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

Send us a textIn 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 textTraditional 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 textIn 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 textSometimes, 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.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Lynn Broaddus discusses her extensive experience in the water industry, focusing on the critical connections between water, energy, and climate change. She emphasizes the importance of water sustainability and the need for innovative solutions to address water scarcity and pollution. Lynn highlights the invisibility of water as a significant challenge and shares insights on rainwater harvesting and community projects aimed at improving water management. The discussion also touches on the role of regulations in facilitating water reuse and the potential of new technologies to enhance water infrastructure.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 textIn this conversation, Angela and her brother, Tristan Bounds, discuss distributed water infrastructure (DWI) and the focus of WEF's Distributed Water Infrastructure Task Force on improving water management systems. They explore the definitions of distributed infrastructure, the synergistic roles involved in DWI, future focus areas, pathways for innovation, and the next steps for the task force as it integrates with the small systems community. 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 textIn this heartfelt podcast episode, Angela and Jeff reflect on Jeff's long career at Orenco, discussing the changes brought about by the company's ownership transition and Jeff's impending retirement. They share memorable experiences, the challenges faced during economic downturns, and the emotional impact of selling the company. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the values that have shaped the company culture over the years. Jeff expresses pride in the legacy created and acknowledges the support from those he will miss the most: all the loyal customers and employees. 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 textIn this conversation with Adam Link of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), we discuss the ongoing issues surrounding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in California, the role of CASA, and the importance of public awareness and individual actions in addressing environmental challenges. We also explore California's regulatory approach to PFAS, the significance of recycled water, and the need for community engagement in wastewater management. 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 textIn this conversation, Dr. Bob Rubin discusses the importance of a holistic approach to water management, emphasizing the need to consider all sources of water and the significance of (and innovative solutions for) contaminants like PFAS. He highlights the necessity for research and education in the field, as well as the importance of attracting younger generations to water management careers. The discussion also touches on the concept of a spherical economy in water management, integrating various aspects of environmental management and regulation. 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 textIn this episode, Angela and Shawn talk with Tristian Bounds, a cochair of WEF's Distributed Water Infrastructure Task Force, who recently presented a paper on the subject at WEFTEC. The conversation covers the goals of the task force, the importance of clear definitions in the industry, various roles within distributed infrastructure, and its associated benefits and challenges. With a focus on resilience, accessibility, and regulatory acceptance, the paper is titled "Distributed Water Infrastructure, Frameworks, and Possibilities" and is available at accesswater.org. 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 textIn this conversation, Dr. Reshmina William of ISLE Utilities discusses the Trial Reservoir Program, a unique initiative designed to de-risk piloting and trials for water and wastewater innovation technologies. The program supports vendors and end users by providing a revolving loan fund that absorbs the costs of unsuccessful trials. Dr. William highlights the global impact of the program, including specific reservoirs for minority-led utilities and disadvantaged communities. She emphasizes the need for innovative technologies, particularly in lead detection and PFAS management, and the importance of procedural justice in technology implementation. The conversation concludes with a call to action for technology vendors and utility end users to engage with the program. To learn more about ISLE Utilities and the programs they offer, visit https://isleutilities.com.  To contact Dr. William directly, email reshmina.william@isleutilities.com.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 textIn this conversation, Angela and Shawn discuss the differences between blackwater and greywater. They explain that blackwater comes from toilets, sinks with garbage disposals, and dishwashers, while greywater comes from sinks, showers, and washing machines. They talk about the various ways to treat and reuse greywater, including filtration, sedimentation, biological treatment, and disinfection. They also highlight the environmental impacts of separating blackwater and greywater, such as water conservation, reduction of sewage load, and soil health. Finally, they emphasize the importance of disposing of blackwater appropriately to prevent water pollution and eutrophication.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 textDuring our time at WEFTEC, we had the privilege of talking with several thought leaders and influencers in our industry. In this series, you'll hear from six individuals who sat down with us to share their insights into emerging industry trends and what obstacles they see coming on the road ahead.In this episode, our guests are Adam Link, Executive Director of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), and Alex Gamota, cofounder and CEO of Third-Party Owner (3PO) Networks. Please note that these interviews are presented to you just as they were recorded on the exhibit hall floor at the expo center in New Orleans.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 textDuring our time at WEFTEC, we had the privilege of talking with several thought leaders and influencers in our industry. In this series, you'll hear from six individuals who sat down with us to share their insights into emerging industry trends and what obstacles they see coming on the road ahead.Our guests in this episode are Dr. Bob Rubin, Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University, and Dr. Reshmina William, Project and Trial Manager at ISLE Utilities. Please note that these interviews are presented to you just as they were recorded on the exhibit hall floor at the expo center in New Orleans.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 textDuring our time at WEFTEC, we had the privilege of talking with several thought leaders and influencers in our industry. In this series, you'll hear from six individuals who sat down with us to share their insights into emerging industry trends and what obstacles they see coming on the road ahead. Our guests in this episode are Stuart Coleman, the Executive Director and cofounder of Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations (WAI) in Hawaii, and Dr. Peter Fiske, the Executive Director of the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI), located in Washington, D.C.Please note that these interviews are presented to you just as they were recorded on the exhibit hall floor at the expo center in New Orleans.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 textIn this episode, Angela talks with Manolis Dialynas, our Orenco dealer and distributor in Greece, as he discusses his company's focus on water and wastewater engineering. He shares how he got into the wastewater industry and emphasizes the importance of trust in building relationships with customers. Manolis highlights his favorite project, Palaiochora, which is the largest AdvanTex system in the world. He also discusses the European market and predicts that reclaimed wastewater will become an important business in the future. Manolis encourages listeners to keep dreaming, sharing knowledge, and making the world a better place.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 textHawaii is facing a major wastewater challenge, with 83,000 cesspools discharging 52 million gallons of raw wastewater into the ocean every day. This is causing significant damage to the marine environment, including coral reefs. The state has set a goal to close all cesspools by 2050, but progress has been slow. The estimated cost to eliminate all cesspools is around $2 billion, but this number is likely to increase. The existing wastewater infrastructure in Hawaii is also in poor condition, with limited funding for repairs and maintenance. Alternative solutions and grassroots efforts are being explored, but more support and leadership from the government is needed to address this crisis.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 textIn this conversation, Angela and I discuss the true impacts of failing onsite septic systems. We'll explore the reasons why septic systems may fail, including excessive water use, poor maintenance, and poor design and installation. We also highlight the signs of a failing septic system, such as backups, slow drains, and odors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to protect groundwater and the environment and the need for regular maintenance and prompt action to prevent further damage and health risks.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 textWe're going to WEFTEC! Make your way to booth #2301 and come talk to our experts. We would love to talk with you about your projects, answer your questions, and show you how our products can provide the solutions you're looking for.Angela and I will both be there to talk with you.Who know...you might even end up helping us record a segment for our podcast!Join us October 7-9 in New Orleans!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 textIn this conversation, Angela and I discuss various news topics related to the wastewater industry. We cover articles on wastewater surveillance for pathogens, flood risks in coastal cities, and water reuse and recycling. The conversation highlights the importance of monitoring and predicting disease outbreaks through wastewater surveillance, the impact of aging infrastructure and rising sea levels on flood risks, and the benefits of water reuse and recycling in reducing the burden on 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 Message.Cleaning up wastewater isn't just an issue we face here at home. There are many, many places around the world that would benefit from having cleaner groundwater.  Our International team works with our dealers and partners around the globe participating in projects that will enhance the local ecosystems and keep communities safe from groundwater contamination. Join us as we talk with Brian, Holda, and David, about the things that make their jobs unique and how they work to overcome obstacles we don't often face in our domestic markets. 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 Message.In this conversation, Senior Engineer, Garry-Lee Espinosa, shares his experiences and reflections on his 26 years at Orenco Systems. We talk about the changes he has witnessed in the company, from its early days as a small group to its current size. Garry-Lee also talks about the challenges of remote work and the importance of learning from colleagues. He shares his educational background and how he transitioned into engineering. We also discuss his favorite part of the job, which is seeing the impact of his work in providing communities with wastewater solutions. He enjoys seeing the impact of his work on people's lives and the satisfaction he derives from building and designing. Garry-Lee's humor and self-deprecating nature shine through as he discusses his approach to work. He talks about his passion for the company and his desire to ensure its success in the future. Above all, Garry-Lee is a helper who goes above and beyond with his willingness to support others. 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 Message.In this episode, we talk with Catherine Kirkland, an engineer at Orenco, to learn about her experiences in the wastewater industry. Catherine shares her background and education, as well as her role as a regional sales engineer. She tells us about her interest in the industry and her favorite part of the job, which is the social aspect and the opportunity to meet new people. Catherine also discusses her least favorite part of the job, repetitive office work. Finally, she talks with us about her passion for working on projects in rural areas and making a difference in 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 Message.In this conversation, Mike Saunders shares his journey in the water and wastewater industry. He discusses how he entered the industry and the challenges he faced, including turning around a failed septic to sewer program. Mike also talks about his transition to Orenco and his passion for making a difference in water quality. His favorite part of the job is seeing communities benefit socially, economically, and environmentally from wastewater solutions.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.

In this episode, Angela and Shawn discuss the importance of recognizing World Water Day and the ongoing need for water conservation efforts. They highlight the repetitiveness of water conservation discussions and the necessity of having dedicated days to raise awareness. The theme of this year's World Water Day is 'Water for Peace,' focusing on water scarcity and lack of access to clean water. The conversation also includes alarming statistics on the number of people without access to safe drinking water and proper wastewater facilities. Angela and Shawn emphasize the impact of waterborne illnesses and the importance of managed wastewater systems. They express their desire for universal access to clean water and the role of awareness and education in achieving this goal. The conversation concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to share water awareness content and contribute to solving the world's water problems.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.

In this episode, we discuss vacation homes and short-term rentals with Cory Lyon, and Aaron Yates. Cory and Aaron define vacation homes and highlight the trend of people frequently renting out their properties. The conversation explores the variations in vacation homes by region, including examples from California, the Midwest, and the Northeast. We also discuss the design considerations and best technology for short-term rentals which leads to the importance of maintenance and monitoring systems for optimal performance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on transitioning between vacation rentals and permanent residences and the need for clear communication and instructions for guests.Key TakeawaysHomes are now frequently rented out as short-term rentals, with people using platforms like Airbnb.The design considerations for short-term rentals vary depending on the region and the specific needs of the property.Advanced treatment systems like AdvanTex®️ are recommended for short-term rentals due to their ability to handle variable flows and provide reliable treatment.Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial for the proper functioning of  systems on short-term rentals.Clear communication and instructions for guests can help prevent issues and ensure a positive experience.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.

Mike Saunders joins us for another engaging discussion. This time, the conversation explores the concept of aging infrastructure in the wastewater industry. It discusses the two main aspects of aging infrastructure: deteriorating functionality and becoming obsolete. The timeline for infrastructure to be considered aging varies, with some systems losing functionality as early as 10 years. Not surprisingly, the problem of aging infrastructure is significant, with thousands of sewer overflows reported and billions of dollars spent on repairs and maintenance. The conversation highlights the need for regulatory oversight, proper maintenance, and funding to address the challenges of aging infrastructure. We also cover various aspects of wastewater systems and infrastructure. The principal themes include the importance of inflow and infiltration (I&I), neglect of the collection system and pretreatment, monitoring and troubleshooting beyond the end of the pipe, scheduled plant expansions, the need for sustainability and optimization in engineering, and personal motivation to make a meaningful impact.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.

In his book "Start With Why", author Simon Sinek talks about inspiration, and discovering your drive and passion for doing what inspires you. In a departure from our normal format, Angela and I take some time to talk about our own personal "why". We talk about what drives us and inspires us to be a part of this industry and a part of Orenco Systems.What drives you? Do you have a passion for what you do? Do you know what your "why" is?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.

We're going to WWETT! Join us, January 25th-27th, in Indianapolis for one of the largest shows we attend every year. We will be in booth #2637 and we are bringing our newest product, the Tank Shield! We will also have full-size versions of our Prelos Processor and an AX20 pod that you can get a closer look at. You can find all of the show information through the show website, WWETTshow.com.We would love to see you there!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.

Looking for information regarding our industry can seem overwhelming. There are a lot of places out there that will provide you with information. Some of it is good, and some...not so good. Sometimes, finding reputable sources can be a challenge.To help you out, we have put together a brief list of websites, textbooks, tradeshows, and publications to get you started.  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.

In the wastewater industry, being an equipment dealer means so much more than just selling equipment. There is often more to a project than just the parts and piece that go into an installation. Many dealers often offer additional services or resources that can help in every phase of a project. Engineers sometimes need product specs or design assistance. Installers may ask for installation advice, instructions, or drawings, and service providers might need help with processes, testing procedures, and the like. Dealers fill an important role in this industry and we want to highlight some of them to talk about that role and how they can bring value to your project.In this episode, Angela and I talk with Steve Barry with AQWA in North Carolina. 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.

Every industry has acronyms or uses some kind of shorthand to convey information. If you have been in any particular industry for an extended period of time, you have probably picked up on many of them. Many of us use them on a daily basis and often forget that new industry members or those outside the industry don't understand what we mean when we use them.In this episode, Angela and I try to "lift the curtain" on some of the more common acronyms and help you understand what is being talked about. 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.

For the last 40 years, control panels have been an integral part of the solutions offered by Orenco Systems. Over the years, our Controls division has branched out to meet the needs of, not just the wastewater industry, but the water industry as a whole. We provide control solutions for projects of all sizes.In this episode, we talk with Bill Cagle, the Vice President of the Controls division, and Jerry Snyder, Sales Director for Controls, about the capabilities of our panel manufacturing facility, and the solutions available to the industry through our electrical engineering team.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.

Change happens all around us. Some changes are easy. Other changes are much more involved. And then, there are changes that are so profound that they change the way we think about something in a radically new fashion. It's a paradigm shift; you see a part of your world in a whole new way.Believe it or not, there have been several paradigm shifts in relation to wastewater over the centuries. In this episode, Angela and I look at a few of them and talk about why they are so profound.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.

There's always something happening in the world of wastewater and some of those things are news-worthy. Every so often, Angela and I will look at what's happening in our industry and bring you relevant articles that are worth noting.In this episode, we will cover several interesting stories that received recent attention. You can find these articles through the links below. Water and Wastewater Treatment Market – Global Industry Analysis. Precedence Research. July 2023 https://www.precedenceresearch.com/water-and-wastewater-treatment-market Would You Drink Wastewater? What if It Was Beer? New York Times. July 22, 2023. By Claire Fahy. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/22/business/beer-recycled-wastewater.html?auth=login-google1tap&login=google1tap Research finds improved wastewater treatment could lead to significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Phys.org. March 23, 2023. Maggie Rotermund. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-wastewater-treatment-significant-reduction-greenhouse.html New study: Even treated wastewater affects our rivers. Phys.org. August 10, 2023. Anke Sauter. https://phys.org/news/2023-08-wastewater-affects-rivers.html As wastewater reuse expands, proponents battle the ‘yuck' factor. The Philadelphia Inquirer. August 15, 2023. Jim Robbins. https://www.inquirer.com/health/wastewater-safety-reuse-shortage-20230815.htmlIf 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.

Flows in wastewater systems will vary from project to project.  Then there are those projects that have high flows on one or two days during the week or even several months out of the year, and then receive almost no flow during the other days or months. These intermittent flow systems can pose a problem for designers and require special consideration.Bill Hensley, one of our senior systems engineers, talks with us about what makes these systems unique and offers some insight into how to design a system to accommodate irregular flows.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.

We are headed to Greenbuild!This yearly conference is the premier event focusing on environmental stewardship in the construction industry. Attendees from every corner of the globe come to learn more about sustainable building practices. The conference will be held September 26th through the 29th in Washington DC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. We would love for you to stop by and visit with us.  Ask us questions about our sustainable solutions, learn more about some of our award-winning projects, or just stop for a minute to say hello.You can find us in booth #1534. We look forward to seeing you there.To learn more about the conference, go to the USGBC website, https://www.usgbc.org , and click the link at the top of the page.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.

In almost every industry, you could compile a list of things that seem to be "common knowledge" that are either half-truths, or just plain false. The wastewater industry is no different. If you have a company trying to sell you a product or a professional giving you their opinion, don't just take their word for it. Do your research and separate fact from fiction.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.

High-strength waste is always a concern. However, it can be especially problematic if you live or work in an area that is sensitive to higher concentrations of nutrients. High concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, and even a high BOD value can present a problem for fragile environments.Keven Kelley, one of our senior engineers, joins us to talk about what high-strength waste is, how we can treat it, and why it can be such a problem. 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.

In an industry that is governed by so many rules and regulations, it is important to keep records. Installers, service providers, and even home or business owners should be keeping records to document everything. In this episode, we talk about what records are important to keep and why you should be keeping them. You never know when that bit of information will come in handy or save you from trouble down the road.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.

As our industry has evolved, there were several voices that championed ideas. These influential voices inspired change, challenged conventional thinking, and invented revolutionary technologies that would set the course for future generations. These individuals all share a passion for what they do. Many of these industry pioneers are still active today. They continue to create new ideas, work on new innovations, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.In this series, we get the chance to talk with some of these pioneers in our field. Angela and I ask them about what inspired them, the things they have accomplished, and what they see when they look toward the future.For this episode, we were very fortunate to be able to spend some time with Dr. Bob Rubin, professor emeritus at North Carolina State University. His work and research in land application of nutrient-rich effluent and sludge was, and still is, influential in forming the basis for many of the rules and regulations that govern our industry.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.

While it isn't a big list, there are some basic things that every homeowner who has a septic system should know. In this episode, we talk about what important information you should have about your system and why it's important.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.

As our industry has evolved, there were several voices that championed ideas. These influential voices inspired change, challenged conventional thinking, and invented revolutionary technologies that would set the course for future generations. These individuals all share a passion for what they do. Many of these industry pioneers are still active today. They continue to create new ideas, work on new innovations, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.In this series, we get the chance to talk with some of these pioneers in our field. Angela and I ask them about what inspired them, the things they have accomplished, and what they see when they look toward the future.Terry Bounds, one of the industries leading authorities on septic tank design, sits down to talk with us about some of his memories and experiences. He also happens to be Angela's dad.  So join us as we have a bit of fun and spend some time with Terry Bounds.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.

We work in an exciting but often misunderstood industry.Just like most of an iceberg is hidden below the surface, most people only see the small, public part of our industry that is visible when there is a septic problem. Most commonly, they see the dedicated people that maintain and install systems. But, like an iceberg, there is so much more that the public never gets to see.In this episode, Angela and I get to talk about what it is like to work in the wastewater infrastructure industry. We will explore the kinds of people we encounter, our very mission-driven work, and the common threads that almost all of us share.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.

Lots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different.  By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. Not every septic system has a control panel. However, if you have one in your system, it might be something of a mystery. In this last episode of our series, Angela and I talk about what you should and shouldn't do if you have a control panel or alarm as a part of your septic system. Listen along as we give you some practical advice to take some of the mystery out of your control panel.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.

Lots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different.  By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. In the third episode in our series, Angela and I talk about what homeowners should be aware of outside of the home to ensure their onsite system continues to work properly.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.

Lots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different.  By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. In this second episode of our Do's and Don'ts series, Angela and I talk about the simple things you can do inside your home that will keep your septic system working like it should.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.

Lots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different.  By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. In this first episode of our Do's and Don'ts series, Angela and I talk about the basics of what should and shouldn't go down the drain.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.

In part four, we finish out our series with a discussion on drainfields.Follow along as we talk with Jeff Ball about the different types of drainfields that are used in the industry. We'll discuss some tips for maintaining your drainfield to keep it in good working condition and talk about some reasons why a drainfield could fail.What better way to end the series than by talking about the final piece of your septic system; the drainfield.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.

How much do you know about what happens in your septic tank?There is a lot that goes on in your septic system between your house and the drainfield.Jeff Ball, one of the owners of the company, joins us to talk about how a septic tanks works, the processes that take place in a septic tank, and why the tank is so important to treating wastewater.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.

Garbage disposals are a convenience in many homes, but their use is sometimes misunderstood by many well-meaning homeowners. In this second episode of our series, "How Does it Work?", we talk with Jeff Ball about the two schools of thought on the use of garbage disposals. We discuss what is and is not acceptable use of this modern convenience, and give homeowners some tips and tricks to keep in mind.If you own a garbage disposal, be sure to refer to the owners manual provided by the manufacturer, and always defer to their recommendations.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.