AquaDiary: Water Mysteries, Science & News

Ally Berry
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Updated Biweekly

AquaDiary is a science podcast about the hidden stories, strange mysteries, and real-world risks lurking in our water. Hosted by environmental scientist Ally Berry, each episode breaks down fascinating water-related events — from toxic algae blooms and disappearing lakes to environmental headlines, hydrology, contamination, and bizarre aquatic phenomena — in a way that’s gripping, understandable, and actually relevant. If you like science, environmental mysteries, water disasters, lake science, or the kind of stories that make you look at the world differently, AquaDiary is for you.

  1. Oct 16

    Cayuga Lake's Protected Lake Monster: An Investigation into Old Greeny

    In 1804, a newspaper claimed two fishermen shot and killed a 100-foot serpent in Cayuga Lake. Over 200 years later, the city of Ithaca has an official resolution protecting it. In this episode, I team up with Kenny Biddle, Chief Investigator at the Center for Inquiry, to dig through the old newspaper trail, measure the monster, and talk to the people keeping the legend alive. Along the way, we talk to Sylvie, creator of the Old Greeny Fringe Fest; Pat Sewell, the alder behind the resolution; and Ben Sandburg, executive director of the History Center in Tompkins County. Plus, there’s a pattern in the sighting dates that says Old Greeny is “due to return,” and I explain why that math should make you suspicious. I’m Ally, an environmental scientist who manages lakes for a living, and this is AquaDiary: lake science, legends, and mysteries. GUESTS Kenny Biddle, Center for Inquiry: https://skepticalinquirer.org/category/a-closer-look/Sylvie, Old Greeny Fringe Fest: https://oldgreenyfringefest.com/Pat Sewell, Ithaca Common Council, Third WardBen Sandburg, Tompkins County History Center: https://www.thehistorycenter.net/ SUPPORT THE LAKE MONSTERS“Save Our Lake Monsters” shirts are available at aquadiary.org

  2. Oct 2

    Atmospheric Rivers, El Nino, and Climate Change: Explained by a Scientist

    There's a river in the sky carrying up to 15x the flow of the Mississippi River. You've heard the term atmospheric river in the news — this episode is the explanation nobody gave you. In this episode, environmental scientist Ally breaks down what atmospheric rivers actually are, how scientists measure and rate them on a scale from beneficial to catastrophic, why the West Coast depends on them for its water supply while also being devastated by them, what El Nino might change about that in 2026, and why the East Coast, the South, and the Midwest are not off the hook. Topics covered: what an atmospheric river is, integrated vapor transport, orographic lift, the AR1-AR5 rating scale, the ARkStorm scenario, Oroville Dam, forecast informed reservoir operations, El Niño and what a very strong event means for this winter, and what climate change is doing to these systems. The full source list is available for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheAquaDiaryPodcast//About AquaDiary:AquaDiary is a science communication project focused on water, environmental science, and the systems that shape our world. You can reach Ally for collaborations at www.aquadiary.org or at aquadiary.podcast@gmail.com

  3. Sep 18

    Why Did Nepal Flood? Glaciology of a Changing Himalaya.

    How does a mountain collapse cause a flood when there is almost no rain?In August 2026, a rock-and-ice avalanche collapsed from the northern face of Langtang Lirung in Nepal, sending an enormous volume of material down the Himalayan valley and generating a seismic signal equivalent to a magnitude 5.2 earthquake. In this episode, we examine the glaciology, geology, hydrology, and remote-sensing evidence behind the event, including how hanging glaciers and fractured bedrock fail. Sources: 34 sources are available for free on ⁠Patreon ⁠Official website: www.aquadiary.org Support verified relief efforts: https://www.nrnusa.org/https://allhandsandhearts.org/our-work/programs/nepal-flood-reliefNOTE: This video is for educational purposes. Where the evidence is still developing, we distinguish between established observations, scientific hypotheses, professional opinions, and open questions researchers are still investigating. About AquaDiary:AquaDiary is a science communication project focused on water, environmental science, and the systems that shape our world. You can reach Ally for collaborations at aquadiary.podcast@gmail.com

  4. Sep 4

    How Is Algae Managed in Drinking Water? Rochester, NY Water Bureau Explains.

    What happens when algae show up in the water that eventually becomes your drinking water?In this episode of AquaDiary, we go behind the scenes again with Rochester, NY to find out how the city monitors for algae, where and how they collect samples, what they're looking for in those samples, and how they ensure algae toxins never become a drinking water concern. Ask me a question or work with me: aquadiary.podcast@gmail.comMerch available and speaking event details on www.aquadiary.orgSubstack newsletter Patreon (sources)

  5. Aug 21

    Is Fluoride Lowering Your IQ? I Read the Studies So You Don't Have To.

    Fluoride is under a federal microscope right now. RFK Jr. told the CDC to drop its fluoridation recommendation, Utah already banned it, and the EPA fast-tracked a new toxicity review. So, is your tap water lowering your IQ? I spent a while reading the actual primary sources both sides cite so you don't have to. Short version: the studies finding an IQ effect are real and well-designed. So are the studies finding none. They're mostly answering different questions. Dose and timing turn out to matter more than "fluoride: yes or no." I walk through where the evidence actually lines up, and where the genuine open question still is.// Full citations and in-text citations on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheAquaDiaryPodcastFree newsletter for updates and resources: substack.com/@aquadiarypodcastLearn more at aquadiary.org

  6. Aug 14

    120 Homes, 40 Years, One Radioactive Story: Niagara County

    Radioactive material has been found in the yards of over 120 homes in the Town of Niagara, NY, and four families have been relocated. But is this just a soil problem, or could it reach the water too?In this episode, I break down what's actually been found, why officials reportedly knew about radioactive hotspots in this area for nearly 40 years, and what the peer-reviewed science says about whether thorium contamination can migrate into groundwater. Questions this episode answers: What is happening in Niagara County, NY right nowHow does soil radiation impact water supplies?What is "slag" and why is it radioactive?Is Niagara County linked to the Manhattan Project?Why did officials know about this for 40 years?What are agencies doing about Niagara County's radiation? Sources & further reading: This episode cites 22 sources. Full source list free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheAquaDiaryPodcastFull script with in-text citations available to $3/mo members Get involved: Local advocacy: Save Our Backyards Niagara Sign up for updates: https://substack.com/@aquadiarypodcastUpcoming events: aquadiary.org Work with me: Municipality, lake association, or organization needing help communicating a science or environmental issue clearly? Want me to speak at your next event? Email aquadiary.podcast@gmail.com 📍 Town of Niagara, NY | Niagara County, NY

  7. Aug 7

    PFAS, Algae, and Lake Foam: What Issues Are We Seeing in the Finger Lakes?

    There's a beach on one of the cleanest lakes in America with foam sitting on the shoreline, and it just tested over 70x higher for PFAS than the lake water two feet away. In this episode I sit down with Rick Smith of Global Aquatic Research to unpack what's actually happening across the Finger Lakes right now: the PFAS-in-foam research out of Canandaigua Lake and what it means as the project expands, why harmful algal blooms are starting earlier and lasting longer, and what we know about lake foam. This one got more unsettling than I expected, in the best way. 🔬 Guest: Rick Smith, Founder, Global Aquatic Research📍 Filmed in Auburn, NY - thank you to ARMA for the equipment and assistance. NOTE: This episode's interview segment was shot on a greenscreen. The background used behind Rick and me was purchased (and made custom) from an online marketplace and found to be AI-generated. I didn't know at the time of editing. I'll be vetting background sources more carefully going forward. All audio and footage of us is raw from the interview and unaltered.// Links: Follow Rick's Research: globalaquaticresearch.comGet Involved! - Introducing the Finger Lakes Foam Reporting Tool: https://www.globalaquaticresearch.com/finger-lakes.htmlNYSDEC HABs map & reporting: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quality/harmful-algal-blooms/notificationsSupport the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheAquaDiaryPodcastSubstack (free water quality guides): https://substack.com/@aquadiarypodcastInquiries: aquadiary.podcast@gmail.comwww.aquadiary.org

  8. Jul 31

    Full Transparency: Water Treatment Tour in Rochester, NY

    Rochester, New York has been voted the best-tasting water in New York State twice. In this episode, I go inside the Hemlock Filtration Plant with the Rochester Water Bureau, for a complete walkthrough of how drinking water treatment actually works. This is the most in-depth water treatment plant tour I've filmed on this show. We walk through the entire process step by step, including pH Adjustment, coagulation, filtration, disinfection, corrosion control, and fluoridation. Beyond the treatment steps themselves, we see what it actually takes to run a plant like this day to day: how backwash filtering works to keep the filters clean and operating efficiently, how chemical storage and chemical feed systems are managed and maintained, and how the Water Bureau is approaching aging infrastructure, including an old tugboat generator still in use, for which replacement control parts can only be found on eBay. We also get into how tap water testing compares to bottled water regulation, and why your annual water quality report is one of the most underused resources for understanding what's actually in your water. Mentioned in this episode: The Bottled Water Scam: https://youtu.be/8t2hWfc-GfI?si=4L4Y5h6kXMPjlUfXRochester Water Bureau on Lead Pipes: https://youtu.be/1ScftnN7g8s?si=QTJINwVLeM4vmDJr About AquaDiary: AquaDiary is an independent media project covering water quality, lake science, and the infrastructure most people never think about until something goes wrong. New episodes weekly. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheAquaDiaryPodcast Substack (free water quality guides): https://substack.com/@aquadiarypodcast Thanks to David Rowley and the Rochester Water Bureau for the access and the time.

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4.6
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AquaDiary is a science podcast about the hidden stories, strange mysteries, and real-world risks lurking in our water. Hosted by environmental scientist Ally Berry, each episode breaks down fascinating water-related events — from toxic algae blooms and disappearing lakes to environmental headlines, hydrology, contamination, and bizarre aquatic phenomena — in a way that’s gripping, understandable, and actually relevant. If you like science, environmental mysteries, water disasters, lake science, or the kind of stories that make you look at the world differently, AquaDiary is for you.

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