waterloop

There's an urgent need for assistance with water and sanitation in the United States, where 2 million people lack access to basic services.

In this episode, Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, delves into the challenges faced by underserved communities, particularly when it comes to accessing funds.

Boris talks about the transformation of 14,000 engineers into volunteers, many of whom help in the U.S. through the Community Engineering Corps. The volunteer engineers engage with communities, conduct needs assessments, and produce reports to secure financial resources.

Boris also shares insights into the growing influx of students and young professionals eager to create a positive impact, the mentorship provided by veteran engineers, and the rewarding experiences that come with helping communities gain water access.

This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and winner of the US Water Prize for Communications. Visit waterloop.org

In a groundbreaking episode, water management in the digital era is explored through a unique engagement with artificial intelligence. ChatGPT was used to create Dr. Aqua, an AI persona embodying a water management expert. Dr. Aqua's responses were then given voice and visual life through AI tools, presenting a fascinatingly interactive character.

Dr. Aqua discusses the integration of digital twins, effective data management, the crucial role of cybersecurity, and the innovative use of drones and robots. The episode also delves into the potential of AI and tools like ChatGPT, exploring how these technologies can enhance communication with the public and address water challenges.

Dr. Aqua shares insights on the adoption of digital tools in water management versus other industries, the risks of technological stagnation, and practical advice for embracing digital advancements. This conversation is not just an exploration of water management strategies but also a testament to the evolving role of AI in understanding and solving complex industry issues.

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and the winner of the 2023 US Water Prize for Communications: waterloop.org

Water management is critical and challenging for Navajo Nation, which spreads across 27,000 square miles of the arid Southwest.

In this episode, Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Principal Hydrologist for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources, shares her experiences and observations, including how climate change is impacting the landscape.

She discusses the role of Navajo Nation in management of the Colorado River and how tribes in the basin are seeking greater influence. Crystal also talks about the influx of federal funds for infrastructure and how it is supporting progress on Navajo water projects.

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics. Learn more at flumewater.com

This is an epilogue to the series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Fear. The chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution.

In this episode, waterloop founder Travis Loop shares some of the pivotal soundbites from an array of experts including environmental scientists, utility managers, public health researchers, community advocates, and regulators. He also shares his professional perspective and personal commentary on PFAS pollution.

Find the complete series at PFAS puzzle.

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.

This series is sponsored by:

Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfas

PFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.com

ALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions

There is tremendous potential in onsite reuse, where a building’s greywater, wastewater, or stormwater is treated and used again at the same location.

To raise awareness of this technology, a beer was brewed using water recycled by an onsite system at a San Francisco apartment building.

The OneWater Brew and the concept of onsite reuse are discussed in this episode with Aaron Tartakovsky, CEO of Epic Cleantec.

Aaron explains the process of creating the beer and the media attention it has garnered. He also discusses efforts to increase acceptance of onsite reuse among regulators, builders, utilities, and the public.

This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Historic levels of funding are available to replace lead service lines across the United States.

But thousands of water systems are so small they lack the staff expertise and capacity needed to identify, apply for, and manage funds.

That’s why there is a massive push to expand and deploy technical assistance, including the launch of more environmental finance centers.

The effort is discussed in this episode with Palencia Mobley, Midwest Funding Navigator Manager for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.

The episode also features a conversation with Dante Sawyer, Village Manager for Hazel Crest in Illinois, who shares the experience of a small municipality that utilized technical assistance to fund removal of lead lines.

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

This episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:

-120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.com

-LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com

-BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

Resilience is a shared characteristic of rural communities, often dealing with adversity through their close-knit and resourceful nature.

However, the ongoing rural struggles related to water infrastructure, pollution, and workforce shortages are now amplified by the effects of climate change.

New strategies and technical assistance can build up their resilience, as discussed in this podcast with Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership.

Olga sheds light on the power of collaboration and regionalization, enabling small water systems to benefit from economies of scale and gain a more powerful voice. She also emphasizes the critical need for flexible funding mechanisms and workforce development to enhance the capacity of rural communities.

This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center in Washington D.C. where waterloop is a media partner.

This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

A sommelier is commonly associated with wine expertise, but there exists a category of professionals specializing in the assessment of water's taste, texture, and quality.

These experts offer valuable insights into attributes like mineral composition, source, and purity, all of which are explored in this episode featuring Milin Patel, a water sommelier and consultant.

Milin takes the podcast host on a journey through a water tasting experience, featuring a variety of waters, including municipal tap water, reverse osmosis-treated water, and well-known bottled brands.

Additionally, Milin delves into the sommelier's role in public outreach and discusses how people react to educational experiences centered around water tasting.

This episode is sponsored by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Time spent exploring outdoors can provide the best perspective on the state of our water world.

This episode delves into the remarkable lessons offered by the mountains and rivers of Colorado, insights shared by Chris Wolff on his Adventure Hydrology Instagram page.

Chris takes us through the observations and transformations he's witnessed during his hikes, rafting excursions, and skiing adventures amidst the Rocky Mountains.

Additionally, he sheds light on his prior contributions to water conservation efforts at the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, as well as his current role dedicated to advancing sustainability in the Colorado River Basin with Quantified Ventures.

This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

It’s the year 2099 and civilization has finally achieved global water sustainability.

In this positive era, water is a human right, properly valued, efficiently and productively used, extensively reused, and part of thriving ecosystems.

The path to this future is discussed in this episode with Peter Gleick, author of The Three Ages of Water and President Emeritus of the Pacific Institute.

He explains the fundamental choice made in the 2020s that led to a sustainable water world and how obstacles were overcome in politics, pricing, efficiency, energy, and agriculture.

This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.com

waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet exploring solutions for sustainability and equity in water. Visit waterloop.org