Words On Water #174: Introducing WEF’s New Director of Sustainable Biosolids Programs

February 16, 2021

Maile Lono-Batura is the new Director of Sustainable Biosolids Programs for the Water Environment Federation. In this episode Maile talks about her background and experiences serving as Executive Director of Northwest Biosolids for 22 years. She discusses her new responsibilities and focus in leading biosolids programs for WEF, including the importance of improving collaboration, expanding communications, and advancing research. Maile also shares her perspective on the current trends and pressing issues in biosolids, ranging from PFAS to public perception.

Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #151: Zoe Gotthold on Winning the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

July 20, 2020

Zoe Gotthold is a recent graduate of Richland High School in Richland, Washington and the 2020 winner of the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize. In this episode Zoe discusses her winning project, which involved developing prototypes of devices that promote oil flocculation at the surface and increase the efficacy of traditional oil spill remediation techniques. She talks about how much she enjoyed the experience of the SJWP competition and valued the feedback from judges. Zoe says she will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall.

Episode #151
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #123: Dr. Linda Lee on the Science of PFAS in Water Treatment

February 3, 2020

Dr. Linda Lee is a Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University. In this episode Linda discusses the science of PFAS in water treatment, her recent article published in the Water Environment Research Journal, and how her work began 15 years ago when DuPont asked her to help expand knowledge of the so-called “forever chemicals.” She talks about current science on the presence and removal methods of PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and biosolids. Linda also explains what is known about the fate and transport of PFAS into the soil, groundwater, and crops when biosolids are applied to agricultural land.

Episode #123
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #112: Sonja Michaluk on Winning the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

October 23, 2019

Sonja Michaluk is a high school student and the winner of the 2019 U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize, the nation’s most prestigious youth competition for water-related research. In this episode Sonja discusses how she explored the use of DNA barcoding to measure the health of waterways with larval Chironomidae, the most widespread macroinvertebrate family. She talks about her interest in the intersection of science and public policy and making data the language of debate. Sonja tells how her research caused a town board to change the planned path of a roadway to avoid a healthy creek.

Episode #112
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #104: Preview of WEFTEC 2019

September 13, 2019

WEFTEC 2019, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, will be held September 21-25 in Chicago. This episode provides a preview of content in the program topic areas of research, utility management, future issues, and municipal design, including suggestions for highly recommended sessions to attend.

Episode #104
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #99: Dr. Sally Brown on Communicating About Biosolids

August 5, 2019

Dr. Sally Brown is a Research Professor in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. In this episode, Sally says biosolids are a science communication tool for the public, particularly as learning about the benefits help them get over the yuck factor. She also discusses innovative ways to use biosolids, including in urban stormwater management and growing cannabis. Sally says decades of research have shown biosolids to be safe and the sector must talk about the low level of risk from contaminants including PFAS compared to other household sources.

Episode #99
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #77: Adam Davis on Public Opinion on Water Services

February 11, 2019

Adam Davis is Senior Counsel at DHM Research. In this episode Adam discusses results of a national opinion survey conducted with Blue Drop that found one-third of people do not know the source of their drinking water and two-thirds do not know the destination of their wastewater after it is cleaned. He also shares that 50 percent aren’t familiar with the quality of their drinking water and three-quarters don’t know about water infrastructure projects in their community. Adam explains how a lack of public awareness can lead to other types of infrastructure and services being prioritized for investment before water. He says it is important for utilities to poll locally, engage customers, use focus groups, and partner with other organizations as a way to build relationships.

Episode #77
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #73: Dr. Jason He on the Water Environment Research Journal

January 22, 2019

Dr. Jason He is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech and the new Editor-In-Chief of the Water Environment Research (WER) Journal. In this episode, Jason explains that while it is an exciting time to be water research, it can be challenging to address all the areas of need, such as on emerging contaminants, and to secure funding. He also discusses the history and importance of WER to the water sector, as well as the overall role of peer-reviewed journals in providing high-quality research. Jason talks about recent changes to the journal, including a publishing partnership with Wiley, a new editorial board, and an emphasis on practical research, case studies, and viewpoint columns.

Episode #73
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #63: Art Umble on the Circular Economy

November 13, 2018

Dr. Art Umble leads the Global Wastewater Practice for Stantec Consulting. In this episode, Art explains the concept of the circular economy, including its origins in the 1960s and how it has evolved over the years. He discusses the level of support for a circular economy in the water sector and in industry, businesses, and government. Art also talks about the idea of biomimicry, which involves using nature as the model for designs and systems.

Episode #63
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #61: Ronit Erlitzki and Richard Cavagnaro on this Exciting Time in Water

October 29, 2018

Ronit Erlitzki is the Director of Business Development and Innovation and Richard Cavagnaro is the Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at AdEdge Water Technologies. In this episode, Ronit and Richard discuss how the state of science and technology make it an exciting time to work in water and how scientists and engineers are actually creative people. They talk about several hot issues including emerging contaminants such as PFOA and PFOS, the evolution of desalination, transferring technology to the market, and showcasing water careers to the next generation.

This episode is brought to you by AdEdge Water Technologies.

Episode #61
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #58: Tom Kunetz on Priorities as WEF President

October 9, 2018

Tom Kunetz is the new President of the Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Assistant Director of Monitoring and Research for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). In this episode, Tom discusses his priorities for the next year as WEF President, which include increasing the diversity of the water workforce and expanding resource recovery by utilities. He also talks about his work at MWRD, the rebound of the Chicago River, and his involvement in comedy.

Episode #58
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #54: Kevin Marsh on Big Data and Machine Learning in Collection Systems

September 24, 2018

Kevin Marsh is Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FlowWorks. In this episode, Kevin discusses how big data and machine learning can now be used to improve the information on stormwater impacts on collections systems. Instead of the traditional approach of conducting flow studies and waiting for results, a new tool called Infinitii I&I provides on-going, real-time access to data needed characterize a system’s wet weather response, evaluate needs, and predict performance. Kevin also talks about a new public notification system for combined sewer overflow events and how utilities can benefit from a flood risk forecasting tool.

This episode is brought to you by FlowWorks.

Episode #54
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #53: Mike Matichich on Making Progress on Affordability

September 17, 2018

Mike Matichich leads the financial services consulting team for Jacobs. In this episode, Mike explains how the increasing attention to affordability of water rates stems from the pinch created by necessary investments in infrastructure and rising costs for households. He says it is more important than ever for utilities to create customer assistance programs and to turn research on affordability into action. Mike also discusses how lessons can be learned at looking at state-by-state variability, approaches in public versus private water systems, and in how places like Australia, Canada, and Europe address affordability issues.

Episode #53
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #51: Preview of WEFTEC 2018

September 7, 2018

WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality event in the world. This year it will be held September 29 to October 3 in New Orleans. In this episode, WEF staff provide a preview of WEFTEC, including highlights of the conference program, the new additions to the exhibit floor, what to expect at the opening session, and how to use the app to navigate the event.

Episode #51
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #48: Manny Teodoro on Affordability of Rates

August 20, 2018

Manny Teodoro is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University. In this episode, Manny discusses the issue of affordability of water, including how water can be simultaneously underpriced and unaffordable. He talks about why the water sector must address the affordability issue now. Manny also explains why the median household income isn’t an accurate measure for determining affordability and offers more effective ways to calculate costs for working class households.

Episode #48
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #45: Manon Fisher on Addressing Climate Change with Biosolids

July 30, 2018

Manon Fisher is a resource recovery specialist with the San Francisco Public Utility Commission. In this episode, Manon discusses the role of biosolids in addressing climate change — including through carbon sequestration – and in building environmental literacy in a community. She also talks about the path ahead for SFPUC to transition to the highest class of biosolids.

Episode #45
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #43: Mike McGill on Crisis Communications and Emerging Contaminants

July 16, 2018

Mike McGill is the President of WaterPIO. In this episode, Mike discusses the presence of the chemical GenX in the Cape Fear River and drinking water of Wilmington, N.C. He also talks about how utilities should approach crisis communications, particularly for emerging contaminants like PFOA, PFAS, and GenX. Mike explains the importance of regular, proactive communications from utilities to customers and the media, and how that approach provides benefits in emergency situations.

Episode #43
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #42: John Willis on Biogas and Biosolids

July 9, 2018

John Willis is Vice President of Wastewater Solutions at Brown and Caldwell. In this episode, John discusses the generation of biogas by the water sector and the opportunity to increase production, particularly for vehicle fuel. He also talks about the value of biosolids and importance of regular dialogue with the media and public. John additionally explains the enormous potential of anaerobic primary treatment to drive water utilities to net zero, an innovative process inspired by work by the Gates Foundation in the developing world.

Episode #42
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #39: Jeff Prevatt on the Future of Direct Potable Reuse

June 25, 2018

Jeff Prevatt is the Deputy Director of Treatment, Research, and Innovation for Water Reclamation in Pima County, Arizona. In this episode, Jeff shares his perspective on the future of direct potable reuse of water, explains how the AZ Pure Water Brew Challenge used beer to raise public awareness, and talks about the innovative research underway at the new WEST Center, a facility opened in partnership with the University of Arizona and Dow.

Episode #39
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #38: Al Cho on Smart Water Systems

June 18, 2018

Al Cho is the Vice President of Advanced Infrastructure Analytics at Xylem, Inc. In this episode, Al discusses the use of smart technologies in monitoring, assessing, and decision-making for water infrastructure. He also explains the new Intelligent Water Systems Challenge and offers his thoughts on remote sensing, automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.

Episode #38
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #37: Ned Beecher on the Benefits of Biosolids

June 11, 2018

Ned Beecher is the Executive Director of the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association. In this episode, Ned discusses the many benefits of biosolids, including diverting waste from landfills, improving agricultural production, restoring land damaged by mining and fires, and remediating Superfund sites. He also talks about safety issues around emerging contaminants and the role of biosolids in addressing climate change.

Episode #37
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #35: Dr. Bruce Rittmann on Microbial Communities

May 28, 2018

Dr. Bruce Rittmann is the director of the Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University. He was named the 2018 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for revolutionizing water and wastewater treatment. In this episode, Bruce discusses how his first job at a wastewater plant shaped his career, the cutting-edge use of microbial communities to convert pollutants into resources, and how mathematical modeling can improve the treatment process.

Episode #35
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Words On Water #26: John Albert on The Water Research Foundation

March 19, 2018

John Albert is the Chief Research Officer for The Water Research Foundation. In this episode, John discusses the recent merger of two nonprofit research organizations that created The Water Research Foundation. He also talks about new focus areas of water research, including the workforce of the future, affordability of rates, emerging contaminants, and transformative technology like robotics, drones, and virtual reality.

Episode #26
Hosted by Travis Loop

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS