Episodes

The Mississippi River is essential to global agriculture and trade, but it is increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, including severe droughts and floods, resulting in significant economic and environmental challenges. Colin Wellenkamp, Executive Director of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), discusses how the coalition is advancing nature-based solutions to build resilience along the river. One notable example is Horseshoe Lake in East St. Louis, a community histori...

The ever-changing nature of the Mississippi River poses significant challenges for those living behind the levee at Dogtooth Bend in southern Illinois, where increased flooding and infrastructure strain can impact everyday existence. A promising solution involves nature-based strategies that restore floodplains to better manage water flow and reduce flood risk. Tharran Hobson of The Nature Conservancy shares insights into collaborative efforts with NRCS and the Army Corps of Engineers to support...

Las Vegas faces unique challenges as a rapidly growing city with a small share of water from the Colorado River and an arid desert climate. To meet the demands of residents and 40 million annual visitors, Las Vegas implemented comprehensive approaches to sustainability that drove water usage down even as the population boomed. Bronson Mack of the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Michael Gulich of MGM Resorts International share their insights on water recycling, conservation programs, and eff...

The federal government's historic investment in water infrastructure has presented both opportunities and challenges. The solution lies in efficiently distributing funds, overcoming barriers like permitting and regulatory requirements, and accelerating the pace of project implementation. In this episode, Tim Male, Executive Director of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, discusses the complexities of rolling out billions in federal funding and the hurdles still in place. He highlights th...

Communities across the country are disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices like water pollution and inadequate infrastructure. The solution requires not only winning court battles but also building long-term, collaborative relationships with those affected on the ground. In this episode, Julian Gonzalez, Senior Legislative Counsel of Earthjustice, shares insights into how the organization uses legal expertise and partnerships to protect vulnerable communities. He highlights Earth...

Wetlands along the Mississippi River have been disappearing for decades, leading to increased flooding and degradation of water quality, as well as loss of wildlife habitat. Nature-based solutions, like wetland restoration and floodplain reconnection, offer a path to address these challenges plus provide benefits for communities and commerce. In this episode, Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer, and Ellen Herbert, Senior Scientist, from Ducks Unlimited, share their organization's science-d...

Memphis faces the dual challenge of protecting itself from Mississippi River flooding while enhancing the environment and public spaces. The solution lies in nature-based projects that manage stormwater, restore wetlands, and provide community amenities. In this episode Carol Coletta of Memphis River Parks Partnership and Jake Spears of Ducks Unlimited discuss two transformative riverfront projects on either side of the river. Tom Lee Park, on the Tennessee side, offers stormwater management, fl...

Many water utilities across the U.S. are grappling with aging infrastructure, underfunding, and staffing challenges, but solutions are within reach through smarter management and targeted technical assistance. George Hawkins, CEO of Moonshot Missions, shares how his organization helps utilities of all sizes improve operations, access federal funding, and adopt innovative technologies. George emphasizes the crucial role of Environmental Finance Centers in delivering technical support to ensure un...

Milwaukee faces a significant challenge with over 70,000 lead service lines. In response, the city has implemented a replacement program initiated by an ordinance in 2017. This initiative leverages federal funding to focus on disadvantaged communities, with an emphasis on neighborhoods identified as most in need through an area deprivation index. In this episode, Superintendent Patrick Pauly of Milwaukee Water Works, Janet Pritchard from the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, and Richard Di...

Milwaukee is tackling stormwater through an innovative community-based public-private partnership. The Fresh Coast Protection Partnership is expanding green infrastructure, enhancing neighborhood quality, and developing the local workforce.

Developing and recognizing emerging leaders in the water sector is crucial for addressing current and future challenges. The WaterNow Alliance’s Emerging Leaders program plays a vital role in this effort by identifying and supporting professionals.

Managing water resources effectively is crucial, especially in regions facing scarcity and drought. The OpenET platform offers a groundbreaking solution by leveraging satellite data to measure evapotranspiration.

Marine conservation and the preservation of the U.S.'s most cherished underwater environments are critically important issues. National Marine Sanctuaries provide a solution by protecting these vital ecosystems.

The Colorado Water Fellows Program connects students with water issues and equips them with practical experience.

Mayor Errick Simmons of Greenville, Mississippi, shares insights into his community's efforts and the collaborative initiatives of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative.

Floodplain reconnection has emerged as a crucial solution to mitigating flooding, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity along the Mississippi River corridor.

The fact there are 2.2 million people in America without safe drinking water and adequate sanitation does not receive enough media attention. There are lessons on how to change this from high-profile coverage of connected issues such as climate change.

Communities across the United States face significant challenges in accessing and effectively utilizing federal funding for water initiatives. The solution lies in leveraging these resources to empower grassroots organizations and address local water issues.

The River Network’s Emerging Leader Award highlights rising stars at the crossroads of water and justice. Designed to boost early career professionals, the award offers recognition, confidence, and networking opportunities.

The Potomac River, once labeled a national disgrace due to severe pollution, has seen significant improvements over the decades. Dean Naujoks, the Potomac Riverkeeper, discusses the progress and ongoing challenges.

Lexus Giles, an artist from Jackson, Mississippi, reflects on the water challenges of the community through her work "Wading the Woes of Jackson Water."

Agencies responsible for natural resources along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River corridor often face significant challenges due to limited resources. A powerful solution to this problem is the GulfCorps program, which leverages funding from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement to support nature-based projects.

California is grappling with a severe groundwater crisis, underscoring the urgent need for accurate accounting under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Various tools are being used or developed to tackle this challenge, ranging from field meters and well monitors to computer models and online platforms.

Many people in Oregon face significant water justice challenges, including affordability, accessibility, and quality. Addressing these issues requires place-based, community-specific solutions.