Words On Water #173: A Scholarship for Operators

January 21, 2021

Jaime Eichenberger is the President-elect of the Water Environment Federation and an Associate Vice President at HDR and Sarah Reeves is vice-chair of the WEF scholarship subcommittee and a Vice President at Brown and Caldwell. In this episode Jaime and Sarah discuss WEF’s new scholarships for water and wastewater operators pursuing education, and training and for individuals pursuing certification to enter the water sector. The scholarship will reimburse expenses up to $5,000 and is available to individuals seeking an entry level operator’s license or licensed operators seeking professional development in municipal and industrial treatment, reuse, collection and distribution, and stormwater. The scholarship application deadline is April 1. For more information and to apply, click here.

Words On Water #118: Chris Hartman on Using the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program in Northeast Ohio

January 13, 2020

Chris Hartman is a Stormwater Technical Specialist with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. In this episode Chris discusses the important role of green infrastructure in Project Clean Lake, the utility’s program to reduce pollution to Lake Erie. He explains that NEORSD decided to utilize the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program for training on the design, installation, and maintenance. Chris says the use of NGICP has led to several people gaining jobs to maintain green infrastructure in the greater Cleveland community.

Episode #118
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #96: Teresa Penunuri on Developing the Next Generation of Employees

July 8, 2019

Teresa Penunuri is Public Affairs Supervisor for the San Diego County Water Authority. In this episode Teresa says developing and retaining current employees is a vital part of shaping the next generation of the water workforce. She discusses how employees should be connected to an organization’s priorities in communications, policy, and the community. Teresa explains that employees should feel part of an innovative culture and be encouraged to think about the direction of their career.

Episode #96
Hosted by Travis Loop

The Most Popular Episodes of 2018

Water is a popular conversation topic. That’s why the Water Environment Federation produces the Words On Water podcast. In 2018, there were 54 episodes released, featuring a diverse list of guests and covering a wide range of issues. Instead of picking favorites for an end-of-year list, we looked at the statistics to see which episodes were the most popular with listeners. Here they are, in no particular order.

Art Umble on the Circular Economy

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.

Sidney Innerebner on Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals

Sidney discusses how the new Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals provide a one-stop shop for operators to gain the information needed to do their jobs. She talks about how the book features an array of pictures, graphics, terminology, and practice questions for certification exams. 

Manon Fisher on Addressing Climate Change with Biosolids

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.

John Willis on Biogas and Biosolids

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.

Al Cho on Smart Water Systems

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.

Jennifer Walsh on Being a Millennial in the Water Sector

Jennifer explains why young people should consider a career in the water sector, how involvement in organizations like the Water Environment Federation provides vital professional development, the strengths of millennials that employers should utilize, and her experience working on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the UNLEASH program.

Carla Reid on Going From “CE to CEO”

Carla discusses her journey “from CE to CEO.” She also talks about what leadership means to her, the rise of women in the water workforce, the importance of mentorship, and introducing young people to water careers.

Words On Water #49: Sidney Innerebner on Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals

August 27, 2018

Sidney Innerebner is the Owner of Indigo Water Group and Author of Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals. In this episode, Sidney discusses how the new Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals provide a one-stop shop for operators to gain the information needed to do their jobs. She talks about how the book features an array of pictures, graphics, terminology, and practice questions for certification exams. Sidney also explains how the book represents the highest standard of what is known about wastewater treatment.

Episode #49
Hosted by Travis Loop