Afleveringen
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In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Mandy Crispin discuss key insights and takeaways from the AWWA ACE26 conference, including affordability challenges, PFAS treatment and regulation, data center demands, and the evolving role of collaboration across the water sector.
Recording from Washington, D.C., the hosts share firsthand experiences from sessions, interviews, and conversations across the event. They highlight a powerful keynote framing this moment as “water’s moonshot,” emphasizing the urgency and scale of challenges facing utilities today. Central to the discussion is the growing tension between maintaining affordable rates and funding essential infrastructure upgrades.
The episode dives into PFAS as a persistent and complicated issue, touching on treatment technologies, regulatory uncertainty, and liability concerns tied to disposal. The conversation expands to emerging contaminants like microplastics and the broader need to address pollution further upstream.
They also explore how data centers are reshaping water demand, particularly at the local level, and why utilities must engage early in siting and partnership discussions. Across topics, a recurring theme emerges: collaboration — whether through new project delivery models, public-private partnerships, or policy innovation — is critical to navigating today’s interconnected challenges and preparing for the future.
Show notes:AWWA ACE26 Show Coverage Landing Page (to be updated on an ongoing basis — bookmark and come back for more show coverage)
Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nomination Form
WaterWorld Top Projects Nomination Form
Stormwater Solutions Top Projects Nomination Form
PFAS Crossword Puzzle
Key moments:00:00 – Introduction01:03 – “Water’s Moon Moment” Keynote03:43 – Affordability vs. Infrastructure Crisis07:01 – PFAS Complexity & Industry Overload12:03 – Emerging Contaminants & Regulatory Questions20:32 – Data Centers & Localized Water Demand44:59 – Housekeeping
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.
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In this sponsored interview, Editorial Director Bob Crossen sits down with Blake Michal from Kamstrup to discuss what a decade of AMI performance can teach utilities about reliability, cost, and lifecycle value.
About the PodcastTalking 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 Stormwater 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.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen speaks with Krishna Prashanth, global product line manager for electromagnetic flow meters and global segment manager for water and wastewater instrumentation at ABB, about the promise and practicality of the circular water economy.
Prashanth explains how the concept shifts water management away from a linear take-treat-discharge model and toward a system focused on reducing losses, reusing water, recovering resources and extending the value of every drop. He outlines the “six Rs” — reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, recover and restore — and argues that utilities must evolve from operators of pipes and plants into stewards of local water loops.
The conversation also explores the critical role of data capture, monitoring and analysis in making circularity possible, from identifying leaks and managing demand to improving reuse decisions and predicting infrastructure issues. Prashanth and Crossen discuss how AI can strengthen these efforts when paired with trusted instrumentation, as well as the barriers standing in the way, including regulatory silos, misaligned incentives and aging infrastructure.
Together, they paint a picture of a more resilient, efficient and resource-aware future for water utilities.
Show notes:Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nomination Form
WaterWorld Top Projects Nomination Form
Stormwater Solutions Top Projects Nomination Form
PFAS Crossword Puzzle
Key moments:00:00 – Introduction02:14 – What the circular water economy actually means05:29 – The six Rs that could reshape water management11:15 – Why utilities need a new role13:21 – The data foundation behind circular water18:17 – Where AI fits — and where it doesn’t28:23 – Housekeeping
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.
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In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss EPA’s latest PFAS regulatory moves, major new federal funding for drinking water and lead service line replacement, and stormwater-related investments aimed at protecting coastal water quality. The episode opens with a breakdown of EPA’s proposal to maintain drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS while reconsidering standards for several other PFAS compounds, alongside a potential compliance extension that could give some utilities until 2031 to meet federal limits. The hosts also examine EPA’s increasing focus on PFAS destruction technologies, nearly $946 million in emerging contaminants funding, and what those developments mean for utilities trying to balance treatment costs, planning, and compliance pressure.
The conversation then shifts to the legal and financial risks surrounding PFAS liability, including how CERCLA and RCRA apply to utilities, what EPA’s enforcement discretion does and does not protect against, and why water sector groups are pushing for permanent legislative safeguards. Later, the episode highlights nearly $2.9 billion in lead service line replacement funding and closes with stormwater and coastal water quality news, including federal beach monitoring grants and resilience planning underway in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.
Show notes:Administrator Zeldin Makes Major PFAS Announcement and Hosts Roundtable with Secretary Kennedy
EPA History: Superfund
Federal Environmental Liability under CERCLA and RCRA
Report finds 61% of U.S. beaches experienced unsafe contamination levels in 2024
EPA announces $9.75 million in BEACH Act funding for water quality monitoring
Sullivan's Island resilience plan pairs gray infrastructure with green solutions for 2050
Key moments:00:00 – Introduction01:16 – EPA PFAS actions overview02:16 – Proposed PFAS compliance extension to 203103:31 – Shift toward PFAS destruction technologies04:39 – $945.7 million in emerging contaminants funding06:13 – EPA outreach for small and disadvantaged systems07:02 – $2.9 billion for lead service line replacement08:34 – Lead funding declines slightly from prior year09:02 – PFAS liability discussion begins10:20 – RCRA and CERCLA explainer13:05 – Why utilities face PFAS liability risk14:03 – EPA enforcement discretion16:48 – Legislative safe harbor push17:45 – Deeper PRP liability implications19:32 – Atlantic Richfield case walkthrough23:22 – Limits of current liability protections25:17 – Stormwater and coastal water quality segment25:30 – EPA beach water quality grants26:22 – Safer swimming report findings27:12 – Sullivan’s Island resilience planning28:11 – HousekeepingAbout 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.
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In this episode of Talking Underwater, Stormwater Solutions Head of Content Sarah Kominek speaks with Manuel Parra of Xylem Vue about how digital tools are changing the way municipalities prepare for and respond to flooding. The conversation explores how communities can use existing infrastructure more effectively, why high-quality data matters as much as data collection, and how predictive analytics, modeling, and AI can support faster, smarter decisions during wet weather events. Parra also shares real-world examples from Houston and Buffalo to show how practical, scalable flood-control technology can help reduce risk, improve operations, and protect lives.
Key Moments 00:00 - Episode introduction and overview of why flood prediction is becoming more urgent 01:54 - How digital flood-control applications help municipalities respond to severe weather events 03:11 - Tools emergency managers use today, from sensors and rain gauges to models and AI 04:24 - Why data quality, not just data quantity, is critical for effective flood response 06:25 - Houston example: underpass flood detection and public alerts using existing infrastructure 08:05 - Buffalo example: preemptive system management that helped reduce combined sewer overflows 10:12 - What integrating digital technology with existing stormwater infrastructure looks like in practice 11:35 - The role of predictive analytics and AI in supporting operator decisions 13:16 - How climate variability changes the baseline and why models must keep evolving 14:32 - Regulatory and liability considerations tied to better infrastructure management 15:34 - How smaller or under-resourced communities can adopt lower-cost, right-sized solutions 17:34 - Typical lead times for flood prediction and why every minute counts 18:35 - Final takeaway: flood technology does not have to be overly complex to make a major impact About the PodcastTalking 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 Stormwater 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.
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In this episode Talking Under Water the co-hosts discuss the addition of microplastics to the EPA’s Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL6), enforcement fallout from the Potomac interceptor sewer collapse, industrial wastewater sampling tied to a Tesla facility in Texas, and recent stormwater headlines across the U.S.
Show notesHow EPA Regulates Drinking Water Contaminants
CCL 6 Frequent Questions
Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6-Draft
Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6) Docket Folder
Water Research Foundation Project 5155 (Consumer messaging guidance, microplastics)
Understanding microplastics in water: Fact vs. fiction (Brent Alspach video interview)
WaterWorld subscription
EPA, DOJ sue DC Water over Potomac Interceptor collapse
Lab analysis details wastewater characteristics at Tesla-linked site in Texas
Poll: Which wastewater process area will you focus on this year?
Charleston seeks $4.6 million to replace flood-prone homes with rain gardens, retention ponds
Grand Canyon eases water restrictions as aging system challenges persist
L.A. County captures record 120 billion gallons of stormwater, boosting local supply
Timestamps00:00 Cold open00:48 Introduction01:27 EPA/HHS joint initiative announced to address microplastics02:13 What the CCL is and how EPA uses it02:39 How EPA decides whether to regulate (three criteria)04:02 Draft CCL6 overview (chemicals, microbes, and groups)05:01 Public comment process + key deadline05:54 STOMP program explained09:02 Potomac interceptor collapse11:05 Tesla-linked wastewater characteristics 13:03 Douglas County, NV stormwater utility and rate proposals14:33 Charleston, SC buyouts + rain gardens/retention15:34 Grand Canyon National Park water system update16:05 LA County stormwater capture numbers17:07 Housekeeping
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.
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In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen discusses Water Week 2026 where key figures recorded messages from the event. The episode features firsthand perspectives from water sector leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., for the annual Water Policy Fly‑In to advocate for national water priorities.
Through voice memos from leaders at the Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and utility representatives from across the country, listeners hear a consistent message: federal investment in water infrastructure is critical. Speakers point to concerns around declining State Revolving Fund support, the need for long‑term affordability, and the growing financial and regulatory pressures of PFAS management.
Utility leaders explain how tools like SRF loans help keep water affordable for customers, especially as infrastructure ages and compliance costs rise. Crossen also reflects on related conversations with utility directors beyond Capitol Hill, tying Water Week priorities to broader operational challenges such as biosolids management, inflow and infiltration, and emerging technology needs.
Together, these insights illustrate why coordinated advocacy and sustained federal support remain essential to the health, resilience, and affordability of water and wastewater systems nationwide.
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:21 – Water Week 2026 overview and purpose of the DC Fly‑In00:51 – Overview of expert voice memos from WEF and AWWA01:28 – Steve Dye (WEF) on energy, momentum, and advocacy on Capitol Hill02:49 – Danielle Cloutier (NACWA) on record turnout and engagement with Congress03:41 – Joint water sector priorities highlighted in the Water Week press release03:47 – Key policy issues: infrastructure funding, PFAS, affordability, and “Do Not Flush” labels04:53 – Cynthia Lane (AWWA) on building relationships and advancing legislation05:59 – SRF, WIFIA, and growing funding tension for utilities06:55 – Cynthia Lane post‑meeting recap from Capitol Hill07:43 – Liesel Gross on infrastructure funding and PFAS08:38 – Jason Barrett on aging infrastructure needs09:14 – SRF funding, affordability, and economies of scale11:07 – Connecting Water Week themes to PFAS, biosolids, and geopolitics12:25 – Inflow and infiltration as a growing national challenge12:44 – Emerging technologies, SCADA integration, and AI interest13:19 – Why federal policy decisions matter for local utilities13:53 – Closing thanks to WEF and AWWA contributors14:12 – HousekeepingResources:Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at 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, 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.
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In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss escalating water use restrictions in Denver, the broader legal and political fight over Colorado River allocations, and what differing conservation strategies reveal about the future of water management in the West. The conversation begins with Denver Water’s declaration of a Stage 1 drought, outlining outdoor watering limits, fines for repeat violations, and how these measures compare with long‑standing, highly structured conservation programs in Southern Nevada.
The episode then zooms out to the Colorado River basin, breaking down the growing split between upper and lower basin states, the looming possibility of Supreme Court litigation, and disagreements over delivery obligations rooted in the 1922 Colorado River Compact. The hosts explore what water scarcity could mean for cities, agriculture, and priority water rights, and why the lack of a statewide curtailment plan in Colorado raises serious questions.
In additional news, the podcast reflects on the passing of Dr. James Barnard, a pioneering figure in biological nutrient removal, and covers bipartisan federal efforts to fund advanced wastewater treatment for PFAS. The episode rounds out with updates on sediment cleanups, beach water quality monitoring, stormwater permitting debates, and ongoing concerns about affordability as utilities face increasing regulatory and infrastructure demands.
Show Notes:Denver water restrictions expected to begin March 25 amid near-record low snowpack
Denver Water Rules for outdoor water use
Denver Water’s 2026 Water Budget Program
The Colorado River is on the brink of possible forced water cuts. One thing is certain: There will be lawyers.
Las Vegas Valley Conservation Schedule
Las Vegas Valley water waste fees and policies
Lower Colorado River Basin states agree to conserve 3 million acre-feet of water (2023)
Opposing viewpoints: what the Colorado River water allocation debate is about, and who has piped up
Water Technology
House advances BEACH Act reauthorization to strengthen water quality monitoring
EPA resumes Cuyahoga River sediment cleanup in Ohio
EPA resumes final phase of Rouge River sediment cleanup in Detroit
PFAS contamination raises new concerns in Louisiana facility's stormwater discharges
Stormwater sector pushes back as Washington targets permits: rules and affordable housing can coexist
Wastewater pioneer James Barnard dies at 90
Bipartisan bill targets funding for advanced wastewater treatment and PFAS removal
EPA seeks public input on financial capability guidance for wastewater upgrades
Timestamps: 01:23 – Denver Water declares Stage 1 drought02:18 – Stage 1 drought rules explained04:11 – Colorado River basin context05:31 – The 1922 Colorado River Compact06:51 – Lower basin conservation agreement07:45 – States respond as litigation looms08:41 – Nevada water conservation comparison10:31 – Potential impacts to Colorado water users12:12 – Agriculture vs. municipal water use debate14:32 – Passing of Dr. James Barnard15:22 – PFAS treatment funding proposal16:20 – EPA affordability guidance update17:16 – Federal water policy & cleanup updates19:24 – PFAS contamination incident20:09 – Stormwater permitting under scrutiny20:44 – HousekeepingResources: Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at 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, 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.
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Utilities hold more power than they think. In this day and age, with a few taps of a keyboard, information is literally at your fingertips. For some, that’s a simple Google search, and others a query with a generative AI tool. But for those more enterprising utility leaders, operators and managers, that interaction in peer groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, Discord or other platforms.
They share best practices with each other, answer questions, provide guidance on management decisions, and it is a forum for open and honest thoughts about products in the market place. Utilities are holding vendors accountable with each other.
Bruce Bharat, regional president of the Americas for Kamstrup, has taken notice of this trend and other purchasing influences in the market. In this sponsored interview, Bob Crossen talks with him about how the Information Age has changed the way modern utilities interact with Kamstrup, why that drives innovation and how being different is a good thing.
This episode is sponsored by Kamstrup
Resources: WaterWorld Digital Edition SWS Digital Edition WWD YouTube Channel About the PodcastTalking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial 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, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WaterWorld and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.
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In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Angela Walker who is the Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations at the Brunswick‑Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission and one of the inspirations for this year’s Women in Water feature story.
Walker reflects on her career journey, the role her mother played in shaping her sense of responsibility and stubborn determination, and the ways her team supported her during a profound personal loss. She shares candid insights on navigating male‑dominated spaces, building trust within utility teams, and creating a culture where knowledge is shared — not guarded — through cross‑training and collaboration between operations and maintenance.
The conversation dives into systems thinking during plant upsets, staying calm under pressure, and leading with accountability instead of blame. Walker also speaks to the industry’s role in long‑term water sustainability, from water reuse potential to the challenges posed by data centers and emerging contaminants.
This episode highlights why utilities are about more than infrastructure. They’re about people, public health, and the future of water.
Show notesWomen in Water 2026
Angela G. Walker LinkedIn
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:04 – Developing technical confidence & owning your seat at the table02:32 – Remembering her mother & early influences04:04 – Team support, trust, and leadership culture05:44 – Barriers for women in technical leadership07:59 – Lifting others as we climb / Knowledge‑sharing culture11:12 – Systems thinking & staying calm under pressure13:45 – Public health, sustainability, and water reuse18:26 – Closing thoughts & where to find Angela Walker19:54 – HousekeepingAbout 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 (WW) and Stormwater 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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In this episode, Talking Under Water co‑hosts discuss the newest PFAS regulatory developments, major legal challenges, and the mounting strain on water and stormwater infrastructure across the U.S. The conversation begins with the EPA’s decision to add PFHXSNA to the Toxics Release Inventory, expanding federal PFAS tracking and community access to chemical data. The hosts then outline the unfolding court battle over EPA’s PFAS drinking water rule, detailing the agency’s motion to sever and pause litigation on the hazard index and the strong opposition filed by AWWA and AMWA, who argue that utilities need unified judicial review to plan for compliance. The episode also explores the Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down President Trump’s tariff plan and how the administration is seeking new legal pathways to maintain tariffs. From there, the hosts examine the politically charged response to the Potomac Interceptor sewer collapse, highlighting the operational, financial, and communication challenges surrounding the incident. Closing out, the show turns to stormwater struggles on both coasts — catch basin failures and compliance gaps in Connecticut, and severe flooding, lawsuits, and multibillion‑dollar funding shortfalls in San Diego — underscoring nationwide infrastructure vulnerabilities. The episode concludes with key industry updates and program announcements. Show Notes
EPA adds PFHxS-Na to toxics release inventory, expanding PFAS reporting
Court battle over EPA PFAS rule turns to procedural fight
AWWA-v-EPA-PFAS-Our-Opposition-to-Motion-to-Sever (PDF)
Additional AWWA Resources for these court proceedings
EPA Motion to Sever and Hold Challenges to Index PFAS in Abeyance
Supreme Court strikes down Trump-era tariffs, raising implications for infrastructure costs
Trump calls for federal response to Potomac Interceptor collapse
Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:06 – Episode overview (topics the episode will cover)01:19 – PFAS TRI addition explanation (PFHXSNA added to toxics release inventory)04:09 – EPA motion on PFAS drinking water rule (EPA asks court to sever hazard index challenge)09:36 – AWWA & AMWA opposition filing (utilities argue judicial review should remain unified)14:22 – Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariff plan (overview of the decision and implications)16:35 – Potomac Interceptor sewer collapse (political conflict and infrastructure impacts)21:34 – Connecticut stormwater infrastructure challenges (Meriden compliance gaps and repairs)22:54 – San Diego stormwater failures (flooding, lawsuits, funding shortfall)24:13 – Housekeeping (polls, nominations, and program updates)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 (WW) and Stormwater 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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In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen talks with John Ikeda and Justin Roush about the launch of Xavier University’s groundbreaking Water Utilities Management master’s degree — the first program of its kind in the United States. Together, they discuss how the degree was conceived, the industry challenges it aims to address, and why workforce development has become one of the most urgent priorities for water and wastewater utilities.
Ikeda, chief mission officer at the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and Roush, assistant economics professor at Xavier and director of the new program, outline the growing need for specialized utility leadership as retirements accelerate and system complexity increases. They explain how the curriculum blends foundational business skills with utility‑specific coursework in areas like rate setting, regulation, capital improvement planning, and strategic communications. The discussion also highlights unique residency experiences, cohort‑based learning, and the program’s intentional focus on networking and long‑term career growth.
Crossen, Ikeda, and Roush explore how the master’s degree fits into broader sector‑wide workforce strategies and why emerging topics — such as AI in water — are being built directly into the curriculum. The episode offers a forward‑looking look at how the program aims to elevate future water utility leaders across the U.S.
Show NotesXavier University Water Utility Management ProgramXavier University Water Utility Management Program on LinkedInPoll: What is your biggest workforce challenge in 2026?WWD Emerging Leaders submissionsWW Emerging Leaders submissionsWW Women in Water QuestionnaireStormCon 2026 registrationTimestamps00:00 – Introduction01:25 – Guest introductions02:24 – Origin of the master's program04:49 – Why traditional programs fall short06:53 – What makes water utilities unique08:20 – Role of WEF in program development10:44 – Why visibility and career pathways matter11:30 – Cohort model & residency experiences18:44 – Unique program features27:15 – Housekeeping announcements and closing remindersAbout 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 (WW) and Stormwater 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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In this episode of Talking Underwater, co-hosts Mandy Crispin and Bob Crossen explore the forces shaping the water and wastewater sector as the industry looks ahead to 2026.
The conversation opens with insights into new research on the growing water demands of data centers in Texas. Drawing from a recent white paper by the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), Crispin outlines how existing and planned data center development could significantly strain drinking water supplies if water planning and policy fail to keep pace with rapid growth.
Crossen then shares insights from a January poll on wastewater capital spending priorities. Results show utilities are primarily focused on treatment process upgrades and collection system improvements, while resilience and emergency preparedness rank surprisingly low.
The episode wraps with a broader look at 2026 industry forecasts from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Key themes include workforce development, the rise of the circular water economy, policy efforts around PFAS and the “polluter pays” principle, funding through state revolving funds, and affordability programs such as LIHWAP. Together, these perspectives suggest a shift from big‑picture concepts toward practical action as utilities confront emerging challenges and opportunities in the year ahead.
Show NotesThirsty Data and the Lone Star State: The Impact of Data Center Growth on Texas’ Water SupplyWhat is perchlorate in drinking water?Poll results: 2026 wastewater capital spending prioritiesLooking forward: WEF’s strategics priorities and collective action for the wastewater sectorNACWA’s clean water initiatives focus on liability, affordability and infrastructureAWWA outlines federal priorities for water and wastewater utilities in the 119th CongressPoll: What is your biggest workforce challenge in 2026?WWD Emerging Leaders submissionsWW Emerging Leaders submissionsStormCon 2026 registrationTimestamps00:28 – Introduction01:05 – Overview of HARC white paper on Texas data centers and water use01:42 – Projections for data center water demand by 203004:13 – Policy recommendations06:23 – January capital spending poll overview07:55 – 2026 WEF priorities09:15 – 2026 NACWA policy and legislative focus09:34 – State Revolving Fund reauthorization10:08 – Low‑Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)11:15 – Housekeeping announcements and closing remindersAbout 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 (WW) and Stormwater 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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In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen speaks with Gabriel Collins, the Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, about the evolving pressures on industrial water use and the widening implications of the AI boom. Drawing from his cross-sector expertise, Collins unpacks why water is an inherently hyper‑local resource and how industries — ranging from semiconductor fabrication to refineries and petrochemical plants — are adapting to shrinking supplies and rising costs.
The conversation explores how data centers are straining municipal systems and, in some cases, driving new water‑reuse investments. Collins shares real‑world examples illustrating how creative contracting and industrial partnerships can help utilities upgrade critical infrastructure. He also highlights the increasing viability of air‑cooling technology as an alternative in water‑scarce regions.
Shifting to oil and gas, Collins explains how produced water, seismicity concerns, and disposal challenges are prompting operators to rethink water management strategies. Throughout the discussion, he stresses the importance of “fit‑for‑purpose” water use and the opportunities for circular water practices that avoid mixing contaminated and freshwater streams.
The episode closes with a look at the logistical and economic barriers that still limit a truly integrated one‑water approach.
Show NotesGabriel Collins, Baker Institute for Public PolicyGabriel Collins on LinkedInThe Sinews of Civilization SubstackWWD Emerging Leaders submissionsWW Emerging Leaders submissionsStormCon 2026 registrationTimestamps00:00 – Introduction01:39 – Industrial Water Use in 202603:04 – Blind Spots vs. Barriers05:07 – Water Reuse, Recycling, and Sector Differences06:34 – Fit‑for‑Purpose Water & Evolving Standards09:02 – Costs, Margins, and Sensitivity to Water Price11:03 – Data Centers & Municipal Pressure14:25 – Policy Levers & Infrastructure Investment17:34 – Oil & Gas: Produced Water, Disposal, and Seismicity20:19 – One Water & Virtual Water Displacement22:08 – Barriers to Circular Water26:35 – HousekeepingAbout 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 (WW) and Stormwater 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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In this episode of Talking Under Water, Mandy Crispin and Bob Crossen discuss the EPA’s proposal to establish a national primary drinking water regulation for perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The hosts break down the proposed rule, monitoring requirements, cost implications, and what utilities should prepare for, plus give updates on PFAS treatment research and recent wastewater spills.
Show NotesEPA proposes national drinking water rule for perchlorateFederal Register: Proposed national primary drinking water regulation for perchlorateWhat do the new PFAS MCLs mean for the water industry?Steps water systems can take to address perchlorate in drinking water (2020 EPA guidance document)New copper-aluminum layered double hydroxide technology offers sustainable PFAS remediationGeorgetown isolates 42-inch wastewater line failure after San Gabriel River spillHouston reports wastewater spill exceeding 100,000 gallons following collection system failureTimestamps00:00 – Cold open00:54 – Introduction to episode and overview01:32 – EPA proposal for perchlorate regulation explained03:49 – Comparing perchlorate MCLs to PFAS standards05:00 – Binning approach for monitoring frequency07:21 – Waiver process for reduced monitoring09:41 – Initial monitoring requirements and costs10:02 – Public comment deadline and hearing details11:04 – PFAS treatment research update 12:23 – Wastewater spill reports15:29 – HousekeepingAbout the PodcastTalking 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 (WW) and Stormwater 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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In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss the state of the industry surveys from each water brand — Wastewater Digest and WaterWorld — with some data points. The hosts provide some analysis of the results, including what some of the biggest challenges and trends are moving into 2026.
Show Notes: 2025 State of the One Water Industry2024 State of the One Water IndustryTimestamps: Cold open | 0:00Episode summary | 1:01Financial trends | 6:29Organizational health | 9:45Key industry issues | 32:05Housekeeping | 40:24 Resources: WWD VideosWW Magazine SubscriptionStormCon RegistrationAbout the PodcastTalking 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 on-site 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 Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.
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In this episode of Talking Under Water as Kaitlin Spiridellis shares insights from her year-long global fellowship exploring water challenges and solutions across five continents. From Europe’s luxury water market and Vienna’s century-old gravity-fed system to sanitation campaigns in Indonesia, equity efforts for First Nations in Australia, and innovative partnerships in Africa, this episode uncovers surprising patterns in water stress and highlights emerging technologies shaping the future of “One Water” management. Kaitlin also reflects on the emotional impact of her journey and her optimism for global collaboration in building resilient, equitable water systems.
Show Notes: World of water landing pageThe Water Chronicles: A Journey to Understand the World’s Water DisparitiesTimestamps:Cold open - 0:00Host introduction and episode summary - 0:53Europe segment - 2:04Australia - 15:04Africa - 19:00Global themes & future outlook- 22:44Personal reflection - 33:00Housekeeping - 36:55About the PodcastTalking Under Water, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B, 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 Stormwater 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.
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In this episode of Talking Under Water the hosts discuss recent industry news, including the resignation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) acting administrator, David Richardson; a newly proposed rule of Waters of the United States from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corp; the EPA proposing to revise PFAS reporting under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act; and investments from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) into resource recovery research and some patent-pending research for Purdue University surrounding PFAS chemicals.
Show Notes: Search for the PFAS reporting rule change under docket #EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0549 here.View a prepublication version of the PFAS reporting rule change proposal here.Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 aims at expanding intelligent water infrastructureFEMA acting chief resigns amid disaster response concernsEPA, Army propose new WOTUS definition aimed at clarity and regulatory certaintyPurdue researchers develop rapid PFAS screening and replacement methodDOE invests $25 million to recover critical minerals from U.S. wastewaterTimestamps: Cold open - 0:00Host introductio nand episode summary - 0:52FEMA Administrator resigns - 1:38EPA releases proposed WOTUS rule - 2:15EPA proposes TSCA PFAS reporting updates - 3:44Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 - 6:21Purdue research on PFAS chemical alternatives - 7:56DOE invests $25 million into wastewater resource recovery - 9:02Housekeeping - 10:16Resources: WWD webinarsWaterWorld November/December digital editionSWS digital updateAbout the PodcastTalking Under Water, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B, 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 Stormwater 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.
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The water meter is the cash register for a water utility. For those how have worked win the water business for any amount of time, they've likely heard that adage. But how does a water system choose the right meter for the utility? Should utilities pick the cheap option because they cash-strapped? What is the difference if they are willing to pay for higher quality?
In this sponsored interview with Kamstrup, Jake Piccioni, solution manager for Kamstrup, talks about the company’s “culture of quality” to ensure their customers have the very best meters in their systems. Learn how high quality meters can lead to long-term savings with total cost of ownership, and that’s even before considering the benefits that newer modern meters offer utilities in terms of accuracy, pressure and other measured parameters.
Show NotesLearn more about Kamstrup: https://www.kamstrup.com/en-us/water-solutionsTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to episode and guest01:10 – What challenges do utilities face when lower quality meters are used? How can that increase the total cost of ownership?03:29 – What about the Kamstrup designs sets these meters apart? 06:24 – What about the materials? What are your meters made of?08:00 – Given this scrutiny Kamstrup places on the design and materials, how then does that cultural of quality translate to manufacturing of the meters? What rigors do these meters go through for QA and QC? 10:54 – What are the dangers of having poor or inaccurate data for a utility? What can utilities realize when they have good data?14:16 – OutroAbout the PodcastTalking 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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In this episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Katie Johns spoke with Dr. Jeremy Hoffman, director of Impact Evaluation and Community Science at Groundwork USA, about water's role in climate resilience. Dr. Hoffman spoke about his research with Groundwork USA, including heat and flood data; touches on the importance of community engagement and shares what challengees the industry is facing when it comes to resiliency.
Show Notes: Cooling urban heat islands with smart stormwater systemsResilience isn’t one-size-fits-all: Rethinking resilience for locally impactful solutionsNew report finds water infrastructure investment could add $3.9 trillion to U.S. GDPTransforming wastewater into renewable natural gas and advancing the circular water economyGroundwork USATimestamps: Intro | 00:08Hoffman's climate science background | 01:06Overview of Groundwork USA and its mission | 04:09NOAA’s Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaigns | 05:06Water’s central role in climate resilience | 08:47Challenges of addressing climate change |16:42How environmental conditions drive disparities in life expectancy across neighborhoods | 19:03Defining climate resilience | 21:01Closing thoughts | 23:55Housekeeping | 25:26Resources:WWD Q3 Trump Performance PollWaterWorld SubscriptionStormCon Call for AbstractsAbout the PodcastTalking Under Water, a production of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B, 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 Stormwater 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.
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