Come Heck or Hot Water: Resilient Solutions for a Changing World

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution. In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising solution could mean for our future water security. It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.

  1. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    Oil to Water: What Can Be Done About Produced Water?

    What happens when water is produced at the same time as oil is produced? In this episode, we explore how desalination applies to water pumped from oil wells. Join our hosts, Robert and Sarah, as they discuss the details about produced water with Texas Produced Water Consortium experts Shane Walker and Wrye Mauldiin.  Today’s Guests: Shane Walker, Director of the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech, and Wrye Mauldiin, Project Manager for the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech  Robert introduces Shane Walker (04:53)  Sarah Introduces Wrye Mauldiin (05:43)  First Up, Let’s Get into Some Q&A with Shane and Wrye! Sarah kicks off with the most simple and complex question, “What is produced water?” (06:42)  Robert asks on the behalf of peers, “How much produced water is there in the state of Texas?” (08:04)  Sarah wants to know “Why are people concerned about produced water?” (10:15)  Robert shares his technical term crunchy water, so he asks, “what are we talking about in terms of saltiness?” (12:17)  Roberts wonders if “earthquakes are a threat if there’s no place to put the water?” (12:52)  Robert asks “[what is the objective] of the produced consortium?” (13:50)  Shane and Wrye Give Us the Dish on All Things Produced Water: Sea Water Salinity vs. Produced Water Salinity: Shane confirms to Robert the statistics of the range of drinkable water in Texas. (17:10)  The Aftermath of Purification: Shane breaks down the possibilities for municipal uses of produced water. (18:41)  Producing Water in a Surface Stream...oh, What Could Go Wrong?: Shane points out the potential issues in produced water operations in Texas. (21:30)   The Future of the Consortium: Shane shares the upcoming plans that the consortium teams and the TCEQ have in store. (25:06)  Wrye’s Hot Take: Wrye expresses her goal for water reuse from an agricultural point of view. (27:19)  Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Produced Water Consortium  Texas Commission of Enviornmental Quality  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    30 min

  2. 1D AGO

    The Start of a Solution: Funding, Policy, and the Future of Desalination

    What will be put in place concerning the Texas water fund this year? In this episode, we explore existing memberships, conversations, and funding related to the Texas water supply. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they discuss current legislation regarding the water districts in Texas with Sarah Kirkle of the Texas Water Association.    First up, a little Q&A (01:55)     Carol Peters wants to know, is it true that local data centers will be using a lot of water as well as electricity? (02:03)  Richard Lendly wonders how the current wave of deep budget cuts will impact “innovation and water supplies,” and [this] show which gets money from “NOAA” also concerned about schemes for moving large quantities of water across regions and even between states. (05:55)  Today’s Guest: Sarah Kirkle, Director of policy and legislative affairs at Texas Water Association (11:35)  Carrie Thompson introduces our guest (12:40)  Sarah Kirkle shares water initiatives happening in Texas this year:  The Big Ten: Sarah outlines various types of members of the Texas Water Association (TWA) and those who support their work. (14:13)  Desalination in the HOUSE: Find out why investment in water infrastructure became TWA’s main priority. (16:58)  The Big Splash: Sarah spills about how the 89th Legislative Session was the biggest water session in Texas history, 30 years in the making. (20:20)  Signaling Around Water Transport: Conversations about the need for strategic pipelining and its impact. (32:37)  The Real Work of River Authority: Sarah sets the record straight on the real role of water entities and how they fit into disaster response and emergency management for natural disasters in Texas. (36:35)  The Dish on House Bill 1400: Sarah breaks down the budget and improvements for groundwater conservation districts outlined in HB 1400. (38:14) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Season: Join Robert and Carrie for a new season of Come Heck or Hot Water, focusing on factors, futures, and fundamentals of flooding in Texas.  Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Water Association  The 89th Texas legislature  HB 1400  Texas Desalination Association  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    54 min

  3. 1D AGO

    Liquid Gold: Economic Impacts of Desalination in the Lone Star State

    Is desalination the wave of the future in the Texas economy? In this episode, we dive into the challenges, benefits, and potential place for desalination in the Texas economy. Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the economic considerations in relation to desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University.  Today’s Guest: Gabe Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute.  Gabe Collins explores the economic considerations of desalination in Texas:   A Natural Commodity: Gabe outlines his entry into water law, economics, and desalination. (05:00)  “Whoa! That’s expensive!” this first-blush response is correct but evolving. (06:28)  An emerging global player: Desalination is a small contender in the global economy, but “poised for significant growth.” (08:18)  Tapped Out or Tapping In? Desalination as a means of supply diversification for communities with dwindling water resources (10:27)  The Cutting Edge: Gabe offers a two-part timeline for the water outlook for Texas water infrastructure. (12:25)  At the wellhead: Gabe and Robert discuss cost and infrastructure challenges of desalination. (16:10)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a season review and discussion on the outlook for desalination in Texas.  Episode Links and Resources:   Prospective Costs and Consequences of Insufficient Water Infrastructure Investment in Texas  Texas 2036  Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    30 min

  4. 07/03/2025

    Salt to Sanctuary: Desalination and Ecology of Bays and Estuaries

    Could desalination actually help or hurt coastal environments? In this episode, we uncover the secret life of bays, estuaries, and the critters that call them home. Plus — what could desalination mean for our salty ecosystems? Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the ecology of bays and estuaries in relation to desalination with Paul Montagna of Harte Research Institute.    Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!    First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:10)     Last episode, Bill Norris and I coined the “Hydro-illogical cycle;” what did we mean by that?   A) Constructing desalination facilities is most expensive in times of drought vs times of ample water  B) Heavy rains and flooding do not necessarily end drought  C) More rain can mean more runoff, resulting in increased pollution of our waterways  Today’s Keywords: (04:34)  Discharge Point: the pipe where the wastewater (brine concentrate) from desalination is released into surrounding water bodies (such as bays or estuaries)  Non-point Source Pollution: pollutants that enter water bodies from diffuse sources rather than singular identifiable sources (fertilizer runoff, litter, etc.)  Benthic/Benthos: describes anything associated with or occurring on the bottom of a body of water.  Today’s Guest: Paul Montagna, Endowed Chair for HydroEcology at Harte Research Institute at TAMU-CC  Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:44)  Paul Montagna explores the ecological impacts of desalination:   Waving the Book: Paul discusses his latest written work, Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries (GO READ IT!!!). (09:27)  River Systems Breakdown: What is considered a bay vs estuary, and how do they connect inland water bodies to the coast? (11:50)  Nutrient-Rich Nursery Grounds: How coastal regions contribute to safe breeding grounds. (13:50)  Bay-stuary Stressors: Paul outlines several integrated factors threatening the health of coastal habitats. (17:45)  Combined Priorities: "They care as much as we do,” learn how desalination plant designs often align with environmental priorities. (24:50)  Environmental Benefits of Desal: Can desalination replenish other environmental flows? (32:04)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about economic considerations of desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University.  Episode Links and Resources:   Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries  Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    51 min

  5. 05/08/2025

    From Policy to Pipes: Legislative Considerations for Desalination

    What if the future of Texas’ water supply came from the ocean? In this episode, join hosts Carrie and Robert as they sit down with Bill Norris, President of the Texas Desalination Association, to explore how desalination could change the game for the Texas water supply. From the significance of Senate Bill 7 to the potential of seawater plants, we unpack the big moves happening behind the scenes. Don’t miss this fascinating dive into Texas’ water future.    Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!    First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:47)     In the last episode, Lihy Teuerstein mentioned that IDE Technologies is able to recover up to what percentage of water during the desalination process?   a) 85-87%  b) 90-94%  c) 95-98%  Today’s Keywords: (04:20)  TDS: Total Dissolved Solids (total concentration of dissolved “stuff” in water)  Blended Cost: When a water supply comes from several different sources, and the price reflects the combined price points of the separate sources.   Texas Legislative Session: The Texas Legislature meets every two years.  Today’s Guest: Bill Norris of Norris Water LLC and president of the Texas Desalination Association  Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:13)  Bill Norris explores the viability of desalination as a new water source for Texans:   From “Square” to “Flare:” Bill shares the history and overview of the Texas Desalination Association and how current bills are shaping up. (08:40)  Funding the Future: Understand the Texas Water Fund’s role in water planning and the future of desalination. (14:20)  The “Hydro-Illogical” Cycle: Explore the shifts in attitudes about desalination in the Lone Star State. (17:58)  Cost/Benefit Analysis: What is a blended cost, and how can this reduce sticker shock for communities looking to implement desalination? (22:40)  Better Late than Never: Despite decades of delay, Bill has a positive outlook for implementation. (25:27)  Taking Notes: How can Texas learn from other countries about managing desalination? (28:58)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about the ecological considerations of desalination with Paul Montagna.  Episode Links and Resources:   lege+water  Texas Legislature Bill Search  Norris Water LLC  Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    48 min

  6. 03/27/2025

    Shoring Up Potable Sources: Bringing Israeli Technology to Texas

    Water scarcity is no joke—especially in Texas. But what if the Lone Star State could take a page from Israel’s playbook? Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they sit down with Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison of IDE Technologies. Lihy and Mark break down the similarities and differences between Israeli and Texan desalination operations and introduce us to the environmental benefits of desalination.     Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show!    First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (01:45)     In the last episode, Robert mentioned that Texas has one of the longest-running desalination plants in the United States. Which Texas city is it located in?   A) Corpus Christi  B) Muleshoe  C) El Paso  D) South Padre  E) Dell City  Today’s Keywords: (03:11)  Water Supply: the process of providing water to communities  Water Security: the ability of a community to access safe, affordable, and reliable water for its needs  Drought: a lack of precipitation or water over an extended period of time, resulting in a water shortage  Today’s Guests: Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison from IDE Technologies  Carrie Thompson introduces our guests (04:06)  Lihy and Mark explore the benefits of bringing Israeli technology to Texas:   Israel’s Leading Innovations: Lihy explains groundbreaking tech that gives Israeli desalination its edge. (05:44)  Toward the Texas Miracle (Responsibly): Mark outlines how desalination can help the state meet growing water demands (10:57)  Putting the Water Where Our Mouths Are: What goes into selecting a desalination site? (13:33)  Herding the Cats: Lihy explains the Israeli water grid in comparison to Texas water policy (16:53)  From Sea to Shining Stream: How seawater desalination can replenish resources. (20:43)  The Recovery Ratio: Explore the exciting new technologies making desalination more sustainable. (23:03)  From Drying to Thriving: Mark shares a vision of Texas water security, and the role desalination could play. (25:27)  And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about policy and desalination in Texas.  Episode Links and Resources:   IDE Technologies  Texas Desalination Association  NaCl (Sodium Chloride)  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    35 min

  7. 02/28/2025

    Gearing Up for a Resilient Future: Seawater Desalination 101

    Welcome to season three of Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140)! As changes in climate put strains on our natural resources, we’ve decided to take a deep dive into one possible solution for resilience and long-term sustainability. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for an overview of seawater desalination. In this episode, Dr. Robert E. Mace explains the ins and outs of this agent of resilience.     Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here!    First up, we have a big announcement:     New name, slightly different format, same great content (00:29)  Season 3 Overview (03:28)  Today’s Guest: Dr. Robert E. Mace  Carrie Thompson re-introduces Dr. Robert E. Mace (04:35)  Today’s Keywords: (06:37)  Desalination: The process of removing “stuff” dissolved in water.  Brine Concentrate: The salty waste byproduct of desalination.  Brackish Groundwater: Water in aquifers that is not fresh.  PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, aka “forever chemicals”  Freshwater: Generally defined as water with less than 1,000 parts per million of “stuff” dissolved in it.  Today’s Pop Quiz:  Where can our listeners submit a question to the podcast?  A) the link at the bottom of the e-newsletter  B) the link in our show notes  C) email us directly at meadowscenter@txstate.edu  D) All of the above  Dr. Robert Mace takes us inside seawater desalination:   The State of Freshwater: Dig into the factors impacting freshwater resources around the globe. (11:13)  Resilience and Reliability: We need to find “a lot more water,” so where can we find it? (14:46)  De-STUFF-ication: The history, process, and methods of seawater desalination. (16:53)  What’s the whine about the brine? Explore the issues around the waste byproduct of the desalination process at home and at scale. (19:33)  Powering the Process: The energy and economic realities of seawater desalination. (24:12)  Who gets the water? If there’s no or low water...does it go to people or the environment? (27:43)  And... DON’T MISS OUT!  Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion with IDE Technologies about desalination efforts underway in Israel and Texas. (30:24)  Episode Links and Resources:   Texas Desalination Association  Submit a question to the pod!  Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace    We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.  For more information about the Meadows Center, visit ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.

    33 min

  8. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Trailer: Come Heck or Hot Water - Season 3

    Welcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution. In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising could mean for our future water security. It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.

    1 min
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Welcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution. In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising solution could mean for our future water security. It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.

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