waterloop: exploring solutions
Travis Loop
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A podcast helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. waterloop is for people who work in water at utilities, government, universities, engineering firms, technology companies, and environmental organizations. The podcast helps listeners to become more knowledgeable experts, creators of change in communities, and builders of a sustainable and equitable water future. waterloop is hosted by Travis Loop, who brings two decades of experience in journalism and water communications, including at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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4 hours ago
#196: How To Taste Water
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
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Sep 18, 2023
#195: Adventures In Hydrology
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
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Sep 11, 2023
#194: A View From The Year 2099
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
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Sep 5, 2023
#193: NFL Becomes More Blue
The NFL has long had an environment program to mitigate the impact of its major events and leave a green legacy in host cities.
But over the last few years, water stewardship has become a more prominent part of the portfolio, particularly in conjunction with the Super Bowl, as discussed in this episode with Jack Groh, Director of the NFL Environment Program.
He explains how the NFL works with FORCE BLUE, an organization of military special operations veterans, to conduct water projects, including restoring coral reef in Florida, helping the kelp forest in California, and removing invasive snails in an Arizona river.
Jack also talks about engaging the NFL fans to raise awareness of current water issues and increase stewardship.
This episode is from a conversation at the Green Sports Alliance Summit.
This episode is supported by Open Water, the ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed water canned in the U.S. in BPA-free aluminum packaging. Learn more at drinkopenwater.com
\waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Aug 28, 2023
#192: Oregon's Original Net Zero Hero
Water treatment facilities use tremendous amounts of energy, often responsible for up to 30 percent of a municipality's energy consumption and cost.
There is a movement to make these water facilities net zero, meaning they produce as much energy as they consume.
Oregon is home to one of the original net zero facilities in the U.S., as discussed in this episode with Jacob Corum, an engineer at the Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant.
During a tour of the plant, Jacob explains how it achieved net zero status, particularly by increasing production of biogas, optimizing processes for energy efficiency, and installing solar panels on the property.
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
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Aug 21, 2023
#191: Funding To Fight Lead: A Panel Of Perspectives
This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead.
A group of experts from government, banking, and advocacy recently gathered at the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. to discuss funding options and opportunities and how to advance the work.
This episode features presentations from the event on topics including federal loan programs, activities at the municipal level, technical assistance for communities, use of bond financing, and resources to navigate funding.
The speakers are:
-Anita Thompkins, Director of Drinking Water Infrastructure Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-Tom Neltner, Senior Director of Safer Chemicals at the Environmental Defense Fund
-Carolyn Berndt, Legislative Director for Sustainability at the National League of Cities
-Cynthia Koehler, Executive Director at the WaterNow Alliance
-Nathan Anderson, Assistant Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
-Maureen Cunningham, Chief Strategy Officer at the Environmental Policy Innovation Center
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
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Aug 14, 2023
#190: Elevating The Emerging Leaders
Fresh perspectives and innovative ideas play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, water equity, and environmental justice.
This is why it's crucial to identify, recognize, and nurture emerging leaders, a topic explored in this episode with Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, Senior Director for Environmental Justice at The White House Council on Environmental Quality. She joins the podcast to celebrate the recipients of the WaterNow Alliance 2023 Emerging Leader Award.
During the conversation, she delves into the intersection between emerging leaders and environmental justice, emphasizes the significance of effecting change at the grassroots level, and underscores the imperative for early and mid-career water professionals to be bold in their pursuits.
This episode is a collaboration with WaterNow Alliance. Learn more about their 2023 Emerging Leader Award Winners.
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 and connect at partnerships@flumewater.com.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Aug 7, 2023
#189: Fighting For Fairness In San Joaquin Valley
There are one million people in California without safe drinking water and many of them live in the San Joaquin Valley, a region dominated by agriculture. Many residents, particularly low-income, Latino farmworkers in rural communities, face the harsh reality of dry wells or contaminated water sources due to the excessive water consumption and pollution caused by the agricultural industry.
But there are organizations fighting for fairness in water access, as discussed in this episode with Susana De Anda of Community Water Center, Linda Gutierrez of the Yettum-Seville Community Services District, and Jessi Snyder of Self-Help Enterprises.
They talk about the basic assistance of providing emergency tanks, delivering water, and drilling wells for homes. They also explain efforts to unite tiny utilities, build networks of community leaders, assist towns with operations, and raise the voice of those in need.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Jul 16, 2023
#188: The Sport of Sustainability
Sports have tremendous influence and impact on many facets of society, including the environment. The potential to turn the sports industry into a powerful driver of sustainability led to the formation of the Green Sports Alliance in 2010.
Over a decade later, its member teams, leagues, venues, and businesses are creating change, as discussed in this episode with Dune Ives, the organization’s co-founder and board member.
Dune explains how the Green Sports Alliance was initially focused on energy and waste, but that water is now becoming a more prominent issue. She talks about a new playbook that aims to help venues improve water management and the opportunities for the water and sports industries to deepen collaboration.
This episode is supported by Open Water, the ultra-purified, electrolyte-packed water canned in the U.S. in BPA-free aluminum packaging. Learn more at drinkopenwater.com
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Jul 10, 2023
#187: The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons On Regulations
This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever 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.
This episode is about regulations.
Some of the big questions about PFAS are how industrial facilities have been able to discharge the chemicals and whether regulations like the Clean Water Act are being properly utilized.
Those regulatory issues and the situation for the Cape Fear River are discussed in this episode with Elizabeth Biser, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and Geoff Gisler, Program Director at the Southern Environmental Law Center.
They talk about the requirements for compliance with a consent order and groundbreaking permit for a facility on the Cape Fear. Geoff summarizes the variety of PFAS litigation around the country and direction of the legal fight, while Elizabeth explains the response and approach by state regulators.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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/
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Jul 5, 2023
#186: Players For The Planet
Athletes have tremendous influence - on fans, teams, brands, and more.
That power can be used to create positive change for the environment, as discussed in this episode with Chris Dickerson, a former Major League Baseball player and co-founder of Players For The Planet.
Chris explains how he developed an interest in sustainability when surrounded by single-use plastic in a baseball clubhouse and then launched the organization to create opportunities for athletes to take action. He also talks about the growing interest among players and the need for teams and venues to move faster.
From a conversation at the Green Sports Alliance Summit.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet exploring solutions for sustainability and equity. Visit waterloop.org
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Jun 25, 2023
#185: Careers That Create Change
Many people, particularly in younger generations, want careers that make a positive impact on broad issues such as social justice and climate change. The water industry is promoting that it has jobs that deliver results for people and the planet.
One of the messengers is Maura Jarvis, a community outreach consultant for the Philadelphia Water Department. In this episode, Maura discusses how water careers are excellent opportunities to create change in communities, the impact of her work in public engagement, and advice for people interested in entering the industry.
This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. Learn more at reservoircenter.org
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Jun 19, 2023
#184: Funding To Fight Lead: Using Municipal Bonds
This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead.
Replacing the nation’s lead service lines in a timely manner is going to require funding beyond government dollars. The municipal bonds that utilities use for a variety of water infrastructure projects are an untapped resource for lead service line replacement.
This episode about the use of municipal bonds is particularly of interest to utility leadership, financial staff, and municipal managers. The conversation features Marc Uy, portfolio manager for municipal impact at AllianceBernstein; Stephen Spitz, leader of the water and wastewater financing team at Orrick; and Clifford Gerber, tax lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright.
The guests discuss how impact investors are interested in water infrastructure such as lead service line replacement, the ability for municipalities to finance the work on private property because of the public benefit, and the tax implications including exemption.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Vi…
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Jun 12, 2023
#183: Inside Philly’s Green Machine
Philadelphia is one of the country’s leaders in the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater and bring benefits to communities. Since launching its Green City, Clean Waters initiative in 2011, Philly has installed 2,800 green tools at more than 800 sites, which together capture a staggering 3 billion gallons of water.
The city’s approach and accomplishments are discussed in this episode with Stephanie Chiorean, Environmental Scientist Specialist and Planner at the Philadelphia Water Department.
Stephanie leads visits to three standout locations for green infrastructure - the American Street, Adaire School, and Waterloo Playground. Along the way she provides insights on lessons learned and advice for other cities working to go green.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Jun 5, 2023
#182: Ride On A River: The Anacostia
For a long time, the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. was nicknamed the Forgotten River due to a lack of investment, heavy pollution, and surrounding low-income neighborhoods.
Now ecological restoration and a development boom have brought attention to the Anacostia.
This episode is a ride on the river with Trey Sherard, Anacostia Riverkeeper.
Trey talks about challenges such as environmental racism, toxic sediment, and gentrification, as well as progress on sewer overflows, stormwater controls, and community engagement.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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May 22, 2023
#181: The Elevation of DEI in Los Angeles
Societal events of the past few years have many water utilities working to address diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has established an Office of DEI that is focusing on an array of work and has a top executive that reports directly to the general manager rather than the human resources department.
These efforts are discussed in this podcast with Cathie Chavez-Morris, Utility Services Manager with the LADWP Office of DEI.
She talks about striving for improvements in the areas of workforce, workplace, and marketplace. Cathie also explains the opportunity to use historic levels of infrastructure funding to make progress on DEI.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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May 15, 2023
#180: Dissecting Distrust In The Tap
Over the past 20 years, trust in public institutions has plummeted and sales of bottled water have skyrocketed. A new book titled Profits Of Distrust explores how these trends are related and the correlation between distrust of tap water and government agencies such as utilities.
The analysis is discussed in this episode with Manny Teodoro, one of the book’s authors and a Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In addition to outlining the problem, the book presents a series of reforms that could rebuild public trust in the water coming out of the tap. Manny talks about several of them including consolidation of utilities, enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act, improving Consumer Confidence Reports, paying attention to the taste of tap water, and providing universal service across America.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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May 9, 2023
#179: The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons On Health
This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever 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.
This episode is about health.
The emergence of PFAS has epidemiologists and toxicologists working to understand the health impacts. Researchers in North Carolina are on the leading edge of the science and in this episode Dr. Jane Hoppin of North Carolina State University and Dr. Jamie DeWitt of East Carolina University discuss what is known about human health impacts.
They talk about studying the blood of people in the Cape Fear region and finding higher levels of PFAS than the average American, communicating those results to people, and sharing recommendations for monitoring health moving forward. Jane and Jamie share what they have learned as researchers and offer advice for other scientists working o…
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May 1, 2023
#178: Envisioning Water In The Year 2050
What will water look like in the year 2050?
Envisioning the future and the forces shaping it can help the water utility sector to plan and be proactive, as discussed in this episode with David LaFrance, Chi Ho Sham, and Joe Jacangelo of the American Water Works Association.
They talk about brainstorming water in 2050 with a group of experts and the drivers of sustainability, technology, governance, economics, and demographics.
This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. Learn more at reservoircenter.org
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Apr 17, 2023
#177: Living With Water In New Orleans
New Orleans has a complicated relationship with water. The city draws much of its identity from the Mississippi River, the bayous and swamps of southern Louisiana, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. But the location and topography mean New Orleans has historically faced storms and flooding, which are worsening due to climate change.
The traditional use of large, engineered infrastructure to manage water is not enough. This episode explores how New Orleans is adopting a Living With Water approach to bolster its resilience.
Rami Diaz, an architect with Waggonner & Ball, discusses lessons from the Dutch in allowing water to be part of the landscape and how spaces across the city are being transformed. Meagan Williams, Urban Water Program Manager with the City of New Orleans, explains how green infrastructure is being implemented on public property and reducing floodwaters. Angela Chalk, Executive Director of Healthy Community Services, talks about helping residents in the 7th Ward install n…
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Apr 4, 2023
#176: Funding To Fight Lead: How Denver Did It
This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead. There are perhaps 10 million lead service lines in the ground in the U.S. and it may cost $50 billion to remove them. The series explores financing lead service line replacement, technical assistance for under-resourced communities, and examples of successful approaches.
This episode is about how Denver did it.
When Denver Water decided to replace 64,000 to 84,000 lead service lines over 15 years, the question arose of how to pay for the work. The utility ultimately decided to use public funds for the work on private property.
The decision came after much research into the financial approach and clarification that it was permissible from the Government Accounting Standards Board, as discussed in this episode with Angela Bricmont, Chief Financial Officer of Denver Water, and Ed Harrington, former President of the Government Finance Officers Association.
Angela and Ed also talk about building comfort with this method of funding…
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Mar 26, 2023
#175: The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons On Advocacy
This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever 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.
This episode is about advocacy.
PFAS poses difficult challenges on multiple fronts for environmental advocacy groups. High levels of PFAS in the Cape Fear River meant local advocates had to learn about the complex chemicals and at the same time provide information to concerned community members and take steps to address the pollution.
The work and the lessons learned are discussed in this podcast with Dana Sargent, Executive Director of Cape Fear River Watch, and Kemp Burdette, the Cape Fear Riverkeeper.
Dana and Kemp also talk about pursuing legal action against state regulators and the industrial polluter, working with the water utility and public health researchers, and advise for advocates dealing…
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Mar 23, 2023
#174: 50 Years Of Restoring Rivers
For 50 years, American Rivers has worked to protect and restore waterways across the country. During the organization’s existence and through its efforts, many rivers have improved, such as the Neuse and Elwha, while others are in tough shape, like the Colorado and Snake.
The progress and challenges are discussed in this episode with Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers.
Tom also talks about the goal of protecting one million miles of rivers and removing 30,000 dams by the year 2050, as well as how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act can help with the work.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Mar 20, 2023
#173: The State Of Water Research
Science has always been foundational to water management. That tradition continues in 2023, with a staggering breadth and depth of research underway.
It’s particularly important to gain knowledge about emerging contaminants, impacts of climate change, and water reuse, as discussed in this podcast with Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation.
Peter explains how research can be applied to improve water management, the opportunity for regulators to use research to accelerate solutions, and the science of PFAS.
This episode is from a conversation at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is a media partner. Learn more at reservoircenter.org
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Mar 15, 2023
#172: EPA's Move To Regulate PFAS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed drinking water regulations for several types of PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals that are pervasive in society and the environment and pose a risk to human health.
The announcement was made at an event in Wilmington, North Carolina and this episode features the remarks by EPA Administrator Michael Regan and commentary by waterloop host Travis Loop.
The episode also includes reactions from Secretary Elizabeth Biser of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, La’Meshia Whittington of The Green Majority, and Emily Donovan of Clean Cape Fear.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Mar 13, 2023
#171: Funding To Fight Lead: State & Local Policy
This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead. There are perhaps 10 million lead service lines in the ground in the U.S. and it may cost $50 billion to remove them. The series explores financing lead service line replacement, technical assistance for under-resourced communities, and examples of successful approaches.
This episode is about the role of state and local policy.
State and local policies play a central role in financing of lead service line replacement. The ability of utilities to use public funds for work on private property is often the key challenge, as discussed in this episode with Tom Neltner of the Environmental Defense Fund. He cites Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as examples of states that have adopted policies to facilitate financing of the work.
Successful funding approaches at the local level are also highlighted in this episode by Kareem Adeem of Newark Water and Sewer and Nancy Quirk of Green Bay Water.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outle…
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Mar 6, 2023
#170: Changing The Color Of Water
Analysis has shown a significant lack of diversity in the sources cited in media coverage. This means failing to include Black, Latino, and Indigenous water experts and to present the stories of people within impacted communities.
The Color of Water platform was created to counter this trend. It’s an online directory that journalists can use to connect with a diverse set of experts, as discussed in this episode with Jose Aranda, Relationships Manager for the Water Hub.
Jose explains how the Color of Water is training these experts to bolster their skills, sharing where they appear in media coverage, and aiming to add their voices to policy discussions and professional gatherings.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Feb 27, 2023
#169: Green Mortgage Grows In New Orleans
Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina, there are continued efforts to make New Orleans more resilient to storms and climate change.
A recent innovation is the green mortgage, a program that helps lower-income people buy a home and provides a budget for retrofits for water, wind, and energy projects. The green mortgage concept is discussed in this episode with Damon Burns, President and CEO of Finance New Orleans.
He explains how green mortgages can also be used to bolster resilience of multi-family affordable housing developments and surrounding water infrastructure. Damon talks about creating an environmental impact bond to finance the program.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. This episode was made possible by support from Spring Point Partners.
Visit waterloop.org
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Feb 20, 2023
#168: The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons On Drinking Water
This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever 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.
This episode is about the drinking water.
The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington, N.C. found itself in a difficult situation when high levels of PFAS were discovered in its water. How should the utility manage the forever chemicals, particularly in the absence of drinking water standards, information about health impacts, and a method of removal?
In this episode, Ken Waldroup, executive director of CFPUA, discusses the lessons learned by the utility. He talks about building a $43 million treatment system for PFAS, pursuing the company responsible for the pollution, and rebuilding public trust in the water coming from the tap.
This series is sponsored by:
Black & Veatch, providing end-to-…
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Feb 12, 2023
#167: Profiles Of Black Conservationists
Black people in environmental conservation have not historically received the same visibility in the media. This not only fails to acknowledge their contributions, but also leaves young people without role models in fields such as water.
That’s why a conservationist is profiled each day during Black History Month by Sierra Taliaferro, founder of the Green Obsidian. In this episode, she talks about five years of writing the profiles and shares examples of people she is highlighting this year.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Feb 6, 2023
#166: Funding To Fight Lead: The Menu Of Options
This episode is part of a series, Funding To Fight Lead. There are perhaps 10 million lead service lines in the ground in the U.S. and it may cost $50 billion to remove them. The series explores financing lead service line replacement, technical assistance for under-resourced communities, and examples of successful approaches.
This episode is about the menu of options.
The ways to fund lead service line replacement and some of the key financial aspects are discussed in this episode with Cynthia Koehler of the WaterNow Alliance and Tim Male of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. Cynthia and Tim talk about the $15 billion for lead pipe removal from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the use of municipal bonds to fund work on private property, the role of state and local policies, and help for communities in need.
This episode is made possibly by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center. The episode is sponsored by:
BlueConduit has…
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Jan 30, 2023
#165: The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons On Science
This episode is part of a series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Cape Fear. The forever 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. This episode is about the science.
Dr. Detlef Knappe of North Carolina State University is one of the leading scientists who found PFAS in the river and has conducted continued research on its presence. In this episode, Detlef discusses discovering the chemicals, identifying sources of the pollution, and sharing information with government regulators and utilities. He explains how PFAS levels have been lowered, shares the lessons he learned about research, and offers advice for communities with concerns about the chemicals.
This series is sponsored by:
ALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions/
Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engin…
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Jan 22, 2023
#164: New Jersey’s Look At Affordability
How can the affordability of water bills be properly addressed without consistent and comprehensive data?
New Jersey decided to get a clearer look at the situation. A state law now requires all water utilities to report on a monthly and zip-code basis affordability metrics including rates, customer bills, water usage, arrears, shutoffs, and tax liens sold on homes for non-payment.
The law is discussed in this episode with Larry Levine, Director of Urban Water Infrastructure and a Senior Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Larry also talks about the coalition that developed and lobbied for the legislation, how the law will be implemented, and NRDC’s affordability toolkit.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. Visit waterloop.org
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Jan 18, 2023
#163: Expansion of waterloop
Nonprofit media outlet waterloop is expanding its coverage of solutions to today’s critical water challenges, including features on lessons learned from PFAS pollution in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, options for funding the removal of lead service lines to protect drinking water, and visits with people leading change in disadvantaged communities. In this episode, waterloop founder Travis Loop discusses the expansion and also shares his professional and personal journeys that led to waterloop.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. Visit waterloop.org
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Jan 9, 2023
#162: Mentality Of A Mentor
How does someone develop the mentality of a mentor and create opportunities for others? For Tim Alston it started in high school, when the people selected for a leadership program didn’t reflect the diversity of the student population. That sparked Tim to start a mentorship program for younger students of color in the local community and launched him on the path of helping others to enter STEM education and occupations.
In this episode, Tim discusses what motivates him as a mentor and how he has encouraged minorities to pursue STEM at the University of Illinois, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and as a Plant Manager at the Gary Sanitary District.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. Visit waterloop.org
This episode was made possible by support from Spring Point Partners.
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Dec 5, 2022
#161: Pivot Back To Nature
During the last century, large engineering projects were used to control water resources. But in many ways, that man-made infrastructure is failing to meet challenges in the 21st century such as drought, flooding, pollution, and population growth.
How can a pivot back to nature provide more sustainable solutions for water management?
The nature-based approach is discussed in this episode with Sandra Postel, the author of Replenish and the Director of the Global Water Policy Project. Sandra discusses a variety of examples from across the U.S. of the benefits of nature-based solutions, including restoring the flow of rivers, putting watersheds to work, providing room for floods, and bringing down dams.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.city
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet helping water leaders to discover so…
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Nov 14, 2022
#160: Hold The Salt
In an increasingly thirsty world, there is much potential in desalination, the process of removing salt from seawater. But desalination has historically posed challenges - it consumes massive amounts of expensive energy, produces a waste called brine, and raises concerns about impacts on aquatic life.
So how is desalination becoming more of an option for the creation of freshwater?
That question is answered in this episode with Peter Fiske, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Water Innovation and Director of the Water-Energy Resilience Research Institute.
Peter explains how desalination is becoming more efficient and effective through innovation in membranes, technologies for handling brine, and extraction of valuable elements. He also talks about upcoming pilot projects, the role of desalination in addressing Western water scarcity, and international collaboration.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. Visit…
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Nov 1, 2022
#159: Turning Polls Into Policy
In a recent poll, U.S. voters overwhelmingly agreed that water is a human right, clean waterways are important, and infrastructure investments are critical. While those results are encouraging, the real value of polls are in how they can be used to test language, create messages, and influence policy.
That work is discussed in this episode with Nicole Lampe of Water Hub, Yasmin Zaerpoor of PolicyLink, and Jenifer Collins of the National Wildlife Federation. They talk about opportunities to use the poll results to shape specific policies such as jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, financial assistance with water bills for low-income Americans, and the upcoming Farm Bill.
waterloop is the podcast helping water leaders to discover solutions and drive change. Visit waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.city
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Oct 24, 2022
#158: P3 For The Community
P3 involves a public agency partnering with a private entity on a project. A twist on the traditional public-private partnership puts the community first and focuses on its challenges and opportunities.
This approach works particularly well with green infrastructure, as discussed in this episode with Dominique Lueckenhoff, a former water official for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a Senior Fellow at the US Water Alliance.
Dominique talks about the creation of community based P3s to advance green infrastructure as part of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, beginning in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She also explains how Chester, Pennsylvania used the formula to establish a stormwater utility.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.city
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Oct 17, 2022
#157: The Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual
2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which fundamentally changed regulation and management of water resources in the U.S. The Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual was created to help people understand and use the law to reduce pollution. The tool is discussed in this episode with Katherine Baer, Vice President of River Programs at the River Network, and Matt Rota, Senior Policy Director at Healthy Gulf. Katherine and Matt talk about how citizens own the Clean Water Act, using the owner’s manual to tackle specific problems, and the addition of climate change and environmental justice to the version released for the 50th anniversary.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet featuring conversations about water solutions and science. Visit waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.city
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Sep 26, 2022
waterloop #156: A New Approach To Agriculture
Algae blooms that pollute waterways, produce toxins, and cause dead zones are one of the most widespread and challenging environmental problems in the U.S. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural land is the leading fuel for the algae blooms, but efforts to reduce the nutrient pollution from farms have largely been unsuccessful.
In this episode, Dr. Donald Boesch, President Emeritus of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, says it’s time to change the approach and create a national strategy for regulating agriculture pollution. Don talks about approaches for reducing the use of fertilizers, paying farmers for performance, stopping production of corn-based ethanol, and improving water quality as part of fighting climate change.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet featuring conversations about solutions and science. Visit waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resil…
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Sep 19, 2022
waterloop #155: Journalism For Justice
Problems of environmental justice and water equity haven’t historically received proper coverage by traditional media. And if they did get in the news, chances are the reporter didn’t look like the impacted population. That’s changing in Baltimore and around the Chesapeake Bay, where a nonprofit is helping young people in communities of color to tell their stories. The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative is discussed in this episode with its Co-Founders, Donzell Brown and Rona Kobell.
They talk about teaching students from the city about environmental justice and how to produce stories about the issues. Donzell and Rona hope that the skills and experience the young people gain enable them to be effective advocates and potentially journalists for larger new outlets.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that ident…
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Sep 12, 2022
waterloop #154: Latino Leaders Learn
Despite the direct and often disproportionate impacts of water problems on Latinos in California, there was historically a lack of water knowledge and advocacy by the leaders in their communities. That led to the creation of an organization to educate and motivate Latino local elected officials across the state. This level of government is the closest to the people and the solutions, as discussed in this episode with Victor Griego, President and Founder of Water Education For Latino Leaders.
Victor explains how the organization focuses on inspiring Latino leaders to care about water issues and giving them the leadership and storytelling skills necessary to create change.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.city
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Sep 5, 2022
waterloop #153: On A Mission To Help
Thousands of water utilities across the U.S. are smaller and under-resourced, often leaving them consumed by daily operations and unable to take on projects to increase efficiency and reduce costs. But external experts can help these utilities to triage pressing challenges and then turn to strategic improvements, as discussed in this episode with George Hawkins, CEO and Founder of Moonshot Missions.
George talks about bringing his experience, including as the head of DC Water, and building a team to work with utilities and launch them on a path of progress. He also provides his take on infrastructure funding, consolidation, affordability, cybersecurity, and PFAS.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet featuring conversations about solutions and science. Learn more at waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.ci…
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Aug 29, 2022
waterloop #152: Wasser in Germany
Traveling presents the opportunity to make observations about many aspects of the world including about water. In this episode, waterloop host Travis Loop discusses his summer trip to Germany and a variety of ways that water caught his attention in cities such as Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich. Topics include public refill stations, bottled water in restaurants, the presence of green roofs, and river surfing.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at Varuna.city
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org
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Aug 7, 2022
waterloop #151: AI Versus Lead
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight to find lead water lines in the U.S., which could number up to 10 million and pose a threat to human health. The use of AI allows for much more accurate predictions of the location of lead lines by using a variety of factors such as the age of a house, size of the property, and prevalence in the area.
This approach has helped cities like Newark, Detroit, and Toledo to dramatically reduce the time and cost of finding and replacing lead lines, as discussed in this episode with Eric Scwartz, CEO and Co-Founder of BlueConduit. Eric talks about how funding from the Rockefeller Foundation is allowing BlueConduit to provide free access to an inventory tool, launch a nationwide map of lead lines, and increase outreach to under-resourced communities.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external ri…
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Jul 25, 2022
waterloop #150: Voices For The Voiceless
Many of the one million people in California who lack access to safe and reliable drinking water are Latino agricultural workers living in small communities throughout the state’s Central Valley. Despite agriculture’s reliance on them as a workforce, the industry uses vast quantities of water and often pollutes resources.
Change is difficult because these people are on the absolute bottom of the political pyramid and lack a voice in government, as discussed in this episode with Janaki Anagha, Director of Community Advocacy at the Community Water Center. Janaki talks about the need to focus on changing representation in local water boards and how her organization is helping to identify, train, and support people as candidates for political office.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at varuna.city
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Jul 18, 2022
waterloop #149: Flooding On A Sunny Day
Some coastal communities experience flooding of low-lying areas on sunny days due to exceptional high tides. The frequency and severity of these events, also called blue sky flooding or nuisance flooding, are increasing due to sea level rise and are projected to triple in the U.S. by the year 2050.
Sunny day flooding is discussed in this episode with Miyuki Hino, an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina. Miyuki explains a variety of the current research on the flooding, including her work in coastal North Carolina, and how the information is used to understand trends and help communities adapt. She also explains some of the response measures such as retrofitting infrastructure, using nature-based solutions, and employing managed retreat from flood prone areas.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at varuna.city…
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Jul 11, 2022
waterloop #148: Your Water Footprint
As climate change and other crises strain water supplies, more attention is being paid to the water footprint, the amount of water used by an individual or household over a certain period of time. A water footprint includes the water that is directly used by taps, showers, toilets, and household appliances, as well as for outdoor uses. But the water used to make the food we eat, consumer products we buy, and energy we use is also part of a water footprint.
The rise and importance of the water footprint is discussed in this episode with Kai Olson-Sawyer, manager of the Water Footprint Project for GRACE Communications Foundation. Kai explains how people can use the Water Footprint Calculator to learn about their personal consumption and shares ways that individuals can reduce their impact.
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at va…
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Jul 5, 2022
waterloop #147: Measuring the Yellowstone Flood
As an historic flood devastated Yellowstone National Park and downstream communities in Montana, the U.S. Geological Survey was busy measuring streamflows, monitoring equipment, sharing data, and even making repairs in the field. Early data shows the flood could be a one in 500-year event and the gauge just outside the park measured water levels 50 percent higher than the previous record.
The role and response of USGS during these storms is discussed in this episode with Katherine Chase, surface water specialist at the USGS Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center. She says that trends show increases in peak flow over the years, a possible indication of how climate change is bringing more intense rainfall and melting snowpack more rapidly in the Yellowstone area. Katherine also talks about how to accurately describe the frequency of flood events and the ways USGS coordinates its science with other federal agencies.
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Jun 27, 2022
waterloop #146: The $8 Billion Cost Of No Water
A new report finds that the 2.2 million people in America who live without running water or a toilet at home is costing the U.S. economy over $8.5 billion a year. The biggest impacts to the GDP come from lost productivity, time lost at work or school to access water, physical health impacts, water purchase costs, and mental health impacts.
In this episode, George McGraw, CEO and Founder of DigDeep, discusses the report and how closing the water gap would generate $200 billion over the next 50 years. George also talks about recommendations to treat the water access gap as a crisis, refocusing federal funding, and building a domestic WASH sector.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. For all content visit https://www.waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard that identifies internal and external risks. Learn more at https://bit.ly/waterloopVaruna
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Jun 21, 2022
waterloop #145: Mapping For Equity In Baltimore
In Baltimore, there are vast, disturbing differences from neighborhood to neighborhood in factors such as employment, education, crime, and life expectancy. While it will take a wide variety of efforts to address the root causes, an effort is underway to evaluate how green stormwater infrastructure could provide benefits for residents and improve equity across the city.
In this episode, Meghan Hazer, a city planner with the Baltimore Department of Public Works, explains how a map that prioritizes work locations was created using socio-economic and health data along with suitability of the environment for green infrastructure. Meghan also discusses the importance of asking residents about their preferred projects rather than the city dictating what will happen.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. For all content visit https://www.waterloop.org
waterloop is sponsored by Varuna, the tool that provides water utilities with full system awareness and offers a new resilience dashboard t…
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May 16, 2022
waterloop #144: Modeling the Mississippi River Delta
It took thousands of years for the Mississippi River to build the coastline of southern Louisiana and its vast network of wetlands and bayous. It only took several generations of people to disrupt the natural, land-building flow by controlling the river with concrete and levees.
Now a state-of-the-art, 10,000 square foot physical model is used to plan restoration projects for the area, as discussed in this episode with Clint Willson, the Director of the Center for River Studies at Louisiana State University. Clint explains how the Mississippi River Delta model operates and the unique learning opportunities it provides to students, scientists, and resource managers.
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May 9, 2022
waterloop #143: Disrupt The Status Quo
The water industry is often described as conservative, risk-averse, and slow to change. That behavior and accompanying acceptance of the status quo frustrate Will Sarni, Founder and CEO of the Water Foundry, who believes the industry needs disruption, particularly to tackle “wicked problems.”
In this episode, Will explains how the government could play a key role in enabling more activity and faster innovation in water. He also discusses the importance of terminology used in reporting on water challenges, the launch of the Colorado River Basin Fund, and how corporations are doing on water sustainability.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners. Find all content at waterloop.org
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May 2, 2022
waterloop #142: Two Nations, One Park (In Spanish) (A Pass The Mic Episode)
Note: This episode is in Spanish. Watch it with English subtitles or read a transcript in English at https://bit.ly/TwoNationPark
The Rio Grande River serves as the border between the United States and Mexico and in many ways keeps people apart. A historic project is underway to create a binational park along the river in Laredo in Texas and Nuevo Laredo in Mexico as a way to bring the two communities and nations together, as well as provide a variety of amenities. The vision for the park is discussed in this Pass The Mic episode, which is guest hosted by Mariana Del Valle Prieto Cervantes of Green Latinos. She speaks with Tricia Cortez and Martin Castro of the Rio Grande International Study Center, who explain that the aim is for the six-mile-long park to benefit the health of the Rio Grande and provide a gathering space for people, showcase local culture, drive tourism, and generate economic activity.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit www.waterloop.org
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Apr 23, 2022
waterloop #141: The Market-Based Model of Water.org
Hundreds of millions of people around the world that lack water and sanitation spend money and valuable time to get access. The market-based model of Water.org has helped 43 million people to use microloans to gain proper access to water and sanitation and then use the saved money and time to better their lives.
The approach is discussed in this episode with Gary White, Co-founder and CEO of Water.org and author of a new book titled The Worth Of Water. Gary also shares stories of how people have lifted themselves out of poverty, the role and impact of actor and Water.org co-founder Matt Damon, and the path forward for the organization, which includes helping water providers expand services to reach more people.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit https://www.waterloop.org
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Apr 19, 2022
waterloop #140: Most Endangered River 2022 - The Colorado
The Colorado River has been named the most endangered river in the U.S. by American Rivers, with the organization citing the challenges it faces from the impacts of climate change, outdated water management practices, overallocation of resources, and a failure to manage the river equitably.
These problems and the overall state of the Colorado River are discussed in this episode with Matt Rice, Director of the Southwest Region for American Rivers. Matt also talks about how to respond to the challenges, including through funding from the new infrastructure act, expansion of a wide range of water efficiency measures, and by fully involving tribes in decisions and management.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet focused on solutions and science. Visit https://www.waterloop.org
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Apr 11, 2022
waterloop #139: Local Is The Leading Location
Tremendous attention is paid to decisions, dollars, and officials at the federal and state levels, but local government is arguably the key cog in water management. Local leaders and staff are the ones ultimately spending funds, setting policy, and implementing programs that directly impact water resources and people’s daily lives.
That’s why it is vital to listen to and assist those at the local level, as explained in this episode with Cynthia Koehler, Executive Director of the WaterNow Alliance. She talks about top challenges and current trends for local government in the areas of finance, equity and affordability, and adoption of innovation, as well as how water utilities are becoming anchor institutions in the community.
Find all content at www.waterloop.org
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Apr 4, 2022
waterloop #138: Great Opportunities For Great Lakes
In many parts of the U.S., political partisanship and climate change pose challenges for environmental progress. Meanwhile, the Great Lakes have shown to be a place for rare bipartisan support for investing in clean water and healthy communities. Also, climate change could offer silver linings for the region, such as a longer growing season for agriculture and as a refuge for people migrating from impacts like drought or sea level rise.
These opportunities are discussed in this episode with Joel Brammeier, President and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Joel also talks about progress in cleaning up highly polluted areas, combating invasive species like Asian Carp, and engaging communities in shaping water projects.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet focused on solutions and science. Visit https://www.waterloop.org
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Mar 28, 2022
waterloop #137: The Chronology Of Conflict
The relationship between water and conflict has a long history. Sometimes a fight arises over water resources. Other times water is used as a weapon during war. In other cases water is collateral damage. The history is detailed in the Water and Conflict Chronology and discussed in this episode with Peter Gleick, President Emeritus and a Senior Fellow at the Pacific Institute.
Peter also talks about examples from the chronology such as the first entry from 2400 B.C. in Mesopotamia, the destruction of a water system in New York City during the Revolutionary War, and the involvement of water in the current invasion of Ukraine.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet focused on solutions and science. Visit https://www.waterloop.org
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Mar 14, 2022
waterloop #136: The Wonder and Weirdness of Water
Water is a rather simple chemical compound, with two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Yet this seemingly basic substance is necessary for all known forms of life, comprises two-thirds of the human body, and covers 70 percent of the Earth. Water also displays a wide range of unique behaviors, such as how it sticks to itself, goes against gravity, and dissolves many other substances.
The wonder and weirdness of water is discussed in this episode with Alok Jha, author of The Water Book. He talks about water’s strange properties, cosmic origins, arrival on this planet, and presence throughout the universe. Alok says that although water is arguably the most studied substance in history, it is also one of the most mysterious.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet focused on solutions and science. Visit https://www.waterloop.org
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Mar 7, 2022
waterloop #135: Coordination For Louisiana’s Coast
Before Hurricane Katrina, the work to protect and restore Louisiana’s coast was fragmented among various government agencies with limited budgets and little coordination. The devastation of the storm and continued catastrophic loss of land and wetlands spurred the formation of a central agency to coordinate all activities and funds as the state recommitted to saving the coast.
The efforts of that government agency and the 50-year, $50 billion plan it spearheads is discussed in this episode with Chip Kline, Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for Louisiana. Chip also talks about following the best science, specific projects to bolster hurricane protection and coastal restoration, and the need for both traditional infrastructure and natural buffers.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet focused on solutions and science. Visit https://www.waterloop.org
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Feb 28, 2022
waterloop #134: Utah’s Cold-Shoulder To Conservation
Utah is one of the driest states in the U.S. and the strain on water resources is growing as its population booms and climate change fuels aridification across the American West. But instead of aggressively advancing water conservation as other states are doing, Utah is brazenly rejecting that approach and pursuing costly infrastructure projects like pipelines, a situation covered by Mark Olalde, a reporter for ProPublica. In this episode, Mark discusses his story, the outsized influence of water districts and lobbyists on state policy, and examples of how Utah has shunned conservation measures such as demand management, native landscaping, and water loss tracking.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet, made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners. Find all content at waterloop.org
Listeners can support waterloop and get exclusive opportunities through Patreon.
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Feb 21, 2022
waterloop #133: A Mindset Of Public Service
The water industry functions better when the workforce has a diverse blend of backgrounds and perspectives. This includes having individuals that bring experience in public administration and a mindset of service to others.
In this episode, Amanda Jones, Founder of Womxn in Water, discusses how her journey in government and focus on helping people were beneficial at the water department in Marana, Arizona. Amanda talks about applying public administration skills at a water utility, making customer service more about assisting the community, why affordability is a forefront issue, and launching an organization to support women in water.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet focused on solutions and science. Visit waterloop.org
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Feb 14, 2022
waterloop #132: Projects For The Plastic Ocean
The amount of plastic - trillions of pieces and millions of tons - in the ocean is one of the planet’s most daunting environmental challenges. But many people are undeterred and drawn to projects to address the pollution, some even traveling thousands of miles across the ocean to study the problem and starting organizations dedicated to solutions.
That’s the personal journey discussed in this episode with Bonnie Monteleone, Founder and Executive Director of the Plastic Ocean Project. Bonnie talks about the use of art in public outreach, enlisting businesses to reduce plastic, the enthusiasm of young people for tackling the pollution, and working on the issue from the North Carolina coast.
Visit https://www.waterloop.org
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet, made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners.
Listeners can support waterloop and get exclusive opportunities through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thewaterloop
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Feb 7, 2022
waterloop #131: The Resilience Of Navajo Nation (A Pass The Mic Episode)
The water challenges are serious for Navajo Nation, including one in three families lacking running water, impacts of climate change straining the land, and legacy pollution tainting some sources. But a spirit of resilience and leadership from within are steadily leading Navajo Nation toward a more sustainable water future.
A focus on solutions instead of obstacles is also key, as discussed in this Pass The Mic episode, which is guest hosted by Emma Robbins, Executive Director of the Navajo Water Project at DigDeep.
Emma speaks with Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Principal Hydrologist at the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources, about her experience growing up in a home without running water, her journey as a woman in science and government, her belief in collaboration and partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to helping her community.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet, made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners.
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Jan 31, 2022
waterloop #130: Cleveland's Water Rocks
Five decades ago, Cleveland was infamous for major water problems, including the Cuyahoga River catching on fire and Lake Erie being proclaimed dead. But the challenges attracted attention, resources, businesses, and problem-solvers. 50 years later, the city is an epicenter for water innovation and technology, as discussed in this episode by Bryan Stubbs, President and Executive Director of the Cleveland Water Alliance. Bryan talks about the effort to make Erie a smart lake, solutions emerging from the Erie Hack, creation of a testbed for tech, and Cleveland’s thriving water community.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet, made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by Hydraloop, the innovative water recycling system for homes and businesses. Use water twice with Hydraloop. Learn more at hydraloop.com
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Jan 24, 2022
waterloop #129: Toledo's Turnaround From Toxic Algae
In 2014, a toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie forced the shutdown of Toledo’s drinking water system, cutting off the vital service for 400,000 people. In the years since, the City of Toledo responded by forging partnerships to monitor conditions in the lake, investing in upgrades to infrastructure and water treatment, and communicating in a transparent and comprehensive manner with the public. The lessons learned and level of preparedness is discussed in this episode with Patekka Bannister, Commissioner of Operations for the City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities. Patekka also explains how water managers from around the country and world often consult Toledo about how to deal with toxic algae blooms and how the experiences shaped her perspective as a water leader.
Find more content at waterloop.org
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet, made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by Hydraloop, the innovative water recycling system for hom…
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Jan 17, 2022
waterloop #128: Inside Illinois' Lead Legislation (A Pass The Mic Episode)
Illinois is the state with the most lead service lines for drinking water in the country, estimated to be between 700,000 and 1.4 million, with a large number of those found in Chicago. But in 2021, the efforts of a diverse coalition of stakeholders led to passage of landmark legislation that made Illinois one of only two states to require replacement of all lead service lines. An inside look at the Illinois legislation is provided in this Pass The Mic episode, which is guest hosted by Jeremy Orr, an environmental attorney specializing in Safe Drinking Water Act enforcement who previously worked at the Natural Resources Defense Council and now is at Earthjustice. Jeremy talks with Justin Williams of the Metropolitan Planning Council in Chicago about the problem of lead service lines, the disproportionate impact on communities of color, the extensive work it took to pass legislation, and expected benefits for people and the economy.
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Jan 10, 2022
waterloop #127: A Battleship Lives With Water
Wilmington, North Carolina is home to the USS North Carolina, a retired World War II battleship that is open as a museum that draws over a quarter of a million visitors each year and serves as a memorial to the North Carolinians who died in the war. But now this special piece of American history faces an unlikely challenge - water. That’s because blue sky flooding, made increasingly frequent by sea level rise, is impacting visitor access to the battleship. The path forward is a Living With Water approach that will convert flooded parking lots into wetland, capture stormwater from the remaining parking area, and restore a natural shoreline.
The Battleship North Carolina project is discussed by Captain Terry Bragg, Executive Director of the Battleship North Carolina; Dawn York, Senior Coastal Scientist at Moffatt and Nichol; Jenny Davis, Research Ecologist at NOAA National Ocean Service; and Rami Diaz, Senior Project Designer at Waggonner & Ball.
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Jan 3, 2022
waterloop #126: Getting Schooled On Freshwater
The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world, containing over 20 percent of Earth’s surface freshwater. This makes the Great Lakes an incredibly unique and critical place for water research, including in the areas of invasive species, microplastics, emerging contaminants, and climate change. The opportunities to learn and devise solutions for water challenges is discussed in this episode with Rebecca Klaper, the Vice Dean of the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Rebecca also talks about how the university attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds who then go into a diversity of fields after graduation, highlighting the cross-disciplinary nature of water.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet, made possible in part by a grant from Spring Point Partners.
Listeners can support waterloop and get exclusive access through Patreon at patreon.com/thewaterloop
waterloop is sponsored by Hydraloop, the innovative water recyc…
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Dec 15, 2021
waterloop #125: State Of The Beach, 2021 Edition
Healthy and resilient coastlines depend on action by states to properly manage development and prepare for climate change. While the Surfrider Foundation’s 2021 State of the Beach report found only two-thirds of states performing at poor to adequate levels, nine states did improve their scores from last year. The highest scoring states had strong policies for coastal building setbacks, restrictions on coastal armoring, limits on development in harm’s way, and progressive sea level rise policies, as discussed in this episode with Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, Coastal Preservation Manager at the Surfrider Foundation. Stefanie also explains why Gulf Coast and Great Lakes states have low grades, the role of the federal government in state actions, and how advocates can use the report to drive change.
Support waterloop on Patreon at patreon.com/thewaterloop
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
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Dec 6, 2021
waterloop #124: An Atlas For Local Solutions
Local government officials and staff responsible for water management often have limited resources and must avoid risk, putting them on the constant search for proven solutions that work for their peers. Enter The Atlas, an online community where they can browse case studies, follow topics, and crowdsource ideas and advice, as discussed in this episode with Ellory Monks, Co-Founder of The Atlas. Ellory explains that water content has always been extremely popular on the platform and that lead, green infrastructure, data and technology, and sea level rise are leading categories of case studies.
Find more content at waterloop.org
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by Hydraloop, the innovative water recycling system for homes and businesses. Use water twice with Hydraloop. Learn more at hydraloop.com
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Dec 1, 2021
waterloop #123: Flipping Front Yards In NOLA
Over time many property owners in New Orleans have replaced green spaces in favor of concrete and other impervious surfaces in order to gain more parking and reduce yard maintenance. The amount of hard surfaces contributed to serious flooding problems across the city. Now a program incentivizes homeowners to replace the pavement with grass and other permeable materials to allow rain to soak into the ground and reduce stormwater runoff.
The Front Yard Initiative is explained in this episode with Dana Eness, Executive Director of The Urban Conservancy. Dana discusses how the process empowers property owners to design their front yard, the growing understanding of green solutions among New Orleans residents, and the success of the program, which captures 2 million gallons of water per year.
waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by Hydraloop, the innovative water recycling…
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Nov 28, 2021
waterloop #122: Going Green In New Orleans
Managing water in New Orleans is a challenge because of the city’s unique hydrology, system of pipes and pumps, and intense rainfall events. Instead of relying only on traditional gray infrastructure, the city is embracing the use of green infrastructure to contain water, reduce flooding, transform public spaces, and beautify neighborhoods. The approach is discussed in this episode with Meagan Williams, Stormwater Program Manager for the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works.
Meagan also shares her own journey, from being motivated to help find solutions after Hurricane Katrina devastated her city as a teenager to becoming an engineer in college and now an advocate for green approaches. She talks about the Pontilly Neighborhood Stormwater Network project that reduces flood risk and beautifies green spaces in the Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods neighborhoods.
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Nov 22, 2021
waterloop #121: Lifting Up Lives With Infrastructure
Growing up and working in water in Puerto Rico, Yajaira Morphonios saw people who didn’t have access to clean drinking water and she gained a unique understanding of the essential nature of water services to the well-being of a community. Since relocating to Kentucky and continuing to work in the water industry, she holds onto her Puerto Rico experiences and believes utilities and infrastructure projects can lift people up, support local businesses, and have an impact on quality of life, even in modern U.S. cities. This episode explores the journey and perspective of Yajaira, an emerging water leader who is Capital Programs Control Manager at Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District. She also discusses the value that diverse voices and different backgrounds can bring to an organization and the benefits she gained from Duke University’s Water Innovation Leadership Development program.
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Nov 15, 2021
waterloop #120: Tracking The Tides With Tech
Coastal communities need accurate, reliable, and accessible information on tides, particularly as they confront rising sea levels and need to adapt to flooding events. But federal gauges are spread out on the U.S. coastline, which leaves extensive areas in between without precise predictions and real-world tracking of tides. That vital information gap can be closed using low-cost sensors, as discussed in this episode with Brian Glazer and Nicole Elko, Co-Founders of Hohonu. They explain that work to restore ancient Hawaiian fishponds revealed the need for ultra-precise tidal data and how it led to a network of sensors being established across the Southeast coastline. Brian and Nicole also talk about the accuracy provided during recent King Tides, the variety of people that can benefit from improved tidal predictions, and the broader push to democratize access to ocean data.
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Nov 8, 2021
waterloop #119: Resilience Is More Than A Buzzword
Resilience is one of the words frequently heard in discussions about water resources. But what does it actually mean? It’s important to have a common understanding of resilience, particularly as climate change accelerates water challenges and resilience becomes a critical goal, according to the Pacific Institute’s Jason Morrison, President, and Heather Cooley, Director of Research. In this episode they discuss the organization’s new definition of resilience as the ability of water systems to function so that nature and people, including those on the frontlines and disproportionately impacted, thrive under shocks, stresses, and change. Jason and Heather also talk about dimensions of resilience, the difference from sustainability and security, and ways that communities should take action.
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Oct 26, 2021
waterloop #118: Estimation Of Evapotranspiration
While precipitation like rain and snow get all the attention, the amount of evapotranspiration - water transferred from land and planets to the atmosphere - is also critical to water management. But there hasn’t been an effective tool for farmers, communities, and other water stakeholders to track evapotranspiration. Enter OpenET, a powerful platform that provides easily accessible satellite-based estimates and allows users to explore data down to a quarter-acre resolution or at a broader scale for millions of fields. The development and uses of OpenET is discussed in this episode with Robyn Grimm, Director of Climate Resilient Water Information Systems at the Environmental Defense Fund, and Forrest Melton, Research Scientist at California State University Monterey Bay. Robyn and Forrest talk about building OpenET through a massive partnership, which involves NASA, Google, EDF, the Desert Research Institute, and a variety of federal agencies and universities. They also discuss pilot…
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Oct 12, 2021
waterloop #117: The Playbook For Proactive Comms With Mike McGill
Historically the water industry preferred to be reactive in communications, especially in dealing with the media. That approach left utilities to play defense and often end up on the losing side of public relations. Now the winning strategy is to embrace proactive communications, build productive relationships with the media, and connect with customers, as discussed in this episode with Mike McGill, President of WaterPIO. Mike talks about positive opportunities the water industry has for storytelling, some examples of utilities he sees as comms leaders, and how an organization should conduct a SWOT analysis.
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waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
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Oct 5, 2021
waterloop #116: A Prize Fight Against Lead
An estimated 2.2 million people in America lack clean water and proper sanitation. These individuals are found all across the country - in indigenous communities, California’s Central Valley, the U.S.-Mexico border, Appalachia, the Deep South, and in urban neighborhoods. In this episode George McGraw, Founder and CEO of DigDeep, says it’s time for an international-style WASH sector to form in the U.S. and that’s why a new database lists organizations that work on the issues. George also talks about the community focused approach that DigDeep takes, how a lack of running water worsened the COVID pandemic for Navajo Nation, and rebuilding infrastructure in West Virginia.
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waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20…
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Sep 28, 2021
waterloop #115: Time for WASH in America with George McGraw
An estimated 2.2 million people in America lack clean water and proper sanitation. These individuals are found all across the country - in indigenous communities, California’s Central Valley, the U.S.-Mexico border, Appalachia, the Deep South, and in urban neighborhoods. In this episode George McGraw, Founder and CEO of DigDeep, says it’s time for an international-style WASH sector to form in the U.S. and that’s why a new database lists organizations that work on the issues. George also talks about the community focused approach that DigDeep takes, how a lack of running water worsened the COVID pandemic for Navajo Nation, and rebuilding infrastructure in West Virginia.
Find all episodes at waterloop.org
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20…
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Sep 21, 2021
waterloop #114: The Opportunity On Water with Nicole Lampe
For decades, advocates and activists have worked relentlessly to elevate water issues and drive policy changes and government funding. Now it seems water has risen to be a top priority, in large part because of those years of advocacy, crumbling water infrastructure, high-profile crises such as Flint, and the impacts of climate change like drought, flooding, and storms. The opportunity on water has arrived, as discussed in this episode with Nicole Lampe, Managing Director of the Water Hub. Nicole talks about a report on how to meet this moment for water, which features results of public polling and recommendations for policymakers, funders, and advocates.
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waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at high…
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Sep 14, 2021
waterloop #113: A Voice For Green Latinos With Mariana Del Valle Prieto Cervantes
Polling shows that large majorities of Latinos feel that outdoor activities involving water are a way of life, that protecting water is vital to their culture and the economy, and that the government should combat water pollution. Historically large environmental organizations haven’t represented the Latino community and that has led to the rise of groups like GreenLatinos that give them a voice, as discussed in this episode with Mariana Del Valle Prieto Cervantes, Water Equity and Ocean Program Manager for GreenLatinos. Mariana talks about the challenges and work to address issues including environmental justice, water affordability, and access to coasts and oceans.
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waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percen…
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Sep 7, 2021
waterloop #112: Inside the Waters of the U.S. with Ken Kopocis and Dave Ross
The scope of waters covered by the federal Clean Water Act - called Waters of the U.S. - is one of the most complex, controversial, and contentious issues in environmental policy. Waters of the U.S. has been the focus of Supreme Court rulings, lobbying and litigation by stakeholders, and rulemakings by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama and Trump administrations. The history is explained in this episode with Ken Kopocis, the head of water at EPA under President Obama, and Dave Ross, the head of water at EPA under President Trump and now a partner at Troutman Pepper.
Ken and Dave discuss the difficulty of defining Waters of the U.S., misconceptions and distortions of their respective rulemakings, their approach to working with stakeholders, the influence of politics on the issue, and if there could ever be a compromise.
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Aug 23, 2021
waterloop #111: The Future of Beer With Climate Change With Katie Wallace
Brewers are seeing the impacts of climate change on essential ingredients for beer. Unusual temperatures and precipitation are damaging crops like barley and hops while water resources are stressed by drought or polluted by algae blooms and wildfires, as explained in this episode with Katie Wallace, Director of Social and Environmental Impact at New Belgium Brewing. This led New Belgium to brew Torched Earth, a take on how bad beer could taste in a future with unchecked climate change. Katie also talks about Fat Tire becoming the first carbon neutral beer in North America, consumer demand for sustainability, and ways that brewers are improving water efficiency and engaging in stewardship in watersheds.
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_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Aug 16, 2021
waterloop #110: A Force Multiplier for the Great Lakes with David Rankin
As the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem, the Great Lakes benefit from massive financial investment in restoration and protection activities each year. Yet one unique entity acts as a force multiplier, not by contributing the most dollars, but by targeting funds to emerging and innovative ideas that can yield exponential returns and transformative impacts. That’s the approach of the Great Lakes Protection Fund, as discussed in this episode with David Rankin, it’s Executive Director. David explains how the governors of the Great Lakes states launched the Fund in 1989 as the first private endowment dedicated to an ecosystem. He also talks about notable accomplishments including reducing the influx of invasive species, developing standards for sustainable forestry, and reestablishing natural flows after dam removals.
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_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Aug 1, 2021
waterloop #109: Beverage Competitors As Water Collaborators with Nick Martin and Andre Fourie
Water management has long been an essential part of operations for beverage companies, but in an increasingly water-stressed world the industry is focused on finding ways to reduce risk, help at the community level, and benefit the bottom line. This includes a constant drive to improve water efficiency at facilities and contribute to stewardship in watersheds. Global competitors are even becoming collaborators on water sustainability, as discussed in this episode with Nick Martin, Executive DIrector of the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable, and Andre Fourie, Global Director of Water Sustainability at AB InBev. Nick and Andre talk about the perspectives and pressures from consumers and investors, the difference between greenwashing and authentic action, and the positive potential for technology and water reuse in the beverage industry.
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Jul 26, 2021
waterloop #108: Navigating the Flood with Erica DePalma and Caroline Koch
Intense rainfall driven by climate change, impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, and aging water infrastructure are part of the formula causing communities across the country to face increased flooding and stormwater runoff. Many municipalities need assistance with planning, management, and funding. Navigate the Flood is a new step-by-step guide and list of technical and financial resources to help tackle flooding and stormwater challenges, as discussed in this episode with Erica Depalma, Research Program Coordinator at the Water Center at Penn, and Caroline Koch, Water Policy Director at the WaterNow Alliance. Erica and Caroline explain that the guide is useful for officials and staff in local government, it outlines five steps to increase resilience, and has helpful examples from communities such as New Orleans; Sheboygan, Wis.; San Mateo, Calif.; and Camden, N.J.
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Jul 15, 2021
waterloop #107: Living Up To The Digital Hype With Jamail Carter
There have been lofty expectations for how sensors, remote monitoring, data, and the Internet of Things would impact the operation of water infrastructure. In many ways the digital tools are beginning to live up to the hype and allowing water managers to have unprecedented and important control of systems, as discussed in this episode with Jamail Carter, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Varuna. Jamail also talks about the opportunities to more fully embrace the power of technology, radically reinvent water infrastructure, and utilize expected federal funding to drive the transformation needed in the 21st century.
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_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com…
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Jul 13, 2021
waterloop #106: Dry Times For California Farms With Heather Cooley and Ruth Dahlquist-Willard
As farms in California face another extreme drought this summer, the hope is that lessons learned and policies and tools developed from the last drought can help with water management this time. During drought farms significantly increase use of groundwater and now California is focusing on monitoring, management, and recharge of this foundational water source. The impacts and actions of agriculture during drought are discussed in this episode with Heather Cooley, Director of Research at the Pacific Institute, and Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, Farm Advisor at the University of California Cooperative Extension. They discuss the variety of choices California farms will make during drought, including where to get water, how much to water crops, what crops to fallow, how to improve water efficiency, and even whether to stay in business.
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_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Jul 6, 2021
waterloop #105: Art As The Messenger With Tiffany Ledesma and Maura Jarvis
Philadelphia has embraced the use of arts and culture - from murals and music to superheroes - as a way to communicate with the community about water. The effort has especially focused on educating African-American, Latino, and low-income neighborhoods about the safety of drinking tap water. The use of art as the messenger is discussed in this episode with Tiffany Ledesma and Maura Jarvis of the Philadelphia Water Department. They talk about how artists turn into ambassadors for water, the role of Water Woman in public engagement, and collaborating with Philadelphia poet laureate.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Jun 27, 2021
waterloop #104: Grass In Vegas Won't Stay in Vegas
With climate change putting the West into a permanent drought and water levels in Lake Mead dropping to the lowest levels since Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s, the time is right for the oasis in the desert known as Las Vegas to take a big step toward reducing water consumption. Recently a ban was placed on non-functional grass - the unused grass found at commercial buildings, within shopping centers, along sidewalks, and in road medians. If these 4,000 acres of grass are converted to native landscapes it will reduce water use in the area by 10 percent, as explained in this episode with Bronson Mack, Public Outreach Manager with the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Bronson also discusses public and business support for water conservation, investments made in Lake Mead, and the substantial decline of overall water use even as Las Vegas boomed the past 20 years.
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Jun 23, 2021
waterloop #103: Computing Where the Water Goes with Scott Hagen
Advancements in technology and computers have allowed scientists to develop a detailed look at the coastal land margin, the dynamic area where the land and ocean interface. The high resolution models are used to better understand the coastal environment and predict where the water goes during storm surge and floods. This science is important for protecting ecosystems and preparing communities, as discussed in this episode with Scott Hagen, Director of the Center for Coastal Resiliency and Louisiana State University. Scott also talks about lessons learned from the computer models, including the ability of marshes to migrate from sea level rise, the value of nature based solutions for adaptation, and embracing the coast as an ever-changing place.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Jun 13, 2021
waterloop #102: Picking Up The Pace On Beach Testing with Rachel Noble
When water quality tests are conducted at the beach to determine safety for swimming it typically takes 24 hours for results, which isn’t helpful for protecting public health in real-time. But a rapid method of testing can provide information about bacteria levels at the beach in just an hour or two, as discussed in this episode by its developer Dr. Rachel Noble, a Professor at the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina. Rachel explains that most states have not adopted the rapid testing for beach water quality and calls on the federal government to provide more funding for state monitoring programs, particularly because of the role of beaches as economic drivers. She also talks about further evolutions in water quality testing, including the use of autonomous vehicles to monitor water conditions.
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Jun 8, 2021
waterloop #101: The Brain and Behavior Change with Katie Williamson and Philipe Bujold
Many environmental problems stem from behavior problems. So over the past decade the environmental field has intensified its use of psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to understand how people’s brains operate and how to design programs to change behavior. The trend is explored in this episode with Katie Williamson, Senior Associate at Rare, and Philipe Bujold, Behavior Scientist at Rare. They discuss types of behavior, the levers for triggering change, and examples of initiatives in the water space including conservation efforts in California and Cape Town.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com _
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Jun 2, 2021
waterloop #100: Blue Mind, Zen Mind with Wallace J Nichols and Jaimal Yogis
During the past year of challenges and upheaval in society, many people turned to nature and water in particular for exercise, adventure, escape, and healing. The unique ability for water to elevate well-being - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - is discussed in this episode with Wallace J Nichols, author of Blue Mind, and Jaimal Yogis, author of Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project, and All Our Waves Are Water. J and Jaimal share the role of water in some of their personal experiences of the last year, discuss the host’s first time in a float tank, and talk about surfing as medicine.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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May 24, 2021
waterloop #99: Sensing the Coast with Phil Bresnahan
With the ocean and coastal waters under a variety of stressors including pollution and climate change it is vital to gather more scientific data. Rapid advancements in technology have led to a proliferation of sensors for studying the coast and made these tools operable and affordable for a wider group. The use of sensors is discussed in this episode with Phil Bresnahan, an Assistant Professor of Oceanography at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Phil also talks about the need for scientists to improve communication, his invention called Smartfin that is a sensor for surfboards and paddleboards, and why surfers are excellent citizen scientists.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com…
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May 19, 2021
waterloop #98: Progress at the Speed of Trust with Dan Keppen and Taylor Hawes
Historically the relationship between the agriculture sector and conservation community could be described as unproductive, tense, and even adversarial. But a significant shift toward cooperation during the last 20 years was driven by mutual concerns such as drought, urbanization, and sustainability. Forging personal connections and building trust made it possible, as discussed in this episode with Dan Keppen, Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance, and Taylor Hawes, Colorado River Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. Dan and Taylor talk about a variety of collaborative projects between agriculture and conservation throughout the Colorado River Basin, the role of the Farm Bill in water management, and the pressure that lies ahead from increasing water scarcity.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and…
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May 17, 2021
waterloop #97: Putting Faith in Conservation with Cory Sparks and Helen Rose Patterson
Religion is a very prevalent part of life in New Orleans and southern Louisiana, leading conservation organizations to build relationships with local faith leaders and to educate them on environmental issues. Faith leaders often believe that as God’s creation it is important to be stewards of nature and they carry this message to their congregations. The role of the faith community in conservation is discussed in this episode by Helen Rose Patterson, Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Gulf Program at the National Wildlife Federation, and Cory Sparks, Assistant Pastor at Bethany United Methodist Church in New Orleans. Helen Rose and Cory talk about field trips to see coastal problems and projects, training in advocacy for faith leaders, and the impact they have by writing op-eds, speaking at public meetings, and talking to elected officials.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.
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May 13, 2021
waterloop #96: Rising Up Against Environmental Racism with Chandra Taylor and Marquita Bradshaw
A plan to route an oil pipeline through predominantly black neighborhoods in Memphis is an example of how minority communities across the country are overburdened by pollution and subjected to environmental racism, say Chandra Taylor, Senior Attorney and Leader of the Environmental Justice Initiative at the Southern Environmental Law Center, and Marquita Bradshaw, Executive Director of Sowing Justice. They discuss how the cumulative impacts of pollution in communities like southwest Memphis must be considered when proposals such as the pipeline arise. Chandra and Marquita explain how to respond to projects that pose a pollution and public health threat to a community, including the critical need for grassroots mobilization and exploration of all options at the local, state, and federal levels.
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May 11, 2021
waterloop #95: Tech-Powered Precision Conservation with Emily Mills and Adrienne Gemberling
In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, cutting-edge technology is powering the practice of precision conservation, the use of advanced data and imagery for efficient decision making in environmental management. Tools like aerial imagery, LiDAR elevation data, spatial analysis, geomorphology, and machine learning are helping projects to achieve greater impact on the ground. In this episode, Emily Mills, Geospatial Technology Manager, and Adrienne Gemberling, Senior Project Manager, of the Chesapeake Conservancy discuss how the organization has heavily invested in this technology, hired a large and skilled staff, and created the Conservation Innovation Center. Emily and Adrienne talk about the power of the tools, providing information for partners in conservation, and examples of projects to improve stream health in Pennsylvania.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Apr 28, 2021
waterloop #94: A Rancher and the River with Paul Bruchez
For five generations Paul Bruchez’s family has ranched in Colorado, giving him an intimate understanding of water and the Colorado River. As climate change and development strain water resources to the breaking point, agriculture is facing tremendous pressure, pushing to improve water conservation, and collaborating with other stakeholders to find solutions. In this episode with Paul, an owner of the Reeder Creek Ranch and a fly-fishing guide, he discusses demand management and remote sensing projects, the role of agriculture in carbon sequestration, and restoring habitat for fish.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Apr 26, 2021
waterloop #93: California's Drive for Water Data with Tara Moran
During last decade’s severe drought the State of California passed the Open and Transparent Water Data Act in recognition of the critical role of data in water management. That led to the formation of the California Water Data Consortium, a nonprofit that works with the state, local water agencies, farmers, NGOs, and others to improve organization, access, and use of data. In this episode Tara Moran, President and CEO of the California Water Data Consortium, discusses the progress and pilot projects involving lidar, groundwater, urban water, and agriculture.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners._
_waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at _highsierrashowerheads.com__
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Apr 15, 2021
waterloop #92: The Positive Possibilities in Ocean Policy with Eric Schwaab
The greatest challenge facing the ocean is climate change, which is raising water temperatures, altering chemistry, and shifting major currents. But simultaneously there are opportunities to make progress in ocean health through changes to U.S. policy, particularly in the areas of energy, aquaculture, protected areas, and natural solutions, as explained in this episode with Eric Schwaab, Senior Vice President of Oceans and Ecosystems at the Environmental Defense Fund. Eric also discusses ways that addressing climate change can benefit ocean health and vice versa - how caring for the ocean can actually help mitigate climate change.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners. _
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Apr 13, 2021
waterloop #91: The Snake - America’s Most Endangered River 2021 with Amy Souers Kober & Lisa McClane
Four dams on the Snake River in Washington State have pushed salmon to the brink of extinction, threatening not just the species but the broader ecosystem, the culture of Native American tribes, and the region’s economy. This crisis led the Snake to be named America’s Most Endangered River in 2021 by American Rivers as explained in this episode by Amy Souers Kober, Vice President of Communications for American Rivers, and Lisa McClane, a consultant for American Rivers. Amy and Lisa discuss a proposal to save the Snake River by Congressman Mike Simpson that would remove the dams, recover salmon populations, provide irrigation for local agriculture, and invest in clean energy.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashower…
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Apr 8, 2021
waterloop #90: Blood of the West with J.R. Robinson
For the Colorado River to have a sustainable future, it’s vital to understand its past and present. Blood of the West is an in-development documentary series about the Colorado River that will take viewers on a journey from headwaters to delta and explore the history of the river. In this episode with J.R. Robinson, director of Blood of the West, he explains how his adventures in the basin inspired him to launch the film project. J.R. shares a detailed look at the places and moments that stand out in the history of the Colorado River and that offer lessons for management going forward. Learn more about the project and how to help the film be produced at bloodofthewest.com
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowe…
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Apr 5, 2021
waterloop #89: Saving the Salton Sea with Frank Ruiz
The Salton Sea is a unique waterbody that has suffered from high salinity levels, agricultural runoff, and water consumption by cities in Southern California, pushing the ecosystem to the brink and threatening the health of surrounding communities. Efforts to help the Salton Sea include expanded resources from the state, wetland restoration projects, and controlling toxic dust, as discussed in this episode with Frank Ruiz, Salton Sea Program Director for Audubon California. Frank also talks about the need to increase collaboration across stakeholders, give a voice to the poor communities around the Salton Sea, and educate young Latinos about environmental issues.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation._
_waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerh…
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Apr 1, 2021
waterloop #88: Digging Up Farm Drainage Solutions With Quint Shambaugh
Water drainage is critical for farms in the Midwest. But farmers don’t usually receive comprehensive and unbiased information about water management and drainage solutions, and have to focus on short-term costs instead of long-term equity. Taking a holistic and objective approach can improve farms and water quality, as explained in this episode with Quint Shambaugh, Co-Founder of DIGS Associates. Quint discusses the opportunities to address agricultural drainage across a watershed, bring farms together on projects, reduce nutrient pollution, and help the health of local waterways and the Mississippi River.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com.
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Mar 24, 2021
waterloop #87: Moving From Scarcity to Sustainability With Brian Richter
Proper attention was not paid to sustainability of water resources as the U.S. developed and expanded across the continent over the past few centuries, not only straining water availability for people but for nature itself. There are ways to move from scarcity to sustainability, however, through cooperative relationships, deliberate decision making, and urgent conservation. In this episode Brian Richter, President of Sustainable Waters and previously Director of the Global Water Program of The Nature Conservancy, discusses his experiences working on water projects in more than 30 countries, what the U.S. can learn from other parts of the world, the need to accelerate change, and teaching the next generation of water leaders.
*See all podcasts at waterloop.org*
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
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Mar 20, 2021
waterloop #86: Turning a Lake From Green to Clean with Mike Mallin, Dana Sargent, and Fred Royal
Many lakes around the country suffer from poor water quality in the same way as Greenfield Lake in Wilmington, N.C. - stormwater runoff into the lake from hard surfaces like roads, parking lots, and buildings causes nutrient pollution, algae growth, and even fish kills. But lakes can go from green to clean through a combination of science, partnerships, and measures to reduce runoff. The effort to restore Greenfield Lake is discussed in this episode with Mike Mallin, a Research Professor at the Center for Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington; Dana Sargeant, Executive Director of Cape Fear River Watch; and Fred Royal, Stormwater Services Manager with the City of Wilmington. They explain how universities, local government, a nonprofit, and an engineering firm are collaborating to target the sources of pollution and clean up a lake that is a community amenity and ecological gem.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Wa…
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Mar 16, 2021
waterloop #85: Sailing for Sustainability in The Ocean Race with Anne-Cecile Turner and Simon Fisher
Crews in The Ocean Race, the iconic around-the-world sailing competition, have noticed changes in the water such as more trash and less marine life. But increasingly sailors and organizers are steering toward sustainability, including by gathering scientific data at sea and making changes to the event’s footprint. In this episode Anne-Cecile Turner, Sustainability Director for The Ocean Race, and Simon Fisher, Co-Skipper of the 11th Hour Racing Team, discuss efforts in mapping microplastics, involving more boats in science, and sailors serving as advocates for the ocean.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com _
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Mar 15, 2021
waterloop #84: Putting the Justice in Equity with Jovita Lee
Communities of color and low-income suffer disproportionately from polluted water and delivering environmental justice in these situations is essential for achieving broader equity in society. This is reflected in the fight against waste from concentrated animal feeding operations, fossil fuel pipelines, and contaminated drinking water in North Carolina, as discussed in this episode with Jovita Lee, Senior Environmental Justice Campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity. Jovita explains how these situations in North Carolina reflect challenges facing communities of color around the country and that there are opportunities to ensure cleaner water through regulations and permitting. She also talks about the need to focus resources on the organizations that have championed environmental justice for decades.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and st…
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Mar 10, 2021
waterloop #83: Creating A New Coast with Jeff Peterson
The U.S. coast is unprepared for the increasing impacts of storms and sea level rise on communities, infrastructure, the economy, and the environment itself. Comprehensive changes in leadership, policies, programs, and funding could create a more resilience coastline. In this episode Jeff Peterson discusses his book A New Coast, which offers strategies for responding to devastating storms and rising seas. Jeff outlines needed changes, including to flood insurance and disaster programs, assistance to states and municipalities, and investment in preparedness rather than response.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com _
_ waterloop is spon…
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Mar 8, 2021
waterloop #82: Conservation Through Collaboration in Arkansas
In the Mississippi Delta there is no bigger force on the economy and the environment than agriculture, with its tens of millions of acres of farmland that both feeds a nation and impacts water quality. In Arkansas programs can help both if they arise from collaboration and provide benefits for farms and conservation, as discussed in this episode with Jason Milks, Delta Projects Manager for The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas. He talks about a variety of success stories including the Wetlands Reserve Program, White River Wildlife Refuge, and controlling runoff from unpaved roads.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation. _
_ waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com _
_ waterloop is sponsored…
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Mar 4, 2021
waterloop #81: New Mexico at the Precipice with Laura Paskus
Although New Mexico receives far less attention than many other western states, it is at the precipice of a water crisis, with climate change further straining the arid state and groundwater impacted by the oil and gas industry. The situation is discussed in this episode with Laura Paskus, author of At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate, a reporter for New Mexico in Focus, and board member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Laura explains the status of the Rio Grande River, importance of tribal input into water decisions, efforts to better control groundwater use, and the increasing diversity of voices at the table. She also talks about the public’s appetite for water stories and need for journalists to write in a compelling and engaging style.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation._
_waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in…
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Mar 1, 2021
waterloop #80: The Transition to 21st Century Water Management with Newsha Ajami
Last century’s approach to water management was based on controlling nature, a fragmented infrastructure system, and general sense there was plenty of water. But the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century have spurred a transition to a water management approach revolving around circularity, scarcity, and nature itself. The past, present, and future are discussed in this episode with Newsha Ajami, the Director of Urban Water Policy at Water in the West at Stanford University and a Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Newsha explains that she is optimistic because of the rise of nature-based infrastructure, more integration and innovation in water systems, and increased public awareness and behavior change.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation._
_waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time fr…
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Feb 24, 2021
waterloop #79: Digging Up Groundwater Data with Ben Kerr, Melissa Rohde, and Tom Gleeson
A lack of information on groundwater has historically posed challenges for management. Now emerging tools are expanding and organizing the data available for decision-making, as discussed in this episode with Ben Kerr of Foundry Spatial, Melissa Rohde of The Nature Conservancy, and Tom Gleeson of the University of Victoria. They talk about using technology for groundwater management in Canada and California, how the interaction of surface water and groundwater factors into information gathering, and the benefits of visually appealing interfaces for data.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation._
_waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at _flumewater.com__
_waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and st…
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Feb 22, 2021
waterloop #78: Equity Through Engagement in Toledo with Alexis Smith, Alicia Smith, and Ramon Perez
Residents of Toledo, Ohio deal with water challenges ranging from pollution in Lake Erie to lead pipes for drinking water to increasing utility bills. Toledo’s communities of color and low-income have historically lacked information and input in water issues such as these. But now that’s changing through community outreach as discussed in this episode with Alexis Smith, Community Program and Technology Associate for Freshwater Future, Alicia Smith, Director of Community Programming and Associate Director of Policy for Freshwater Future, and Ramon Perez, a Community Organizer for the Junction Coalition. They talk about work to educate and engage Toledo residents, the vision for water equity and environmental justice, and how the situation in Toledo is reflective of other cities around the Great Lakes region.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfec…
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Feb 18, 2021
waterloop #77: The Innovation of Environmental Impact Bonds with Eric Letsinger
Budgets are struggling to keep up with the scale and scope of water projects that need funding in communities across the U.S. At the same time, it is extremely difficult for public agencies to take risks on solutions that could address water challenges in more affordable and effective ways. In this episode Eric Letsinger, CEO of Quantified Ventures, discusses the rise of environmental impact bonds, an innovative financing tool that provides capital from investors for new approaches and bases the return on outcomes. Eric talks about a variety of uses of environmental impact bonds, including for green infrastructure in Washington, D.C.; flood mitigation in Hampton Roads, Virginia; water quality from agriculture in the Midwest; and restoration of coastal wetlands in Louisiana.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use i…
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Feb 14, 2021
waterloop #76: A Retrospective on the Law of the Colorado River with Amy Haas and Chris Harris
The Colorado River is managed under the “Law of the River,” a complex series of agreements, laws, legal decisions, and regulations that originated with the 1922 Colorado River Compact. There are important lessons and successes from the past 100 years to remember as the basin faces urgent water challenges driven by climate change and population growth and stakeholders work on renegotiation of river policy. This episode features a retrospective on the Law of the River with Amy Haas, Executive Director of the Upper Colorado River Commission, and Chris Harris, Executive Director of the Colorado River Board of California. They discuss key moments from the past century and what those changes to river law meant for management. Amy and Chris also share examples of progress such as putting collaboration ahead of litigation, forging a partnership with Mexico, and managing water quality.
_ waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundatio…
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Feb 11, 2021
waterloop #75: Stress Relief for Louisiana's Oysters with Morgan Kelly
Oysters are an iconic and important part of Louisiana’s coastal ecosystem, culture, and economy. But in addition to harvest pressure, the oysters are under stress from increased freshwater, either from heavy rainfall fueled by climate change or diversions of water from the Mississippi River. In this episode Morgan Kelly, an Associate Professor of Biology at Louisiana State University, discusses the health and prevalence of oysters, how they are stressed by freshwater, and ways to relieve that pressure through management of river diversions, use of hatcheries, and selective breeding.
waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.
waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com
waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Shower…
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Feb 8, 2021
waterloop #74: Bringing Shorelines to Life with Carter Smith, Lexia Weaver, and Daniel Govoni
Historically bulkheads, seawalls, and other hardened structures were used along the Carolina coast to protect from the forces of erosion, waves, and storms. But there is a rise in the use of living shorelines, a stabilization technique that uses natural materials like rocks, oyster reefs, and plants. Living shorelines are better for water quality, property protection, and fish habitat. This episode features a discussion with Carter Smith, a marine scientist at Duke University, Lexia Weaver, a coastal scientist with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and Daniel Govoni, a policy analyst for the NC Department of Environmental Quality. They explain the many benefits of living shorelines, incentivizing property owners to install them, and policy changes to support their use.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation._
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Jan 30, 2021
waterloop #74: Changing Course on Stream Banking
A common market-based approach to environmental conservation is stream mitigation banking, which allows an entity to degrade or destroy a stream while developing property in exchange for restoration of a stream someplace else. A new book Streams of Revenue explores the history of this practice and is authored by Martin Doyle, a professor at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, and Rebecca Lave, a professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at Indiana University. In this episode they discuss the difficulty and lack of success of stream mitigation banking and explain why they believe it needs to be reformed to achieve better environmental outcomes.
_waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation._
_waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with…
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Jan 25, 2021
waterloop #72: Collaborating for a Sustainable Colorado River with Ted Kowalski
The higher temperatures and reduced precipitation in the Colorado River Basin are no longer viewed as a short-term drought, but as a longer-term aridification caused by climate change. The alarming strain on the region’s water resources is being met with a more holistic approach to management, a deeper sense of collaboration, and a variety of innovative efforts all aimed at a sustainable future. In this episode Ted Kowalski, Colorado River Initiative Lead and Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, discusses the status of water agreements, how farmers and ranchers are leading the way on conservation, the rising role of indigenous communities, and why he calls water a human right.
waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com
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Jan 19, 2021
waterloop #71: Getting Flint's Lead Pipes Out of the Ground
As the drinking water crisis unfolded in Flint, it became clear that removing all of the lead pipes to people’s homes would be a daunting challenge. Among the reasons - a lack of records on locations, competing approaches for the order, and a community that was distrustful and in many ways disconnected. But more than five years later most lead pipes are out of the ground. In this episode reflections on the experience and lessons learned are shared by Ben Pauli, Assistant Professor at Kettering University, Jared Webb, Chief Data Scientist at BlueConduit, and Mona Munroe-Yousif, Executive Director of the Environmental Transformation Movement of Flint. On the technical side, the use of data, machine learning, and predictive analytics proved to be highly effective for locating lead lines. On the human side, community outreach was vital, including engagement with diverse groups, gathering a range of input, and forging new partnerships.
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Jan 11, 2021
waterloop #70: Accelerating Change in Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers with Alison De Luise and Karl Russek
Conversation and collaboration are key ingredients in accelerating change in water management across Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania, where aging infrastructure, mining and fracking, and emerging pollutants like PFAS are part of the water challenges. In this episode Alison De Luise, Senior Advisor at the Water Center at Penn, and Karl Russek, Director of Applied Research at The Water Center at Penn, talk about their work in the region to understand water challenges and the priorities of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. They also discuss launching a network of organizations, establishing a leadership incubator, and helping small towns find financial and technical assistance.
_ waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com _
_ waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerhead…
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Jan 5, 2021
waterloop #69: Keeping Watch on California’s Coast with Sean Bothwell
The spectacular California coast is incredibly diverse, from the mega-urban areas of Southern California and the Bay Area to the rugged rural areas of the Central Coast and Northern California. The water challenges are equally diverse, with climate change, stormwater, agriculture, the energy industry, and more as problems. In this episode Sean Bothwell, Executive Director of the California Coastkeeper Alliance, discusses a variety of solutions, including regulations to account for the impact of sea level rise on infrastructure, marine protected areas to support underwater ecosystems, and a Blue Business Council to bring powerful voices to water advocacy.
_waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at www.flumewater.com _
_waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to sav…
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Dec 16, 2020
waterloop #68: Greg Characklis on Managing Financial Risks from Environmental Variability
Greg Characklis is Director of the Center on Financial Risk in Environmental Systems at the University of North Carolina.
In this episode Greg explains the financial risk to society from variability in the environment, including rainfall, water levels, and temperature, as well as extreme weather events. He discusses the increased attention on the risk from lenders, investors, insurance companies, and credit agencies, and how a variety of traditional and innovative tools can be used to manage financial risk. Greg talks about situations of financial risk in water around the country including the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Central Valley in California.
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Dec 16, 2020
waterloop #68: Greg Characklis on Managing Financial Risks from Environmental Variability
Greg Characklis is Director of the Center on Financial Risk in Environmental Systems at the University of North Carolina.
In this episode Greg explains the financial risk to society from variability in the environment, including rainfall, water levels, and temperature, as well as extreme weather events. He discusses the increased attention on the risk from lenders, investors, insurance companies, and credit agencies, and how a variety of traditional and innovative tools can be used to manage financial risk. Greg talks about situations of financial risk in water around the country including the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Central Valley in California.
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Dec 14, 2020
waterloop #67: Philip Berke on Planning for Resilient Communities
*Philip Berke is the Director of the Center for Resilient Communities and the Environment at the University of North Carolina. *
In this episode Philip explains the pressing need for communities to focus on planning to become more resilient to climate change. He discusses a variety of approaches, from hardening of infrastructure to managed retreats, that communities are taking in places like Virginia, New Hampshire, and Texas. Philip also talks about efforts to evaluate and expand resilience planning such as the Resilience Scorecard and programs of the National Academies of Science, Urban Institute, and National Science Foundation.
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Dec 7, 2020
waterloop #66: Kathryn Lucero on Progress for Colonias on the U.S.-Mexico Border
*Kathryn Lucero is Community Environmental Management Specialist at Communities Unlimited. *
In this episode Kathryn talks about colonias, the Spanish word for neighborhood, which is used in reference to residential areas along the U.S.-Mexico border that often have substandard housing and lack basic infrastructure such as water. She discusses how efforts of the past 20 years have brought drinking water to a large percentage of colonias, including where she works in Texas. Kathryn explains the benefits for people physically, socially, and economically when they have water services in colonias.
See all podcast at www.waterloop.org
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Dec 2, 2020
waterloop #65: Heather Stapleton and Lee Ferguson on Studying PFAS Exposure in North Carolina
Heather Stapleton is a professor and Lee Ferguson is an associate professor at Duke University.
In this episode Heather and Lee discuss how discovery of GenX in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River sparked testing for PFAS in waterways across the state, which found elevated levels of the forever chemicals in the Haw River. They explain how an exposure study is examining PFAS in drinking water, resident’s blood levels, and effects on birth outcomes. Heather and Lee also talk about developing policy recommendations for managing PFAS.
Find all podcasts at www.waterloop.org
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Nov 29, 2020
waterloop #64: Susana De Anda on the One Million Californians Without Drinking Water
An estimated one million people in California lack access to safe, reliable drinking water and most of them are Latino and low-income individuals. Susana De Anda is the Executive Director of the Community Water Center and explains how it uses a blend of education, organizing, and advocacy to address the drinking water crisis in the state. She also discusses the importance of local involvement in solutions, the human right to water, and the work of Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL).
Find all podcasts at waterloop.org
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Nov 22, 2020
waterloop #63: Marc Edwards on Investigative Science and Engineering Ethics
*Marc Edwards is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech University.*
In this episode Marc discusses how he became involved in the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan and that it was a failure of responsibility across all levels and aspects of government. He explains the model of investigative science that he and his team uses to examine drinking water quality, and while he dislikes crossing into advocacy and activism he will expose government misconduct if necessary. Marc talks about the engineering ethics course he teaches at Virginia Tech and how students learn to follow scientific obligations to the profession and society.
See all podcast episodes at www.waterloop.org
_The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Nov 15, 2020
waterloop #62: Felicia Marcus on Water Policy in California
*Felicia Marcus is a Fellow at Stanford University’s Water in the West Program and member of the Water Policy Group. *
In this episode Felicia discusses many of the major water issues in California, drawing from her experience in leadership roles at the U.S. EPA, state Water Resources Control Board, and City of Los Angeles. She talks about California’s response to drought, including the emphasis on water conservation and efficiency, as well as other measures to build resilience to climate change. Felicia also shares her perspective on the role of collaboration in water management and explains her work at Stanford.
See all podcasts at www.waterloop.org
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Nov 11, 2020
waterloop #61: Peter Colohan and Stacy Timmons on Building the Internet of Water
*Peter Colohan is the Executive Director of the Internet of Water project at Duke University and Stacy Timmons is the Associate Director of Hydrology Programs for the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources. *
In this episode Peter and Stacy discuss the challenges of finding and using water data because it is not modernized, integrated, and organized. Peter explains the effort to build the Internet of Water, which is envisioned as an interconnected network where water data are discoverable and accessible so it can be used to manage water resources. Stacy talks about the New Mexico Water Data Initiative and a project to put water data for the Pecos River into modern infrastructure so it can be used by stakeholders for decision-making.
Find all podcasts at www.waterloop.org
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent…
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Nov 8, 2020
waterloop #60: Tim Male and Seyi Fabode on Reimagining Drinking Water Reports
*Tim Male is Executive Director of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center and Seyi Fabode is CEO and Co-Founder of Varuna. *
In this episode Tim and Seyi discuss the need to reinvent the Consumer Confidence Reports that drinking water utilities are required to provide to customers. They explain that the public can’t understand most reports because they are too technical, difficult to understand, and out of date, but could be positively overhauled by utilities with creative data visualization, a desire to build trust, and a customer service mindset. Tim says the Water Data Prize is a design competition to present new concepts for presenting drinking water information to consumers.
Find all podcasts at https://www.waterloop.org
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Nov 2, 2020
waterloop #59: Diane Durance on Growing the Blue Economy in North Carolina
*Diane Durance is the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).*
In this episode Diane explains that the term Blue Economy refers to a range of economic uses of ocean and coastal resources including energy, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. She discusses efforts by UNCW to grow the Blue Economy in southeastern North Carolina by supporting entrepreneurs, attracting funding, forging partnerships, and encouraging companies to set up in the area. Diane talks about preparing students to enter the Blue Economy and providing jobs in areas such as marine engineering, biology, and biotech, as well as coastal resilience.
_The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _www.highsierrashowerheads.com/__
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Oct 27, 2020
waterloop #58: Nathan Ohle on Partnerships for Rural Communities
Nathan Ohle is the CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership.
In this episode Nathan talks about the communities and character of rural America, and how water challenges often stem from resource and capacity issues. He explains that RCAP provides a blend of training and technical assistance through a network of partners across the country. Nathan also discusses the concept of regionalization and how some rural communities are already collaborating in some form.
Find all episodes at https://www.waterloop.org
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Oct 20, 2020
waterloop #57: Rick Luettich on Hurricane Science, Impacts, and Resilience
*Rick Luettich is Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina. *
In this episode Rick explains that climate change is warming the ocean and atmosphere and raising sea level, leading to hurricanes that are stronger and wetter. He discusses the use of computer modeling to study and predict storm surge along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as for resiliency planning by communities. Rick also talks about the science of protecting shorelines from coastal storms by using oyster reefs, man-made barriers, and other structural options.
Find all podcasts at https://www.waterloop.org
_The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Oct 18, 2020
waterloop #56: Colin Wellenkamp on the Mississippi River Cities and Towns
*Colin Wellenkamp is the Executive Director of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative.*
In this episode Colin discusses how mayors for more than 100 cities and towns on the main stem of the Mississippi River work together on common goals for clean water, sustainable economies, food security, climate resilience, and culture. He explains how climate change is delivering devastating impacts, ranging from extreme heat in the upper Mississippi, to historic flooding in the middle region, to frequent hurricanes in the lower area. Colin talks about approaches to reduce nutrient pollution, including supporting sustainable agriculture, increasing monitoring with sensors, and piloting environmental impact bonds in Memphis and New Orleans.
_The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at _https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_…
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Oct 14, 2020
waterloop #55: Dan Bena on Corporate Stewardship and Global Sustainability
Dan Bena is a former water and sustainability executive at PepsiCo and currently a senior consultant for the Safe Water Network.
In this episode Dan discusses how a global company like PepsiCo views its relationship to water and how corporations are approaching water risk and management. He talks about the position of water as a human right and the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Dan also explains why he is an optimist in the face of many water challenges and shares lessons the U.S could learn from the developing world.
Find all podcasts at waterloop.org.
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com
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Oct 12, 2020
waterloop #54: Mariah Davis on Advancing Diversity at Environmental Organizations
*Mariah Davis is Policy and Campaigns Manager at the Choose Clean Water Coalition. *
In this episode Mariah talks about her journey as a Black woman in the environmental field and how she feels about the intense focus on equity the past several months. She discusses the efforts and roles of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, Chesapeake Bay Program, and funders in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mariah explains how environmental organizations can use recommendations and a checklist in an action guide to make progress on DE&I.
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/_
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Oct 7, 2020
waterloop #53: Chris Moore on the Power of Oysters
Chris Moore is Senior Scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
In this episode Chris discusses the incredible ability of oysters to filter water and provide habitat for other species. He explains how policy changes, restoration projects, and aquaculture are helping to improve oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in some tributaries. Chris also talks about eating oysters, what makes them taste different, and the popularity of Chesapeake Bay oysters in restaurants.
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Oct 5, 2020
waterloop #52: Bill Teichmiller on the Benefits of a Water Utility Cooperative
Bill Teichmiller is the CEO of the EJ Water Cooperative.
In this episode Bill discusses how a not-for-profit, member-owned water cooperative provides services to over 77,000 people and is an alternative to public and private water utilities. He shares what he believes to be the advantages of a co-op, including better service, lower rates, cleaner water, and equity for customers. Bill talks about the challenges of having 53,000 drinking water utilities and how regionalization and cooperatives could provide solutions.
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/
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Sep 27, 2020
waterloop #51: Haley Plaas on the Science of Harmful Algal Blooms
Haley Plaas is a PhD student in the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina.
In this episode Haley discusses the science of harmful algal blooms, including causes, toxins they can produce, and concerns for human health. She talks about the increase of harmful algal blooms across the U.S. and how nutrient pollution and warmer water from climate change are major factors. Haley explains her research on the potential aerosolization of toxins from algal blooms that she is conducting along the North Carolina coast.
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Sep 22, 2020
waterloop #50: Jaimal Yogis on Waves, Surfing, and Zen
*Jaimal Yogis is the author of Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project, All Our Waves Are Water, and Mop Rides the Waves of Life.*
In this episode Jaimal shares his perspective on the spiritual connection people feel to the ocean and life lessons that can be learned from surfing and waves. He also talks about fatherhood, meditation, and Buddhism. Jaimal discusses his new children’s book, which teaches mindfulness and control of emotions.
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Sep 20, 2020
waterloop #49: Vipe Desai on Marketing and Voting for the Ocean
Vipe Desai is Founder of VoteTheOcean, Chair of the Board of the Ocean Institute, and Founding Member of the Business Alliance to Protect the Pacific Coast.
In this episode Vipe discusses the value of disruptive branding and cause-marketing in the environmental field and why the action sports industry is an effective advocate for nature. He talks about the importance of political activism on ocean issues and the need for more people to vote and engage elected officials. Vipe also explains how the business community can exert its influence on coastal policy.
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Sep 16, 2020
waterloop #48: Judith Enck on Moving Beyond Plastics
Judith Enck is founder of Beyond Plastics and a Senior Fellow and Visiting Faculty member at Bennington College, as well as a former Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for New York, New Jersey, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
In this episode Judith explains how advocacy, education, legislation, and individual action are all part of reducing plastic pollution in water. She discusses how the coronavirus pandemic impacted the amount of single-use plastic and lists several films that tell the story of plastics. Judith also talks about PFAS pollution in Hoosick Falls, NY, hurricane recovery and resilience, and damaging changes to water policy under the Trump administration.
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Sep 14, 2020
waterloop #47: Mark Mattson on Connecting People to Lake Ontario
Mark Mattson is the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and President of Swim Drink Fish Canada.
In this episode Mark talks about the improvements made in Lake Ontario, particularly in the Toronto area, over the past few decades and the role of laws in driving the change. He discusses the importance of connecting people to water by providing public access and opportunities to swim, paddle, and fish. Mark also discusses the development of Swim Guide, a website and app that provides water quality information for over 8,000 beaches.
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Sep 6, 2020
waterloop #46: Jeremy Orr on Fighting for Equity in Drinking Water
*Jeremy Orr is a Staff Attorney for the Safe Water Initiative of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). *
In this episode Jeremy explains that he went into environmental law because he saw a glaring lack of Black representation in the decision-making positions that impacted Black people. He discusses how racism and discriminatory practices created inequitable access to drinking water for communities of color and why environmental justice must be part of delivering equity for Black Americans. Jeremy also talks about a variety of recent progress and success in the fight for safer drinking water in Illinois and Michigan.
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Aug 30, 2020
waterloop #45: Heather Sackett on the Complexity of Water Rights in Colorado
Heather Sackett is Managing Editor at Aspen Journalism and Editor and Report of its Water Desk.
In this episode Heather discusses the rise and importance of nonprofit media outlets such as Aspen Journalism that cover environmental issues. She explains water rights in Colorado and the impact of climate change and the Colorado River Compact on water management. Heather also talks about private investors and hedge funds buying land to gain water rights and the community’s perception of that activity.
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Aug 28, 2020
waterloop #44: Venky Raghavendra on Social Entrepreneurship and Changemakers
*Venky Raghavendra is Vice President of Advancement for the Safe Water Network.*
In this episode Venky discusses social entrepreneurship and why it has a vital role in addressing water challenges around the world. He explains how the Safe Water Network emphasizes market-based solutions to provide access to water for people in India and Ghana. Venky also talks about a virtual global convening of young people who are innovators and changemakers for water.
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Aug 22, 2020
waterloop #43: Fred Tutman on Being Black in the Environmental Field
*Fred Tutman is the Patuxent Riverkeeper. *
In this episode Fred discusses his experiences as a Black man working in the overwhelmingly white environmental field and shares his perspective on the increased attention from organizations on people of color and diversity. He explains why he refers to it as environmental injustice and why ensuring clean water is part of delivering equity broadly for Black Americans. Fred also talks growing up on a farm by the Patuxent River in Maryland and his spiritual connection to the waterway.
_ The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Aug 17, 2020
waterloop #42: Erin Savage on Removing Mountaintops for Mining
*Erin Savage is Central Appalachian Senior Program Manager for Appalachian Voices. *
In this episode Erin explains the practice of mountaintop removal for coal mining, which has destroyed more than 500 mountaintops, 1.2 million acres of forest, and 2,000 miles of streams in the Appalachians. She discusses the harmful impacts to communities including contaminated drinking water, increased flooding, and higher rates of cancer and other health issues. Erin says the coal industry isn’t meeting its responsibility to restore these mountaintops and that local economies need to be restructured to give people alternatives to working in mining.
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Aug 10, 2020
waterloop #41: Howard Neukrug on Applying Research to Water Sustainability
*Howard Neukrug is the Executive Director of The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania.*
In this episode Howard discusses why there is always activity and innovation around water in the Philadelphia area. He says that The Water Center at Penn is focused on applied research to solve urban water challenges, with faculty, staff, and students all contributing. Howard explains why integrated watershed management and stakeholder engagement are vital to water sustainability in the 21st century.
The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*
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Aug 3, 2020
waterloop #40: Sharee Williamson on Protecting History from Climate Change
*Sharee Williamson is Associate General Counsel at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.*
In this episode Sharee discusses the wide range of historic places and national treasures that are connected to water. She explains that impacts of climate change such as sea-level rise, stronger coastal storms, and flooding from intense rainfall are threatening many historic sites like Charleston, S.C.; the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.; and Annapolis, Md. Sharee talks about options for building resilience at historic places and the role of the National Park Service in preservation.
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Jul 26, 2020
waterloop #39: Dan Shapley on the Hudson River's Past and Present
*Dan Shapley is the Water Quality Program Director at Hudson Riverkeeper.*
In this episode Dan discusses various challenges the Hudson River faces as it flows from the Adirondack Mountains to New York City, which include legacy PCB pollution and emerging PFAS problems. He explains how the movement to protect the Hudson eventually spawned the global Riverkeeper program. Dan also talks about the important role of community science in public engagement and the new plan for drinking water source protection.
This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*
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Jul 19, 2020
waterloop #38: Fay Hartman on Rivers as Economic Engines
Fay Hartman is the Conservation Director of the Colorado River Basin Program at American Rivers.
In this episode Fay talks about the federal government’s history of investing in river and water projects that damage rivers and perpetuate injustices against people of color and low-income communities. She discusses how rivers are powerful economic drivers, particularly through recreation and tourism, and that restoration results in job creation and economic growth. Amy says that American Rivers is calling on Congress to invest $500 billion over 10 years to improve water infrastructure, modernize flood management, and revitalize watersheds.
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Jul 12, 2020
waterloop #37: Travis Thompson on Denver’s Plan to Eliminate Lead Pipes
Travis Thompson is the Communications Manager at Denver Water.
In this episode Travis discusses the utility’s ambitious plan to remove between 64,000 to 84,000 lead water pipes over the next 15 years. He explains the decision to take a proactive approach to protecting customers from lead and why replacing pipes was chosen over changes to water chemistry. Travis also talks about the extensive outreach to the public to educate them about lead and plans to replace pipes.
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Jul 5, 2020
waterloop #36: Steve Davis on Restoring the Everglades
*Steve Davis is Senior Ecologist and Communications Director at the Everglades Foundation.*
In this episode Steve describes the unique landscape, hydrology, and wildlife of the Florida Everglades. He talks about the need to restore water flow and improve water quality in the Everglades, as well as build the ecosystem’s resilience to climate change. Steve says there are positive signs of restoration success and that elevating the Tamiami Trail and building the Everglades Reservoir are major steps forward.
_This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*_
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Jun 29, 2020
waterloop #35: Marleah LaBelle on Alaska Native Challenges With Water and Climate Change
Marleah LaBelle is Owner of Turning Pages Consulting and a Tribal member of the Native Village of Port Graham, Alaska.
In this episode Marleah discusses the place of water in Alaska Native culture and how the lack of running water in many villages negatively impacts health and well-being. She talks about Alaska Natives feeling marginalized and struggling for environmental justice. Marleah also explains that Alaska is experiencing significant impacts of climate change and that the community of Newtok already had to be permanently relocated.
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Jun 24, 2020
waterloop #34: Anne Schechinger on Rising Nitrate Contamination in Drinking Water
*Anne Schechinger is Senior Economics Analyst at the Environmental Working Group. *
In this episode Anne discusses new research from EWG that shows nitrate contamination of drinking water increasing across 10 states. She explains that nitrate is a health risk for infants and is tied to increased risk of several types of cancer. Anne says nitrate is a primary component of fertilizers and manure that can run off farm fields and into groundwater and waterways, and that drinking water standards for nitrate should be lowered.
_This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com *_
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Jun 22, 2020
waterloop #33: Tim Wheeler on the Health of Chesapeake Bay
Tim Wheeler is Associate Editor and Senior Writer for the Bay Journal.
In this episode Tim discusses the current health of the Chesapeake Bay and the status of key indicators of nutrients, underwater grasses, and blue crabs. He talks about progress toward meeting the “pollution diet” for the Chesapeake by 2025 and the politics among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and states of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Tim also explains the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on restoration activities and Bay industries.
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Jun 16, 2020
waterloop #32: Julia Stein on Single-Use Plastic Policy
*Julia Stein is Project Director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. *
In this episode Julia discusses the scope of single-use plastic production and pollution, why recycling isn’t an adequate solution, and the importance of source control. She explains the various laws found at the local level on plastic, including successful approaches and economic benefits. Julia also says federal action is needed on single-use plastics and that there is an impactful bill currently in Congress.
This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*
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Jun 15, 2020
waterloop #31: Chad Nelsen on Beach Access and Surfing During the Coronavirus Pandemic
*Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. *
In this episode Chad discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted beach access and surfing, and how the Surfrider Foundation assembled an expert task force to provide recommendations on public access. He explains that this is also a challenging time for the organization’s federal policy goals as it mostly plays defense against the Trump administration’s environmental attacks. Chad talks about the role of citizens in water quality monitoring, building Ocean Friendly Gardens, nutrient pollution at Florida beaches, and activism by the hard-core surfers of the Great Lakes.
_This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*_
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Jun 3, 2020
waterloop #30: Ramiro Diaz on a Living With Water Approach to Architecture
Ramiro Diaz is Senior Project Designer with Waggonner & Ball, an architecture and environment firm based in New Orleans.
In this episode Ramiro explains the firm’s Living With Water approach to design that revolves around water sustainability, climate resilience, and community livability. He discusses projects including the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, Mirabeau Water Garden, and Dutch Dialogues. Ramiro also talks about the process of collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to shape design and create environmental, social, and economic benefits.
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May 31, 2020
waterloop #29: John Deignan on Working Toward Lead Free in DC
John Deignan is Lead Free DC Program Manager at DC Water.
In this episode John says there are more than 20,000 lead drinking water lines on private property in Washington, DC and the utility’s new program provides funding for replacement and requires disclosure of lead by landlords and property sellers. He discusses the financial and logistical challenges of replacing lead lines and how DC Water built an online searchable map using historical records. John also explains that lead lines for drinking water are an environmental justice issue and that a report by American University and the Environmental Defense Fund found that programs relying on customers to pay to have their lead pipe fully replaced put low-income and African American households at greater risk of lead exposure.
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May 26, 2020
waterloop #28: Rob Puentes on the Intersection of Water and Transportation
*Rob Puentes is the President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation.*
In this episode Rob discusses various intersections of water and transportation, including the challenges and opportunities with both types of infrastructure simultaneously in need of massive investment to modernize and expand. He talks about the impact that paved surfaces such as highways and roads have on stormwater pollution and the resulting trend to utilize more green infrastructure in transportation projects. Rob also explains that coastal cities are having to adapt transportation infrastructure in the face of climate change impacts such as sea level rise and the benefits to quality of life in cities that remove highways that block public access to waterfronts.
_This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowe…
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May 21, 2020
waterloop #27: Carla Burns on Choosing a Safe and Effective Sunscreen
Carla Burns is a Research and Database Analyst with the Environmental Working Group.
In this episode Carla discusses the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens, including EWG’s review of more than 1,300 products that found only 25 percent offer sufficient protection and don’t contain ingredients of concern such as oxybenzone. She explains that the best sunscreens are mineral-based and offer broad-spectrum protection, particularly against UVA rays. Carla also talks about the importance of minimizing exposure to the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses, finding shade, and avoiding the sun in the middle of day.
waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/
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May 18, 2020
waterloop #26: Nancy Stoner on the Potomac River's Comeback
*Nancy Stoner is the President of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.*
In this episode Nancy describes how the health of the “Nation’s River” has significantly improved over the past several decades and how it is doing today. She discusses the continued sources of pollution to the Potomac River, which includes agriculture in the rural part of the watershed and stormwater in the urban areas, particularly the Washington, D.C. metro region. Nancy explains how the Potomac Riverkeeper Network is working to reduce contamination from coal ash ponds, use citizen science to monitor water quality, and grow freshwater mussels to filter water.
_This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*_
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May 12, 2020
waterloop #25: Tiffani Ashley Bell on The Human Utility That Pays People's Water Bills
Tiffani Ashley Bell is the Executive Director of The Human Utility.
In this episode Tiffani talks about the impacts on a person when their water is shut off and how The Human Utility pays water bills to restore service in Detroit and Baltimore. She explains how families, elderly, and those with health issues are among the priorities for assistance and the positive feeling when they can be helped. Tiffani also discusses how the moratoriums on water shut offs during the coronavirus pandemic are expected to be temporary.
_waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/_
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May 11, 2020
waterloop #24: Mathew Hauer on Human Migration Driven by Climate Change
*Mathew Hauer is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Florida State University who studies the impacts of climate change on society. *
In this episode Mathew explains that an estimated 13 million Americans will need to move because of rising sea levels by the end of the century. He discusses how these climate refugees from coastal areas in states like Florida, Louisiana, the Carolinas, and Virginia will create a variety of pressures on local economies and society as they relocate to inland cities. Mathew also talks about his research on how climate change may decrease human fertility and increase human mortality in the coming decades.
_ This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. *Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com*_
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May 6, 2020
waterloop #23: Kara Meyer on Building a Pool in the East River in New York City
*Kara Meyer is the Managing Director of + POOL, a nonprofit working to build a swimming pool in the East River in New York City. *
In this episode Kara discusses the vision for + POOL including how it would filter river water and provide a recreational resource for New Yorkers. She explains the time-consuming process of gaining various approvals and building necessary support that is underway. Kara also talks about the public art installation of an illuminated plus sign in the river that changed colors based on water quality and raised public awareness about the project and the urban waterway’s health.
_waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. *Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/*_
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May 4, 2020
waterloop #22: Vaughn Hagerty on GenX in Wilmington's Water
Vaughn Hagerty is the Public Information Officer for the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington, North Carolina.
In this episode Vaughn discusses the discovery that GenX, a PFAS chemical, was dumped into the Cape Fear River for nearly 40 years by Chemours, a DuPont spin-off company, and ended up in local drinking water. He talks about the community’s response, the agreement reached with Chemours, and the $43 million the utility is spending to upgrade water treatment. Vaughn also explains his decision to join Cape Fear PUA after being a reporter that broke the story and how it has approached communication with customers in Wilmington.
_ This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Apr 29, 2020
waterloop #21: La'Meshia Whittington-Kaminski on Delivering Environmental Justice in North Carolina
*La’Meshia Whittington-Kaminski is Deputy Political Director for Advance Carolina and Organizing Campaigns Director for the NC Black Alliance.*
In this episode La’Meshia explains how the environmental justice movement began in North Carolina and the disproportionate impacts that low-income communities and communities of color have faced in the state, including GenX in drinking water, pollution from factory farms, and hurricane damage. She discusses the role political maps - specifically gerrymandering - has played and why there is a lack of public awareness of environmental justice issues. La’Meshia says that organizations have improved situations for communities through partnerships, communication, and grassroots support.
waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. *Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/*
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Apr 26, 2020
waterloop #20: Rob Bilott on His 20-Year Battle to Expose the Dangers of PFAS
Rob Bilott is an environmental attorney and author of Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont.
In this episode Rob details his two-decade legal fight to reveal the harm done by PFAS to people in Parkersburg, W.V. and to call widespread attention to the unique threat the “forever chemicals” pose to human health. He discusses how it feels to be the person most responsible for revealing the dangers of PFAS and the value of having the film Dark Waters and its star Mark Ruffalo highlight the story for the masses. Rob says that his work is not over and he is pursuing class-action status for everyone in the United States who has been exposed to PFAS.
_This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com_
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Apr 21, 2020
waterloop #19: Micah Ragland on Being From Flint and Going Back to Help
Micah Ragland is a native of Flint, Michigan and served as a public outreach official in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama Administration.
in this episode Micah describes the history and people of Flint, as well as his experience growing up in the city. He explains how the Flint drinking water crisis unfolded for him, beginning with texts from relatives and then spending 11 months in the community as a central part of EPA’s response. Micah talks about the current situation in Flint and the remaining work to address the lead problem.
waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/
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Apr 19, 2020
waterloop #18: Luke Runyon on the State of the Colorado River
*Luke Runyon is a reporter at KUNC in Colorado and produces stories focused on water for a network of NPR stations throughout the Southwest.*
In this episode Luke describes the iconic Colorado River, including the perspective from his flight over its course, from mountains to the Pacific Ocean, which its waters fail to reach. He explains how states negotiate water allocations, and how the river is strained by demand and climate change. Luke shares examples of water as a unifying force and touches on a variety of stories such as cloud seeding and sports gambling to fund water projects.
This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower.
Use promo code waterloop for 20% off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/
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Apr 16, 2020
waterloop #17: Eric Adler on Tracking Water Use at Home with Flume
Eric Adler is the CEO of Flume. In this episode Eric explains how in the era of residential water conservation and wired homes the Flume Smart Water Monitor allows people to track their house's water use in real-time on a smartphone and provides alerts about excessive use and leaks. He says a few years ago the severe California drought and water restrictions led him to create Flume as a project at Cal Poly University. Eric discusses how utilities want to encourage customers to conserve water and help them understand water bills so many are offering rebates for Flume.
waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. *Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/*
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Apr 14, 2020
waterloop #16: Emma Robbins on Providing Running Water to Navajo Nation
Emma Robbins is Director of the Navajo Water Project. In this episode Emma talks about the Navajo Nation and how Navajo are 67 times more likely than other Americans to live without running water, with one in three families hauling water home every day. She explains that the Navajo Water Project is a community-managed utility alternative that brings hot and cold running water to homes without access to water or sewer lines. Emma discusses success stories and the powerful impact of seeing people gain running water for the first time.
waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. *Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at* https://flumetech.com/
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Apr 10, 2020
waterloop #15: Seth Siegel on the Trouble With America's Drinking Water
Seth Siegel is the author of Troubled Water: What’s Wrong With What We Drink. In this episode Seth discusses why he opened the book with the story of PFAS pollution in Hoosick Falls, the concept that chemicals are considered innocent to public health until proven guilty, and the state of drinking water science. He explains the problems with EPA’s oversight of drinking water quality and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Seth talks about a variety of ways to improve drinking water including a technology leap, an improvement fund, and vouchers for low-income people.
This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com
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Apr 7, 2020
waterloop #14: Jane Gilbert on How Miami is Adapting to Climate Change
Jane Gilbert is the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Miami. In this episode Jane explains how climate change is impacting Miami, including through increased heat, sea level rise, and stronger storms. She explains the new Miami Forever Climate Ready plan and how the city is adapting with infrastructure, land use codes, and green space. Jane talks about the role of community involvement, partnership with state and federal government, and lessons learned from other cities around the world.
waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/
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Feb 19, 2020
waterloop #13: Dr. John Burns on the Health of Coral Reefs
Dr. John Burns is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. In this episode John explains the critical importance of coral reefs to the ocean ecosystem and coastal communities. He talks about the health of coral reefs in Hawaii and globally, as well as what changes in reefs reveal about the health of the ocean and planet. John also discusses the science behind Hawaii’s ban on sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate and how these chemicals may impact coral reefs.
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Jan 27, 2020
waterloop #12: Apryl Boyle on Shark Conservation and El Porto Beach
Apryl Boyle is the Founder and Executive Director of El Porto Shark. In this episode Apryl discusses misconceptions about sharks, the importance of changing public opinion, ways to raise awareness, and the role of partnerships in protection. She talks about aggregation of shark conservation data and forecasting marine life populations. Apryl also explains the role of sharks in climate change adaptation.
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Jan 4, 2020
waterloop #11: Earl Swift on the Vanishing of Tangier Island
Earl Swift is author of Chesapeake Requiem: A Year with the Watermen of Vanishing Tangier Island. In this episode Earl explains how the unique community in the Chesapeake Bay is struggling as the island disappears through a combination of erosion, subsidence, and rising seas from climate change. He talks about his time living on Tangier Island, the life of a watermen, and the iconic blue crab. Earl also discusses the reaction to his book and the difficult decisions around saving communities from climate change.
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Dec 23, 2019
waterloop #10: Sean Swentek on Surfing as Therapy
Sean Swentek is Executive Director of A Walk On Water and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Surf Therapy Organization. In this episode Sean discusses the use of surfing as therapy for a wide range of issues including children with special needs, individuals with disabilities, veterans coping with PTSD, and people with mental health challenges. He explains how surf therapy also positively impacts family and friends that attend, as well as the volunteers themselves. Sean talks about the existing research on the benefits of surf therapy and efforts to expand the science.
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Dec 1, 2019
waterloop #9: Dr. Denise Herzing on Studying Wild Dolphins
Dr. Denise Herzing is the Founder and Research Director of the Wild Dolphin Project. In this episode Denise talks about her 35 years spent studying dolphins in the wild and why it is a unique and important approach. She discusses what science knows about the high intelligence level of dolphins, how they communicate, and their social structure and behaviors. Denise also explains the negative impacts of climate change and overfishing on dolphins, but offers ways people can support dolphin conservation and research.
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Aug 18, 2019
waterloop #8: Ryan Bigelow on Choosing Sustainable Seafood
Ryan Bigelow is the Senior Program Manager for Seafood Watch at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In this episode Ryan discusses how the popular Seafood Watch guide helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy, more sustainable ocean. He explains how people can evaluate seafood choices at restaurants and grocery stores, as well as ways that the industry is shifting toward sustainability.
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Jul 28, 2019
waterloop #7: Mark Price on Building More Sustainable Surfboards
Mark Price is the CEO of Firewire Surfboards. In this episode Mark discusses how Firewire makes more sustainable surfboards, leashes, and traction pads that are better for people - including shapers - and the environment. He talks about the impact of having Kelly Slater and Rob Machado as advocates and why Firewire supports a variety of conservation organizations.
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Jul 23, 2019
waterloop #6: Dr. Vanessa Pirotta on Using Technology to Study Whales
Dr. Vanessa Pirotta is a marine biologist in Australia who uses technology to study whales. In this episode Vanessa discusses collecting whale snot with drones, her research on the impact of global shipping on marine giants, how alarms can prevent entanglement in fishing nets, and the importance of science communications.
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Mar 10, 2019
waterloop #5: Chad Nelsen on Activities of the Surfrider Foundation
Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. In this episode Chad discusses the organization's mission, Smartfin technology, plastic pollution, offshore drilling, climate change, and surfers as scientists and environmental advocates.
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Mar 8, 2019
waterloop #4: Katie Wallace on the Role of Water in Beer
Katie Wallace is the Director of Social and Environmental Impact for New Belgium Brewing and co-chair of the sustainability committee for the Brewers Association. In this episode, Katie discusses the role of water in beer, how brewers are water conscious, the ways breweries are conserving water, the business case for saving water, and how the boom of the craft brewing industry has shaped sustainability.
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Mar 3, 2019
waterloop #3: Chuck Fox on Overfishing in the Ocean
Chuck Fox is the Executive Director of Oceans 5, an international funders’ collaborative that works to constrain overfishing and create and expand marine protected areas. In this episode, Chuck explains the problem of overfishing and discusses sharks, whaling, and the Arctic and Antarctica.
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Feb 25, 2019
waterloop #2: Marcus Ericksen on Plastic Pollution in the Ocean
Marcus Ericksen is the co-founder and director of research for the 5 Gyres Institute. He has been on more than 20 ocean-crossing expeditions, written and published research on the impact of plastic pollution in the world's oceans, and authored Junk Raft about a trip from Los Angeles to Hawaii and My River Home: A Journey from the Gulf War to the Gulf of Mexico. In this episode Marcus discusses plastic in the ocean including the problems it causes, where it comes from, how much is in the water, and what can be done.
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Feb 10, 2019
waterloop #1: Dr. Wallace J. Nichols on Blue Mind
Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is a scientist, wild water advocate, movement-maker, and author of the New York Times best-seller Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. In this episode he talks about the meaning of Blue Mind, the neuroscience involved, and how surfing, float tanks, and freediving impact the brain.
Hosted by Travis Loop
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