Make Water Work Podcast

Megan Glover & Isaac Pellerin
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TECHNOLOGY

Make Water Work is a podcast dedicated to the people shaping the future of our most precious resource.

  1. Greg Wukasch: Leading with Humanity | Make Water Work 025

    1D AGO

    Greg Wukasch: Leading with Humanity | Make Water Work 025

    What does real leadership in water look like? In this episode of Make Water Work, Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover sit down with Greg Wukasch to talk about leadership, community trust, communication, and the future of the water industry. Greg shares how water found him, why utilities need to stop being afraid of public engagement, and what it takes to lead with curiosity, empathy, and humanity. From his early days at the San Antonio Water System to helping build the Catalyst community, Greg reflects on how experienced leaders can pour into the next generation, why trust is a utility’s true license to operate, and how water can be a powerful unifier in divided times. This conversation is for water professionals, utility leaders, communicators, young professionals, and anyone interested in the future of infrastructure, public trust, and community-centered leadership. In this episode, we cover: • Greg Wukasch’s journey into the water industry • Leadership lessons from nearly 30 years in water • Why communication and public engagement matter in utilities • How Catalyst is building a movement for water communicators • The importance of trust, empathy, and human-centered leadership • Greg’s take on AI, innovation, and the next generation of water professionals • Why the future of water leadership must better reflect the communities we serve

    47 min
  2. Peter Yolles & Clara Drysdale: Data Center Innovation & Cooling the Future | Make Water Work 024

    MAR 5

    Peter Yolles & Clara Drysdale: Data Center Innovation & Cooling the Future | Make Water Work 024

    AI runs on water. But how much? And what does that mean for the future? In this episode of the Make Water Work Podcast, Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover sit down with Peter Yolles (Echo River Capital) and Clara Drysdale (Stanford University) to break down the findings from the new Data Center Innovation Report. As artificial intelligence and cloud computing explode, data centers are becoming one of the fastest-growing drivers of water and energy demand in the world. Cooling the chips that power AI requires enormous amounts of water — and the industry is racing to find more sustainable solutions. This conversation explores: • Why AI and data centers are creating a massive new demand for water • The technologies being developed to cool data centers more efficiently • The surprising connection between energy, water, and AI infrastructure • Innovations like atmospheric water capture, advanced membranes, and closed-loop cooling • Why communities are raising concerns about data center water use • How better measurement, transparency, and policy could shape the future Peter and Clara also share insights into where the next generation of water technology startups will emerge as AI infrastructure continues to scale globally.

    40 min
  3. Melissa Meeker: Accelerating Water Innovation and Workforce Development | Make Water Work 023

    FEB 26

    Melissa Meeker: Accelerating Water Innovation and Workforce Development | Make Water Work 023

    In this episode of Make Water Work, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover sit down with Melissa Meeker, CEO of The Water Tower, to talk about the biggest issue facing the water industry that no one is talking about enough: workforce. While the industry focuses on PFAS, AI, lead service lines and climate resilience, Melissa is focused on something even more fundamental...people. 💧 How do we attract the next generation into water careers? 💧 How do we train operators differently? 💧 How do we create opportunity for nontraditional and underserved communities? 💧 And how do we scale workforce innovation from 5 states to all 50? The Water Tower in Gwinnett County, Georgia is redefining what water innovation looks like. Not just through technology, but through hands-on workforce training, operator certification programs, and ecosystem building that connects utilities, engineers and entrepreneurs. If you care about the future of water, this conversation is a must-watch.

    34 min
  4. Anthony DeRosa: Demystifying Drinking Water Regulation | Make Water Work 022

    FEB 19

    Anthony DeRosa: Demystifying Drinking Water Regulation | Make Water Work 022

    Summary In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover welcome Anthony DeRosa, the executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASWDA). They discuss Anthony's journey in the water management sector, the challenges and innovations in modernizing water management, the importance of data management, and the impact of regulatory changes on water utilities. The conversation also touches on workforce challenges, future trends in water management, and the role of data centers in water use. Anthony emphasizes the need for leveraging technology and data to improve water management practices and shares insights on the future initiatives of ASWDA.   Takeaways • Modernizing water management is crucial for efficiency. • Data management practices in the water sector are still immature. • Regulatory uncertainty is a significant concern for state regulators. • The Safe Drinking Water Act may need to be revisited. • Workforce challenges persist in attracting young talent to the water sector. • Data centers have a growing impact on water use and management. • ASDWA is focused on making data more accessible for its members.

    47 min
  5. Chris Sosnowski: Navigating Data Quality in Water Management | Make Water Work 021

    FEB 12

    Chris Sosnowski: Navigating Data Quality in Water Management | Make Water Work 021

    In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover talk with Chris Sosnowski, founder and CEO of Waterly. They discuss the critical importance of data quality in water management, the evolution of Waterly, and the challenges faced by public water systems. Chris shares insights from his journey in the water industry, emphasizing the need for human validation in data management and the significant role of cybersecurity in ensuring the safety and reliability of water systems. The conversation highlights the importance of staying connected to customers, learning from their experiences, and the ongoing need for innovation in the water sector. Takeaways • Data quality is crucial for effective water management. • Human validation is necessary for accurate water quality data. • Waterly was born from the need for affordable software solutions. • The water industry is slow to adopt new technologies due to fear of change. • Cybersecurity is a significant concern for water systems. • Operators need to be proactive in managing cybersecurity risks. • Standardization of data is essential for effective water management. • Engaging with customers is key to understanding their needs. • The majority of data in water management is still entered by humans. • Continuous learning and humility are vital for entrepreneurs.

    45 min
  6. Michelle Stockness: The Power of Collaboration in Water Management | Make Water Work 020

    FEB 5

    Michelle Stockness: The Power of Collaboration in Water Management | Make Water Work 020

    Summary In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin speaks with Michelle Stockness, an influential leader in the water sector. They discuss the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, the challenges of funding infrastructure, and the role of Freshwater in promoting water research and policy. Michelle shares her journey in the water industry, emphasizing the need for effective communication and engagement to address pressing water issues, including the controversial topic of data centers. The conversation highlights the significance of workforce development and the vision for a sustainable water future. Takeaways • Listening to stakeholders is crucial for project success. • Collaboration can bridge gaps in the water industry. • Data centers present both challenges and opportunities. • Effective communication is key to stakeholder engagement. • Funding for infrastructure requires innovative strategies. • Workforce development is essential for the future of water. • Community engagement can lead to better water solutions. • Freshwater aims to support underserved communities. • Understanding local needs is vital for effective policy. • Optimism and collaboration can drive positive change.

    35 min
  7. Chad Seidel: The Future of Water Quality | Make Water Work 019

    JAN 29

    Chad Seidel: The Future of Water Quality | Make Water Work 019

    Summary: In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Chad Seidel, president of Corona Environmental Consulting, to discuss the challenges and innovations in the water industry. They explore the importance of accountability in water systems, the journey of Chad in the water quality field, and the founding of Corona to fill gaps in the industry. The conversation delves into the pressing issues facing water utilities, the need for prioritization of resources, and the impact of waterborne diseases compared to contaminants like PFAS. They also discuss the role of the Water Health Advisory Council in bridging policy and operational challenges, and the importance of community support for water initiatives. Takeaways • Water systems must ensure disinfectant residuals for public health. • Chad Seidel's journey reflects the intersection of policy and technical expertise. • Corona Environmental Consulting was founded to address niche needs in water quality. • Water utilities face significant challenges due to resource constraints. • There is a need to prioritize addressing water quality issues. • Raising the floor for water quality standards is essential. • Waterborne diseases pose immediate public health risks. • The Water Health Advisory Council aims to provide unbiased technical information. • Legislative measures often overlook the operational realities of water utilities. • Community support is crucial for sustainable water initiatives.

    42 min
  8. Stacy Jones: The Complex World of Water Management | Make Water Work 018

    JAN 22

    Stacy Jones: The Complex World of Water Management | Make Water Work 018

    In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Stacy Jones from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. They discuss the complexities of water regulations, the evolution of regulatory processes, and the challenges faced by water administrators. Stacy shares her journey in the water industry, the importance of effective communication in regulatory roles, and the future of water management. The conversation highlights the need for new talent in the field and the inspiration drawn from mentors in the industry. Takeaways • New federal regulations will require implementation in the next decade. • Regulatory processes involve federal and state levels. • Implementing new regulations can take years. • Lead and copper regulations are particularly complex. • Communication is key in regulatory roles. • The future of water management is evolving rapidly. • Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development. • New talent is needed in the water management field.

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Make Water Work is a podcast dedicated to the people shaping the future of our most precious resource.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Glover & Isaac Pellerin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Make Water Work Podcast

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