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In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss key takeaways from WEFTEC 2026, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the water sector, cybersecurity preparedness, utility financing, potable reuse, and the innovative technologies generating buzz on the show floor. Recorded live from WEFTEC, Mandy Crispin and Bob Crossen reflect on the conference theme of innovation and curiosity, highlighting an inspiring keynote presentation focused on reframing challenges and embracing new ways of thinking. Much of the conversation centers on artificial intelligence, which emerged as one of the dominant topics of the event. The hosts discuss practical AI use cases, workforce concerns, governance strategies, and the importance of keeping humans and subject matter experts at the center of decision-making. They also explore how AI is shaping conversations around data centers, water demand, and utility operations. Beyond AI, the episode covers lessons from sessions on utility bond ratings and financing, including strategies for maintaining strong financial health and accessing federal funding opportunities. Mandy shares updates from EPA sessions on cybersecurity, water workforce grants, and a new pilot initiative using AI-driven security testing. The hosts also spotlight emerging technologies, including a novel wastewater pump design and creative public outreach efforts supporting potable reuse projects. The episode concludes with a discussion on AI-generated public records requests and what they could mean for utilities moving forward. Show notes WEFTEC 2026 Show Coverage Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – WEFTEC keynote highlights: innovation, curiosity, and rethinking workplace challenges 05:02 – AI takes center stage at WEFTEC: opportunities, risks, and utility adoption 09:46 – Data centers, water demand, and the need for transparency in AI infrastructure 15:01 – Utility financing lessons: bond ratings, rate strategies, and WIFIA funding opportunities 20:06 – EPA update: cybersecurity, workforce grants, and Project Watershed 250 24:49 – New technologies and innovations from the show floor, including pumps and potable reuse outreach 34:25 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water host Mandy Crispin discusses the upcoming water reuse regulatory guide, an effort led by the Water Reuse Association to help states develop or modernize water reuse regulations. Joined by Bruno Pigott, executive director of the association, and Tricia Kilgore of Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority, the conversation explores why the guide was created and how it can help states navigate the often complex process of adopting reuse regulations. The guests explain that water reuse regulations vary widely across the United States, creating challenges for communities looking to expand reuse programs. Drawing from lessons learned during rulemaking efforts across multiple states, the guide provides flexible pathways that can be adapted to existing legal and regulatory frameworks rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach. Kilgore shares South Carolina's experience pursuing expanded reuse opportunities and discusses how treated effluent should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a waste product. The discussion also examines the importance of identifying local drivers for reuse, engaging regulators and stakeholders early, addressing fragmented regulatory authority, and building public understanding throughout the process. The episode concludes with lessons from the guide's development involving more than 200 stakeholders, highlighting collaboration, public health protection, and long-term planning as essential ingredients for advancing water reuse projects and regulations nationwide. Show notes WateReuse Symposium 2027 Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 03:33 – Why the State Water Reuse Regulatory Guide was created 05:22 – Four regulatory pathways and how states can use the guide 06:56 – South Carolina's reuse challenges and treating effluent as a resource 11:09 – Starting with the “why” and engaging stakeholders early 12:24 – Major roadblocks to water reuse regulations and how to overcome them 16:31 – Building consensus through collaboration and public engagement 20:36 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode, Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen discusses advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), data management, utility modernization, stakeholder buy-in, and the future of smart water utilities with Kamstrup Solutions Engineer Jake Waidmann. The conversation explores how utilities exist across a wide spectrum of metering technology adoption, from manual meter reading to next-generation AMI systems, and why technology decisions should be driven by operational challenges rather than by features alone. Jake explains how utilities can identify the right data to collect, use metering information to reduce non-revenue water, improve leak detection, and justify investments through measurable return on investment. The discussion also examines the growing volume of utility data and the importance of retaining, organizing, and applying that information to support rate studies, conservation initiatives, and long-term planning. Jake highlights the need to involve a broad range of stakeholders, including operators, customer service teams, managers, executives, consultants, and governing boards, when implementing new technologies. He emphasizes that successful adoption depends on building trust in both the data and the systems generating it. Looking ahead, Jake shares his vision for the smart water utility of 2030, centered on three key pillars: proactive operations, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. Together, these principles can help utilities maximize system performance, improve customer service, and make more informed infrastructure investments.  Show notes Kamstrup  Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – Meeting utilities where they are on the AMR-to-AMI journey 05:02 – Why solving problems matters more than collecting more data 08:15 – Managing, storing, and using utility data effectively 13:40 – Building trust and managing organizational change during AMI adoption 19:18 – Gaining buy-in from operators, managers, executives, and boards 23:47 – The future of smart water utilities: proactive, data-driven, continuous improvement 28:48 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode of Talking Under Water, Mandy Crispin, head of content for WaterWorld, shares how local news outlets in four Colorado River Basin states, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Utah, are framing Nevada's lawsuit against the federal government over Colorado River management. Sarah Kominek, head of content for Stormwater Solutions covers flash flooding at the Grand Canyon and in Utah, a corruption investigation into flood control projects in the Philippines, and a stormwater project breaking ground in Pittsburgh. Alex Cossin, associate editor for the Water Group follows with cybersecurity developments in the water sector, including new EPA funding, a federal pilot program in Texas, and a joint agency warning on PLC vulnerabilities. The episode closes with Alex and Sarah recapping StormCon 2026 in Minneapolis. Show notes Nevada Sues Federal Government Over Colorado River Water Cuts Arizona's water future: Colorado River cuts The Colorado River: Lawfare and economic uncertainty Utah and the future of the Colorado River (webinar) Stormwater Solutions: Southwest monsoon fuels flash floods, road and utility damage in Arizona, Utah Stormwater Solutions: Record flooding exposes gaps in Philippines' flood control system amid fraud investigation Stormwater Solutions: Pittsburgh breaks ground on $6.8M stormwater project Wastewater Digest: Federal agencies warn of active cyber threat to Siemens PLCs Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction  0:59 – How news outlets are covering the Colorado river lawsuit 15:36 – Flooding news and stormwater project funding 18:05 – Cybersecurity for water utilities 19:58 – StormCon highlights 24:55 – Housekeeping About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Brent Alspach, Vice President and Director of Applied Research at Arcadis, about the evolving science of microplastics in drinking water and the challenges facing future regulation. Recorded at ACE26, the conversation explores what has changed over the past year in the industry's understanding of microplastics and why policymakers, utilities, and researchers are still searching for answers. Brent explains why defining microplastics for regulatory purposes is far more complex than defining traditional contaminants, given the wide range of particle sizes, polymer types, and characteristics involved. He also discusses concerns that public and political pressure could outpace the scientific research needed to support effective regulations. The discussion covers the many hurdles that remain before any federal drinking water standard could be developed, including the lack of standardized sampling methods, testing protocols, and health effects data. Mandy and Brent also examine how regulators might determine whether drinking water is a significant source of human exposure compared to food or air. Finally, Brent shares insights into how existing treatment processes perform, where knowledge gaps still exist, and what utility leaders should be doing today to prepare for a future in which microplastics receive greater regulatory attention. Show notes WaterWorld AWWA ACE26 Show Coverage Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction  01:41 – What qualifies as a microplastic and why terminology matters  02:24 – Why science must catch up before regulation advances  04:03 – The challenge of defining microplastics for regulatory purposes  07:47 – Determining whether drinking water is a meaningful exposure source  09:38 – How far away meaningful regulation may be and the hurdles that remain  11:30 – Can current drinking water treatment processes remove microplastics? 15:51 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water the co-hosts discuss the recent coordinated cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater system PLCs across Minnesota and several other states, examining what happened, why it matters, and what utilities can learn from the incident. Bob Crossen and Alex Cossin break down reports that more than 30 Minnesota water systems were affected, with federal agencies now investigating activity across multiple states. The conversation explores how attackers targeted operational technology that helps run critical infrastructure such as pumps, wells, water towers, lift stations, and automated controls. The hosts emphasize the most important takeaway from the attacks: despite operational disruptions, utilities successfully maintained safe drinking water by switching to manual operations. They discuss the growing importance of resilience as the industry adopts more digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence, while highlighting the need to preserve operator expertise and manual control capabilities. The episode also examines challenges facing smaller utilities, including limited staffing, funding constraints, and cybersecurity resources. Crossen and Cossin review guidance from agencies such as the FBI, CISA and EPA, including recommendations related to passwords, remote access, network segmentation, and operational technology security. They conclude by discussing ongoing questions surrounding the attacks, the role of manufacturers and communication during cybersecurity incidents, and the importance of supporting operators who helped maintain reliable service throughout the event. Show notes Connect your PLCs to the Internet: What could possibly go wrong? Cyber resilience and investment strategy in the water sector This federal agency scans water system cyber-vulnerabilities for free What recent cyberattacks reveal about securing water utility OT What is operational technology (OT)? Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:44 – One of the largest coordinated cyberattacks on U.S. water systems unfolds 03:40 – Utilities switch to manual operations and keep water safe 04:42 – What the attacks reveal about workforce resilience and AI dependence 08:53 – Why manual controls remain critical for protecting water systems 12:39 – Federal guidance on cybersecurity, passwords, and system protections 16:56 – Who may be behind the attacks and what questions remain unanswered 25:06 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Pranjali Kumar, associate vice president at Carollo and the firm’s Southeast Water Reuse Lead, about why the industry needs to look beyond treatment technologies and public perception when evaluating reuse projects. Kumar explains how water reuse is increasingly being considered a resilience and sustainability tool rather than simply a drought response measure. She highlights the importance of systems thinking, organizational collaboration, and investment in human capital to ensure successful project implementation. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about potable reuse regulations, including the lengthy and collaborative process required to develop state-specific frameworks that protect public health while enabling innovation. The discussion covers the factors that separate successful projects from those that stall, the economic realities of potable reuse compared to alternative water supply options, and the safeguards that make reuse a highly regulated and reliable source of drinking water. Looking ahead, Kumar shares insights on PFAS monitoring, artificial intelligence, advanced monitoring technologies, and how the next generation of water reuse leaders can build on lessons learned while remaining adaptable to change. Show notes Engage with Pranjali Kumar, Carollo Engineers associate vice president and southeast water reuse lead. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – Why water reuse is becoming a core water supply strategy 03:36 – What's overemphasized and underestimated in potable reuse 05:48 – How potable reuse regulations are developed and why they take years 11:04 – What separates successful reuse projects from stalled projects 13:17 – Debunking the myth that potable reuse is cost prohibitive 18:35 – PFAS, AI, advanced monitoring, and the future of potable reuse 23:18 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss EPA’s draft guidance on PFAS in biosolids, lessons utilities can take from the PFAS regulatory landscape to prepare for future contaminants, and recent developments affecting stormwater and water infrastructure projects. Bob Crossen explains EPA’s newly released guidance for reducing risks associated with PFOA and PFOS in biosolids, highlighting the agency’s emphasis on source control, monitoring, pollution prevention, and public engagement through the ongoing comment period. He examines how states such as Michigan have successfully reduced PFAS loadings through pretreatment programs and discusses the challenges utilities face when land application options become restricted. Mandy Crispin shares key insights from an ACE panel discussion focused on what PFAS can teach utilities about preparing for future contaminant regulations. She outlines emerging contaminants that could draw future regulatory attention and emphasizes the importance of documenting contaminant-specific costs, testing efforts, treatment decisions, staff time, and public outreach activities. These records could prove valuable for compliance, funding opportunities, and potential cost recovery efforts in the future. The episode concludes with stormwater news covering Michigan dam safety legislation, EPA-approved groundwater remediation plans in Wyandotte, and Florida funding to strengthen wastewater infrastructure following Hurricane Milton. Show notes: EPA releases draft PFAS biosolids guidance for public comment EPA proposes UCMR 6 monitoring rule, leaves microplastics off testing list Lessons from PFAS can help utilities prepare for the next wave of contaminants How Suffolk County Water Authority Got Ahead of PFAS and Built a Roadmap for the Next Emerging Contaminant What PFAS Taught Us About Preparing for the Next Emerging Contaminant What is greywater? Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:31 – EPA releases PFAS in biosolids guidance and opens public comment period 04:59 – Michigan’s source-control strategy shows major PFAS reductions 11:23 – ACE panel lessons: preparing utilities for the next emerging contaminant 14:26 – Why utilities should document contaminant-specific costs and decisions 18:08 – Suffolk County perspective: preventing contaminants before they reach drinking water sources 19:26 – Stormwater infrastructure, dam safety, cleanup projects, and funding news 21:48 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Mandy Crispin discuss key insights and takeaways from the AWWA ACE26 conference, including affordability challenges, PFAS treatment and regulation, data center demands, and the evolving role of collaboration across the water sector. Recording from Washington, D.C., the hosts share firsthand experiences from sessions, interviews, and conversations across the event. They highlight a powerful keynote framing this moment as “water’s moonshot,” emphasizing the urgency and scale of challenges facing utilities today. Central to the discussion is the growing tension between maintaining affordable rates and funding essential infrastructure upgrades. The episode dives into PFAS as a persistent and complicated issue, touching on treatment technologies, regulatory uncertainty, and liability concerns tied to disposal. The conversation expands to emerging contaminants like microplastics and the broader need to address pollution further upstream. They also explore how data centers are reshaping water demand, particularly at the local level, and why utilities must engage early in siting and partnership discussions. Across topics, a recurring theme emerges: collaboration — whether through new project delivery models, public-private partnerships, or policy innovation — is critical to navigating today’s interconnected challenges and preparing for the future. Show notes: AWWA ACE26 Show Coverage Landing Page (to be updated on an ongoing basis — bookmark and come back for more show coverage) Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nomination Form WaterWorld Top Projects Nomination Form Stormwater Solutions Top Projects Nomination Form PFAS Crossword Puzzle Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:03 – “Water’s Moon Moment” Keynote 03:43 – Affordability vs. Infrastructure Crisis 07:01 – PFAS Complexity & Industry Overload 12:03 – Emerging Contaminants & Regulatory Questions 20:32 – Data Centers & Localized Water Demand 44:59 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this sponsored interview, Editorial Director Bob Crossen sits down with Blake Michal from Kamstrup to discuss what a decade of AMI performance can teach utilities about reliability, cost, and lifecycle value.  About the Podcast       Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen speaks with Krishna Prashanth, global product line manager for electromagnetic flow meters and global segment manager for water and wastewater instrumentation at ABB, about the promise and practicality of the circular water economy. Prashanth explains how the concept shifts water management away from a linear take-treat-discharge model and toward a system focused on reducing losses, reusing water, recovering resources and extending the value of every drop. He outlines the “six Rs” — reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, recover and restore — and argues that utilities must evolve from operators of pipes and plants into stewards of local water loops. The conversation also explores the critical role of data capture, monitoring and analysis in making circularity possible, from identifying leaks and managing demand to improving reuse decisions and predicting infrastructure issues. Prashanth and Crossen discuss how AI can strengthen these efforts when paired with trusted instrumentation, as well as the barriers standing in the way, including regulatory silos, misaligned incentives and aging infrastructure. Together, they paint a picture of a more resilient, efficient and resource-aware future for water utilities. Show notes: Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nomination Form WaterWorld Top Projects Nomination Form Stormwater Solutions Top Projects Nomination Form PFAS Crossword Puzzle Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 02:14 – What the circular water economy actually means 05:29 – The six Rs that could reshape water management 11:15 – Why utilities need a new role 13:21 – The data foundation behind circular water 18:17 – Where AI fits — and where it doesn’t 28:23 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss EPA’s latest PFAS regulatory moves, major new federal funding for drinking water and lead service line replacement, and stormwater-related investments aimed at protecting coastal water quality. The episode opens with a breakdown of EPA’s proposal to maintain drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS while reconsidering standards for several other PFAS compounds, alongside a potential compliance extension that could give some utilities until 2031 to meet federal limits. The hosts also examine EPA’s increasing focus on PFAS destruction technologies, nearly $946 million in emerging contaminants funding, and what those developments mean for utilities trying to balance treatment costs, planning, and compliance pressure. The conversation then shifts to the legal and financial risks surrounding PFAS liability, including how CERCLA and RCRA apply to utilities, what EPA’s enforcement discretion does and does not protect against, and why water sector groups are pushing for permanent legislative safeguards. Later, the episode highlights nearly $2.9 billion in lead service line replacement funding and closes with stormwater and coastal water quality news, including federal beach monitoring grants and resilience planning underway in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Show notes: Administrator Zeldin Makes Major PFAS Announcement and Hosts Roundtable with Secretary Kennedy EPA History: Superfund Federal Environmental Liability under CERCLA and RCRA Report finds 61% of U.S. beaches experienced unsafe contamination levels in 2024 EPA announces $9.75 million in BEACH Act funding for water quality monitoring Sullivan's Island resilience plan pairs gray infrastructure with green solutions for 2050 Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – EPA PFAS actions overview 02:16 – Proposed PFAS compliance extension to 2031 03:31 – Shift toward PFAS destruction technologies 04:39 – $945.7 million in emerging contaminants funding 06:13 – EPA outreach for small and disadvantaged systems 07:02 – $2.9 billion for lead service line replacement 08:34 – Lead funding declines slightly from prior year 09:02 – PFAS liability discussion begins 10:20 – RCRA and CERCLA explainer 13:05 – Why utilities face PFAS liability risk 14:03 – EPA enforcement discretion 16:48 – Legislative safe harbor push 17:45 – Deeper PRP liability implications 19:32 – Atlantic Richfield case walkthrough 23:22 – Limits of current liability protections 25:17 – Stormwater and coastal water quality segment 25:30 – EPA beach water quality grants 26:22 – Safer swimming report findings 27:12 – Sullivan’s Island resilience planning 28:11 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode of Talking Underwater, Stormwater Solutions Head of Content Sarah Kominek speaks with Manuel Parra of Xylem Vue about how digital tools are changing the way municipalities prepare for and respond to flooding. The conversation explores how communities can use existing infrastructure more effectively, why high-quality data matters as much as data collection, and how predictive analytics, modeling, and AI can support faster, smarter decisions during wet weather events. Parra also shares real-world examples from Houston and Buffalo to show how practical, scalable flood-control technology can help reduce risk, improve operations, and protect lives.  Key Moments  00:00 - Episode introduction and overview of why flood prediction is becoming more urgent  01:54 - How digital flood-control applications help municipalities respond to severe weather events  03:11 - Tools emergency managers use today, from sensors and rain gauges to models and AI  04:24 - Why data quality, not just data quantity, is critical for effective flood response  06:25 - Houston example: underpass flood detection and public alerts using existing infrastructure  08:05 - Buffalo example: preemptive system management that helped reduce combined sewer overflows  10:12 - What integrating digital technology with existing stormwater infrastructure looks like in practice  11:35 - The role of predictive analytics and AI in supporting operator decisions  13:16 - How climate variability changes the baseline and why models must keep evolving  14:32 - Regulatory and liability considerations tied to better infrastructure management  15:34 - How smaller or under-resourced communities can adopt lower-cost, right-sized solutions  17:34 - Typical lead times for flood prediction and why every minute counts  18:35 - Final takeaway: flood technology does not have to be overly complex to make a major impact  About the Podcast       Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water the co-hosts discuss the addition of microplastics to the EPA’s Sixth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL6), enforcement fallout from the Potomac interceptor sewer collapse, industrial wastewater sampling tied to a Tesla facility in Texas, and recent stormwater headlines across the U.S.  Show notes How EPA Regulates Drinking Water Contaminants CCL 6 Frequent Questions Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6-Draft Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6) Docket Folder Water Research Foundation Project 5155 (Consumer messaging guidance, microplastics) Understanding microplastics in water: Fact vs. fiction (Brent Alspach video interview) WaterWorld subscription EPA, DOJ sue DC Water over Potomac Interceptor collapse Lab analysis details wastewater characteristics at Tesla-linked site in Texas Poll: Which wastewater process area will you focus on this year? Charleston seeks $4.6 million to replace flood-prone homes with rain gardens, retention ponds  Grand Canyon eases water restrictions as aging system challenges persist L.A. County captures record 120 billion gallons of stormwater, boosting local supply Timestamps 00:00 Cold open 00:48 Introduction 01:27 EPA/HHS joint initiative announced to address microplastics 02:13 What the CCL is and how EPA uses it 02:39 How EPA decides whether to regulate (three criteria) 04:02 Draft CCL6 overview (chemicals, microbes, and groups) 05:01 Public comment process + key deadline 05:54 STOMP program explained 09:02 Potomac interceptor collapse 11:05 Tesla-linked wastewater characteristics  13:03 Douglas County, NV stormwater utility and rate proposals 14:33 Charleston, SC buyouts + rain gardens/retention 15:34 Grand Canyon National Park water system update 16:05 LA County stormwater capture numbers 17:07 Housekeeping About the Podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen discusses Water Week 2026 where key figures recorded messages from the event. The episode features firsthand perspectives from water sector leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., for the annual Water Policy Fly‑In to advocate for national water priorities. Through voice memos from leaders at the Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and utility representatives from across the country, listeners hear a consistent message: federal investment in water infrastructure is critical. Speakers point to concerns around declining State Revolving Fund support, the need for long‑term affordability, and the growing financial and regulatory pressures of PFAS management. Utility leaders explain how tools like SRF loans help keep water affordable for customers, especially as infrastructure ages and compliance costs rise. Crossen also reflects on related conversations with utility directors beyond Capitol Hill, tying Water Week priorities to broader operational challenges such as biosolids management, inflow and infiltration, and emerging technology needs. Together, these insights illustrate why coordinated advocacy and sustained federal support remain essential to the health, resilience, and affordability of water and wastewater systems nationwide. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:21 – Water Week 2026 overview and purpose of the DC Fly‑In 00:51 – Overview of expert voice memos from WEF and AWWA 01:28 – Steve Dye (WEF) on energy, momentum, and advocacy on Capitol Hill 02:49 – Danielle Cloutier (NACWA) on record turnout and engagement with Congress 03:41 – Joint water sector priorities highlighted in the Water Week press release 03:47 – Key policy issues: infrastructure funding, PFAS, affordability, and “Do Not Flush” labels 04:53 – Cynthia Lane (AWWA) on building relationships and advancing legislation 05:59 – SRF, WIFIA, and growing funding tension for utilities 06:55 – Cynthia Lane post‑meeting recap from Capitol Hill 07:43 – Liesel Gross on infrastructure funding and PFAS 08:38 – Jason Barrett on aging infrastructure needs 09:14 – SRF funding, affordability, and economies of scale 11:07 – Connecting Water Week themes to PFAS, biosolids, and geopolitics 12:25 – Inflow and infiltration as a growing national challenge 12:44 – Emerging technologies, SCADA integration, and AI interest 13:19 – Why federal policy decisions matter for local utilities 13:53 – Closing thanks to WEF and AWWA contributors 14:12 – Housekeeping   Resources: Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.   About the Podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.