Streaming Water

Episode Notes: In this episode, the wastewater competition Operation Challenge is featured. Lindie Aragon and Orren West, two Ops Challenge veterans, talk about what it is like to compete. Also discussed are the personal and professional benefits of participating on a competitive team. Listeners are invited to an upcoming regional competition in Denver, Colorado during the show. As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode Megan Ross, Business Development Manager at Kiewit, talks about a new biosolids organization that is forming. The Southeast Biosolids Association and it's mission and activities are discussed. Megan also talks about her career and why she loves the world of water and wastewater. As always, an end of show quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode we continue the Executive Series as we sit down with Sharon Peters, President and CEO of EMA Inc. Sharon talks about helping clients improve business processes by leveraging the right technology at the right time. Sharon also talks about workforce issues seen in private sector consulting. As always, an end of show quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: The Executive Series continues as Kristen Atha, Director of Public Utilities at the City of Columbus, Ohio visits the podcast. Kristen discusses issues related to management of a large midwest utility. Kristin provides insights into issues her utility is facing. She also talks about ways her utility is communicating both internally and externally. Kristen touches on utility careers and the need for dedicated employees In the industry. As always, the episode ends with a pop quiz! Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: This episode features interviews from the 2024 Rocky Mountain Water Conference in Keystone, Colorado. Conference attendees including presenters, committee chairs, award winners, are interviewed about their conference experience. Topics range from wastewater biogas treatment to the Hydrant Hysteria competition and everything in between. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Mickey Conway, CEO of Metro Water Recovery, discusses the challenges and opportunities encountered while running a large water resource recovery facility. Mickey talks about the benefit of partnering with customers and other utilities. Mickey also gives listeners an idea of what it is like to represent wastewater at a national level. Current Metro projects and successes are also discussed. As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Cristina Ahmadpour, President, Isle Utilities Inc. is the guest in this episode that is focused on technology. Cristina answers questions about the state of innovation in wastewater. Ways to embrace technology in the water utility space is also discussed. Cristina also talks about areas in the industry that are currently undergoing massive technology changes. The show is closed out with a game of password.

Episode Notes: PFAS in drinking water is discussed with Trevor Cooke, Director of Process Technology at Burns and MCDonnel and Ryan Kirkland, Senior Process Engineer at Burns and MCDonnel. A summary of the regulatory landscape related to PFAS and drinking water is given. Treatment technologies that can remove PFAS from drinking water are presented. Sources and magnitude of PFAS contamination is also touched upon. As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Laboratory analysis and Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing is discussed with Boulder Laboratory Program Supervisor, Melissa Mimna. Melissa talks about what happens in a wastewater lab and what it is like to work in one. In the second half, Melissa provides insight into the complicated nature of WET testing. As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode.

Episode Notes: In this episode Dr. Anna Mehrotra, Wastewater Surveillance Program Director for the Water Environment Federation, visits the podcast. Dr. Mehrotra discusses the national efforts to look at Covid-19 and other diseases in wastewater. Anna talks about the current state of monitoring programs, and tells listeners what the future likely holds for this new area. Anna also gives tips for bringing together professionals from the wastewater and public health worlds. As always a pop-quiz ends the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: This special edition of the podcast was recorded live from the recent Rocky Mountain Water Conference in Loveland, CO. Guests include attendees, award winners, presenters, and committee chairs. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode, Taylor Winchell of Denver Water, and Jeff Deems from Airborne Snow Observatories discuss snow measurement. A NASA spinoff program containing all things awesome including lasers, airplanes, data crunching, skiing, etc. is discussed. The Colorado Airborne Snow Measurement Program is also talked about. As always the show ends with a pop quiz. More information on the Colorado Airborne Snow Measurement Program can be found here: Colorado snow.org. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode, Greg Peterson, Executive Director of Colorado Ag Water Alliance, gives his perspective on agriculture and It's connection to water use in Colorado. Greg also presents his thoughts on water scarcity and the Colorado River Compact issue. As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode, Greg Peterson, Executive Director of Colorado Ag Water Alliance, is interviewed. Greg gives his perspective on agriculture and It's connection to water use in Colorado. Greg also presents his thoughts on water scarcity and the Colorado River Compact issue. As always a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode a team of engineering students from Colorado School of Mines (Adaptable Aquatic Solutions) describes their proposed solution for eliminating E. Coli in Cherry Creek. The project was part of the Greenway Foundation's Clean Water Challenge. The team discusses how they went about formulating their project and describe their ultimate design. Members also talk about what they learned along the way. More information can be found on the team website at: https://alexandradaniels5.wixsite.com/csm-e--coli-clean-up As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: This episode features a panel discussion with water and wastewater laboratory experts. The episode was recorded at the Rocky Mountain Water Quality Analysts Association Symposium held in Estes Park, CO. Questions centered around the laboratory field and include some great tips on how to break into the industry. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this, the final episode of 2022,Daniel Williams, I&C Supervisor at Loveland, talks about SCADA. Daniel relates the importance of instrumentation and controls to water and wastewater treatment. Daniel also discusses cybersecurity and the difference between IT and OT. As always the show is closed out with a (Christmas-themed) pop quiz. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: This special episode of the podcast was recorded on the conference center floor at the recent Rocky Mountain Water Conference in Keystone, Colorado. The show features short interviews with attendees, presenters, officers, and vendors. The RMWC is a regional annual event of the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association and the Rocky Mountain Section of the American Water Works Association. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode environmental engineering student interns Whitney Knopp and Ben Camp are interviewed. The pair talk about their college experience as engineering students at The University of Colorado. The two also discuss what they learned during their time at South Platte Renew as interns. As always, a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode, john Rehring P.E. with Carollo Engineers talks abou direct potable reuse. John describes the technology involved in turning wastewater into drinking water. He also discusses the state of direct potable reuse in Colorado and nationally. John then talks about the Colorado Pure Water DPR Demonstration Trailer. This mobile treatment center can travel around and educate communities about direct potable reuse. As always, a pop quiz concludes the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Ryan Hoye, a cybersecurity specialist with Black and Veatch, discusses the threats utilities face from cybercriminals. Ryan gives listeners some ideas that utilities and individuals can take to protect their cyber infrastructure. Current regulations relating to cybersecurity in the water and wastewater world are also discussed. As always a pop quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode, Cameron Colby, Strategic Partnership Specialist at Biobot Analytics is interviewed. Cameron talks about the mission of Biobot as it relates to wastewater-based epidemiology. She discusses Biobot's role in tracking the pandemic. Cameron also discusses her career path and how she ended up in the dream job she always wanted. As always, a fun quiz finishes out the show. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode, Katya Bilyk, a Senior Associate at Hazen and Sawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina talks about machine learning. Katya describes how she got into the field of wastewater engineering and what spurred her interest in machine learning. She describes instances where machine learning has been successfully deployed in the water and wastewater sector. Katya also takes listeners through the process of implementing a machine learning project. As always the episode is closed out with a pop quiz. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Colorado State Senator and Rio Grand Water Conservation District Manager, Cleave Simpson talks about water issues in Colorado. Agricultural perspectives on water management are discussed. Water challenges in the Rio Grande Basin are considered. Current state legislative efforts involving water are summarized. As always, the episode ends with a fun pop quiz. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode The role of Industrial Pretreatment is discussed. Long-time Pretreatment Administrator Dave Louch talks about what pretreatment is and why it is so important to wastewater plants and the environment. Dave also tells listeners about some interesting things he has seen during his career in industrial pretreatment. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Ceila Rethamel, Collection System Superintendent with the City of Westminster, Colorado talks about wastewater collection systems. Ceila touches on some things an ordinary person might not know about these complex systems. The use of robotic technology and big data in the maintenance and management of these underground assets Is also discussed. As always and end-of-show quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: Dr. Josh Goldman-Torres and Tracy Fielder talk about a group of Colorado wastewater plants that are testing for Covid in wastewater. The two discuss how the testing is done, where the data can be accessed, and what the Information is ultimately used for. The future of the emerging field of wastewater-based epidemiology Is also considered. As always, an end-of-show quiz closes out the episode. Find out more at https://streaming-water.pinecast.co

Episode Notes: In this episode Kristin Johansen, a water utilities engineer with the City of Santa Fe is interviewed. Kristin tells a story about solving a water quality manganese mystery. She also discusses a recently completed water tank build. The finds of Santa Fe Water‘s on-staff archaeologist are talked about as well. As always, the episode is closed out with a quiz.

Episode Notes: Jill Oropeza, Director of Ft. Collins Water Quality Services Division, joins the podcast to discuss the effects of wildfire on watersheds and water quality. Jill discusses the efforts undertaken by the city to respond to recent fires. She also talks about the external and internal collaboration needed to produce high quality drinking water after a fire event. As always an end-of-show quiz closes out the episode.

Episode Notes: In this episode, Laura Wing, Water Resources Administrator with the City of Thornton talks about water conservation programs and strategies. Incentives provided by cities to encourage customers to reduce usage are discussed. Changes in technology which enable homeowners and cities to save water are examined. Methods of educating customers about The importance of conservation are also explained. An election-based end-of-show quiz closes out the episode.

Episode Notes: In this episode, Nicole Poncelet-Johnson, Director of Water Quality and Treatment at Denver Water talks about the utility’s recently approved lead control variance. Nicole discusses the corrosion control method prescribed by the State and EPA and the alternative solution arrived at through science and a whirlwind stakeholder process. The components of the program, which ultimately tackles the problem with a quicker and more sustainable approach, is also presented. Nicole also lets listeners in on a new way Denver Water is optimizing treatment processes at its facilities without breaking the bank. As always, an end-of-show quiz closes out the episode.

Episode Notes: Matt Hardesty, Chief of Hydrography for the Colorado Division of Water Resources talks about measuring water for administration of Colorado’s water rights system. Matt discusses the equipment and techniques used to measure stream flows in Colorado. He also explains the advancements in technology that have occurred since the system was instituted. The mid-show segment focuses on Ralph Parshall and his water measuring flume. As always an end-of-show quiz tests the guest’s knowledge.

Episode Notes: Dr. Allegra K. da Silva and Sarah Reeves, engineers with Brown and Caldwell, visit the podcast to discuss PFAS. The duo talks about the status of PFAS regulations on the state and national levels. PFAS chemistry and treatment technologies are also covered by the two experts. A movie review of Dark Waters makes up the mid-show segment and as always, a brain-busting quiz finishes out the episode.

Episode Notes: Barbara Biggs, Manager of Roxborough Water and Sanitation District, talks about the key differences between large and small utilities. Barb compares her experience at Metro Wastewater to what she sees at Roxborough. She highlights the differences in priorities, operations, and management philosophy. Barbara also discusses the calls she hopes she won't get at 3:00 a.m. The mid-show break includes talk of nanotechnology and an end of show quiz tests the guest's knowledge.

Episode Notes: Sarah Dominick, a consulting engineer with Hazen and Sawyer, talks about how utilities make big decisions. The types of decisions utilities face is discussed. Tools and techniques used to make Big decisions are presented. A Russian who averted World War III leads to a discussion of the importance of the right timing when making or not making a decision. As always an end of show quiz tests guest’s knowledge.

Episode Notes: Tom Kunetz, Immediate Past President of the Water Environment Federation, discusses his background in improvisational theater and relates those concepts to our left-brained water industry. Tom talks about his role in the new water film Brave Blue World. Tom offers tips on presenting and communicating about water. He Also introduces three things he feels are important for people to have in their lives and careers. As always an end-of-show quiz tests the guest’s knowledge.

Episode Notes: Kevin Hill talks about his career as an operator at the third largest wastewater plant in Colorado. He discusses industry changes he witnessed and the key skills needed for success as a professional operator. Kevin gives insight into his time as RMWEA President. Tips for returning to work after the quarantine are given and an operator pop quiz closes out the show.

Episode Notes In this episode, Clay Rahn talks about his job as a resident engineer on large water and wastewater construction projects. The top 7 signs you Have a bad contractor are featured. Three rules of construction inspection are discussed. The show wraps with a construction quiz.

Episode Notes: In this episode limnologist Steve Lundt discusses the ins and outs of lake science. Steve talks about tests that are important to lake monitoring and what the study of lakes can tell us about watersheds. Interesting lake projects including limnocorrals and biomanipulation as tools of lake management are also talked about. The episode reveals where to find a lakeside phonebooth and an end-of-episode lake quiz.

Episode Notes Coronavirus with guest Ron Falco - Drinking Water Program Manager at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Ron discusses the effects of COVID-19 on water utilities and the Colorado Water Quality Control Division. Top stay-at-home activities are explored and a Coronavirus quiz finishes out the episode.