Public trust nearly derailed one of California’s most important water recycling projects — but it also transformed how the state approaches reuse. Traci Minamide of CDM Smith explains how the East Valley project became a flashpoint in the early 2000s, when “toilet-to-tap” politics stalled progress for two decades. Today, that…
What should we rethink about water? Henk Ovink says we need to rethink how little attention we pay to the hydrological cycle — and how much of it depends on healthy land. Half of all rainfall on land comes from forests, wetlands, and other natural systems through transpiration. His message…
California’s water recycling movement has evolved from experiments to expansion—driven by progressive regulations, proven technology, and positive public trust. In this episode, Traci Minamide, Greg Wetterau, and Roshanak Aflaki of CDM Smith share expert insights from decades of experience advancing reuse across the Golden State. They reflect on the past,…
Federal funding for water infrastructure hangs in the balance. Adam Krantz of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies explains how the White House budget proposal nearly zeroed out key State Revolving Funds—dropping billions in investment to mere millions. Now, the House and Senate will debate how much to restore,…
America’s economic ambitions depend on water. From data centers and chipmakers to manufacturing and energy, every facility need a strong water foundation. Adam Krantz of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies says it’s time Congress and the White House connect the dots—investing in water infrastructure isn’t just about clean…
With D.C. often defined by political noise, water leaders are staying focused on what’s real. Adam Krantz of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies says his organization tunes out the screaming and symbolism in Washington by focusing on tangible progress—advocating for policies, tracking legislation, building bipartisan relationships. Amid political…
Clean water’s future depends on sustainable funding, bipartisan policy, and stronger public communication. In this conversation from the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C., Adam Krantz of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) explains how federal investments and advocacy are shaping the next chapter for America’s water infrastructure. He…
What if the future of water infrastructure isn’t just massive treatment plants and tunnels — but also thousands of small-scale systems spread across our communities? That’s the vision driving Cynthia Koehler and the WaterNow Alliance. From green stormwater infrastructure and urban trees to water-efficient fixtures and turf replacement, these distributed…
Could one program finally bring order to America’s stormwater chaos? 🌧️ Jay Holtz of Oldcastle Infrastructure explains how the new STEPP Program — Stormwater Testing and Evaluation for Products and Practices — aims to create a unified national system for verifying stormwater technologies and approaches. By standardizing testing and ensuring…
Why does every city seem to have its own stormwater rules? 🌧️ Jay Holtz of Oldcastle Infrastructure explains how the EPA set broad national guidelines but left the details up to local agencies — leading to thousands of unique programs shaped by climate, soil, and regional priorities. The result is…
Across the U.S., stormwater regulations form a confusing patchwork that slows innovation and complicates compliance for communities and companies alike. In this episode from WEFTEC, Jay Holtz of Oldcastle Infrastructure explains how this fragmented system has evolved — and why it’s time for change. He outlines the challenges posed by…
Can you destroy PFAS and reuse your carbon at the same time? 🔥 Brandon Hamilton of NORIT explains how their reactivation process hits 1700°F for up to six hours, ensuring PFAS molecules are destroyed while restoring 80–90% of the carbon’s original capacity. The result is a powerful closed-loop system —…
At one of the world’s busiest airports, recycled water is taking flight. Christina Beccera Jones of LA Sanitation & Environment explains how water from the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant will offset potable use at LAX—from air conditioning to toilet flushing—and even replace industrial water within the plant itself. It’s a…
Southern California is building the largest purified recycled water program on the planet — a bold collaboration that will redefine the region’s water future. Johan Torroledo explains how LA Sanitation, the LA Department of Water and Power, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and are joining forces to…
In the race to remove PFAS from drinking water, about two-thirds of utilities are turning to activated carbon. Brandon Hamilton of NORIT explains how carbon offers a balanced solution with moderate costs, strong performance, and a built-in sustainability edge. Through a process known as reactivation, used carbon is returned, PFAS…
Turning wastewater into drinking water takes more than technology—it takes trust. At the Albert Robles Center, the Water Replenishment District is changing minds by opening its doors to students and the public, showing how science makes recycled water safe, pure, and sustainable. Stephan Tucker says the goal is to replace…
Activated carbon is a frontline solution in the fight against PFAS and other contaminants in water. In this episode, Brandon Hamilton of NORIT explains how activated carbon works like a “rigid sponge” —using its complex pore structures to trap everything from volatile organics to microscopic chemicals. He breaks down why…
💧 H2O INTRO 👤 Meet Doa Ross, P.E., Deputy General Manager of Engineering at the Southern Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District In the desert city of Las Vegas, water innovation isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. Ross is helping the region tackle two critical…
The energy for water innovation has never been stronger. ⚡ At WEFTEC 2025, Sivan Zamir of Xylem says the industry is buzzing with ideas — and ready to tackle challenges across every corner of the water cycle. From floods to droughts, and from AI to alternative sources, the next generation…
In the 1990s, Los Angeles faced a choice—keep discharging treated water into the harbor or find a smarter way to use it. Instead of extending its outfall pipe, LA Sanitation joined forces with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which had been injecting potable water into the Dominguez…
Los Angeles is turning recycled water into real-world resilience—protecting aquifers from seawater intrusion, powering industry, gaining public support, and building a next-generation supply that reduces dependence on imported sources. At Terminal Island, Dean Taylor explains how this pioneering facility evolved from discharging into the harbor to producing advanced treated water…
Permits for wastewater plants only move in one direction — tighter and tougher. Each time a facility discharges into a river, lake, or ocean, it must meet stricter limits on nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen to protect ecosystems downstream. That means utilities can’t just monitor anymore — they must remove.…
Inside every wastewater plant, there’s a living workforce — microscopic organisms that break down pollutants and keep our water clean. But sudden changes in what flows in can threaten that delicate biology. That’s why modern utilities use real-time online testing to detect issues like pH shifts, suspended solids, and heavy…
Every storm — or dry spell — changes what flows into our water treatment plants. From rainstorms that pick up pollutants to droughts and conservation efforts that make it more concentrated, utilities are facing influent chemistry that’s in constant flux. These shifts challenge plants built decades ago to handle a…