Advertise on podcast: Make It Clear: Why You Can't Just Flush and Forget

Send us a text In this engaging episode, we take a surprisingly fun journey through the history of the toilet—from chamber pots and royal inventions to modern low-flush and smart technology. We explore the innovations, myths, and public health milestones that shaped how waste is managed today. Along the way, we connect toilets to sanitation, infrastructure, and water stewardship, highlighting why this often-overlooked invention plays such a critical role in protecting health and the environment. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text We’re celebrating a major milestone—our 100th episode! In this special installment, we look back on the moments and conversations that have meant the most to us over the past four years. From paradigm-shifting ideas to memorable interviews, we reflect on what we’ve learned along the way. Most importantly, we thank our listeners for tuning in, sharing the journey, and helping make this podcast possible. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this episode, we chat with Darren Mendenhall, Customer Service Manager at Orenco, about the real-world aspects of helping various people with wastewater systems. We hear how the customer service team supports homeowners, installers, and engineers with troubleshooting, training, and plenty of patience. Darren shares how to handle calls about alarms and tricky questions, as well as those memorable calls that remind us why protecting water matters so much.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this episode, we pick up our historical deep dive and explore how wastewater treatment was transformed between the 1800s and the present day. From cholera-prevention breakthroughs to modern filtration, AI, and reuse strategies, we trace the innovations that shaped the clean, reliable systems we depend on now.   If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this episode, we journey through ancient civilizations to uncover how humanity first tackled wastewater and sanitation. From the advanced sewers of the Indus Valley to Rome’s engineering marvels, we explore brilliant innovations, surprising missteps, and how history’s sanitation lessons still shape the way we treat water today.   If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text We’re diving into all the most common septic system questions—how they work, what not to flush, and how to spot trouble before it starts. With real stories, expert advice, and plenty of laughs, we’re breaking down what everyone’s been Googling about keeping septic systems healthy and worry-free.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Carl Thompson, VP of Sales and Business Development at Infiltrator, to reflect on the first year since the Orenco acquisition. We talk through the benefits of bringing two industry leaders together, the exciting innovations from our combined R&D teams, and how our customers are already seeing stronger support and better wastewater solutions. Finally, we share how teamwork, progress, and future innovation are shaping decentralized wastewater systems.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Jim Bransfield of Infiltrator Water Technologies to discuss the acquisition of Orenco Systems and how it’s driving collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose across the wastewater industry. The conversation highlights a renewed focus on R&D, meeting stricter regulations, and delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions, especially for decentralized systems. Together, the companies aim to become a one-stop provider for clean water technologies and industry growth.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this episode, we discuss recent developments in wastewater management and the implications for public health and safety. We cover California's efforts to limit forever chemicals, Eugene's exemplary water quality compliance, Tennessee's innovative approach to drug testing through wastewater, and the plan in Los Angeles to transform wastewater into clean drinking water. Our conversation highlights the importance of these initiatives in ensuring safe drinking water and addressing environmental challenges.  Links to articles https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/los-angeles-set-to-build-facility-to-transform-wastewater-into-clean-drinking-water/ar-AA1u4Mbt?ocid=BingNewsSerp https://www.yahoo.com/news/wastewater-testing-proposed-tackle-drug-164323058.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAD4EatgEcs9gz_wPjEV0Nb-Gz4bKXXmtI_ckCHuiFgMWsi_S_veSt_JQxskAR4b45ENs-2T3MnbtLwmmH5NRUSFZ4PxAmz_4CWsVuwdZY2pUx0Hewsq4id9PerOvWCOfyfsYTrM727SHWUQXAbIUouyTvjb_fRwSfhCJXuDPSWIy https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5153830-california-drinking-water-standards-pfas/ https://www.kezi.com/video/new-report-shows-eweb-water-free-of-contaminants/video_01419248-da7f-5990-a8c9-c057af4fffc3.html If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this conversation, we discuss the US EPA's Septic Smart Week and the importance of inspecting and maintaining septic systems. We also review previous podcasts covering what to flush, septic do's and don'ts, and the signs of failing systems. We emphasize the environmental impact of neglecting these systems and highlight available resources for homeowners to ensure their septic systems are well-maintained.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text Transitions are never easy but change often leads to growth both for individuals as well as organizations. Our guest, Craig Taylor, president of Infiltrator Water Technologies, talks with us about the purchase of Orenco Systems and what that means for the wastewater industry. With our sights set on the future, we talk about the benefits for our customers and end-users of our combined efforts and resources.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this heartfelt farewell podcast, Angela and Shawn sit down with Tristan Bounds to reflect on his journey at Orenco. They discuss his most enjoyable experiences, the challenges he faced, and the memories he cherishes. Tristan shares insights about the company's culture, the pride in their quality products, and his future endeavors in the engineering field. The conversation highlights the importance of relationships and the impact of a strong company culture. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text Traditional infrastructure materials like concrete and steel were once the construction materials of choice. But their disadvantages include weight, high life-cycle costs, and long build times. Using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites can help solve all of those problems.  In this episode, Eric Ball and Darren Simmie from our Orenco Composites division explain how FRP composites are an ideal material for infrastructure projects. They describe the FRP manufacturing process and how composite materials have solved infrastructure problems for many businesses and communities.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text In this heartwarming episode, Angela talks with her father, Terry Bounds, about his impending retirement. As one of the cofounders of Orenco Systems, Terry shares his memories of growing the company going back more than 40 years. They reminisce about the good times, the hard choices, and the friends made along the way. Despite his retirement, Terry’s impact on the company and the wastewater industry will be felt for many years to come.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

Send us a text Sometimes, old solutions can be used in new ways to solve problems. Population growth and expanding infrastructure can be big problems for many small communities. In this episode, we talk with Alex Gamota, cofounder and CEO of 3PO Networks, a company that plays a pivotal role in bringing sewer and fiber optics to small communities that face infrastructure challenges. He shares how 3PO Networks has helped communities find solutions by breaking through obstacles to growth that couldn’t be handled affordably through conventional means.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.