California’s water recycling movement has evolved from experiments to expansion—driven by progressive regulations, proven technology, and positive public trust. In this episode, Traci Minamide, Greg Wetterau, and Roshanak Aflaki of CDM Smith share expert insights from decades of experience advancing reuse across the Golden State.They reflect on the past, when early projects like the East Valley initiative faced setbacks and public skepticism that reshaped how engineers, utilities, and communicators approached outreach and transparency.In the present, they highlight how clearer regulations, efficient treatment processes, and pilot projects have made large-scale water recycling both achievable and affordable—turning wastewater into safe, local drinking water for millions.Looking to the future, the panel envisions a new generation of systems powered by AI-driven operations, advanced membranes, and rapid water-quality monitoring tools that will make direct potable reuse more widespread and resilient than ever before.This episode is part of The Golden State of Reuse, a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California.The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California and sponsored by CDM Smith. The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Water’s future depends on sustainable funding, bipartisan policy, and stronger public communication. In this conversation from the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C., Adam Krantz of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) explains how federal investments and advocacy are shaping the next chapter for America’s water infrastructure. He outlines the historic impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and why permanent, predictable federal funding is essential to maintain momentum. Krantz highlights the urgent need for a national Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program so that access to water is treated as essential as food and energy. He details efforts to get resources and technical help to smaller, under-resourced utilities—often left behind in traditional grant and loan programs—and how partnerships with larger systems can close that gap. The discussion also explores the role of programs like WIFIA and SRF in leveraging billions for critical projects nationwide. Looking ahead, Krantz calls for a united communications effort to position water alongside energy and transportation as the nation’s most vital infrastructure, ensuring long-term investment, trust, and resilience.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Follow us on YouTube, Linked-In, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Across the U.S., stormwater regulations form a confusing patchwork that slows innovation and complicates compliance for communities and companies alike. In this episode from WEFTEC, Jay Holtz of Oldcastle Infrastructure explains how this fragmented system has evolved — and why it’s time for change. He outlines the challenges posed by thousands of differing local approvals that make it costly and inefficient for solution providers to bring technologies to market. Holtz describes how the emerging STEPP Program — Stormwater Testing and Evaluation for Products and Practices — aims to establish a consistent national framework for verifying performance data and standardizing testing. The initiative, led by the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance, would simplify local approvals, cut costs, and accelerate deployment of proven systems. By centralizing data and ensuring testing integrity, STEPP could spur innovation, expand stormwater solutions nationwide, and ultimately lead to cleaner water in communities across America.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Activated carbon is a frontline solution in the fight against PFAS and other contaminants in water. In this episode, Brandon Hamilton of Norit explains how activated carbon works like a “rigid sponge” —using its complex pore structures to trap everything from volatile organics to microscopic chemicals. He breaks down why utilities are increasingly choosing activated carbon over reverse osmosis or ion exchange, highlighting its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and proven performance in water treatment. Hamilton also dives into Norit’s reactivation process, which destroys PFAS and restores 80–90% of carbon capacity, saving utilities in costs. The conversation explores the different types of carbon—from coal to coconut shell—and how each targets specific contaminants. Looking ahead, Hamilton reveals how tailored carbon products and innovations in agglomeration are paving the way for the next generation of water treatment solutions.Learn more about Norit.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for sustainability in water.

Los Angeles is turning recycled water into real-world resilience—protecting aquifers from seawater intrusion, powering industry, gaining public support, and building a next-generation supply that reduces dependence on imported sources.At Terminal Island, Dean Taylor explains how this pioneering facility evolved from discharging into the harbor to producing advanced treated water that now feeds the Dominguez Gap seawater barrier and supplies industrial clients such as like Valero, saving millions of gallons of drinking water each day while moving toward full reclamation capacity.At the Albert Robles Center, Stefan Tucker shows how education and transparency are turning skepticism into support. Students, residents, and decision-makers experience the treatment process firsthand—building trust, understanding, and a stronger future workforce for the water industry.At Hyperion, Johan Torroledo and Christina Beccara Jones outline the ambitious Pure Water Los Angeles program—transforming one of the world’s largest treatment plants into a hub of innovation. Ultimately, the project will deliver up to 230 million gallons per day of purified water.The throughline is clear: science, transparency, and collaboration are making potable reuse not just possible—but practical at metropolitan scale.This episode is part of The Golden State of Reuse, a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California.The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California. The lead sponsor is CDM Smith.The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.

Utilities across the country are facing shifting water quality challenges — from changing influent chemistry to tightening discharge limits. This demands smarter monitoring and faster response. In this episode, Carlos Williams of Hach shares how utilities are adapting to this evolving landscape through advanced analysis and real-time data. He explains how rainfall patterns, conservation, and industrial variability can alter what flows into plants, requiring automated samplers and online instruments that catch contaminants early. Inside facilities, Williams highlights emerging treatment trends such as nutrient removal, energy efficiency, and diverse disinfection approaches that all depend on accurate water chemistry tracking. He also discusses how new discharge requirements are driving the need for continuous nutrient and solids monitoring to maintain compliance and protect ecosystems. Learn more about Hach.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how cities understand and manage their underground water infrastructure. In this episode, Eric Sullivan of SewerAI explains how computer vision and the cloud are revolutionizing the inspection and maintenance of wastewater systems.Technology automatically detects and classifies defects in sewer pipes using AI models trained on hundreds of millions of feet of inspection data—cutting time, cost, and human error. Sullivan describes how this shift allows field crews to focus on safety and efficiency while enabling engineers to make faster, data-driven repair decisions. With real-time data syncing and benchmarking across hundreds of systems, utilities can now monitor conditions continuously, prioritize investments, and demonstrate performance improvements over time. As Sullivan shares, the integration of big data, AI, and affordable camera technologies is making pipe inspection smarter, faster, and more accessible—reshaping the future of water infrastructure management beneath our streets.Learn more about SewerAIwaterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Orange County shows how water recycling moves from idea to impact—linking history, science, and workforce to make reuse mainstream. At Irvine Ranch Water District, General Manager Paul Cook explains how a simple visual breakthrough—the now-iconic purple pipe—was created in the 1980s to clearly mark recycled water and build public trust, a standard that spread across California and the world. At Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System, Mayhew Patel traces the lineage from Water Factory 21 to today’s 130-MGD advanced purification that protects a coastal aquifer, pushes back seawater intrusion, and supplies enough water for about a million people. Research and innovation lead the way: Megan Plumley spotlights OCWD’s lab and pilots tackling energy use in RO, improving membranes and spacers, and continuously monitoring for PFAS, microplastics, and other emerging contaminants—evidence that potable reuse is built on decades of science, not slogans.The future depends on people as much as plants. At Moulton Niguel Water District, CEO June Kim Lopez lays out the skills needed for direct potable reuse—high-level certification, data literacy, and creativity—while sharing how partnerships with community colleges and UC Irvine are creating new certification pathways and even the first AI course focused on water. This episode is part of The Golden State of Reuse, a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California, showcasing the people and projects redefining how water is used again and again. The series is a collaboration with WateReuse California and sponsored by CDM Smith.The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Annabelle Rayson’s journey into water science began on the shores of Lake Huron and has grown into an award-winning pursuit of global impact. A student at Harvard University and winner of the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Annabelle shares how her childhood curiosity about the Great Lakes evolved into groundbreaking research and real-world problem solving. She describes her innovative “Plankton Wars” project—using native zooplankton to reduce harmful algal blooms—and how it earned her international recognition. Annabelle also reflects on her internship at Xylem’s Reservoir Center, where she worked on projects spanning water quality monitoring, nutrient sensing, and community engagement. From studying methane emissions in wetlands to investigating heavy metals in drinking water, her story captures the next generation of scientific leadership and passion driving solutions for clean, sustainable water worldwide.This episode is a collaboration with the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C. where waterloop is the media partner. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

SUEZ is aiming to ignite innovation in North America by bringing its 160 years of global water expertise and thousands of patented treatment technologies to utilities across the continent. In this conversation from WEFTEC, Joshua Cantone and Abigail Antolovich of SUEZ share how the company is focused on empowering utilities with advanced tools and know-how for smarter, more sustainable solutions. The episode explores SUEZ’s plan to partner with North American water systems and companies to accelerate adoption of technology through collaboration rather than competition. Cantone details the integration of digital and treatment technologies to reduce energy use and optimize plant performance, while Antolovich highlights a new go-to-market model that pairs SUEZ innovation with North America’s best integrators and engineers.Learn more about SUEZ, the trusted partner for circular solutions in water and waste. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

PFAS remains one of water’s toughest and most urgent challenges — a class of thousands of persistent compounds still only partly understood but deeply embedded in modern life and the environment. In this episode, Peter Grevatt, CEO of The Water Research Foundation, discusses the state of PFAS research, including how science is closing critical knowledge gaps and revealing where the next breakthroughs may come.Grevatt explains how new “total PFAS” and precursor testing methods are helping researchers glimpse what lies beneath the surface — the larger iceberg of unmeasured chemicals. National studies led by WRF are also reshaping assumptions about where PFAS comes from, showing that domestic wastewater may contribute a greater overall mass than industrial sources. AI is beginning to aid detection, with early research into “fingerprinting” PFAS signatures from fire training sites, landfills, and other sources to help utilities identify where contamination originates.When it comes to solutions, Grevatt outlines a field in motion rather than finished answers. Granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis remain reliable workhorses, but their limits—especially with short-chain PFAS—are driving studies on tailored treatment media and lower-cost destruction technologies.Grevatt also highlights growing research on PFAS in biosolids and the global search for safe management options, from land application to disposal. This episode is sponsored by Shimadzu, a provider of analytical instruments for research, development, and quality control in a variety of fields.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

San Diego is proving that the future of water is recycled. This episode visits Santee Lakes—one of California’s earliest examples of water reuse—with Kyle Swanson of Padre Dam Municipal Water District, who explains how a 1960s experiment turned wastewater into a beloved community asset and a model for the world. The story then moves to the North City Water Reclamation Plant, where Doug Campbell from the City of San Diego shares how decades of innovation paved the way for Pure Water San Diego—one of the nation’s largest and most ambitious water recycling efforts. When complete, Pure Water will provide half of the city’s drinking water through a five-step purification process that turns wastewater into a safe, sustainable, and drought-proof resource. This episode is part of The Golden State of Reuse, a series exploring the past, present, and future of water recycling across California, showcasing the people and projects redefining how water is used again and again. Visit https://bit.ly/ReuseCAseriesThe series is a collaboration with WateReuse California and the lead sponsor is CDM Smith.The series is also supported by the Sacramento Area Sewer District, Black & Veatch, and Monterey One Water.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Introducing the Hydro20, a group of twenty individuals celebrated for driving change, disrupting norms, and doing good for water sustainability across the United States.The Hydro20 is an initiative of waterloop, a nonprofit news outlet, and was announced during Climate Week NYC at the Rethinking Water conference hosted by Columbia University.The inaugural Hydro20 Honorees:-Jorge Richardson – Founder, HOPE Hydration (Access)-Richard Diaz – Infrastructure Field Manager, BlueGreen Alliance (Advocacy)-Seth Watkins – Farmer, Pinkhook Farm (Agriculture)-Britton Smith – Lead Singer, Britton and the Sting (Arts)-Dan Tudesco – Associate Director of Community Water Systems, Brita (Business)-Teal Lehto – Western Water Girl (Communications)-Jerry Holden – Director – Southern Region, Ducks Unlimited (Conservation)-Dana Okano – Director, Hawaii Environmental Finance Center (Finance)-Tom Gamble – Owner & Operator, Gamble Estates (Food & Beverage)-Shanna Yazzie – Manager, Safety & Compliance, DigDeep (Frontlines)-Rachel Brown – Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of the Interior (Government)-Lorelei Cloud – Vice Chairman, Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council (Indigenous)-Alaina Harkness – CEO, Current (Innovation)-Carletta Davis – President, We Matter Community Association (Justice)-Manny Teodoro – Professor of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Madison (Policy)-Raha Hakimdavar – CEO, Zyon Space; Professor, Georgetown University (Science)-Omar Mitchell – VP of Sustainable Infrastructure and Growth Initiatives, National Hockey League (Sports)-Greg Newbloom – Founder & CEO, Membrion (Technology)-Aaron Tartakovsky – CEO, Epic Cleantec (Treatment)-Aaron Kirkland – Superintendent, Green Stormwater Operations, Philadelphia Water Department (Utility)Watch the Hydro20 announcement video and explore individual honoree profiles and videos at www.hydro20.org.The Hydro20 is presented in partnership with Sciens Water and sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund, Antea Group, and Human Capital Solutions.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Inside infrastructure, there’s a simple device called check valves quietly protecting water systems from chaos, stopping dirty water from flowing backward, and keeping everything running smoothly amid bigger storms, tighter regulations, and growing cities. In this episode, Cal Hayes from Proco Products explains the vital role of check valves. He explains how they need zero maintenance or power, making them ideal for handling sewage backups in treatment plants and at coastal outfalls to avoid costly overflows. Cal shares how innovative valves mix drinking water reservoirs more effectively, cutting down on chemicals and downtime for greener, more reliable supplies. In tough spots like massive ocean waves near Djibouti or flood-prone shores in New Jersey, flexible rubber versions hold up against harsh conditions. He also spotlights smart adaptations in Oregon, where valves spread treated wastewater gently to protect rivers and wildlife.Learn more about Proco Products.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Pittsburgh is writing a playbook on lead pipe replacement, aiming to eliminate all toxic lines by 2027. In this episode, Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, and Michelle McCarty of Women for a Healthy Environment reveal the strategy behind this national model.With over $200 million in federal grants and low-interest loans, the city has replaced 13,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents. Digitized records and GIS mapping pinpoint pipes for efficient, low-disruption replacements using copper threading. Community trust, rebuilt through transparent outreach and an advisory committee, drives participation. McCarty’s workshops target vulnerable neighborhoods, prioritizing kids and low-income areas. This blend of tech, funding, and engagement offers a roadmap for clean water nationwide.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. This episode was supported by Blue Conduit, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.

As Southern California wonders if water scarcity could ever spiral into a “Day Zero” crisis, the region stands at a crossroads for securing its water future. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Ian James, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, dives into the critical decisions shaping the region’s water portfolio. With half its supply imported from vulnerable sources like the Colorado River, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and Sierra Nevada snowpack, Southern California faces growing risks from climate-driven aridification and reduced snowmelt. The region is evaluating massive wastewater recycling projects, like Pure Water Southern California, to bolster local supplies. The $20 billion Delta Conveyance Project, a proposed 45-mile tunnel, aims to secure water from the Sacramento River but sparks debate over environmental impacts on the Delta’s ecosystem. A hyper-focus on conservation and efficiency, backed by the Pacific Institute’s 2022 Untapped Potential report, highlights water-saving potential through native landscaping and upgraded appliances. Capturing stormwater in the LA River and other waterways offers another innovative solution to diversify and strengthen the region’s water resilience. These efforts to diversify water sources today should position Southern California to avoid running out of water in the future.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Houston is known as the energy capital—but it’s also the Bayou City, where water flows not just through the environment, but through culture, memory, justice, and resilience. In this episode from the Color of Water series, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, Executive Director of Bayou City Waterkeeper, shares how her background in art and advocacy fuels bold environmental leadership rooted in equity. She discusses the group’s efforts to protect wetlands, hold polluters accountable, and connect communities with their watersheds. From suing to stop illegal sewage dumping to mapping critical wetlands and advancing green infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods, Bayou City Waterkeeper takes an integrated, justice-first approach to water. Ayanna also highlights the power of narrative change and cultural strategies in reimagining water policy and restoring people’s relationships to place. The Color of Water series is a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Texas is tackling its booming population’s water demands with a bold $20 billion investment plan to secure sustainable supplies and infrastructure by 2050. In this episode of In The Newsroom, Todd Votteler, a veteran water expert and editor of the Texas Water Journal, joins the podcast to discuss the state’s dynamic water landscape. With Texas expecting about 40 million residents by mid-century, the state is addressing urgent needs through a recently signed bill that allocates $10 billion for new water supplies and $10 billion for infrastructure upgrades, pending voter approval on November 4, 2025. Votteler highlights the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s pioneering groundwater regulation, born from 1990s endangered species litigation, which protects iconic springs like Barton Springs while balancing growth pressures. Innovative projects, such as Corpus Christi’s seawater desalination plant and El Paso’s groundbreaking direct potable reuse facility, signal Texas’s push toward diverse water sources.However, challenges persist, including groundwater strain in areas like Jacob’s Well and ongoing Rio Grande water disputes with Mexico. The state’s proactive approach, including a surprise veto and special legislative session, underscores its commitment to water security amid rapid growth.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet that explores solutions for water sustainability.

AI isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s reshaping how communications and marketing get done. In this episode, Shama Hyder, a leading voice in digital transformation, explains why this moment demands strategic urgency and how organizations must adapt or risk falling behind. She shares how AI is disrupting knowledge work, changing workflows, and redefining what entry-level even means.Shama lays out practical ways communicators can integrate AI tools right now—from automating meeting follow-ups to customizing reports for different audiences. She emphasizes that the path forward isn’t fear or passivity, but immersion, experimentation, and ownership. Her advice for individuals and teams: stop waiting for permission, start solving problems, and use AI to scale human impact.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

Healthy rivers are essential for thriving communities, and smart, nature-based solutions are proving crucial to turning things around in a changing climate. In this episode, Derek Vollmer, Director of Waterscapes for the World Wildlife Fund, shares how their program uses innovative, place-based strategies to restore rivers and build resilience worldwide. From the US-Mexico border, solutions for the Rio Grande include removing invasive trees and optimizing dam operations to restore flow and support wildlife. In Pakistan, the groundbreaking \"Recharge Pakistan\" project uses ecosystem restoration, like forests and wetlands, to reduce both flood and drought risks. Further, lessons from the Netherlands\' \"Room for the River\" program show how giving rivers space to ebb and flow can protect communities from climate impacts, providing powerful insights for the U.S.This is a conversation from the Reservoir Center in Washington, D.C.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.