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Paul Mann is the founder of Water Champions, an engineering and design firm specializing in the efficient and smart use of water. He joins Ted Flanigan to discuss how this came about, and what each of us can do to be water smart.During Covid, Paul and his wife experienced California drought and fires, and began to realize the enormous importance of water at home and worldwide. Fully half of the Earth's population lives in water-stressed areas, and given population growth, demand for water will grow by 20 - 30%. "Water shortage is imminent."Paul and Jenna Mann's story began at home, with an outdoor shower next to their hot tub. They rigged a system such that the shower's water came from captured rainwater, harvested in a large tank. The shower's drain was channeled into their three-level garden beds. These and other measures -- including leak detection systems and irrigation controllers -- cut their water use by a shocking 60 - 70%.They found that new technologies, like recirculating water shower systems, cut water and energy use while delivering more fulfilling showers. These systems collect and reuse water, they clean it, reheat it, and disinfect it with UV. Their discovery with basic practices and new technologies resulted with them wanting to share their experiences, pamphleting their neighbors, telling them about their success. This launched Water Champions.Today Water Champions provides consulting service for homes and businesses to help them use water efficiently... from the water source to its reuse, ultimately supporting end-uses such as drought-tolerant landscaping and permaculture. Paul and Jenna also created the Renova Academy which trains architects, designers, landscapers, homeowners, and others online. One need not give up the pool, Paul explained. Through smart water use, Water Champions helps people maintain quality lifestyles through a portfolio of water solutions.
Dr Vishal Wagholikar joins Rhys and Divya to break down findings from his new Horizon Scan on cooling technologies. As data centres grow more power-hungry, water use is emerging as a blind spot—and a growing concern. The trio unpacks liquid cooling breakthroughs, water use effectiveness metrics, and shifting industry priorities. If you're in cooling, water, or digital infrastructure, don't miss this. The full report is now available on the BlueTech Intelligence platform. Download here or request access.--Presented by BlueTech Research®, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence. Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world
In this mini edition of Waterfall, Mike & Karen are joined by Defra's Head of Water Efficiency and Demand Management, Katie Smith, for a detailed discussion of Defra's plans to help everyone save water. The full length edition of this episode was originally released on 10/5/2024.
In this episode, David Muil, Global VP of Sustainability for Intertek, explains the importance of water efficiency and how organizations can benefit from implementing ISO 46001:2019, the Water Efficiency Management System standard. The discussion covers the core components of the standard, its environmental and financial benefits, and real-world examples of companies achieving significant water savings. This episode offers valuable insights for businesses looking to optimize water use, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability through effective water management practices. Tune in now!To connect with one of our experts today, email us at business.assurance@intertek.comFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.
What if your next AI prompt could help restore wetlands and improve water security? Listen to this!More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/
We dove quickly into the Water Efficiency Rating Sore or WERS system with Mike Collignon Executive Director & Co Founder of the Green Builder Coalition. So quickly in fact that we did not have time to talk much about the other cool things the coalition is doing, so definitely check out their website in the show notes to find out how they are a uniting voice for sustainable home building especially for the custom builder community In short, WERS is a performance-based water efficiency program for both new and existing residential properties. This approach to water efficiency preserves design freedom and product choice flexibility. Third-party analysis and data collection is utilized to generate both a score and predict water usage for single-family and multifamily properties. Especially here in the west and specifically in the southwest, more and more water utilities and jurisdictions are looking for ways to better manage water in the build environment so that builders can continue to meet our housing demand. Mike Collignon on LinkedIn Green Builder CoalitionWater Efficiency Rating Score (WERS)2025 Next Generation Water SummitOther Water based buildCAST Episodes#16-2021 Garry Klein's in Hot Water#22-2021 Jonah Schein WaterSense National Program Manager#1-2023 Teal Lehto Instagram's “Western Water Girl”#2-2023-rick-schultz-water efficiency supervisor townof Castle Rock Colorado
"Water is a limited resource, and in this refinery, every gallon saved is a win for sustainability." – Juan Meneses Water is a critical resource in industrial operations, and improving efficiency is a top priority for many companies. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, returning guest Juan Meneses, District Manager at Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, discusses how a Western refinery optimized its water footprint using advanced treatment technologies. This episode is packed with insights on water conservation strategies, sustainability goals, and the role of advanced monitoring technologies like 3D TRASAR in maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Key Topics Covered: The Challenges of Water Usage in Refineries This refinery faced rising water costs and increasing sustainability pressures. With water sourced from the city, costs were projected to rise by 5% annually, with wastewater discharge costs climbing even faster. Finding ways to reduce water consumption while maintaining efficiency was a top priority. Optimizing Cooling Towers for Maximum Water Efficiency Cooling towers presented a key opportunity for conservation. The team aimed to increase cycles of concentration to reduce water waste without compromising system integrity. By using 3D TRASAR technology, they monitored real-time conditions, allowing precise adjustments to prevent scaling and corrosion. Implementing Smart Water Treatment Strategies To sustain higher cycles, the refinery introduced dual cathodic inhibitors and high-charge polymers, enhancing corrosion and scale control. pH adjustments ensured effective biocide performance while maintaining system reliability. This strategic shift allowed for significant reductions in water and chemical use. Results and Lessons Learned By increasing cycles from 5.5 to 9.3, the refinery saved 52 million gallons of water annually while cutting wastewater discharge and chemical consumption. The biggest takeaway? Real-time monitoring and proactive pH control are essential for maintaining efficiency at higher cycles. Best Practices for Industrial Water Optimization Collaboration between plant operators and water treatment professionals is key. Regular monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and advanced automation tools can help refineries maximize efficiency while meeting sustainability goals. Water conservation is good for business and the environment. Could your facility save millions of gallons? Explore advanced water treatment strategies today. Learn more at ScalingUpH2O.com. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:14 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 08:02 – Water You Know with James McDonald 10:20 – Interview with returning guest Juan Meneses, District Manager at Nalco Water about Western Refinery Water Efficiency 11:06 – The biggest water challenges faced by the refinery 12:11 – Strategies for optimizing water footprint and sustainability goals 14:07 – How 3D TRASAR and modeling software improve water efficiency 24:50 – Water savings achieved: 52 million gallons saved 29:21 – Best practices for communicating water optimization goals Quotes “The way that we can reduce water in the cooling tower is to increase cycle of concentration.” – Juan Meneses "A good implementation of this project, if you can, with good and advanced monitoring and automation. You can optimize your chemical treatment by modeling the condition.” - Juan Meneses “About the teamwork, foster collaboration and communication with the customer are key component of that and focus on sustainability.” - Juan Meneses Connect with Juan Meneses Phone: 337.309.9619 Email: jmeneses@ecolab.com Website: Reinventing the Way Water is Managed | Nalco Water LinkedIn: Juan A. Meneses | LinkedIn Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide Guest Resources Mentioned CH 2029 Western Refinery Optimizes Water Footprint Using 3D Trasar Technology for Cooling Modeling Tools paper Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One Of The World's Most Successful Company by Charles Koch The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Sean Covey (Author), Chris McChesney (Author), Jim Huling (Author) Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) IWC (International Water Conference) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind 405 Cooling Water Innovation: Harnessing Wastewater for Sustainability 164 The One With Chris McChesney Water You Know with James McDonald Question: What effect will the water temperature have on softener backwash during regeneration? 2025 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
Water is a precious resource and farmers don't want to waste water or the money it costs to pump it. Can technology help make our crops more water efficient?
Despite its importance to both agricultural and environmental outcomes, irrigation has not been a terribly successful subsection of agtech. We have our theories about why that is (we wrote a whole report about it, The agtech adoption dilemma: Irrigation), and many others have also spotted the challenges in this space. But when Jairo Trad and his team dug in, they saw an opportunity for business model innovation. Their path, via Argentinian agtech company Kilimo, has been far from smooth, but where they've ended up seems to be a unique unlock for adoption and value capture. This week, we're sitting down with Jairo, CEO and Cofounder at Kilimo, who's spent the last 14 years expanding the boundaries of the ag-water system to find the right answer to the question “who pays for water efficiency improvements.” For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should read the information memorandum and seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe Information is correct, no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
In this episode, Cath & Karen dive into Project Zero, an innovative collaboration between Ofwat and Nesta focused on achieving water neutrality at new development sites. They explore how this initiative is creating water-efficient homes, promoting water-saving habits, and cutting waste in local communities. Joining the conversation are Gareth Barker from Affinity Water and Jane Bellard from Weir The Agency, to discuss Affinity Water's Bidwell site in Houghton Regis, a standout example of water neutrality in action. Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 0:01 - Introductions and hellos 2:36 - Explaining what the Bidwell project is 4:58 - The wider environmental pressures that we need to be worried about when considering water resources 7:06 - Water neutrality as a concept - how do we explain it to residents? 8:56 - How were residents helped to make savings? 11:31 - What were the water-saving activities residents were encouraged to do? 14:07 - The importance of focusing on one change at a time to influence behaviour 19:26 - How were results measured? 22:10 - Engaging people as a water company - how to influence customers 29:15 - Moments of change 32:10 - Final thoughts Shownotes Affinity Water's neutrality trial slashes consumption levels - Utility Week Our water neutrality project - Affinity Water Affinity Water's water neutrality project achieves milestone
As the global population approaches 10 billion by 2050, the challenge of providing safe, nutritious food is growing more urgent. Climate change is further straining food systems, impacting water availability, crop yields, and livestock health. In this episode, two experts discuss innovative biotech solutions aimed at addressing these pressing issues, offering hope for a sustainable path forward in feeding the world.Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at https://www.bio.org/
In this episode, we discuss challenges and opportunities in residential water use and efficiency. Our expert guest, Andrew D. Morris, Senior Manager of Policy & Programs with the Alliance For Water Efficiency, shares how water consumption in single-family and multi-family homes has evolved over the years, including a 15% decrease in indoor water use between 1999 and 2016 driven by state-level fixture standards and federal appliance regulations. Andrew provides a vision for future areas of improvement, including right-sizing premise plumbing and water heater systems, meter sizing and sewer capacity certifications, and utility-side adjustments to connection-related fees and policies. Related Links:The Alliance for Water Efficiency is a membership-based nonprofit of utilities, industry, government bodies, researchers, and academia dedicated to water efficiency in North America.
Rob Starr and Chris Davey broadcast from their recent visit to the 2024 WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, NV, where several companies shared their innovations addressing water and environmental challenges. RESNET's Paulette McGhie and EPA's Jonah Schein discuss new building standards for energy and water efficiency. Atoco's Magnus Bach highlights sustainable atmospheric water harvesting and CO2 capture technologies. John Green of BlueGreen Water Technologies introduce solutions for controlling blue-green algae. Kamstrup's Joe Ball detailes how ultrasonic water meters optimize revenue and water management. Lastly, Biogreen's Teresa Kim explained the benefits of Agromon biodegradable mulching film for sustainable farming. Podcast Recorded September 26, 2024
Welcome to our in-depth webinar on optimizing the energy and water efficiency of factory-assembled cooling towers. Join SPX Marley experts Mark Pfeiffer, Manager of Technical Services, and Rob White, Application Engineer, as they share their combined 30 years of industry experience to help you unlock significant energy savings and improve water conservation. This episode dives into the fundamentals of cooling towers, exploring how they function and the mechanisms behind their operation. From there, we'll guide you through practical strategies to reduce energy consumption both at the cooling tower level and system wide. Learn about the critical role of maintenance in ensuring peak performance, the benefits of variable flow for energy savings, and the concept of free cooling to maximize system efficiency. Our experts also address key variables in cooling tower selection and provide actionable insights on how to manage water consumption, including cycles of concentration and effective blowdown practices. Discover innovative solutions like the Marley Water Guard, which optimizes water usage by preconditioning makeup water to achieve higher cycles of concentration, ultimately reducing water and chemical consumption. Finally, we'll discuss the importance of proper maintenance to maintain efficiency and prevent costly downtime. With practical tips and detailed explanations, this webinar is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance the performance and sustainability of their cooling towers. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge that will help you achieve optimal energy and water efficiency in your cooling tower operations.
Get more, Recycle more, Use less... those are basically the only options we have for keeping the water supply flowing. Fortunately, we have technology on our sides to help with all of those options.
Warren Gorowitz, currently serves as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hunter Industries. He is responsible for providing global leadership and strategic guidance in the organization's sustainability and social impact initiatives. Warren oversees the company's Climate Action Plan, the annual sustainability impact report, and their employee volunteer and giving programs which includes Hunter's Community Grants committee. Warren has worked in the irrigation industry for over 30 years and is passionate about the environment and proper water management. He is currently a board member for the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Sports Field Management Association. As a past President of the Irrigation Association, Warren believes in serving our industry and has held positions on industry association boards such as the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the California Landscape Contractors Association, and the Professional Grounds Management Society. Previously he spent 25 years at Ewing Outdoor Supply holding various roles, including Vice President of Sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and received an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He has been an instructor in the UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate Program and a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University in the School of Sustainability.
Can technology help make our crops more water efficient?
Send us a Text Message.It's Roz Chandler here with a special solo episode of The Cutflower Podcast. Today, I'll be diving into a topic that has sparked a lot of interest – growing flowers in a polytunnel. Whether you're a seasoned flower farmer or just starting out, this episode will provide valuable insights and tips on how to optimise your flower growing efforts under cover.SummaryIn this episode, we explore the advantages of using polytunnels for flower farming. Polytunnels provide a controlled environment that protects plants from extreme weather, pests, and diseases, while also extending the growing season. I share my personal experiences and practical advice on how to make the most of these structures, including what types of flowers thrive best in them and how to manage the unique challenges they present. From climate control to water efficiency, we cover all the essential aspects of polytunnel cultivation.Key TakeawaysClimate Control: Polytunnels offer a stable environment, shielding flowers from extreme temperatures, wind, rain, and frost, which leads to consistent growth conditions and higher quality blooms.Extended Growing Season: These structures allow for an extended growing season, enabling farmers to start earlier in the spring and continue later into the autumn and winter, thus maximising market opportunities.Pest and Disease Management: Polytunnels act as a barrier against many pests and diseases. Although not foolproof, they make it easier to manage and control infestations, particularly with the use of biological pest controls.Water Efficiency: With fine-tuned irrigation systems, polytunnels ensure optimal water usage, reducing waste and stress on plants, which is crucial for maintaining plant health and flower quality.Improved Flower Quality: Flowers grown in polytunnels are often of superior quality due to the protection from weather and pests. This leads to more pleasing and marketable blooms.Specific Plant Needs: Different flowers have different requirements. For instance, roses benefit from the controlled environment to avoid weather damage, while delphiniums and dahlias thrive with protection from wind and rain.Planning and Investment: Investing in a polytunnel is significant but worthwhile. Careful planning of what to grow and where to place your polytunnel is essential to maximise benefits and return on investment.Join me as I delve into each of these points, sharing tips from my 15 years of experience and how we do it at Fieldgate Flowers. I'll also touch on our specific use of p Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874 Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection
Ron Burke, president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, explains the organization's mission and presents their priorities around education, advocacy, research, and training. Ron also takes us on a deep dive into the approach to water efficiency in regions throughout the U.S. He tells us about the organization's strategic plans, their vision for the future of water in the U.S., and what needs to be accomplished to fix top issues facing the industry. Podcast Recorded on June 13, 2024
Mike & Karen are joined by Defra's Head of Water Efficiency and Demand Management, Katie Smith, for a detailed discussion of Defra's plans to help everyone save water. Get in touch with the show with any of your questions or comments: podcast@ccwater.org.uk Timestamps 0:00 - Introductions 1:08 - Tony V's toilet trouble from back in the 1970s 4:05 - Katie joins the podcast and discusses her role at Defra 6:12 - Actions that the government want to implement to help the public reduce their water use 8:25 - Why has it taken so long for reduction targets to be established? 9:40 - The role of the non-household market in reducing water use 12:57 - The ongoing issues of leaking toilets 14:00 - The continual mystery of dual flush toilet buttons 17:23 - Mythbusting about the Defra's targets for households and business customers 25:25 - Defra's view on smart metering 28:17 - Katie's water saving tips 31:00 - Shower song recommendations Show notes CCW's water meter calculator
Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/on-the-house-hour-ensure-water-efficiency-with-a-home-and-landscape-water-audit-with-ian-hanley-of-pinpoint-leak-detection-and-repair/
In 2022, Verdi says they helped farmers save over 7 million liters of water.
⭐ My guest today is Alex Rappaport, CEO and Cofounder of ZwitterCo. ZwitterCo is a VC-backed water tech company that uses zwitterionic chemistry (yes, that's a real term) and extremely fouling-resistant membranes to reduce industrial water use, save energy, and reduce chemical inputs. Alex turned a startup bootcamp during his M.S. at Tufts University into an award-winning business and the largest Series A investment in water tech to date. Hope you enjoy it! Share this podcast with your people to give Duncan and Highland a shout-out on LinkedIn, Slack, or Twitter. ---
This article emphasizes the importance of professional landscape irrigation systems in enhancing water efficiency and property value. It highlights the inefficiency of traditional watering methods and contrasts them with the precision and water savings offered by professional systems, which can adjust to environmental conditions using smart technology. These systems not only lead to savings on utility bills but also significantly increase a property's curb appeal and marketability, potentially raising its value by up to 15%. The article suggests that such systems are crucial for modern, eco-conscious homeowners, making properties more attractive to buyers interested in sustainability. It concludes by offering The Wall's services for those looking to improve their irrigation systems, indicating a broader trend towards environmentally responsible home improvement practices.
“Credentials have been one of the most important ways to help promote public health and safety and prevent disease, dismemberment, or death.” - Christoph Lohr Elevate your expertise in water treatment by diving into this enlightening episode, where we explore the realm of certifications and their profound impact on the water treatment community. Join Christoph Lohr, Vice President of Technical Services and Research at IAPMO, an advocate for education and collaboration, as he unravels the world of credentials, codes, and the driving force of litigation in shaping cutting-edge water system designs. Discover the wealth of educational opportunities offered by IAPMO (The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) and how pursuing certifications like ASSE 12080 (Professional Qualifications Standard for Legionella Water Safety and Management Personnel) can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Christoph delves into the nuances of several certifications, shedding light on their significance for water treaters. Unravel the debate on pronouncing ASSE's (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) "12080" correctly—hint: it's "twelve thousand eighty." Gain valuable knowledge on the ASSE 12080 certification process, how plumbers and water treaters can learn from one another to improve public health, how to become involved with standards, the buffet of options for plumbing design and installation plumbing codes, and preventing water-borne illness through collaboration. Furthermore, this episode touches on IAPMO's Water Demand Calculator replacement for Hunter's Curve and its profound impact on pipe size, stagnation, biofilm, and the factors contributing to Legionella growth. For industrial water treaters, this episode serves as a treasure trove of information, guiding them in selecting certifications aligned with their career aspirations. Christoph's expertise illuminates the importance of certifications in building a knowledgeable workforce for water management programs, ultimately contributing to enhanced public health. Tune in, scale up your education, and embark on a journey towards a more impactful and informed career in water treatment. Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore encourages you to get your CWT in 2024 06:25 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 09:35 - Interview with Christoph Lohr, Vice President of Technical Services and Research at IAPMO, about the importance of credentials for water professionals 55:00 - A bit more about IAPMO (The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) Quotes “The true benefit of a certification is that it gets everyone speaking the same language. The real strength is that it gets everyone on the same page.” - Christoph Lohr “The plumbing industry needs industrial water treaters and industrial water treaters need the plumbing industry. It's a really symbiotic relationship.” - Christoph Lohr “One of the biggest misnomers that people think about plumbing codes is that they are restrictive. We have to realize when it comes to plumbing design and installation, that plumbing codes are more like a buffet of options than a restrictive methodology.” - Christoph Lohr Connect with Christoph Lohr Phone: 248.736.4940 Email: christoph.lohr@iapmo.org Get involved with IAPMO: standards@iapmostandards.org IAPMO Website: IAPMO.org UniformCodes.org LinkedIn: in/christoph-lohr-pe company/iapmo Listen to the The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical on your favorite podcast player or on YouTube. Read or Download Christoph Lohr's Press Release HERE. IAPMO Links Mentioned Get involved with IAPMO - standards@iapmostandards.org The Authority Podcast's episode with Trace Blackmore AWWA IAPMO 2022 Manual - The Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems IAPMO and AWWA's Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems IAPMO's Uniform Plumbing Codes IAPMO's Water Demand Calculator ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 12000-2021 IAPMO's Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE•Stand) Organizations and Articles Mentioned The Risks of Sizing Plumbing Systems Using Hunter's Curve Dr. Janet Stout's Special Pathogens Laboratory AWT (Association of Water Technologies) The International Water Conference (IWC) Emerging Water Technology Symposium (EWTS) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) NASEM's article Management of Legionella in Water Systems National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer Manual of Water Quality for Plumbing Industry Professionals and Building Managers The Environmental Science, Policy and Research Institute (ESPRI) American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) ASPE Engineering Methodologies to Reduce the Risk of Legionella in Premise Plumbing Systems Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Water In Healthcare Facilities: The Public Health And Economic Nexus International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) Other Links Mentioned CWT Prep Course found at Scalinguph2o.com/CWTprep Mary Ann Dickinson of the Alliance for Water Efficiency (A4WE) Episode 3 with Tom Tinney Episode 294 with John Mullen The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea Books Mentioned The Three Ages of Water: Prehistoric Past, Imperiled Present, and a Hope for the Future by Peter Gleick The Crux by Richard Rumelt Let There Be Water: Israel's Solution for a Water-Starved World by Seth M. Siegel Drop By Drop with James In today's episode, I have a challenge for you. My challenge is… to test for phosphate in your makeup waters. You may be very surprised by what you find. Municipalities frequently add phosphate-based products for corrosion, scale, and staining control. Unknown sources of phosphate can certainly throw a boiler or cooling tower program out of control. Start with the orthophosphate test. If polyphosphates are used, you may need to run a digestion procedure or have your lab do it. Lastly, calling your municipality to ask if they use phosphate-based products in their water may actually be the first place to start. Don't let an unknown phosphate source throw your water treatment program out of control. 2024 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE or using the dropdown menu.
UPL, the world's 5th largest agrochemical company, sees a lot of future opportunities in biologicals.
Host Vic Marinich is joined by Phil Adkins, superintendent of the Morehead Water Treatment Plant in Morehead, Ky., to discuss the challenges rural water facilities face in improving energy efficiency and managing water usage.
Local municipalities and private landowners are being sought as part of a $4 million initiative to restore wetlands. The nonprofit Alliance for Water Efficiency in Chicago will research conservation best management practices for the state of Michigan. For the 124th year, the National Audubon Society is organizing the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. For more, visit https://mrgreatlakes.com/
If you want to reduce your office building's water bill, Onsite Utility Services Capital is the company to trust. Their energy-savings-as-a-service solution is exactly what you need to hit your goals! Find out more at: https://onsiteutilityservices.com/ Onsite Utility Services Capital, LLC City: Delavan Address: 5072 State Road 50 Website https://onsiteutilityservices.com/ Phone +1 262 248 0926 Email fritz@ouscapital.com
We are joined by two special guests: Andrew Morris, Senior Manager of Policy and Programs for the Alliance for Water Efficiency; and Rick Maloy, Director of Communications for Central Utah Water Conservancy District. We discuss water tax policies on a local and Federal level and the need for better water-savings tax incentives.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shane Dyer is the CEO of Irrigreen. Irrigreen designs and manufactures an all-digital sprinkler system that uses software-controlled precision sprinkler heads to deliver water uniformly across your landscape and reduce unnecessary water usage. Shane has an extensive background in technology, especially in IoT development. Before Irrigreen, he was the founder and CEO of Arrayent, an IoT platform used by top brands like Whirlpool and Pentair. He also co-founded Propellerhead Studios, which collaborated with giants like Mattel and Hasbro, and established ActivePhoto Inc., connecting digital cameras to phones and serving clients like Allstate. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University. About VSC Ventures: For 20 years, our award-winning PR agency VSC has worked with innovative startups on positioning, messaging, and awareness and we are bringing that same expertise to help climate startups with storytelling and narrative building. Last year, general partners Vijay Chattha and Jay Kapoor raised a $21M fund to co-invest in the most promising startups alongside leading climate funds. Through the conversations on our show CLIMB by VSC, we're excited to share what we're doing at VSC and VSC Ventures on climate innovation with companies like Ample, Actual, Sesame Solar, Synop, Vibrant Planet, and Zume among many others.
The boys talk with Xylem's Austin Alexander, Vice President, Sustainability and Social Impact, and Susan O'Grady, Senior Director of Marketing, to discuss one of our most valuable resources—water. By working together, we can ensure water is accessible, affordable, and safe for all.Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team! Follow Plumbing Perspective IG @plumbing_perspective Follow Mechanical Hub IG @mechanicalhub Sign up for our newsletter at www.mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter Visit our websites at www.mechanical-hub.com and www.plumbingperspective.com Send John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective
Mary Ann Dickinson shares her career in the water industry and inspiration to found of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Mary Ann discusses the issues and projects she has been involved with and how she helped to create a network for the water authorities, government agencies and private stakeholders interested in water legislation. She also shares her views on the future of water in California and the top three water infrastructure issues that need to be immediately addressed. Podcast Recorded July 13, 2023
Although record snow has greatly improved drought conditions in Utah this year, Utah will always need to be concerned about drought. Draper City recently took an additional step in long-term planning for water conservation as the city council adopted changes to our landscaping requirements to make them more water-wise, including the adoption of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District's (JVWCD) standards for water efficiency. The City's application of these new requirements and standards will be mainly focused on new development but with these changes come additional benefits for current residents and businesses who want to make the change to more water-efficient landscaping. Cynthia Bee, Public Information Officer for Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, and Jennifer Jastremsky, Community Development Director for Draper City join Mayor Walker to discuss these changes and benefits.
Our homes use way more water than you think they need to. The boys dive deep into water efficiency and performance, from toilets to showerheads to hot water recirc systems.Pete's Resource(s):1. EPA Water Sense: https://www.epa.gov/watersense2. 2016 AWWA Residential End Uses of Water - https://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/AWWA/ETS/Resources/WaterConservationResidential_End_Uses_of_Water.pdf3. Gary Klein Efficient Hot Water Systems - https://coloradowaterwise.org/Resources/Documents/Green%20Plumbers/Gary_Klein_Protocol_for_Evaluating_a_HWDS.pdf4. BuildingGreen Water Efficiency: https://www.buildinggreen.com/water-efficiency
Do you want to minimize your water consumption and optimize the performance of your cooling towers? Onsite Utility Services Capital has your back. Call them today and schedule a water efficiency audit for your industrial plant! Visit https://onsiteutilityservices.com to get started! Onsite Utility Services Capital, LLC 5072 State Road 50, Delavan, WI 53115, United States Website https://onsiteutilityservices.com/ Email prc.pressagency@gmail.com
Water Efficiency in buildings is another key factor in getting ahead with sustainability. In this episode Russell talks bout the 4 main ways you can reduce water in buildings. 1. Outdoor Water Reduction 2. Indoor Water Reduction 3. Building Level Water Metering 4. Cooling Towers Russell will give you tips covering each of the 4 to reduce water and help you design and more sustainable building according to LEED.
In this episode, you will learn about the opportunity to find water leaks to reduce water waste with the potential to save millions of dollars annually. I am joined by Ben Slick, Senior Vice President of Business Development for HydroPoint, and Paul Bassett, Vice President of Water Efficiency for ENVOCORE. This episode is the audio replay from a webinar hosted by HydroPoint Data Systems. To learn more about HydroPoint's Smart Water Management solutions, visit www.HydroPoint.com.
SHOW NOTES: Drywall Repairs: Learn how to fix drywall cracks, holes, and nail pops with these DIY tips. Closet Lighting: Upgraded closet lighting makes it easier to find things and stay organized. Here's how to brighten up dark closets. Hot Water: Hot water is convenient but comes at a cost. Find out how to keep your hot water flowing more efficiently. Plus, answers to your home improvement questions. Garbage Disposal: What is the best size garbage disposal and how hard is it to install? We recommend that Brandon gets a ½ to ¾ HP unit for better performance, which can be installed with basic plumbing and electrical skills. Drain Odors: Terry has a bad odor coming from one bathroom sink. She needs to take apart the drain and use a bleach solution to thoroughly clean the drain and sink. Stuck Windows: Why are otherwise good windows so hard to open? Mayer should open up the window trim to check if they've been installed too tightly. Ventilation: Lisa wonders if she should leave her bathroom exhaust fan running all the time. We suggest installing a humidistat timer or an air-to-air heat exchanger to improve the ventilation. Clogged Drain: A caustic drain cleaner burned the surface of Barry's jacuzzi tub. We have info on a better product to clear clogged drain lines. Ceiling Leak: Pat has a ceiling leak coming from a dryer roof vent. Her contractor should install a different type of roof vent and check the flashing around it. Bathroom Heater: Should you repair or replace a bathroom heater when the fan stops working? The unit can overheat, so it's safer for Darrell to replace the whole thing and make sure it vents outside rather than into the attic. Drafty Windows: Joyce hasn't been able to stop drafts coming through her windows. We explain how to use shrink-film or temporary sealant caulk to keep out the cold. HVAC Systems: After removing his steam heat radiators, Steve wants to install a ducted HVAC system. We suggest restoring the steam heat and using a high-velocity, low-volume duct system for air conditioning. Do you have a home improvement or decor question? Call the show 24/7 at 888-MONEY-PIT (888-666-3974) or post your question here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rick Schultz is the Water Efficiency Supervisor for the Town of Castle Rock Colorado. We spoke regarding some of the impacts that draught conditions are having in the west and what his town is implementing to conserve water that may begin to affect residentiual construction across the country. Over the past 20 years, an average of 800 single-family homes and 125 multifamily units have been constructed each year within the Town of Castle Rock. The town has extensively surveyed its community and has shown that residents support more stringent water conservation measures. New measures are being implemented now. Rick Schultz on LinkedIn Caste Rock Water Wiser Neighborhood Efficiency Program Town of Castle Rock Landscape and Irrigation Criteria Manual
Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Jennifer Walker and Johnathan Seefelt from the National Wildlife Federation's Texas Living Waters Project about a new report that quantifies water loss in Texas and outlines how the state can set itself onto a path of more efficient, effective water infrastructure. Walker has nearly two decades of experience focusing on water policy and resource issues in Texas with an emphasis on water planning, water conservation, and bay and estuary protection issues. She strives to work collaboratively and approach resource management challenges with a solution-oriented perspective. Walker serves on the Water Conservation Advisory Council of Texas and is Chair of Austin's Water Forward Task Force. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the Colorado River Alliance. Walker and her family like to camp near rivers where they can listen to the frogs sing at night. Seefeldt has over a decade of experience in environmental and educational communications. He has researched and published on the history of large-scale water infrastructure in semi-arid environments with a particular focus on the long-term impact of climate infrastructure projects. He also spent a season as the head of an international high school in the Indian Himalayas, a place that occasionally rivals Austin as his one true home.
Tree Stories Link: Tree Stories Landing Page | Rain Bird Instagram Link: Rain Bird Agriculture (@rainbird_agriculture) • Instagram photos and videos Rainbird website: www.rainbird.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbUrsbS5oRA&list=PLKH77cPRcpnsCRr3B7yHgQE0CBcXphB0k&index=2 “A legacy of irrigation innovation” Learn more at our website: https://thefarmtraveler.com/ And be sure to follow us on social media! https://www.instagram.com/farm_traveler/ https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmTraveler https://www.youtube.com/farmtraveler https://twitter.com/TheFarmTraveler Subscribe here: https://podkite.link/FarmTraveler Farm Traveler is part of the Waypoint Outdoor Collective, the Podcast Network for the Outdoors-man. Check out all of the Waypoint Outdoor Collective Podcasts HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kathy made a post on LinkedIn that reminded us how absolutely necessary it is for the water sector to recognize the customer service staff in our utilities that have been walking side by side with our customers throughout a global pandemic. This episode is shout out to them and their stories. We all need a regular reminder of how important customer service reps are to utility work. Most importantly, we can learn from Kathy about how to support customer service reps while they take care of our customers. Check out her first appearance on the Water in Real Life podcast in https://www.theh2duo.com/waterinreallife/46/ (EP046), "Innovating the Water Conservation Conversation." Meet Kathy: Kathy Nguyen graduated from Berry College with a BA in Speech/Communications and a Graduate Certification in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland. She has been with Cobb County Water System for since 2001. In 2004 she became the Water Efficiency Manager, where she developed, implemented and managed the Nationally recognized, award winning Water Efficiency Program until 2018. In 2009 she became the Senior Project Manager for Water Resources. She is currently the Customer Service Division Manager. Some of the most meaningful recognitions she has been fortunate enough to receive during her career are: the George Warren Fuller Award from the American Water Works Association for lifetime contribution to the Drinking Water Industry in Georgia, The Alliance for Water Efficiency's Water Star Award for Career contribution to the field of water conservation, and Communicator of the Year for the Georgia Green Industry. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including AWWA, and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, where she currently serves as Vice-President for the association. She is an active community volunteer with Good Mews a Non-profit no-kill cage free cat shelter. She lives with her patient husband and 5 demanding feline "children."
Mark Grey from the Building Industry Association of Southern California describes water issues effecting the building industry like water shortages, storm water reclamation and the rising cost to connect water to homes. He shares information about the Association's education series to inform the industry, as well as the general public, about upcoming water restrictions and how they effect new home buyers. Podcast recorded on March 3, 2022
“Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.” -Stuart Udall There's no way around it. Water is essential to life. Water, like energy, is an environmental resource and requires (demands?) more attention from all. In fact, we've talked about water in 4 previous episodes of RESTALK over the last 4 years. How does the EPA WaterSense program address this topic? What are the updates in WaterSense Labeled Homes 2.0? How does the HERS H2O rating work? Seasoned water efficiency professional Jonah Schein (US EPA) and Ryan Meres (Program Director RESNET), return to the podcast to give us updates on the EPA WaterSense Labeled Homes V2.0 and HERS H2O programs. Jonah and Ryan share their thoughts and help us learn more about: The move from a prescriptive to a performance-based approach How to handle projects that started using Version 1.0 The ease of access to proper training Why water is important to the building industry Catch up with the “backstory” via previous episodes of RESTalk: Episode 3 (2018), Bonus-1 (2019) and Episodes 50 & 62 from 2020. You can purchase the ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 850-2020 at the ICC Store: https://shop.iccsafe.org/ansi-resnet-icc-850-2020-standard-calculation-and-labeling-of-the-water-use-performance-of-one-and-two-family-dwellings-using-the-water-rating-index.html The standard can be viewed for free at this link: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/resnet-icc - just select "View as Basic" for a view only version of the standard. For updated information on the RESNET HERSH20 program, visit: https://www.resnet.us/articles/resnet-rating-providers-and-raters-can-verify-epa-watersense-labeled-homes/ You'll find information on the EPA's WaterSense program at https://www.epa.gov/watersense If you have access to the RESNET 2021 conference you can learn more about this topic in Sessions RES-12 and EPP-16. RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
Nancy Hartsoch, Co-Founder, AquaSeca Inc., was interviewed on the Mission Matters Startup Garage Podcast by Adam Torres. In this interview, Nancy Hartsoch, Co-Founder at AquaSeca, sheds light on her entrepreneurial journey in the water efficiency and management domain. Bringing water intelligence to life by making buildings smart, Nancy aims to improve water efficiency for all of their clients with AquaWatch, the company's first product offering. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be interviewed by Adam on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/Visit our website:https://missionmatters.com/
This episode is part 2 of my conversation with Kelly Stinson and Anselmo Torres. Kelly Stinson and Anselmo Torres are colleagues and advocates of water conservation at SAS, Sustainability Solutions, a nationwide provider that focuses on water conservation through the installation of ultra-high-efficiency plumbing fixtures that result in 30%-60% water savings. Kelly is a National Sales Manager for SAS and is affectionately known as The Potty Princess through her hashtag #ThePottyPrincess. Anselmo Torres is a National Account Manager and the creator of LeakAware. Let's jump right into this episode and learn more about his amazing experiences. [00:01 - 09:04] Financial Returns on Your Investments Kelly shares some stories about technology fails Anselmo talks about why so many owners skip over the fixing and replacement of their toilets. Toilet replacement is one of the quickest financial returns on your investment than any other thing on the property. Kelly talks about the result of their financial analysis on their client's property. Ansel talks about the number of spendings that you can avoid just by fixing the leak on your toilet. The importance of calling professionals to handle old properties. [09:05 - 21:53] Cost Segregation The upfront costs and benefits calculation. Free conservative proposals. Kelly answers some questions about cost segregation in the IRS. Faucet and shower head upgrade fixtures. Drastically reduce the consumption of water but still produce the same power. Most people are not supportive of water savings showerheads because they are getting the experience of a very poor water pressure. Final words from Kelly, Anselmo, and me. Tweetable Quotes: “A lot can be achieved just through replacing your inefficient fixture.”- Anselmo Torres. “Most people are not supportive of the water savings showerheads because they are getting the experience of a very poor water pressure.”- Kelly Stinson. Toilet replacement is one of the quickest financial returns on your investment than any other thing on the property.”- Anselmo Torres. You can connect with Kelly on LinkedIn and Anselmo on Linkedin, or you can also visit their website sasconserve.com and leakaware.com. LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode. Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. Head over to our Facebook Page, Youtube Channel, or website https://www.theacademypresents.com/jointhesummit36848306. Connect with Lorren Capital, LLC. for syndicated multifamily investments, https://lorrencapital.com/. To learn more about me, visit my LinkedIn profile, and connect with me.
In this episode, we are going to discuss some ways to boost your NOI (Net Operating Income), specifically in saving water and sewer expenses with none other than Kelly Stinson and Anselmo Torres. Kelly Stinson and Anselmo Torres are colleagues and advocates of water conservation at SAS, Sustainability Solutions, a nationwide provider that focuses on water conservation through the installation of ultra-high-efficiency plumbing fixtures that result in 30%-60% water savings. Kelly is a National Sales Manager for SAS and is affectionately known as The Potty Princess through her hashtag #ThePottyPrincess. Anselmo Torres is a National Account Manager and the creator of LeakAware. Let's jump right into this episode and learn more about his amazing experiences. [00:01 - 06:14] Opening Segment Let's bring Kelly Stinson and Anselmo Torres to the show. Kelly talks about her background. Anselmo shares his background story. Leak alert program. Leak aware benefits, especially for multifamily. The evaluation insight of water efficiency [06:15 - 15:59] Boost Your NOI by Water Efficiency Kelly talks about the pilot stage of this leak alert program Anselmo shares about their pilot project on a property in San Antonio. The partnership of Leakaware and SAS Evaluating the data and quantify in dollar amount. The reason and urgency to focus on water conservation through the installation. Dealing with piping problems in 60s properties. Evaluate the water construction and engage with the owner. Connect people with people for the right service partner. Kelly talks about daily water consumption. The increase of water inefficiency since the pandemic has started. The problem and potential issues with old properties [16:00 - 22:19] The Flapperless Toilet Kelly talks about the flapper-less toilet. Why SAS install the Niagra graded product as their partner. Re-engineering the toilet. Tweetable Quotes: “The water and sewer rates have outpaced inflation, and they are not going to stop increasing.”- Anselmo Torres. “We are going to stay focus on our mission to reduce the water consumption and being able to connect people with people for the right service partner.”- Kelly Stinson. “The great thing about Leakaware is they provide a very unique solution out in the market, and they are also very cost-effective for multifamily investors .”- Kelly Stinson. You can connect with Kelly on LinkedIn and Anselmo on Linkedin, or you can also visit their website sasconserve.com and leakaware.com. LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode. Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. Head over to our Facebook Page, Youtube Channel, or website https://www.theacademypresents.com/jointhesummit36848306. Connect with Lorren Capital, LLC. for syndicated multifamily investments, https://lorrencapital.com/. To learn more about me, visit my LinkedIn profile, and connect with me.
This is part two of a two-part series discussing creative synthesis, sustainability and water safety with Mary Ann Dickinson, past president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, and Dr. Janet E. Stout, president of Special Pathogens Laboratory. If you missed part one, we suggest you go back and listen to that episode before continuing here. Mary Ann Dickinson was the president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water in the United States and Canada, at the time of this recording. She has presented numerous papers on water conservation, internationally and all across the United States and Canada.Learn more about the Alliance for Water Efficiency at https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org.Janet Stout, PhD, is President of Special Pathogens Laboratory and Research Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering, in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Infectious Disease. Dr. Stout is recognized worldwide for seminal discoveries and pioneering research of Legionella.To learn more about Special Pathogens Laboratory, visit https://specialpathogenslab.com.To learn more about The Authority Podcast, and to subscribe to out show on your podcast app of choice, visit https://www.iapmo.org/theauthoritypodcast.
Welcome to the first episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical. This is part one of a two-part series discussing creative synthesis, sustainability, and water safety with Mary Ann Dickinson, past President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, and Dr. Janet E. Stout, president of Special Pathogens Laboratory.Mary Ann Dickinson was the president and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water in the United States and Canada, at the time of this recording. Based in Chicago, the Alliance works with over 520 water utilities, water conservation professionals, and business and industry planners, regulators, and consumers. In 2014, the Alliance won the U.S. Water Prize in the nonprofit category for its work. Mary Ann has over 40 years of experience in water resources and water efficiency. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Mary Ann currently serves as the co-chair of the Water and Planning Network of the American Planning Association, and is a Board member of the California Irrigation Institute. She is past Chair of the Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group for the International Water Association, past chair of the American Waterworks Association, National Water Conservation Division, and past President of the Lake Arrowhead Community Service District. She has presented numerous papers on water conservation, internationally and all across the United States and Canada. Learn more about the Alliance for Water Efficiency at https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org.Janet Stout, PhD, is President of Special Pathogens Laboratory and Research Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering, in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Infectious Disease. Dr. Stout is recognized worldwide for seminal discoveries and pioneering research of Legionella. Her expertise includes prevention and control strategies for Legionnaires' disease and building water systems. Dr. Stout's more than 30 years of research is published in peer reviewed medical and scientific journals. She has also authored textbook chapters on Legionella and Legionnaires' disease, including the Legionella chapter in the APIC text. An advocate for prevention, Dr. Stout assisted in developing the first Legionella prevention guideline in 1993, which continues to serve as a model for national and global health agencies and organizations.Additionally, she serves on the ASHRAE Legionella Standard Committee for Legionella Guideline 12, and the SPC 188 Committee for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015, Legionellosis Risk Management for Building Water Systems – the first U.S. standard, passed in June 2015. To learn more about Special Pathogens Laboratory, visit https://specialpathogenslab.com.To learn more about The Authority Podcast, and to subscribe to out show on your podcast app of choice, visit https://www.iapmo.org/theauthoritypodcast.
An irrigation system that saves 25 to 40 percent in water use irrigating the same amount of land by pushing the water underground is taking off here in New Zealand. Farmer Gary Robinson, Oxford and Carrfields NZ Business Development Manager Jeff Denley explain subsurface drip irrigation to Sarah at the South Island Agricultural Fieldays how the environmental and efficiency benefits. For more info head to https://www.carrfields.co.nz/ To watch the interview, visit www.sarahscountry.com Subscribe to Sarah’s Country on the podcast and if you love us, please leave a review! Contact the show: sarah@sarahscountry.com Follow Sarah’s Country on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahscountry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahscountry
Greg is joined by Kim Scully on this episode and they welcome Anselmo Torres and Leslie Pollard of Sustainability Solutions (SAS). As owners, we are all looking for ways to reduce expenses that don’t negatively affect the operations of our properties and this is where SAS can come in to play. SAS is a nationwide water conservation service provider, that helps property owners reduce water usage with minimal impact to their community members. Combining the latest technology and outstanding customer service, SAS not only determines the best solution for your property, but they do complete turn-key instillation and real time post-instillation monitoring. After listening to this episode, you will be checking your toilet flappers! One great takeaway – Being proactive vs reactive is always a win/win, especially when it comes to water as damaging as it can be.Anselmo Torres III, National Account ManagerCreated a software program called LeakAware that helps multifamily properties monitor their water consumption & detect high consumption / leaks.Walked over 300 properties across 30,000+ units performing audits & collecting data.Passionate about water conservation and sustainability and saving our most precious resource one leak at a time.Leslie Pollard – National Sales Manager, SASPassionate about water & energy conservation and the influence we have to improve the environment.Worked in the commercial real estate industry as a service provider for over 20 yearsCAS Certified and focusing on the multifamily and hospitality industry bringing water conservation to top of mind for investors. Anselmo and Leslie may be found and reached at the following – www.sasconserve.comAnselmo TorresLinkedIn: Anselmo Torres IIILeslie PollardLinkedIn: Leslie Pollard Greg ScullyGreg@realwealth.solutions or schedule a call - https://calendly.com Darren LightDarren@realwealth.solutions or schedule a call - https://calendly.com Sign up for The Real Wealth Solutions newsletter HERE. Or reach us on any of the following links:Real Wealth Solutions - Facebook - LinkedIn -YouTube Thanks for listening and, as always, a positive review or follow is greatly appreciated.
Anselmo Torres III & Kelly Stinson of Sustainability Solutions (SAS) joins True Multifamily to talk about how they help multifamily operators increase rents, add value, and improve NOI by focusing on water efficiency and conservation. They talk about how a lot of multifamily operators don't know if their property is consuming the right amount of water-based on the number of residents and how large their properties are, missing out on a great opportunity to add value in the long run just by getting the right toilets. Anselmo & Kelly also talk about how not all toilets are created equally when it comes to pushing the waste down the line. With smart technology and ultra-high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, a multifamily owner will be able to save a lot of money while conserving water. They also give free tips on the value of reducing expense and keeping it to a minimum. Follow, Share & Subscribe! True Multifamily: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Justin Fraser's Social Media: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Anselmo Torres & Kelly Stinson: Website Anselmo's LinkedIn Kelly's Facebook Kelly's LinkedIn
Learn exactly how to calculate landscape irrigation water savings. In this episode, Andy & Paul Bassett (Vice President of Water Efficiency at ENVOCORE), discuss Savings as a Service (Saas) and using the SLIDE method to determine gallons per square foot. www.ENVOCORE.com ========== Gallons Per Square Foot Go find the water meter. First thing, where's the water meter, right? Open the water meter, lid vault, whatever you can do it safely and see what's going on with the meter. Is the meter moving? Is it still so a couple of these sites, I go to Andy, I'm looking at the water meter and a water meter is spinning like crazy. And there is not a soul in sight. If you are an irrigation, professional, older, new who designs installs or maintains high end residential commercial or municipal properties. And you want to use technology to improve your business, to get a leg up on your competition. Even if you're an old school irrigator from the days of hydraulic systems, this show is for you. Paul Bassett. Welcome back to the sprinkler nerd show, man. Good to be with the nerd again, drew. Well, thankfully we found hat and to do this, you know, it's hard to coordinate too, too busy guys, schedules to sync up. Sometimes it's hard to do so. Appreciate your time today. Glad to do it. So what's been going on in your world last year. Couple weeks or, uh, actually let's, you know, since the new year cause you and I got on together right at the end of, uh, 2020. And uh, here we are beginning of February. So what's new, man. I feel like I've been in spreadsheet, Nirvana, Andy crunching, lots and lots and numbers. That's what I've been doing. Lots of projects, lots of things coming across my desk. We're grateful to see, um, 20, 21. Um, the extended activity that's happening right now, for sure. So that's, what's going on lots of things since when does spreadsheets have anything to do with irrigation or Nirvana? Yeah. Well, lots of scripts. Yes. There's a lot of numbers you have to crunch and evaluate for sure. Yeah. There are spreadsheets to crunch if you're in the accounting back office of a residential contracting company, but if you're. Working in the field or selling, you know, not always many spreadsheets, so, well, you know what happens, Andy? What I see, especially with the spreadsheets that I'm looking at, it's, you know, we're integrating a lot of the, the weather data, um, and that weather data needs to be extrapolated, you know, oversights. So. And when we're looking at how to calculate how much water is required in a given landscape, lots of spreadsheets that need to do help me crunch the numbers. So that's why I see a lot of spreadsheets. Well, that's why I count on you to be nerd number two with me one and a half I'm nerd, one and a half. Andrew. Yeah, man. Well, Excel is definitely a tool worth, getting to know very well. For sure. I mean, I can't tell you, I use it many times every single day and the only way to get better at it. Right. Like anything else is just to start using it. Yeah. And there's a lot of nuances to the, to Excel that I don't have all of the bells and whistles, but I, you know, I operate it enough where it's effective for me to be able to do my work and then allow others to see how I did my work. So they trust my numbers. Absolutely man. All right. Well, you've been, uh, educating me totally on kind of more of the details of the water conservation side of what you're doing. And we talked at the end of 2020 about this concept of savings as a service and being able to provide that value on the savings part of the business. And then we talked maybe. Couple of weeks ago about some of the data that you use and how you put your proposals together and what you look for on a site to see if you can save water and how much you can save and, and all of that. So, you know, this episode today is a little bit unscripted and I thought we could just have a more, a little bit more detailed conversation about savings as a service and. And some of the things that you look for and, and, and, uh, how you sort of get started. And then, well, the first thing, Andy, that we, we try to engage with the customers. We look at how much money they're spending in a given year on their water, you know, and their water bill. And then we try to slice the water bill up specifically to what's being used inside the building. And then what's being used on the outside of the building. And, you know, fortunately for me, you know, our business has morphed into being able to look at all water usage on a site or a facility. Um, so my team members are the ones that go in and look at all the water on the inside, which is the plumbing equipment, mechanical equipment. And then, then I look at what goes on on the outside of the building. And then, you know, when you look at it a far, you're trying to determine whether or not there's an opportunity. Do we want to invest in this V via time or money? Is it worthy of us to look at, so we try to come up with a simple matrix. So let's see. So let me just stop you for a quick second to ask the question. So you get this water bill, how do you get this information? Who gives it to you? It's usually the end user, the client. Um, or one of our partners, our energy service companies, you know, that has engaged with say a university or school and they just, the sales person or the estimator or somebody is requesting this information. Yeah. So they're looking at it. You know, our partners are looking at it in the energy side of the business, right? So they're looking at energy usage, energy consumption, and the energy spend via electric or gas. Um, and then they asked us as the water experts to look at the water consumption and they want to know, is, is there a viability of an opportunity and on these, um, this consumption, what do they send you? Just like a copy of the build? Are they collecting it in their own spreadsheets? What does that information look like? That gets sent over? Well, usually we would request at least three years of utility consumption. Water bills. Um, because with any water system, it could fluctuate depending on the year, the weather COVID, I, you know, any bills that we get in 2020. You know, we, you know, we, we use them as a grain of salt because it's not indicative to what that facility or a site is going to typically use right. In a given year. So got it. So three years maybe normalizes the data better. Correct. And especially in, in, in any irrigation. So we can look at the patterns, right. Winter consumption versus summer consumption. Right. And I can look at that, you know, we know they're average. Winter consumption is going to be 50 gallons per person per day, um, for a student. Um, and then in the winter, I mean, it's summertime, excuse me, the summertime. It could be 150 gallons per person per day. So then, then we know that there's an extra, a hundred gallons per person per day. That's being used in the irrigation system. Okay. That was kind of my next question. Is, is this, is the water data separated inside, outside for you? Or is it just one number that you have to determine what's inside and what's outside? That would depend upon the municipality. And if they have separate meters for the irrigation, I would say we may get irrigation data, 25% of the time, Andy, they may have a separate water meter that allows us to look at just the irrigation data, which is fantastic. Right. I can really crunch the numbers. It'd be more precise with our analysis, 75%. It's a single meter going into the site. And then now we have to kind of cut and chop that up to determine, okay, how much of that water is being used on the plumbing fixtures and how much is used for the irrigation system. And then, you know, we have rules of thumb, you know, in a, in a high school, for instance, you know, we, we determine what the square footage of the building is. And we look at the population, meaning how many students and teachers are in the school. And then we have, based on that school, we can do. A rule of thumb on how many gallons per square foot or per person that, that indoor is. It is per person the metric. It is per person, correct? Yes. Okay. And what's, um, just from the shooting from the hip, what's an average number per person a building should use. I mean, again, it depends on the age of the, of the building too, Andy cause you know, something built in the. Fifties and sixties and seventies, you know, it's going to be higher because of, they have older plumbing fixtures compared to the stuff nineties and, and ER, and newer it's going to, because, you know, they had different regulations and plumbing fixtures. So, I mean, it could be 50 gallons. Okay. Sandy. Per person per day. So the rules of thumb, you know, determine what we are going to invest. If we see if the normal, um, baseline metrics for indoor water use is 50 gallons per person per day. And we look at the bills and we look at the population and it's 70 gallons per person per day. We wanted then. Invest heavily into this opportunity because then you'd have a Delta of 20 gallons per person per day. The difference between where they're at right now and where you can get them to. Correct. And so then, then we tell the customer, this is a viable opportunity. We now want to. Go from this paper calculation to, we want to go and now engineer, this thing, we want to go figure out what's going on. And then everybody's going to invest in it because we know there's a potential for a return on investment or something. Got it. So, um, on the inside, it sounds much more straight forward because you have a, like you just said some of these older fixtures, so you know how many gallons are using right now, per person per day, you can go in and you can audit their fixtures. See what they have. Right. See what you can maybe get them to. And fixtures plumbing. Fixture is, is based upon the term we use is how many bodies to the potties and nice not to be confused with the Squatty potty. No, no, not to be confused with that, but it can be, but it's bodies the potty. So how many folks you got going to the bathroom every day, determines how much water is being used. Ideally in the bathroom. And the majority of it just say in a, in a K through 12 or kindergarten through 12th grade, um, it's how many folks are going to the bathrooms each day? I mean, that's not going to change. So our, our goal is to try to still maintain the mission of the bathroom is to, you know, acuate the waste, but do it as efficient as possible with newer device. I like that bodies to potties. Was that what it was? Bodies potties. That's it. That's what we met at the name this episode. Okay. Not savings as a service with bodies, the potties. Okay. So let's transition that to the landscape because the landscape is a lot, it has a lot more going on out there and it can you're right. And, and it's, it's a little bit different because there's, there's different matrix. Yeah and metrics, I mean that we look at, um, but it's similar because you know what we, again, what we try to do, um, as a company is we want to, we want to qualify the opportunity, Andy, really at the end of the day. And we want to qualify as quickly as possible for us when it, when we look at the utility bill and we carve out what's inside of the building, and now we have the balance of that is going to be the outside of the building, which is irrigation. And depending on the climate, you know, some climates, it could be 30% indoor, 70% outdoor. Or, you know, in, in, you know, my climate in, in Maryland, it's 70% indoor, 30% outdoor, right. So you need to look at it precisely with regards to a couple different factors. Um, and, and as we mentioned before, and you're going to hear it in probably many episodes is there's a, there's a. Estimating program that I use, it's called the simplified landscape irrigation demand, estimating. It is a program, really not even a program, but it it's put together by the university of California and their center for landscape and urban horticulture and you know, what they, what they were trying to do. And what all of us are trying to do is really trying to make it a little bit easier for folks to understand what a landscape needs and water simplify it because. Irrigation and landscape water requirements is very scientific. There's a lot of equations and factors that go into it. And if you're not in living in the weeds, like, like we do every day, it gets to be somewhat complex. So, you know, this particular method really simplifies it. And, you know, to a point where it's easier to understand for those of us that are not in, in the world of irrigation management and the acronym or the simplified acronym that, that you can remember that you shared with me as slide, right? S I L I D E that's L I D E S, which again, simplified landscape irrigation demand estimation. So if, if you have a client out there, who's asking you, can you save us water? Can you reduce our water utility bill? This is sort of the first step we got to go and run a slide estimation and there's really, there's four rules, um, in, in the slide method. Okay, Andy. And the first one is we're going to need the ITI. What is the reference evapotranspiration in that particular climate? And it's important to get accurate historical evapotranspiration data. Okay. That's number one. Um, and along with that is you, you need the precise rainfall amounts for that given area. Um, the second one is you're going to need to know what your plant factor is. What do you eat? What is your primary plant? Do your watering, is it turf? Grass is a cool season is a warm season. And typically we're looking mainly at turf grass. At the end of the day, maybe a few zones of landscape and plant material, but most of it is going to be turf grass. Yup. And again, number three is what's your square footage of your landscape area. Okay. So let's repeat those from the top. The first thing is the ITI, the estimated evapotranspiration for that specific site, as close as you can get to that exact location, you need their historical ITI. Correct. Right. Uh, then we need the rainfall again, as close as you can get to on site for that project. They're estimated rainfall. Let me ask you, is that daily, weekly, monthly? How do you need that data? Typically, we're seeing it in a monthly fashion. Andy monthly. It's going to be in a monthly fashion and then you need the plant factor. What, what type of plant is it and how much water does it need? And then you need the. Square foot. How, how much of that plant type is out there? What is that irrigation system covering? What is the square footage of the landscape, your area? That's not always easy to get to, especially when you're doing it remotely, but you try to get the best you can. What tools are you using to capture that square footage? There's a few tools that we use. Um, we try to bring in the Google earth, the satellite image, and then we will, we will bring that image of capture that image, clip that image and bringing into AutoCAD. And then we'll scale that site to try to get it as scaled perfectly as we can in AutoCAD. And then we measure the landscape areas that we feel are being irrigated. Okay. And you don't always necessarily have to have AutoCAD. Um, Google earth will be able to allow you with some of the tools that they have to, to measure certain areas. It's not quite as precise, but it's, it still helps. And then, you know, again, as we mentioned before, what this will allow me to do in our team is it allow us to calculate the gallons per square foot. That that site is, is irrigating. Because again, like we said before, Andy, we know what's being consumed on the inside and we know the metrics there is. 50 gallons per person per day. And then now we look at the outside is okay, how many gallons per square foot did the, that irrigation system apply? And that landscape. Gotcha. That's pretty interesting because it seems like you could easily at first go get caught up in too many details. Like, um, what type of sprinklers are they using? What type of coverage is it? What does the program look like? How much is zone two running? How often is it running? When really sounds like that's all going to bubble up to the surface after you figure out how many gallons per square foot. They're actually using that's right. And really what you want to find out before you even get out there is how much does that landscape require in a given season? Right? Does it need 20 gallons per square foot? Does it need 50 gallons of square foot? You know, what is that? And that's what the slide method will help you determine, you know, what does that require? And then now, what is it actually using? Based on the utility consumption bill that you found out. So if this, if the slide method says, you know, this landscape based on this crop coefficient or this plant factor, um, needs 20 gallons, but our analysis shows that it's applying 40 gallons. Well, we definitely have an opportunity for savings. Right. And now then we, we then inform our client that we would like to invest into this particular opportunity because we feel that there is going to be savings. All right. So can you share, I guess it doesn't really matter where it is, but let's try to come up with a scenario to try to make this more tangible. Let's just take Baltimore, Maryland. Do you know what again? Turf grass. What the. Average gallons per square foot should be. Yeah, I think I did. It's about 10 gallons Andy, from, from my. You know, estimations that we've done changes in year to year. It all really depends on the rainfall. Right? We know what the ITI is. ETA is going to be, you know, pretty standard variable from season to season. It's the rainfall that, that changes quite a bit. Right? I mean, I, I manage a bunch of systems in this particular marketplace where, um, we've had so much rain in a given season that I've had the irrigation systems turned off and we didn't run them a single day. You know, I remember, I can't remember a couple of years ago when we had, you know, it was the 2018, as a matter of fact, where we had 74 inches of rain that year on an average of 42. And the majority of it came through the summer. So we saved the most amount of water ever in this particular year on this side because I had everything. Yeah. I'm like, I'm turning it off. Well, so is that, I mean, I'm thinking that that plays back to the, the reason that you needed three years of information, correct? Right. If you get an anomaly here, right. And, and you're looking at utility bills and you say, well, you know, in 2018, you know, the water consumption was way down what happened. Well, then you look at the weather data for that year. So you got to correlate that, you know, so you want to just extract the, the rainfall for 2018 and go, well, here's 2018 is going to be an anomaly year in Baltimore, Maryland, because it rains 70 some inches. And no one's going to use irrigation that year. So you need to throw that year out and use more of an average year. Um, you know, when it comes to at least irrigation systems, right. Cause if I, if I went and analyzed 2018, um, in the Baltimore area for irrigation system, I would say there's never going to be a chance to save. But that's not true. Cause we only looked at one year. Right. And it also depends on whether that control system had any technology existing to turn it off. Because if it didn't have a rain sensor, it could be running all those times in the rain. So it's still used the same. It's still used all that water. Uh, and maybe the same thing could be true. What if, uh, a maintenance person. Turn the controller off and just forgot. Right. And it went the whole month of July and halfway into August in the off position. Didn't water. And so there was no consumption. Do you ever, does that, could that happen all the time? I mean, you just never know who's managing the systems, you know, from one site to the next, you know, you could have, you know, a school district that has 200 schools and they may have 10 different personnel managing, you know, the 20 schools each and, and each one of those. Facilities folks have a different way that they manage their controllers in one school district. Right. And I have seen, I have seen that, um, where we analysis and did with the, what the consumption should be. Uh, we use the slide estimation. To figure out how much water that site should be using based on their ITI at their location, the historical average rainfall, the plant type, and the square footage will tell you approximately how many gallons per square that site should be using. That is correct. Uh, and then sounds like what you, since you have the utility bill and you've figured out what percentage of that bill or that consumption is outside. Then you use that gallons and the square foot calculation that you either did onsite, or you use Google earth to figure out that irrigated square footage. Um, and then that gives you, is that give you your two numbers, what they should use and what they are using? Yes. At least in that given snapshot. Right. Um, for sure. And then again, if, if they need 20 gallons and their utility bill says they use 20 gallons per square foot, guess what? They're doing? A good job. Okay. I mean, and not necessarily perfect. Cause we haven't really looked at any distribution, but you know, based on the simple method, I would tell my client that, you know, there's really no opportunity at that particular site, um, that we're going to save any money. It's just when the Delta T's go above 25%. So yeah. That's really, we, you know, we want to look at something at the Delta T of 25% or greater money. That's money. Thanks for sharing that little nugget you wanted to see, uh, let's, let's get into the details there. So when you say Delta, let's just explain that. So what is the Delta? The Delta is the difference between the, what the slide method says it needs and what the actual consumption applied on the landscape. Okay, so let's, let's break it down into, um, a real number. Let's say slide says 10 gallons per square foot. And then based on the information you got from the client, again, that was consumption and now, you know, square footage, it comes out to 14 gallons per square foot is what they're currently using. You might look at that and say, okay, the difference between 10 and 14, that's the Delta. That is correct. And so that would be what, that's a 40% right. To keep the math easy. And since 40% is greater than that, 25% you say, okay, I think we might have a project opportunity here. Yeah. And then what you look at, Andy, you just say, what is that? 40% increase? What does that value? How many gallons is that? And what does those gallons cost? Right. So, and then what would the savings be if we were to then save that. Extra four gallons per square foot. Right. Yep. So that's $10,000 a year, just, you know, easy math, $10,000 a year is a good amount that you can then take that money and invest into new technology. And then that new technology will be what is going to save that $10,000 along with some management as well. And you're not saying, yeah, you gotta have eyes on the ground. Someone's got to make sure that it performs. Okay. Yeah. And then say, okay, now that now we have $10,000. You know, a year that we can play with, um, and say, you know, we will now want to put a new controller in and we want to put master valve in and we want to put the flow sensor in that will way it'll give us the, the technology that we need at that point, to be able to know that we can make the adjustment automatically to ITI. Um, So that's really where the majority of the savings is. And then we look at the distribution portion of it. How can we increase efficiency of the distribution system to help the client reduce a little bit more water, um, and improve efficiency in the distribution side? Right? So we look at all of those elements. Yep. Cause we're all familiar with a poorly, a poor distribution distribution system means you have to over-water some areas in order to hit the dry areas. Otherwise you'll have. Brown spots. And then, you know, we, I use that too, is when we look at the, when we looked at slide method, I I've adjusted the slide methods somewhat, um, to be able to work with, um, our calculator to determine whether, you know, what the D what the potential distribution uniformity may be. Um, because the slide Beth it'll tell me that I need 10 gallons, but then I also need to make sure, okay. What is the distribution uniformity of that? That I need to overcome that. So I need to apply a couple more gallons of square foot to overcome the distribution uniformity. Again, I don't want to get into the weeds. Right, right, right. Yeah. We'll save that for later. So let's stick with this 10,000. Dollar number just because it's an even number, you know? And can we, can we pick a number in terms of what the controller and the, you know, this equipment would cost? Should we just pick 5,000, just cut it in half. Yeah. I mean, certainly it, it, it varies in a lot of an Andy depends upon, and I always tell my folks in the field, where's the water supply and proximity to the country. Right, right. Yeah. And then labor and boring and trenching and all of that. I just, for, for sake of round numbers, let's just assume it's going to be $5,000 too. Add this equipment. Does that mean you then have a $5,000 potential savings on that investment? Yes, that is. That is what I would say initially. Now again, if you wanted to, since you, since you're only it, you know, now you're talking half a year savings return on investment. That's really good. So what we want to try to. To help them further because now we know we have more cashflow we can use. So we want to at least try to use the 10,000 or more to really increase the efficiency of their irrigation system. Right. Because, so, so does that mean they're not looking for a, a one year or in this case, you know, that could be a six month, but what kind of a return, how many years are they looking at for their return on investment? Well, it depends on the client. Um, Andy, I think when, when you're looking for say a K through 12 or higher ed, usually those investments all in with financing and all that, they're looking for it at least the 10 year, 10 year return on investment 10 year. Okay. And this, so again, using this. $10,000 a year savings potential if that's really what we could get on this site. And, uh, it was, it was 5,000 to install the equipment and you've got management fees and you know, and this, that, and the other, but potentially there's $10,000 times, 10 years. There's an actually maybe a hundred thousand to go invest in this project. That's exactly correct. You got it. That's how it works. And so that's how it works. Somebody, you know, if you're listening to this and you may think, gosh, my clients don't always have the money or the financing available because the return isn't going to beat one year, that would be a great discussion to have with your client, because maybe it's not 10 years, maybe it's not two years to ask them and discuss what type of an investment. How long are you looking to extend this? Uh, because that would free up more money for you to, to install this retrofit. Yes. If it's, you're just doing irrigation only, that is correct. Now what happens in our business because you know, we're working underneath of a energy company and the energy company is looking at heating and ventilation systems, right. He HPAC and depending on where the. The facility is in what climate, the HPAC equipment may be 15 years. And if on the return on investment and if the water project as a one or two year return on investment, um, they'll move those additional savings over to the HPAC equipment to try to get that under 10 years. So we try to share, you know, those things, dollar cost averaging across scopes or something like that. That's really what happens a lot of times, you know, th th they're hoping that the water at times, um, is, is using so much more than it should be, that, that we can help what they call carry the additional, um, energy conservation measures by taking the savings from one measure and applying it to another measure. To reduce all measures under 10 years. Got it. That's good stuff. And that's just in that market there, you know, in the private sector, Andy, you know, they want to see it five years or less, right. So public sector, um, it's, it's longer because they can have longer terms. Um, and in, in the federal sector, um, which is another place where we work, um, you know, there are 20 to 25 year terms. Um, that they engage into these performance contracts. So if we get a project that pays back in five years, there's another 20 years additional savings that we can use to. Help the lighting or help the HPAC or build some solar arrays or something like that. Got it. Well, let's um, do you have any examples I'd like to maybe look at what you've seen for projects where their savings potential is huge and what that looks like. And some of the things maybe you've discovered that were leading to these sites that were using crazy amounts of water and maybe the other, the flip side of that sites that. You said I can't save you any water. Yeah. I mean, luckily again, for us, we work all over the country, so there's places that we, we see things. So, um, again, the first thing we look at when I, when I asked her to focus on like sending me the water bills, we analyze the water bills. And then we, you know, we, we look at the water bills, we look at the square footage and we go, okay, well, right now we see that this site is using a hundred gallons of square foot, Andy, and it should be using. 20 or 30 gallons to me right away. I'm going, wow. Okay. I want to, this is the property that I want to see firsthand what's going on. So we, we were fortunate enough to, to look at a large park and rec division, and we got 50 parks that I got the look at the utility bills three years. I crunched all the numbers. I did all the measurements and, you know, we saw some sites that were 90, um, 80 gowns and they should have only been at 40. So when we went out to the sites, you know, the first that's like double, they were using twice as much or, or more Andy. Yes. Wow. So the first thing that I do and the team does, where I try to get them to do is go find the water meter. First thing, where's the water meter. Right open the water meter, lid, vault, whatever you can do it safely. Um, and see what's going on with the meter. Is the meter moving? Is it still so a couple of these sites, I go to Andy, I'm looking at the water meter and a water meter is spinning like crazy. And there is not a soul in sight. You're looking around the park looking for sprinklers, right? I mean, this is the water meter. Where are the sprinklers? Nothing, but it's rolling and it's spinning and I'm looking all over the place and I can't find any leaks anywhere. So on this particular instance, Andy, um, it happened to be a project in, um, uh, in Hawaii, on Oahu where the sitting on a volcanic. Rock porous under soil. Um, we determined that this old piping and irrigation system had had corroded, uh, extensively over time. And it was just a massive leak of 125 gallons a minute. She has going into the ocean water GS one 25, 25 gallons a minute. Yep. Leak that we discovered. Um, and, and, you know, we, I kind of had a feeling because I've been doing this long enough to know, but, you know, until you see it and you get to it, um, you know, you don't believe it until you see it. Um, and that's, that's what happened on one side and we found two others similar to that, not quite that rate. Um, but again, it was, we, we determined it based on our gallons per square foot rule of thumb and new, then you looked at this date and you went, okay, we're going to this site first because they're using so much more water than we calculate. They should be. There's something going on here. Yup. That's exactly what it was. And we, you know, we right away, we found that there was a significant leak, um, in that, in that piping system. So if we, can we take that 125 gallons a minute? Do you know what that is? Per year in dollar? It was $400,000 a year. Andy, $400,000 per year leak. That's exactly right. And that league. I wish I had a, I wish I had like a ding ding teacher's bell button. That's like, let me get your attention here, client. And then Andy, what we did on that too, was, you know, we, we then analyze the bills back three years, um, and, and more, and then we, we were able to almost precisely see when it started to leak. And then how it progressed to a, got to the point where it was at that high level of a rate. Cause you can see it in the utility bills, how it progressed. It didn't just break at that one point, it started flooding at 125. It wasn't hit by a backhoe. It was a slow bleed. Yeah. The, the, the, the pipe being system was put in, in 1952 and it was iron pipe and, you know, 70 years old. And it finally, you know, the fittings are corroding. The joints are failing. Um, so that's, that's what happened and that, you know, we see that quite a bit sounds like because it was that volcanic rock, it didn't bubble to the surface where on a lot of other sites, malware on most sites, even if it's sand, you got a leak that big, it will. Come to the surface cause that's a lot of water, correct? Yep. So it was just, I, you know, it was just, you know, the, the perfect storm of events that happen, um, that we were able to identify. Yeah. That's a terrible thing to be, to have 125, uh, Gallon per minute leak, it's worth $400,000, but you are not you, but if you're in the business for savings and you're doing savings as a service, that kind of sounds like a unicorn. It pays it. It will definitely help pay for quite a few upgrades. Andy, we're going to use that money to help the infrastructure of that particular. Um, facility in those parks. Okay. A great example of, uh, looking at the data, finding the site that was, had the highest usage, when you're, when correlated to what they should be using. You saw that you went to the site, you've found this leak. Um, not every site like that. So I appreciate the hearing, an example of the site that had a, had a big leak. Let's flip the switch and talk about. A site that's on the other end of the spectrum that you couldn't save any water. So, you know, a lot of times when we, when you think of water savings and irrigation savings, you think, wow, in the desert, you know, Phoenix or Nevada or Denver, man, you're gonna, you're gonna save all kinds of water. Um, it's not always the case. Um, I know, you know, we just, I just looked at a school district, um, outside of Denver. Um, I got the utility bills. I looked at satellite images. Of the sites and one benefit of Google and Google earth pro is they have the ability to, you can look at different years and months even of, of the landscape. And you can look at in Denver or Vegas, um, at certain times of the year. And you can see, man, this site is not. Irrigating you see donuts in the landscape, right, Andy. Um, and what happens is that what I've learned in those particular climates that a lot of the times the, the managers will set that irrigation controller for springtime application and they don't adjust the time clock. To, to the T or to the demand, the higher demands of the T in that climate. So set it and forget it, baby, set it and forget it. And that works in some places and others. It doesn't. Right. So, you know, so, and, and say in Denver, And that particular Metro area in the summer, you got a water five, six days a week. Cause it's cool to seasoned turf grass. It's not warm season. So that cool season turf grass, if you want to maintain that color green, you better water it almost every day. Right? Um, two days a week is not going to cut it. So that's what we see in those climates. You know, that, that, you know, that area needs. 15 gallons, a square foot. And I'm seeing, they're putting down 10 gallons as well. So, you know, not going to save any water there don't invest. Right. So if they want you to, uh, retrofit the site, they're pulling out of pocket because they just simply weren't using enough to have the savings pay for it. I mean, I guess in theory, future future savings will pay for it. Well, potentially if there is, but you know, what we've learned, um, with regards to that is, you know, w we try to encourage people to do deficit watering, right? Deficit waterings is good because it saves water. Um, but if you can do it holistically with a controller that you have access to remotely, um, you can then put a nice program together to say, okay, look zones one through. Five, you know, we want to maintain it at, at ITI. So that's going to be a nice, but then six through 20 might be the outskirts. And, you know, we want to push those to deficit irrigation. Let's just drop those down, you know, below ITI. Um, so we don't need the lush green aesthetic color out there. Um, but. You know, we will manage to ITI on zones one through five, and that's the benefit that we can, you can do controlled deficit irrigating and not by accident. Right, right. Which sounds like you're controlling the green factor. Right? So what you're saying is where, um, office staff and parents and such using the school, as an example, walk into the building, we want to maintain a higher level of green and out in the back or off to the sides. We're willing to have that green terms, slightly Brown by deficit irrigating. Cause it's less important than those focal spots. That's exactly right. And you can easily do it in the new advanced control systems you can do. It's owned by zone. You know, I want this to be at a hundred percent of ITI these zones, but on these other ones, I'll do 75% or 50% of it. Right. And so now you're managing your deficit irrigation. So that's the benefit, you know, if you're going to do a program, that's not cashflow saved savings by the utility bill, right. Hmm. Very cool. So I think, um, what I'd like to do is try to wrap up our conversation, but I want to hit a couple of key points that we talked about, uh, to kind of bring this home and the thing that I appreciate you sharing, which was new to me. Right? So you've been in the business longer than I have, but you know, still I'm almost, uh, Almost 20 years in getting pretty darn close to 20 years in. I wasn't familiar with slide that simplified landscape irrigation demand estimation to come up with your quote unquote baseline, uh, gallons per square foot for that site. Right. And that's going to be different in Texas than it is in Florida, that it is in Boston than it is in Seattle or any location. And that slide, um, just to repeat again, it was a combination of the ITI for that local site. The rainfall for that local site, the plant factor, and then the square foot that's being irrigated. And that breaks down to the estimated gallons per square foot. And then what you talked about was, uh, getting, uh, getting the, the client utility bill. How much water are they using indoors and outdoors, separating that out. And then, uh, Calculating the total irrigation or the landscape bits, that's irrigated the square foot. So now, you know how much they're actually using and you're comparing what they should be using in gallons per square foot to what they are using in gallons per square foot. And you're looking for at least a 25% difference or Delta between those numbers. You want 25% Delta between those numbers. And then you want to look at. What's the value of that Delta in, in dollars based on their price of water and how much they're consuming to see if that Delta, uh, can afford a, uh, control and equipment upgrade based on the time period that they're looking for. Maybe that's three years, five years or 10 years. And that's how you're basing your, uh, your savings as a service estimation. Very good wrap up any of your correct, you know, again, you know, if they have the money to fund it then fantastic. Or because you know, now you're basically writing a business plan, uh, to them or to a lender that say, Hey, listen, I have $10,000 a year that I can now, you know, borrow against to invest. And you can take that to a third-party financer and get that funded. Or if you have the cashflow to fund that yourself, or if the client at the end of the day has the money to fund it, they don't want to have a third party financing. Cause then there's interest rates involved. Right? Right. You now have $10,000 you tangibly could use in a project, whether you have the money yourself to borrow it, or the, the client has the money that they can spend it. So again, Get ahold of Excel, learn how to use Excel because when you're crunching these numbers, you may want to build a spreadsheet. It's three years. You may decide there's other information you want to put in here and having some spreadsheet skills can, can certainly help. Cause I think to date right now, there's no easy button for this. There's no enter these two pieces of information and we'll spit it out for you still got to crunch your own numbers and support your own numbers. Um, that's good, man. We will, uh, We'll have to come back and visit. I really like hearing your, your site stories, you know, finding that leak. And, uh, even the one outside Denver where you said you couldn't really save much water because they had kept that spring program running all year. It's important. Yeah, but we, when we looked at the inside water, Andy, it's 40% savings on the inside. Right. 0% outside right now. So listen, we're going to, if we go in and change out the plumbing, fixtures, something more efficient, we're going to reduce that and save 40%. Okay. But they want to go ahead and maybe upgrade their irrigation controls to be able to manage deficit irrigating by controls being to move the water. We, the money we stayed inside to outside. So you can share those costs inside the outside. Right? Love it. Love it. Okay. Well, that's a wrap and a guys remember, think savings as a service and a gallons per square foot. Find a project that you manage and experiment with this gallons per square foot. All right, Paul, that's a wrap man. Let's do it again soon. Can't wait. Thank you, Andy. All right, cheers. See ya. what's your favorite flavor of potato chip?
What are 33 Colorado cities doing to conserve water? Frank Kinder, Water Efficiency Program Manager for Northern Water, updates us on the conservation work of this regional water provider. LINKS: Frank Kinder’s slide presentation http://studio809radio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-Presentation-FK-PPENV.pdf The Colorado-Big Thompson Project - video shown during presentation https://youtu.be/wQkMdlvCgP0 2020 in Review: Water Efficiency Programs – video shown at end of presentation https://youtu.be/p8zNT2aPrAU This program was recorded at the January 22, 2021 meeting of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications. Presenting Sponsors: Art of Engineering Black Hills Energy Miriam's Place OrganaGardens Additional Sponsors: Blue Planet Earthscapes Peak Radar Environmental Compliance Systems Old Town Bike Shop Terra Essentials The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Colorado Springs Office of Innovation & Sustainability Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Pikes Peak Environmental Forum Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club Pikes Peak Permaculture Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Subscribe (free) on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:
USGBC asked LEED Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members what they thought was most critical to bring about a regenerative future. Here is what Patrick Boyle, chair of the Water Efficiency TAG, had to say.
Listen to Emma Hughes (USGBC’s LEED project manager) answer the question, “How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the water sector, and what can we do about it in LEED?” Access COVID-19 resources at usgbc.org/about/covid-19-resources.
The LEED Today and Tomorrow series will tell the story of why LEED matters and how LEED v4.1 lays the groundwork for future change. This session speaks with Emma Hughes, project manager for LEED at USGBC. Find the whole series and earn GBCI CE credit on Education @USGBC at https://www.usgbc.org/education.
with Stéphane GILBERT - CEO and co-founder @ AQUASSAY In today's episode, Stéphane reveals how his company improves industrial water efficiency while turning Operators from Agelast to Blissful. What we covered:
Although water efficiency has been a prominent feature of green building programs for decades, the most dramatic improvements in water use have largely been relegated to regions where drought is common, like California and the mountain West. But with the costs of water rising dramatically across the country, including New York City, our use of this critical resource is receiving increased attention. Teghpal Sandhu, co-founder and CEO of Live Building Systems joins us to discuss how real time management of water use in buildings makes deep savings possible. With a background as an MD, Mr. Sandhu brings a unique perspective to the fundamentals of water efficiency in buildings and what the near future brings in this increasingly important area of resource conservation.
Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Dr. Ken Kramer and Jennifer Walker about the newly released Texas Water Conservation Scorecard 2020 Report, which provides an in-depth analysis and ranking of the water conservation efforts of more than 350 water utilities in Texas. Dr. Ken Kramer is the volunteer Water Resources Chair for the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. He retired in 2012 after over 23 years as the first Lone Star Chapter Director and a previous seven years as a contract lobbyist for the Chapter. Kramer has served on numerous state and regional advisory bodies working on water and the environment. These include the Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council, the Environmental Flows Stakeholder Committees for two Texas bay/basin areas (Galveston Bay/Trinity and San Jacinto Basins and the Brazos Basin) and the Advisory Council for the Environmental Science Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. He has a B.A. in History from Texas Lutheran University, an M.A. in Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Rice University. Jennifer Walker is the Deputy Director for Texas Water Programs at the National Wildlife Federation. She has over 15 years experience focusing on statewide water policy issues with an emphasis on state and regional water planning, urban water management, and bay and estuary protection. Walker is Vice Chair of Austin's Water Forward Task Force, working to implement Austin’s groundbreaking 100-year water plan that is focused on deploying One Water solutions to meet future water needs. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, a stakeholder-based non-profit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. Jennifer has a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from the University of Texas at Austin.
“If you can't measure it, you can't improve it.” -Peter Drucker Over the last decade, what Americans pay for water and sewer service has increased three times faster than inflation or the price of food. How can builders and homeowners get a handle the amount of water being used without some kind of practical and usable metric for both new and existing homes? Join us as we plunge into the depths of HERSH20, RESNET’s new water efficiency rating system. Both of our guests today, Mark Johnson from ICC and Jacob Atalla from KB Home, were intimately involved in the development of this Standard 850. Listen in as we learn how the standard addresses water efficiency and why ICC decided to collaborate with RESNET in the development of this standard. We learn how the index score is determined and what the home is being rated against. Our guests also describe why a builder might want to get a HERS H2O rating on their homes. To learn more, view the slide deck on this topic from the RESNET 2020 conference by going to this link: www.bit.ly/HERSH2O RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us Or for more info on this topic contact RESNET at INFO@RESNET.US
With over 463 Million Square Feet of commercial building space and over 1,000 member organizations, 2030 Districts are rapidly emerging as a new model for urban sustainability. 2030 Districts are organizations led by the private sector, with local building industry leaders uniting around a shared vision for sustainability and economic growth – while aligning with local community groups and government to achieve significant energy, water, and emissions reductions. In this episode Salima shares the who, what, and why of the 2030 Districts and why Dallas property owner/manager/developers should join a local 2030 District to help them make significant changes to their properties to create reductions necessary to transition to a low carbon economy. SALIMA MOOLJI Website: https://www.2030districts.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salimamoolji/ Twitter: :https://twitter.com/SalimaMoolji?lang=en About 3P Theory: Founded by Mike Brown in 2018. This is 3P Theory, the podcast for AEC professions seeking to elevate their knowledge on green building strategies and practical design collaboration for sustainable mindsets. Bringing you change-makers, innovators and sustainable leaders whose projects and careers have positively impacted the industry. If you're looking to get inspired, motivated, and fired up to take ACTION towards a greener planet you're in right place. Don't miss our bi-weekly episodes, hit subscribe: Website: 3ptheory.com Get to know Mike Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbrownjr/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikecharlesjr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcharlesjr/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeycharlesjr
What is the status of water efficiency in Florida? Because Florida experiences some of the highest amounts of rainfall in the United States, this creates a breadth of water opportunities and water challenges for Florida. In this podcast with Deirdre Irwin, the Water Conservation Coordinator at the St Johns River Water Management District, we learn about issues of water efficiency as it pertains to water runoff in urban environments and widespread irrigation for farming. Deirdre will help us answer questions such as: What are the risks to the aquifers? What storm water rules exist to prevent excessive run offs? And what strategies can be imposed to ensure a healthy watershed for all water users? While businesses and farming operations play a significant role in the Florida watershed story, the individual households also play a significant role. It may seem insignificant, but you will learn about what you as the individual can do to make an impact on the water shed environment. Some ideas, such as washing your jeans a few less times a year or skipping a week of watering you lawn, can make a significant impact on the watershed if everyone works together. Deirdre is a true water advocate that shows us how the St. Johns River Management District lives true to their mission, which is “to protect our natural resources and support Florida’s growth by ensuring the sustainable use of Florida’s water for the benefit of the people of the District and the state.” To learn more please visit https://www.sjrwmd.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rethinking-h2o/support
(https://www.theh2duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Copy-of-1074-x-366-podcast-template-2.png) George Hawkins is the Harvard educated Founder of Moonshot LLC and just recently, Moonshot Partners, a Professor of Practice at American University and former head of DC Water. He facilitated the transformation of DC Water and Sewer Authority to DC Water and oversaw taking DC Water from some very challenging times to the national and international reputation it now enjoys. George wants to help other enterprises tell their story, create replicable roadmaps and reach their dreams. Top Takeaways: As water nerds passionate about communication, obviously, our chat with George Hawkins is ripe with takeaways: The incredible importance of communication to our industry, however, it’s always a treat to hear that perspective from someone who is on the front lines of water technology and financing the way that George is. We talk about the importance of internal communication and how you have to begin on the inside to ever hope to have an effective external communication strategy. Internally this means not only writing down your mission, vision, and values but living them as an organization and ensuring your entire team hears them used regularly and sees them in action. We also talk about the role of communication in earning trust with the communities we serve. Show Notes: [4:15] Life after DC Water: how entrepreneurial life has treated George Hawkins this past year. [8:21] George shares how his perspective of the industry has changed given his new role in it this past year. [12:46] George gives us examples from his experiences that made him an advocate for communication in the water industry. [22:23] In his own words: advice on how water educators and communicators can win over upper management. [28:56] Why it’s so important for an organization, especially in the water industry, to not only believe in the mission but more importantly, act on it. [35:58] George shares how can utilities earn back their communities trust, given the fact that people are sort of wary, of us but we need their trust to move forward with new infrastructure and technology. [44:06] Hear George’s take on why customer service is so vital to utilities today, especially related to adopting new technology and addressing funding needs. [57:00] With all he has seen and been introduced to, hear what has THE George Hawkins the most excited about the future of water. [1:05:12] George speaks directly to all you men and women in the field, braving all conditions, and working tirelessly in a thankless job. He shares with you why what you do matters so much. Resources: The Ghost Map: The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic–and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson Sponsor: The Alliance for Water Efficiency (http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org) is a non-profit organization and North America’s authoritative resource for water efficiency. Their mission is to promote the efficient use of water to achieve more resilient communities, businesses, and ecosystems. The AWE network brings together more than 450 member organizations, including water providers, business leaders, government agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and associations. AWE advances sustainable water use in partnership with its members through research, advocacy, resources, and education. AWE gives communities the tools and training to manage water resources sustainably, helps build the market for tomorrow’s technologies and services, and partners to advocate, educate, and legislate. Learn more and join the network by visiting www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org (http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org) or emailing membership@a4we.org. Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on...
(https://www.theh2duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Copy-of-1074-x-366-podcast-template-1-1.png) Catalyst is more than a conference. It’s an experience meant to educate, collaborate, and invigorate water educators and communicators. Catalyst is structured around the Rogue Water ABCS of water communication: assessment, branding, content, and strategy plus our favorite subject: tribal collaboration. In this episode, we talk assessment with Megan Yoo Schneider (https://www.theh2duo.com/7/) , founder of Seven Management and Consulting Inc, about brain-based learning and how we have to be strategic about how we present our content. The conferences of tomorrow don’t need to nor should look like the conferences of the past. Catalyst: You can register at www.roguewatergroup.com/catalyst (http://www.roguewatergroup.com/catalyst) . Catalyst takes place June 19-21, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Due to the logistics of this unique summit, we can only accommodate up to 70 people. We have less than 50 spots left so sign up today! Shout out to our incredible Catalyst2019 sponsors: Texas AWWA, Water Environment Association of Texas, Lower Colorado River Authority, Alliance for Water Efficiency, 120WaterAudit, and Dallas Water Conservation. If you’d like to sponsor the most ROGUE water summit around, visit the Catalyst website (http://roguewatergroup.com/catalyst) for more information. Sponsor: This episode is powered by (https://www.theh2duo.com/roguewater) ? Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes. Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us (https://twitter.com/the_h2duo) or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page. Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.
(https://www.theh2duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Copy-of-1074-x-366-podcast-template-1.png) Takeaways: Catalyst is more than a conference. It’s an experience meant to educate, collaborate, and invigorate water educators and communicators. Catalyst is structured around the Rogue Water A.B.C.S. of water communication: Assessment, Branding, Content, and Strategy plus the added bonus of Tribal Collaboration. In this episode, we talk a little strategy, a little branding, and some collaboration too. In EP005 (https://www.theh2duo.com/005-catalyst-mastermind-speaker-series-ryan-beltran/) , Ryan Beltran, filmmaker and founder of elequa and the Make Water project tells us his story of a filmmaker turned water innovator. Hear how he’s partnering with the San Antonio Water System’s high school program, Impact, to use his love of film, water innovation, and maker spaces to teach the next generation of water nerds how they can make a difference in the global water crisis. Catalyst: Registration for Catalyst 2019 goes live at 8am CST on Jan 14, 2019. You can register at www.roguewatergroup.com/catalyst (http://www.roguewatergroup.com/catalyst) . Catalyst takes place June 19-21, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Due to the logistics of this unique summit spots are limited. We can only accommodate up to 70 people, so sign up today! Shout out to our incredible Catalyst2019 sponsors: Texas AWWA, Water Environment Association of Texas, Lower Colorado River Authority, Alliance for Water Efficiency, 120WaterAudit, and Dallas Water Conservation. If you’d like to sponsor the most ROGUE water summit around, visit the Catalyst website (http://roguewatergroup.com/catalyst) for more information. Sponsor: This episode is powered by (https://www.theh2duo.com/roguewater) ? Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes. Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us (https://twitter.com/the_h2duo) or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page. Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
(https://www.theh2duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Water-in-Real-Life-Catalyst-Tribal-Collaboration.png) Takeaways: In early 2018, Greg Wukasch, External Affairs manager at the San Antonio Water System asked Stephanie and Arianne if they would partner with them to create a summit built for water educators and communicators by water educators and communicators. They said yes before he finished the question. Catalyst follows the Rogue Water ABCS of water communication which are assessment, branding, content, and strategy. We believe that nailing these core basics directly impacts your ability to move the needle forward for your education programs, your communication campaigns and your organization. At Catalyst 2018, we ended with a section called Tribal Collaboration, where we had three industry rock stars talk about the power of collaboration in our industry from a local, national, and global perspective. These are snippets from our podcast interviews with them leading up to Catalyst. EP011: (https://www.theh2duo.com/11/) Tom Ferguson, VP of Programming at ImagineH2O, talks the incredible importance of communication to the water sector from his global and entrepreneurial perspective. EP002 (https://www.theh2duo.com/002-catalyst-mastermind-speaker-series-travis-loop/) Travis Loop, Director of Communication and Outreach, Water Environment Federation, talks the importance of understanding your audience when it comes to effective communication. EP008 (https://www.theh2duo.com/8/) Lynne Christopher, Education Coordinator, San Antonio Water System tells us about their CORE program for San Antonio ISD teachers and the ripples that program is already making. So without further ado, let’s get to the show. Catalyst: Registration for Catalyst 2019 goes live on Jan 14. Catalyst takes place June 19-21, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Due to the logistics of this unique summit spots are limited. We can only accommodate up to 70-75 people. Sign up for the Water Nerd newsletter here (http://eepurl.com/dvEd79) to be the first to register. Shout out to our incredible Catalyst2019 sponsors: Texas AWWA, Water Environment Association of Texas, Lower Colorado River Authority, Alliance for Water Efficiency, 120WaterAudit, and Dallas Water Conservation. If you’d like to sponsor the most ROGUE water summit around, visit the Catalyst website (http://roguewatergroup.com/catalyst) for more information. Sponsor: This episode is powered by (https://www.theh2duo.com/roguewater) ? Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes. Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us (https://twitter.com/the_h2duo) or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page. Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
(https://www.theh2duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Water-in-Real-Life-EP022-Dropcountr.png) Robb Barnitt is the Founder and Chief Executive at Dropcountr, a water SaaS (software-as-a-service) company that transforms data into actionable information for utility staff and their customers. Robb has spent his career working at the intersection of technology and sustainability in roles with Arthur D. Little, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and several Silicon Valley startups. He holds a Masters degree in Engineering from Stanford and an MBA from UC-Berkeley. Top Takeaways: The water sector has amazing committed people. They want to do something meaningful. This extends to the technology-oriented folks–developers and engineers. For those young professionals that want to make a difference, there’s a lot to like about the water industry. Customers view water utilities on the same level as the other utilities they communicate with regularly. They expect a higher level of service and access such as real-time alerts regarding usage thresholds, leaks, and bill notification. Access to information isn’t just about bill pay and water usage. It also provides utilities the ability to communicate about other areas of concern for customers such as hydrant flushing. Robb gives a case study on (https://www.dropcountr.com/resources/digital-customer-relationship/) outside of Boston. At the 2018 WaterSmart Innovations Conference: Alliance for Water Efficiency (http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/default.aspx) are teaming up to discuss the importance of communicating with your Spanish speaking population in your community. A more complete inclusivity requires delivery of information in a language that’s preferred by the customer. If you want to educate and develop that relationship then you need to be speaking the same language. Whether Spanish is a requirement or just a preference, it’s a pretty nice gesture. It’s more than a translated website, you can actively engage in the culture. “Strive to be more than a vendor, be an industry participant.” Robb Barnitt, Founder and Chief Executive at Dropcountr Resources: Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1847941109/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1847941109&linkCode=as2&tag=theh2duo-20&linkId=9152644631dea660e3f9d0cfadbeee68) by Jeff Sutherland Ad feedback Conscious Capitalism: the Heroic Spirit of Business (https://amzn.to/2Dp0BYW) by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia Tech resources: (https://techcrunch.com/) (https://news.ycombinator.com) (https://mavensnotebook.com/) Survey: (https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/jd-power-2018-water-utility-residential-customer-satisfaction-study) (https://www.theh2duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/image.png) Sponsor: (http://water.mastermeter.com/the-essential-guide-to-financing-smart-water-projects?__hstc=6103788.f03d2f8a133aa3e4d2ccf03cb7dc7f64.1514478942066.1514574040855.1516406742564.5&__hssc=6103788.4.1516406742564&__hsfp=82336232) Show notes: [4:20] Robb’s origin story, from rural America to water tech startup CEO. [8:45] Why is it important to be in the water sector, in this moment? [11:30] How is technology helping to bring utilities into the digital age with their customers? [12:50] Case study from Dedham Westwood Water District (https://www.dropcountr.com/resources/digital-customer-relationship/) about communicating with customers regarding hydrant flushing. [17:08] The importance of communicating with your Spanish speaking community (https://watersmartinnovations.com/sessions.php) . [21:25] How water tech startups can play a role in bringing the next generation to the water industry. [25:00] Robb’s guiding principles aka core values and Arianne forgetting ours. [30:00] Robb...
In today’s episode, host Bill Spohn welcomes Ryan Meres, Program Director for RESNET who discusses the new HERS H2O rating; a Water Rating index. Ryan takes us on a journey describing many facets of HERS H2O including the driving forces behind this project, how this standard is being developed, as well as the efforts being put in to provide the highest quality data in a water rating. Ryan walks us through the process of a HERS H2O rating demonstrating how it easily “tacks on” to a Home Energy Rating. You will find more information on this topic on the RESNET.us website, look for either WERI (water efficiency rating index) – the old name - or HERS H2O, the new name. Ryan points out that some aspects of the program were built upon the US EPA Water Sense program; www.epa.gov/watersense At the time of this recording, RESNET is looking to engage builders, raters and providers in testing out this nascent standard in the real world. You can reach Ryan at Ryan@RESNET.US Ryan also discusses his career background and how it leads to his role as Program Director at RESNET. Pros in the building industry should consider attending the annual conference which will be held in New Orleans, LA Feb 25-27, 2019 more info at: www.conference.resnet.us/ RESTalk: To the RESNET community, we hear you and want to engage. Pros can learn more at www.RESNET.us/professional Consumers can learn more at www.RESNET.us Or contact RESNET AT INFO@RESNET.US
Simon Fane from Institute for Sustainable Futures looks over the horizon with Hazel Flynn on next generation water efficiency.
Rob Rendell, principal consultant for RMCG speaks about the Water Efficiency Improvement in Drought Affected Provinces (WEIDAP) program in Vietnam and the importance of building relationships. Visit http://www.kini.org.au for more interviews with leading water practitioners.
Divya Inna speaks to Nestle who will chair one of the corporate end-user Roundtable sessions at BlueTech Forum 2017. Nestle talk to us about their corporate sustainability goals and what they are doing to maximise water efficiency. Next BlueTech then catch up with Nijhuis Industries CEO Menno who talks to us about Circular Economy and provides an overview of Key Industrial Market Trends. At BlueTech Forum, Menno will provide a keynote and will share insights with us by taking us on a global Tour de Force, starting in South America and moving eastwards to Africa, Europe, Russia and China. This keynote will provide examples that illustrate innovations to address the food-water nexus, circular economy, water scarcity and the need for new business models to help create and deliver projects.
Randy Brown of Winfield United talks about ways to get the most out of your irrigation
Our lifestyle is powered by energy, yet many of us know very little about it. In Energy Bite, a weekly 90-second radio module focused on energy technology, opportunities, and challenges related to every day life. Each episode, hosted by 90.5 WESA Pittsburgh and distributed by Public Radio Exchange (PRX), features interviews with energy experts from Carnegie Mellon University’s Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. Listeners can participate by asking the experts questions to explore in future episodes and by responding to polls linked to the stories. For more information visit www.energybite.org.
Recorded Saturday, 5/23/2015.Topics Included:Blackwater Festival - June 20, 2015, Aiken State ParkEdisto River Blog Posts - American Rivers site: Gerrit’s Intro: http://www.americanrivers.org/blog/keep-the-edisto-river-flowing/Bud Skidmore: http://www.americanrivers.org/blog/the-river-forms-our-island/Bill Gregory: http://www.americanrivers.org/blog/water-and-a-river/ Jim Brailsford: http://www.americanrivers.org/blog/the-boy-and-the-riverQueen Quet - Head of State for the Gullah / Geeche NationJenny Hoffner - Conservation Strategies, American RiversAmerican Rivers American Rivers - Water Efficiency ArticlesCoastal Conservation LeagueEdisto Most Endangered Action Page SC Rivers ForeverEdisto Concerns
Mary Ann Dickinson, the President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, examines a range of current issues involving water efficiency and to discuss her organization's advocacy for water efficiency. She identifies a number of issues and describes how water efficiency actually is the least cost alternative for holding down rates. Mary Ann explains how water and energy are interrelated. She also identifies the wide gulf in the public's understanding about how much water we actually use.
Mary Ann Dickinson, the President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, examines a range of current issues involving water efficiency and to discuss her organization’s advocacy for water efficiency. She identifies a number of issues and describes how water efficiency actually is the least cost alternative for holding down rates. Mary Ann explains how water and energy are interrelated. She also identifies the wide gulf in the public’s understanding about how much water we actually use.
Many countries are struggling with managing their water supplies due to various reasons including lack of rainfall, limited space for reservoirs and lack of natural water resources. Many appliance manufacturers are helping to conserve water by introducing water efficient appliances, mainly dishwashers and washing machines. The governments of many countries now rate the water efficiency of appliances along with offering incentives to buy these machines. Water conservation will continue to be an ongoing effort in many countries so these appliances will become even more efficient in the future.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The Alliance has embarked on seven key tasks to support and enhance water conservation efforts: • Stand as a clear and authoritative national voice for water efficiency. • Provide comprehensive information about water-efficient products, practices, and programs--what works and what doesn't. • Represent the interest of water efficiency in the development of codes and standards. • Transform the market for fixtures and appliances. • Coordinate with green building initiatives to institutionalize water efficiency. • Train water conservation professionals. • Educate water users. Tune in as we talk with Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO of AWE. For more information, check out their website at: www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org
The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The Alliance has embarked on seven key tasks to support and enhance water conservation efforts: • Stand as a clear and authoritative national voice for water efficiency. • Provide comprehensive information about water-efficient products, practices, and programs--what works and what doesn't. • Represent the interest of water efficiency in the development of codes and standards. • Transform the market for fixtures and appliances. • Coordinate with green building initiatives to institutionalize water efficiency. • Train water conservation professionals. • Educate water users. Tune in as we talk with Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO of AWE. For more information, check out their website at: www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org