Saving Our Sewers

Kwin Peterson
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This is the Saving Our Sewers podcast, where we feature the practices, tools, technologies, and ideas that will save our sewers.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    The Elephant in the I&I Room: Lateral Infiltration With Chris Parker

    Chris Parker is the Founder and President of infraTerra™, a company focused on wastewater pipeline intelligence and data-driven infrastructure solutions. With more than two decades of experience in the wastewater industry, he has worked with hundreds of municipalities and contractors to improve system performance and reduce infrastructure failures. Chris specializes in condition assessment, data integration, and strategies to address inflow and infiltration challenges in sewer systems. He is also an advocate for modernizing wastewater management through technology, education, and policy reform. In this episode… America's wastewater systems are facing a crisis, with frequent spills and aging infrastructure threatening public health, the environment, and city finances. In places like Florida, the sheer volume of sewage spills and the challenges of managing inflow and infiltration (I&I) have forced communities to reckon with the true state of their underground networks. What new strategies and technologies are helping cities turn the tide against these daunting problems? Chris Parker's answer points directly to visibility and strategy. As a wastewater infrastructure expert with decades of experience working alongside municipalities, he explains that the biggest barrier isn't always funding — it's fragmented, underutilized data. By combining condition assessments, flow monitoring, and GIS mapping into a single, visualized system, utilities can pinpoint exactly where infiltration and inflow issues originate and address them with precision. Chris emphasizes moving away from blanket rehabilitation approaches toward targeted interventions, including tackling private lateral lines that are often overlooked. Ultimately, better data integration leads to smarter decisions, reduced costs, and more resilient systems. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Kwin Peterson hosts Chris Parker, Founder and President of infraTerra, to discuss how Florida's combination of public pressure, legislative reform, and modern data tools is creating a new standard for sewer management. Chris talks about Florida's surge in sewer spills, the shift to proactive infrastructure strategies, and how data visualization helped restore compliance to 27 pump stations.

    35 min

  2. APR 28

    Why Reactive Sewer Maintenance Is Costing Cities More (And How To Fix It) With Kwin Peterson

    Kwin Peterson is a Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. He has supported more than 60 collection systems in becoming more efficient through condition-based maintenance and innovative assessment tools. Kwin also serves on the San Francisco Bay Section Collection Systems Committee. Before joining RH Borden, he spent 17 years in the electric utilities industry working in education, public relations, and technical committee support.  In this episode… Many cities still rely on reactive sewer maintenance, which leads to higher costs, increased risks, and frequent emergencies. Despite knowing that preventative maintenance is more effective, budget constraints, cultural habits, and outdated decision-making often keep municipalities stuck in this cycle. Why do so many cities continue choosing short-term savings over long-term efficiency and resilience? Kwin Peterson, an infrastructure expert specializing in wastewater systems, explains that the shift to proactive maintenance begins with understanding the true cost of inaction. Kwin highlights how reactive approaches lead to expensive emergencies, regulatory penalties, and wasted resources, while data-driven strategies enable smarter decisions. By leveraging tools like acoustic assessment and condition-based maintenance, cities can identify problem areas early, reduce unnecessary work, and allocate resources more effectively. He also emphasizes setting clear goals — such as reducing spills or overtime — and leveraging data to build a compelling case for change with decision-makers. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Chad Franzen of Rise25 chats with Kwin Peterson, a Senior Account Manager at RH Borden, about transitioning from a reactive approach to a more proactive sewer maintenance strategy. Kwin provides insights on reducing emergency costs, optimizing maintenance with data, and building political will. He also discusses acoustic assessment, condition-based maintenance, and identifying hidden infrastructure risks.

    23 min

  3. APR 14

    Why US Sewer Systems Are Failing (And What We Must Do Next) With Scott Boyd

    Scott Boyd is the Founder and Vice President of Business Development at Quality Pipe Services, a Colorado-based company specializing in the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of wastewater and underground infrastructure. Starting in the late 1990s, he grew the business from a one-man operation into a trusted regional leader, culminating in its 2019 merger with Woman Construction. With over 25 years of experience, Scott is recognized for his technical expertise, strong client relationships, and a problem-solving approach that blends empathy with innovation. In this episode… America's wastewater systems are aging, underfunded, and largely invisible until something goes wrong. Behind the scenes, operators and municipalities are scrambling to keep up with growing demands, limited resources, and outdated infrastructure. So what does it really take to turn things around and build systems that actually work? Scott Boyd's answer comes from decades of hands-on experience in the wastewater industry, where he's built a reputation as a problem solver who prioritizes people first. Drawing from his background in construction and service, he emphasizes empathy, strong relationships, and listening closely to customer pain points. Scott highlights the importance of embracing new technologies, proactively leveraging data rather than reacting to it, and focusing on incremental improvements rather than overwhelming overhauls. He also shares lessons on scaling a business, adapting to change, and forming the right partnerships by aligning values and vision. Ultimately, his approach centers on solving problems step-by-step while staying committed to long-term impact. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Kwin Peterson talks with Scott Boyd, VP of Business Development at Quality Pipe Services, to discuss modernizing wastewater systems. They explore empathy in customer service, the rise of data-driven maintenance, and how strategic partnerships can unlock growth and efficiency.

    31 min

  4. APR 7

    Data-Driven Solutions for Inflow and Infiltration Challenges With Kwin Peterson and Jon Borden

    Jon Borden is the President of RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. Under his leadership, RH Borden pioneered digital twin and condition-based maintenance strategies, enabling cities to streamline maintenance and deliver the nation's largest inflow and infiltration study in New York with more than 400 sensors deployed. With a background in Fortune 100 IT program management, Jon brings proven digital transformation expertise to aging infrastructure. Kwin Peterson is a Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company. He has supported more than 60 collection systems in becoming more efficient through condition-based maintenance and innovative assessment tools. Kwin also serves on the San Francisco Bay Section Collection Systems Committee. Before joining RH Borden, he spent 17 years in the electric utilities industry working in education, public relations, and technical committee support. In this episode… Wastewater systems across the US are grappling with the costly and often invisible problem of inflow and infiltration (I&I). This issue — when excess water from rain, groundwater, or snowmelt enters the sewer system — drains resources, causes system overflows, and burdens treatment plants. What can be done to solve this problem and avoid unnecessary costs? As experts in wastewater management, Jon Borden and Kwin Peterson explain how hidden water can unnecessarily increase operating costs by millions annually. This challenge is exacerbated by the difficulty of locating leaks within underground infrastructure, which often leads municipalities to build new treatment plants instead of fixing the root cause. With case studies from across the country, Jon and Kwin highlight how agencies can now deploy thousands of sensors that create precise virtual models of their sewer systems, rather than accepting expensive overflows and building new treatment plants. These digital replicas, combined with high-density LiDAR scans and real-time data, pinpoint leaks down to the manhole and quantify the cost of each problem — a true paradigm shift. Agencies can also leverage BASINiQ, which delivers actionable, color-coded maps, transforming complex engineering data into clear, cost-saving management decisions for city leaders. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, John Corcoran of Rise25 chats with Jon Borden, the President of RH Borden and Company, and Kwin Peterson, the company's Senior Account Manager, to discuss the pervasive issue of inflow and infiltration (I&I). They explore the major causes of I&I across the US, delve into the transformative impact of digital twins and sensors in reducing treatment costs, and highlight the success of large-scale sensor deployments in cities like Great Neck and San Rafael.

    26 min

  5. MAR 31

    Unveiling Hidden Sewer Issues Through Data Insights With Doug Petersen

    Doug Petersen is the Southern Texas Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. With expertise in smart city maintenance and asset management optimization, Doug oversees RH Borden's expansion into new markets, implementing solutions that have enabled cities to focus resources more strategically. He is particularly interested in how digital innovations, like acoustic assessments and digital twins, are transforming how cities manage their wastewater systems. In this episode… Wastewater systems across the nation are struggling with aging infrastructure, inefficient practices, and growing maintenance costs. In many cities, a lack of data-driven insights leads to wasted resources and ineffective management. How can municipalities modernize their wastewater systems and ensure their longevity while managing tight budgets? Doug Petersen, an expert in wastewater solutions, discusses how leveraging innovative technologies can help municipalities streamline their operations. He emphasizes condition-based maintenance over time-based practices, enabling cities to focus resources where they are needed most. Technologies such as acoustic assessments, digital twins of manholes, and Basin IQ sensors help municipalities pinpoint inefficiencies and better track their systems. Doug also shares the importance of educating public works departments and overcoming the resistance to change in long-established systems, ensuring a smoother implementation of modern solutions. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Chad Franzen of Rise25 sits down with Doug Petersen, Southern Texas Account Manager at RH Borden, to discuss innovative wastewater solutions. Doug highlights the importance of condition-based maintenance, how data-driven insights save resources, and the challenge of introducing new technology to municipalities. He also delves into the value of education and the role of technology in reducing unnecessary work.

    22 min

  6. MAR 24

    Improving Municipal Infrastructure: Data-Driven Solutions for Wastewater Systems With Eric Petersen

    Eric Petersen is Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. Eric brings 20 years of architectural experience, leveraging his expertise in digital modeling, problem-solving, and collaboration with city officials to optimize infrastructure maintenance and data-driven decision-making. Serving Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, he specializes in tools like the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (SL‑RAT) and condition-based inspection methods, providing technical expertise and client support for acoustic assessments and manhole evaluations. In this episode… Municipal wastewater systems are facing significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, inefficiencies, and increasing demand for modernization. As cities look for ways to maintain and upgrade these critical systems, how can they improve their operations while managing costs and minimizing disruptions to residents? Eric Petersen, an expert in wastewater infrastructure management, suggests that adopting innovative technologies like digital twins, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and acoustic sensors can greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of wastewater system management. By using digital twins, cities can create accurate, real-time models of their infrastructure, enabling better decision-making and maintenance scheduling. Eric also emphasizes the importance of quickly identifying problem areas using sensors, such as those that detect inflow and infiltration, to prevent costly system failures and help optimize resources. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Chad Franzen interviews Eric Petersen, Senior Account Manager at RH Borden. Eric delves into digital twin technology, GIS mapping, and acoustic sensing to modernize wastewater systems, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. He also explores the challenges of implementing new technologies, the growing issue of fats, oils, and grease in sewer systems, and how data-driven solutions can streamline city infrastructure management.

    32 min

  7. MAR 17

    Revolutionizing Wastewater Management for Small Towns With Kwin Peterson

    Kwin Peterson is Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. He has supported more than 60 collection systems in becoming more efficient through condition-based maintenance and innovative assessment tools. Kwin also serves on the San Francisco Bay Section Collection Systems Committee. Before joining RH Borden, he spent 17 years in the electric utilities industry working in education, public relations, and technical committee support.  In this episode… Wastewater systems in small municipalities face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to resource limitations. Aging infrastructure, unpredictable weather conditions, and minimal staffing can make maintenance and upgrades difficult to manage. How can small cities tackle these issues without overextending their budgets or falling behind on necessary repairs? Kwin Peterson, an expert in wastewater management, sheds light on how small systems can thrive despite their constraints by using technology. He shares how systems like Cherry Creek Heights and Strathmore Hills benefit from data-driven solutions that prioritize maintenance and guide resource allocation. By using tools that provide actionable insights into system performance, small cities can proactively address problems, saving both time and money. The technology reduces unnecessary work, improves decision-making, and allows these communities to function more efficiently, often with fewer resources. The result is more manageable systems and reduced risk for costly failures. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Chad Franzen interviews Kwin Peterson, Senior Account Manager at RH Borden, about the challenges small cities face in wastewater management. Kwin discusses his work with systems like Cherry Creek Heights, Strathmore Hills, and Brighton, focusing on how technology drives efficiency. He also explores the impact of data on system governance, the transition from reactive to proactive maintenance, and the financial benefits of reducing unnecessary work.

    28 min

  8. MAR 10

    Alex Churchill: An OG of the Smart Sewer

    Alex Churchill is the CEO and a board member at InfoSense, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based company developing acoustic inspection technologies for wastewater systems. Over the past eight years, he's been leading the company's growth from an NSF-supported research partnership with Charlotte Water to a global provider serving more than 2,000 municipalities and inspecting over 500 million feet of pipe. A Chartered Manager and Chartered Physicist, Alex brings a background in engineering, manufacturing, and business leadership, with prior senior roles in operations and consulting, including at Booz & Company.  In this episode… Most people don't think twice about what's happening beneath their feet until something goes wrong. Aging sewer systems, limited budgets, and reactive maintenance have quietly become one of the biggest infrastructure challenges facing communities today. Can we replace guesswork with data that shows exactly where problems are hiding? How would that change utility operations if data could reveal exactly where problems lie? According to Alex Churchill, a longtime innovator in wastewater technology and operations, the answer starts with useful information and a willingness to rethink old habits. He explains that most sewer systems don't fail evenly; instead, a small portion of pipes cause the majority of problems, while the rest often don't need attention at all. Drawing from years of field experience, Alex describes how rapid acoustic screening helps utilities focus their time, money, and crews where it actually matters. He also shares how initial skepticism from utilities pushed the technology to improve through rigorous testing and real-world validation. Ultimately, his approach is about removing uncertainty, enabling leaders to move from guesswork to informed, confident decision-making. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Kwin Peterson interviews Alex Churchill, CEO at InfoSense, about the evolution of smart sewer technology and what it takes to modernize wastewater systems. Alex discusses the origins of the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool (SL-RAT), lessons from scaling a niche technology, and why leadership buy-in is critical for change.

    46 min

  9. MAR 3

    Technology's Growing Role: A (Steel-Toed) Boots on the Ground Perspective With Nate Denny

    Nate Denny is the Vice President of Operations at Twin D, Inc., a pipeline maintenance and wastewater services company acquired by Azuria Water Solutions in 2024. He helps lead operations for municipal and utility clients across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, working alongside his family to ensure reliable service. With extensive hands-on industry experience, Nate champions advanced technologies such as GIS mapping, AI-driven analysis, and acoustic testing to improve wastewater infrastructure solutions. In this episode… Technology is rapidly reshaping the way wastewater systems are maintained, but many municipalities are still stuck on outdated, reactive approaches. With aging infrastructure, rising costs, and increasing pressure to operate efficiently, the margin for error has never been smaller. What does it take to bring a boots-on-the-ground perspective into the future of sewer maintenance? Drawing on his extensive expertise in rotational sewer maintenance and pipeline operations, Nate Denny explains how proactive cleaning programs can help prevent emergencies, reduce overtime callouts, and protect both residents and municipal crews from disruptive sewer overflows. Nate emphasizes the growing role of GIS mapping, AI-driven inspection tools, and smarter data management in helping utilities turn overwhelming volumes of footage and reports into clear, actionable repair priorities. His insights show how embracing innovation allows municipalities to move from simply reacting to problems toward truly improving sewer systems. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Kwin Peterson sits down with Nate Denny, Vice President of Operations at Twin D, Inc., to discuss technology's growing role in proactive sewer maintenance. They explore rotational cleaning, the impact of GIS and AI on inspections, and emerging tools like acoustic testing to improve efficiency.

    37 min

  10. FEB 24

    Smart Cities Start Underground: Modernizing Wastewater Infrastructure With Kwin Peterson

    Kwin Peterson is Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. He has supported more than 60 collection systems in becoming more efficient through condition-based maintenance and innovative assessment tools. Kwin also serves on the San Francisco Bay Section Collection Systems Committee. Before joining RH Borden, he spent 17 years in the electric utilities industry working in education, public relations, and technical committee support.  In this episode… Across the US, aging wastewater systems are failing quietly beneath cities, draining budgets and increasing public health risks without clear visibility or accountability. Municipal leaders often lack the data needed to prioritize repairs, justify spending, or act before small issues become crises. How can cities see those problems coming and fix them before they spiral out of control? According to Kwin Peterson, a longtime wastewater technology advocate, the real issue is not a lack of effort but a lack of visibility. For Kwin, the key lies in using data to make underground systems as understandable and defensible as roads, parks, or traffic signals. He explains how tools like sensors and condition-based monitoring reveal which small sections of a system are actually causing the biggest problems, instead of wasting time and money treating everything equally. By translating technical findings into clear financial impacts, he shows how cities can finally connect sewer maintenance to budget decisions. The bigger takeaway is that data turns wastewater management from guesswork into strategy, giving municipalities control instead of constant crisis. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Kwin Peterson, Senior Account Manager at RH Borden and Company, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss how data-driven technology is modernizing wastewater infrastructure. Kwin breaks down why most sewer systems are underfunded, how smart monitoring reduces unnecessary labor, and what it takes to gain buy-in from city councils. He also delves into workforce shortages and how modern-day systems help crews do more with less.

    29 min

  11. FEB 2

    Revolutionizing Wastewater: Digital Twins in Action With Jon Borden

    Jon Borden is the President of RH Borden and Company, a Salt Lake City-based firm applying advanced sensor technology and data-driven solutions to modernize wastewater and sewer systems across the US. Under his leadership, RH Borden pioneered digital twin and condition-based maintenance strategies, enabling cities to streamline maintenance and deliver the nation's largest inflow and infiltration study in New York with more than 400 sensors deployed. With a background in Fortune 100 IT program management, Jon brings proven digital transformation expertise to aging infrastructure. In this episode… America's sewer infrastructure is aging, under-monitored, and expensive to maintain, often relying on outdated, time-based practices. Cities face shrinking budgets, labor shortages, and limited visibility into what's actually failing underground. How can municipalities modernize critical wastewater systems without overspending or overhauling everything all at once? Jon Borden says the answer starts with using data to understand actual system conditions rather than relying on schedules or assumptions. As an expert in wastewater infrastructure technology and digital systems, Jon explains how sensors, acoustics, and analytics help cities focus work where it truly matters. He encourages utilities to rethink "more work" as "smarter work," adopt condition-based maintenance, and use data to guide long-term planning. The result is greater efficiency, lower costs, and better outcomes for communities. In this episode of Saving Our Sewers, Jon Borden is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25, as they explore data-driven innovation in wastewater infrastructure. Jon provides insights on condition-based maintenance, digital twins in sewer systems, AI-powered inspections, labor shortages in municipalities, and strategies for reducing inflow and infiltration.

    24 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

This is the Saving Our Sewers podcast, where we feature the practices, tools, technologies, and ideas that will save our sewers.

Information

  • Creator
    Kwin Peterson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Saving Our Sewers (c) 2026
  • Show Website
    Saving Our Sewers