Water Values Podcast

Trevor Hill discusses an array of technology issues affecting water utilities. Trevor describes the utility market in which technology providers participate and identifies the challenges of speeding technology adoption. Using his experience at FATHOM, Trevor explains how FATHOM rose out of the consolidation of a number of utilities that needed technology integration but could not individually justify the expenditures to create the FATHOM platform. It’s an interesting peek inside the water technology world

Two water lawyers, Nathan Bracken of Smith Hartvigsen and Jan Neuman of Tonkon Torp, discuss the state of our federal water policy. Both Nathan and Jan are well-versed in water law and policy issues, and they have a number of recommendations for updating federal water policy. They also have interesting and provocative thoughts on what needs to happen in order to get the federal government, the states and the tribes in a position where updates to federal water policy might have a chance at success.

Frank Holleman, a lawyer with the Southern Environmental Law Center, addresses the contaminants contained in coal ash, the historical manner of its disposal and storage, the evolution of utilities in dealing with coal ash storage issues, and much more. While cleaning up coal ash storage sites and protecting water quality is a work in progress, utilities have evolved from coal ash lagoon storage to the more preferable solution of dry, lined storage, or even re-use of coal ash in products like cement.

Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) Asst. Prof. Shahzeen (“Shaz”) Attari, discusses the state of research into human behavior and resource use, specifically in this episode, water use. She walks us through the existing research, identifies new areas of research and helps us understand why we think the way we do about water. She relates some fascinating research results, especially in the area of curtailment versus efficiency actions and our own choices with respect to each.

Parjana CEO Greg McPartlin explains the patented technology that helps replenish groundwater and mitigate surface water problems. Through Parjana’s invention of an “artificial tree root”, surface water is more easily dispersed in the ground and thus achieves groundwater balance. New applications for the Parjana technology occur on a frequent basis, and you’ll be interested to hear how the technology has been applied to date and how it works in this great episode of The Water Values Podcast.

ValveTek’s Jeff Favina discusses main flushing and ValveTek’s use of the patented NO-DES flushing solution. Starting with the basics of main flushing, Jeff explains why main flushing is important from a water quality standpoint and outlines the conventional methods of main flushing. He then expands into the NO-DES flushing solution and demonstrates how it works and how it does not waste water. Avoiding water waste with the NO-DES system demonstrates how utilities can walk the conservation walk.

Paul Kramer of Gresham, Oregon, joins The Water Values Podcast to discuss a subject too infrequently discussed: Fats, Oils and Grease, or FOG. Paul walks us through what FOG is and how it gets into the sewer system and disrupts the system’s operation. He then discusses elements of a FOG program, including the extensive internal and external communication necessary, and what a FOG program launch entails. If you’d never heard about FOG before, or even if you had, this episode will be a real eye-opener.

Steve Cavanaugh, President and CEO of Cavanaugh and Associates, joins The Water Values Podcast to discuss an important yet misperceived area of water utilities: non-revenue water. Steve describes what non-revenue water is, how it can be optimized and the simple steps utilities need to do to get started with a non-revenue water program. With a little bit of work, your utility can optimize non-revenue water, while increasing its return on investment.

George Hawkins, CEO and General Manager of DC Water, joins The Water Values Podcast and discusses his brand of change leadership. George details specific examples of his leadership style and how he approached his position when first joining DC Water. George also relates stories on how water utilities can interact with their customers and their governing boards. Finally, George offers his thoughts on the 3 biggest issues facing water utilities and their leaders today. This is a can’t miss episode.

Ku McMahan of the Securing Water for Food Program joins us to discuss the program, its origins, mission and impact on developing countries. Ku discusses how the program fosters innovation in the water-agriculture nexus and how the program currently is undergoing a third call for innovations that can help those in developing countries use water more efficiently for agriculture, implement water capture and storage solutions, and deal with increased soil salinity issues.