The Collective Tap: Conversations About Water

If we know anything about water, it's that everyone uses it. It is literally the basis of life on the planet, but, somewhat less grandly, it is also a key factor in Indiana's economy, a favorite destination for recreation, a factor in agricultural production, the stuff we drink every day, and so much more. So, what do we really know about it? How much do we have and where? In this episode, we explore what it takes to understand water resources so that they can be managed sustainably and continue to support our economy, recreation, farms, and daily uses.

The class of man-made chemicals commonly called PFAS or PFOA is found in a huge range of products we use every day: from takeout containers to waterproof clothing to computers to medical equipment. Unfortunately, these chemicals never break down, are linked to a range of serious health issues, and are now found in nearly every single body of water on earth, including the rain and clouds. What do we know about PFAS in Indiana, and what is being done to protect Hoosiers?

Climate change is no longer a what-if scenario but an ongoing process with impacts that already demand attention. What are those impacts to our water resources, and how will the changes we are experiencing affect things like infrastructure, development, and the insurance industry? What about the natural environment, wildlife, and agriculture?

Wetlands are nature's sponge, or, as Rachele Baker says, it's multitool. Whether fen, bog, marsh, or swamp, wetlands are a critical piece of natural infrastructure that provide a wide range of services and benefits to human and wildlife communities. Are we treating them appropriately? Do we have adequate protections in place for such an important feature? If you listened to Episode 1 this season, then you already know the answer. Let's take a closer look at wetlands, regulations, and what we risk with our current approach to their management.

What is the White River Report Card and what does it measure? What are the issues affecting human health, investment and development, wildlife and the natural environment? The grades might not be great right now, but how can we improve and protect the river and our communities and safeguard our future?

Native Americans used Indiana's waterways long before colonization. While they derived many of the same uses, the Indigenous relationship to water bears some fundamental differences from the one exhibited most often today.

Being on the water is a special experience and provides a wide range of benefits. Fishing, paddling, bird watching, or walking along the water's edge–all of these experiences can help forge a deeper relationship with this most essential element and inspire a greater interest in its protection.

This podcast has focused on the many ways that humans use water, but there are many more creatures big and small that depend on our waterways as well. In this episode, we talk about wetland habitats, unique species, conflicts with development, and how to help protect water and wildlife.

From earliest times, waterways have been the backbone of human communities. That history hasn't always been positive, but there are signs that our relationship to these waterways is changing for the better.

THE COLLECTIVE TAP is a podcast about water and the many ways we interact with this critical resource every day. Some of those uses are obvious: washing dishes, swimming, or watering plants. Others are less obvious: generating energy, building roads, and manufacturing goods that travel far from the water's source to reach their destination. But even given those many uses—and the many more users who expect clean water on demand—it's easy to take for granted how critical this one resource is to life.What, exactly, is the value of water? We try to answer this question through a series of engaging conversations with experts in their fields, and, hopefully, inspire a new appreciation of the waters you call home.

This season we've looked at some of the hidden uses of water. Energy production, manufacturing processes, and wastewater treatment (did you know stormwater is treated as a waste stream for which municipalities must comply with a regulatory permit?) all have the potential to produce pollutants that are felt in different ways. In this episode, we explore some of the hidden impacts of that pollution–impacts that have often been ignored.

After we use water–to wash dishes, shower, use the toilet, or even as part of an industrial process–where does it go? What's in it, what happens to it, and how does it affect our water resources? In this episode, we talk with some of the people involved in treating and testing wastewater about this critical infrastructure.

A 2014 study by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce reported that Indiana's manufacturing economy is more reliant on a sustainable and adequate supply of water than any other state in the nation, and manufacturing is the largest part of Indiana's economy. In this episode, we talk with the Chamber as well as a couple of the state's best known manufacturers about the relationship between water, production, and the state's economy.

When you flip on your light switch, no water comes out, but you are using water all the same. In fact, Indiana ranks third in the nation in total coal consumption, and water is a big part of that consumption. We discuss the role water plays in producing the energy we use every day and how the state is planning for the future of Indiana's energy needs.

THE COLLECTIVE TAP is a podcast about water and the many ways we interact with this critical resource every day. Some of those uses are obvious: washing dishes, swimming, or watering plants. Others are less obvious: generating energy, building roads, and manufacturing goods that travel far from the water's source to reach their destination. But even given those many uses—and the many more users who expect clean water on demand—it's easy to take for granted how critical this one resource is to life.What, exactly, is the value of water? We try to answer this question through a series of engaging conversations with experts in their fields, and, hopefully, inspire a new appreciation of the waters you call home.

Who knew Indiana's waters could be so refreshing? Join us as we talk with some of the people turning our water into the adult beverages that have become such a big part of the area's food and beverage economy.

Indiana water is used in the production of food and beverage products that ship well beyond the state's borders. How is water used in these food and beverage operations? What do companies do to reduce their usage, and how are they involved in protecting supply in the community? What does the future look like for these industries in Indiana?

Recent polls suggest that somewhere around 90% of Americans eat meat. While meat consumption might be in decline, we're still eating far more meat than anytime in our history. What is the impact to our waterways of raising all those pigs, chickens, and cows?

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the future of agriculture practices and their relationship to our water resources. Soil health, no till, crop rotations, and more. Come learn more about how our most progressive farmers are changing the game to meet the challenges of the future.

Agriculture is dependent on water, but it also has a big impact on our waterways. What are those impacts? How will climate change affect Indiana farming operations? What does the future of Indiana agriculture look like?

THE COLLECTIVE TAP is a podcast about water and the many ways we interact with this critical resource every day. Some of those uses are obvious: washing dishes, swimming, or watering plants. Others are less obvious: generating energy, building roads, and manufacturing goods that travel far from the water's source to reach their destination. But even given those many uses—and the many more users who expect clean water on demand—it's easy to take for granted how critical this one resource is to life.What, exactly, is the value of water? We try to answer this question through a series of engaging conversations with experts in their fields, and, hopefully, inspire a new appreciation of the waters you call home.

What is it like to experience water insecurity? Hear from a Texas citizen who lost access in the 2020 winter storms, and follow along as our hosts, Taz and Devin, try to trim their own usage.

We often take water for granted: turn the faucet on, and there it is. But that isn't the case for everyone, and water service is getting more expensive. How is this impacting different communities, and how are they adapting? What can we do to prepare for higher utility costs?

In this episode, we take a closer look at our water sources. Where does our drinking (and sprinkler) water come from? What condition is it in? What threats does it face, and how can we help improve it?

The green lawn is a hallmark American landscape, so much so that turf grass is one of our largest crops. But keeping lawns green has far-reaching impacts to our water supply, to public safety, and to utility rates and planning.

What's the story with the water in our homes? How does it get there and what condition is it in? Is it safe to consume? What about using it to clean our house or even ourselves? Can we improve our water system?

THE COLLECTIVE TAP is a podcast about water and the many ways we interact with this critical resource every day. Some of those uses are obvious: washing dishes, swimming, or watering plants. Others are less obvious: generating energy, building roads, and manufacturing goods that travel far from the water's source to reach their destination. But even given those many uses—and the many more users who expect clean water on demand—it's easy to take for granted how critical this one resource is to life.What, exactly, is the value of water? We try to answer this question through a series of engaging conversations with experts in their fields, and, hopefully, inspire a new appreciation of the waters you call home.