The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical IAPMO

In this episode we welcome Tim Bartrand, executive director of ESPRI, and Gary Burlingame, senior scientist with ESPRI, to discuss water quality and construction practices for potable water. 
We’ll delve into bridging the gap between water utilities and building plumbing systems, emphasizing the significance of factors like pH, alkalinity, and disinfectants in maintaining safe and reliable water supply.

Additionally, Bartrand and Burlingame will provide insights into the Manual of Water Quality for Plumbing Industry Professionals and Building Managers and its incorporation into the Construction Practices for Potable Water as an annex.

Local jurisdictions and states have varying rules when it comes to water reuse. Join us for an insightful discussion with Stuart Bailin from Wahaso as we delve into the world of water reuse and purification. Learn about the process of harvesting water from rainwater, groundwater, stormwater condensate, and greywater, and the subsequent cleaning, sanitization, and repurposing for common applications such as site irrigation, cooling tower makeup, boiler makeup, and toilet flushing. 

One of the most significant challenges regulators face is ensuring public health and safety. They are particularly concerned about the systems being deployed in the field, unsure whether they are being built in someone's garage or in a legitimate, technically organized manner. The introduction of third-party standards alleviates the burden on local health departments, sparing them from having to evaluate each individual system. Third-party certification ensures that the equipment has undergone rigorous testing and will produce water that is safe for use.

On this episode, we talk with Steven Rodzinak, director of code enforcement for the borough of Bound Brook, New Jersey about if specific building codes hurt or help FEMA reimbursement.  Bridgewater, New Jersey is situated on a floodplain of the Raritan River and has experienced devastating floods for decades from Hurricane Dora in 1971 to Hurricane Ida 50 years later. According to Riskfactor. com, 70% of all properties in the municipality have greater than a 25% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. 

Mr. Rodzinak talks to us about the intersection of building codes and the impact on federal emergency management agency, FEMA funding to answer the question if specific building codes hurt or help with FEMA reimbursement.

The EWTS provides a unique opportunity to meet well-known experts from across the globe. Participants are able to discover ideas and approaches about emerging technologies that benefit drinking water and wastewater systems, improve efficiency, and preserve public health. Of particular interest is how these new technologies help cope with drought, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to overall water sustainability.
 This year’s theme will focus on the nexus between sustainability and safety, and avoiding unintended consequences of each. Together, we’ll look to find solutions to our 21st Century water challenges.

Scaling UP! H2O podcast features weekly podcast episodes and daily digital content across social media platforms. With over 10,000 monthly downloads and a ranking in the top 3% of all podcasts globally by Listen Notes, Scaling UP! H2O serves as an invaluable, free educational resource for professionals in the water industry. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP, esteemed CEO and founder of Blackmore Enterprises and host of the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, about how the podcast began, and the importance of water management plans, education, and communication.

Water is facing alarming stress levels in the U. S. from drought and drinking water pollution, but outdated policies and inefficient use of water resources leave us vulnerable to a future where safe drinking water scarcity can no longer be ignored. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Pete Muñoz, EcoDistricts AP senior engineer and practice lead at Biohabitats, about how the state of Oregon successfully implemented water recycling policies to ensure sustainable water management for generations to come.