Words On Water #197: Melody White On The State of Water Reuse

October 12, 2021

Melody White is Principal Application Development Manager at Hach. In this episode Melody discusses the state of water reuse and the continuing increase in projects around the United States. She talks about how population growth and drought are driving water reuse, the barriers of cost and public acceptance, and advancing the science and technology. Melody also speculates on where water reuse may go in the next five to 10 years.

Episode #197
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Words On Water #161: Steve Myers and Melody White on the Momentum in Resource Recovery

September 29, 2020

Steve Myers and Melody White are Application Development Managers at Hach. In this episode Steve and Melody talk about the increasing momentum in the sector for water reuse and nutrient recovery. They discuss how regional differences in water and regulations require different solutions for resource recovery and the technology and equipment that can meet those needs.

This episode is brought to you by Hach.

Episode #161
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Words On Water #127: Julie Nahrgang on the Water Reality in Texas

February 24, 2020

Julie Nahrgang is the Executive Director of the Water Environment Association of Texas. In this episode Julie talks about the misconceptions and reality of water and environmental management in Texas. She discusses how the size and geographic diversity of the state feeds into challenges and opportunities. Julie also explains what is happening in Texas with communications, stormwater management, produced water from oil and gas, and workforce development.

Episode #127
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Words On Water #95: Adam Lovell on Water Utilities in Australia

July 1, 2019

Adam Lovell is Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia. In this episode Adam provides an overview of the water utility sector in Australia and issues such as urbanization, extreme drought, water reuse, and energy neutrality. He also explains the water sector’s focus on customer value, affordability, stormwater, and community livability. Adam discusses the special collaborative relationship that Australia has with the United States and United Kingdom.

Episode #95
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Words On Water #94: Lori Weigel on Public Opinion on Infrastructure, Affordability, and Reuse

June 24, 2019

Lori Weigel is Principal at New Bridge Strategy. In this episode Lori discusses the results of an annual public opinion poll conducted through the Value of Water Campaign, which found that 85 percent of voters support increased funding for water infrastructure, a level of support that cuts across demographics, geography, party affiliation, and income level. She also talks about questions on affordability that show four in five voters believe water rates are affordable and are willing to pay more. Lori also explains that only 12 percent of voters are familiar with recycled water.

Episode #94
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Words On Water #80: Mohammad Abdulatif on Water in Saudi Arabia

February 25, 2019

Mohammad Abdulatif is superintendent for the Dhahran Water Operations Division in Saudi Aramco and founder of the Saudi Arabia Water Environment Association. In this episode, Mohammad discusses water management in Saudi Arabia, including the extensive use of desalination, requirements for reuse for industry, and prioritization of agricultural crops that require less water. He talks about the challenges of growing water demand in an arid country and how Saudi Vision 2030 features a focus on a sustainable water sector, supported by government investment. Mohammad also explains efforts to educate the public, including children, about water conservation.

Episode #80
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Words On Water #76: Haley Falconer on Sustainability in Boise

February 5, 2019

Haley Falconer is Environmental Division Senior Manager for the City of Boise. In this episode, Haley discusses managing environmental services for one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and how water fits in the portfolio with energy, waste, and air quality. She talks about the choice by Boise to use the term “water renewal facilities” and familiarizing the public with the phrase. Haley reflects on Boise’s recent experience producing several beers and ciders with purified wastewater. She also explains why she has been a very active volunteer for the Water Environment Federation.

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Words On Water #70: Gilbert Trejo on Direct Potable Reuse in El Paso, Texas

January 2, 2019

Gilbert Trejo is the Chief Technical Officer for El Paso Water. In this episode, Gilbert discusses the utility’s direct potable reuse project that will put wastewater effluent through several types of advanced treatment and then distribute it directly into the drinking water system. He explains this project is part of El Paso’s long-running emphasis on diversifying its water resources portfolio. Gilbert said a survey of customers found that 85 percent said they would drink this water. He also talks about the process of working with state regulators, a visit by CNN and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and how the use of “toilet to tap” is an opportunity to educate.

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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.

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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.

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Words On Water #52: Paul Bowen on Water Management by World’s Largest Beverage Company

September 12, 2018

Paul Bowen is Water and Wastewater Technology Manager for the Coca-Cola North American Supply Chain and former President of the Board of Trustees of the Water Environment Federation. In this episode, Paul explains the increased focus on water sustainability at Coca-Cola over the past 15 years, which was spurred by an examination of water risk in the 200 countries it operates. He talks about the importance of relationships with water utilities, the wastewater requirements for bottlers, and the opportunity to reuse treated water for non-potable operations. Paul also reflects on the value of volunteering with WEF and his tenure on the Board.

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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
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Words On Water #44: Tim Thomure on Reclaiming and Reusing Water in the Desert

July 23, 2018

Tim Thomure is the Director of Tucson Water in Arizona. In this episode, Tim discusses how a heavy focus on reclaiming and reusing water in the desert has enabled Tucson and Pima County to transition off groundwater and recharge the aquifer. He also talks about the work to develop a regulatory framework for direct potable reuse in Arizona so communities will have the option if necessary. Additionally, Tim explains the growth of green infrastructure in Tucson as a way to capture precious rainfall and reduce the heat island effect.

Episode #44
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