his thoughts on recent news and highlights why these headlines matter and what they could mean for the water sector.
NW Natural Water Company recent acquisitions and agreements
Veolia /Suez SA end to the disputed takeover
Japan announces plans to release treated wastewater from Fukushima
Related:
U.S. Private Water: Key Trends, M&A Activity, and Market Outlook, Year-End 2020
Is Veolia Suez Marriage Good for the Water Sector?
Lead Service Lines and Water Infrastructure: Sizing the Market and Drivers for Rehabilitation

Reese Tisdale
President
Bluefield Research

The Future of Water podcast series is where Bluefield water experts talk about all the ways in which companies, utilities, and people are addressing the challenges and opportunities in water.
Thank you for listening. Refer your colleagues. Please give us a review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
29 min
April 20, 2021The Cadiz Water Project with Scott Slater
Long-time water lawyer Scott Slater discusses the Cadiz water project and touches on everything from environmental issues to water equity to efficient use of infrastructure. Take a listen to gain a unique perspective on the development of a water project and how it impacts society in general.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Scott’s long tenure as a California water lawyer
The background of the Cadiz water project
What a dry lake is
How the Cadiz project intercepts groundwater before it evaporates in dry lakes
The history of environmental review of the Cadiz project
How the Cadiz project achieved a zero environmental impact designation
The current state of the opposition to the Cadiz water project
How water development relates to economic development activities and housing
How the Cadiz project takes advantage of existing infrastructure and land rights
How data has played a role in developing the Cadiz project
The impact of the Cadiz water project on the equitable distribution of water
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Scott’s LinkedIn Page
The Cadiz Water Project’s website
LA Times article on the Cadiz Water Project
TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger
TWV #073: The Coachella Valley’s Water Story with CVWD’s Board President John Powell, Jr.
Thank You!
Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!
53 min
April 20, 2021The Cadiz Water Project with Scott Slater
Long-time water lawyer Scott Slater discusses the Cadiz water project and touches on everything from environmental issues to water equity to efficient use of infrastructure. Take a listen to gain a unique perspective on the development of a water project and how it impacts society in general.
In this session, you’ll learn about:
Scott’s long tenure as a California water lawyer
The background of the Cadiz water project
What a dry lake is
How the Cadiz project intercepts groundwater before it evaporates in dry lakes
The history of environmental review of the Cadiz project
How the Cadiz project achieved a zero environmental impact designation
The current state of the opposition to the Cadiz water project
How water development relates to economic development activities and housing
How the Cadiz project takes advantage of existing infrastructure and land rights
How data has played a role in developing the Cadiz project
The impact of the Cadiz water project on the equitable distribution of water
Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:
Scott’s LinkedIn Page
The Cadiz Water Project’s website
LA Times article on the Cadiz Water Project
TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger
TWV #073: The Coachella Valley’s Water Story with CVWD’s Board President John Powell, Jr.
Thank You!
Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!
53 min

About Water Values Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Water Values Podcast series is presented in collaboration with Bluefield Research. This podcast series explores water issues from a variety of perspectives with the goal of uncovering the true…