Talking Under Water

Endeavor Business Media

Talking Under Water is a One Water podcast for the water industry. Editors from Endeavor’s Water Group highlight news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts. Topics covered include water and wastewater treatment, stormwater and erosion control, diversity, regulations/legislation, flooding, circular water economy, water scarcity, small systems, emerging contaminants, smart water and more.

  1. Aug 7

    What we know about the cyberattacks on water systems

    In this episode Talking Under Water the co-hosts discuss the recent coordinated cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater system PLCs across Minnesota and several other states, examining what happened, why it matters, and what utilities can learn from the incident. Bob Crossen and Alex Cossin break down reports that more than 30 Minnesota water systems were affected, with federal agencies now investigating activity across multiple states. The conversation explores how attackers targeted operational technology that helps run critical infrastructure such as pumps, wells, water towers, lift stations, and automated controls. The hosts emphasize the most important takeaway from the attacks: despite operational disruptions, utilities successfully maintained safe drinking water by switching to manual operations. They discuss the growing importance of resilience as the industry adopts more digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence, while highlighting the need to preserve operator expertise and manual control capabilities. The episode also examines challenges facing smaller utilities, including limited staffing, funding constraints, and cybersecurity resources. Crossen and Cossin review guidance from agencies such as the FBI, CISA and EPA, including recommendations related to passwords, remote access, network segmentation, and operational technology security. They conclude by discussing ongoing questions surrounding the attacks, the role of manufacturers and communication during cybersecurity incidents, and the importance of supporting operators who helped maintain reliable service throughout the event. Show notes Connect your PLCs to the Internet: What could possibly go wrong? Cyber resilience and investment strategy in the water sector This federal agency scans water system cyber-vulnerabilities for free What recent cyberattacks reveal about securing water utility OT What is operational technology (OT)? Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:44 – One of the largest coordinated cyberattacks on U.S. water systems unfolds 03:40 – Utilities switch to manual operations and keep water safe 04:42 – What the attacks reveal about workforce resilience and AI dependence 08:53 – Why manual controls remain critical for protecting water systems 12:39 – Federal guidance on cybersecurity, passwords, and system protections 16:56 – Who may be behind the attacks and what questions remain unanswered 25:06 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  2. Jul 24

    Beyond Treatment: Building Resilient and Sustainable Water Reuse Projects

    In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Pranjali Kumar, associate vice president at Carollo and the firm’s Southeast Water Reuse Lead, about why the industry needs to look beyond treatment technologies and public perception when evaluating reuse projects. Kumar explains how water reuse is increasingly being considered a resilience and sustainability tool rather than simply a drought response measure. She highlights the importance of systems thinking, organizational collaboration, and investment in human capital to ensure successful project implementation. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about potable reuse regulations, including the lengthy and collaborative process required to develop state-specific frameworks that protect public health while enabling innovation. The discussion covers the factors that separate successful projects from those that stall, the economic realities of potable reuse compared to alternative water supply options, and the safeguards that make reuse a highly regulated and reliable source of drinking water. Looking ahead, Kumar shares insights on PFAS monitoring, artificial intelligence, advanced monitoring technologies, and how the next generation of water reuse leaders can build on lessons learned while remaining adaptable to change. Show notes Engage with Pranjali Kumar, Carollo Engineers associate vice president and southeast water reuse lead. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – Why water reuse is becoming a core water supply strategy 03:36 – What's overemphasized and underestimated in potable reuse 05:48 – How potable reuse regulations are developed and why they take years 11:04 – What separates successful reuse projects from stalled projects 13:17 – Debunking the myth that potable reuse is cost prohibitive 18:35 – PFAS, AI, advanced monitoring, and the future of potable reuse 23:18 – Housekeeping   About the Podcast     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  3. Jul 10

    Navigating PFAS Regulations and Preparing for Future Water Contaminants

    In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss EPA’s draft guidance on PFAS in biosolids, lessons utilities can take from the PFAS regulatory landscape to prepare for future contaminants, and recent developments affecting stormwater and water infrastructure projects. Bob Crossen explains EPA’s newly released guidance for reducing risks associated with PFOA and PFOS in biosolids, highlighting the agency’s emphasis on source control, monitoring, pollution prevention, and public engagement through the ongoing comment period. He examines how states such as Michigan have successfully reduced PFAS loadings through pretreatment programs and discusses the challenges utilities face when land application options become restricted. Mandy Crispin shares key insights from an ACE panel discussion focused on what PFAS can teach utilities about preparing for future contaminant regulations. She outlines emerging contaminants that could draw future regulatory attention and emphasizes the importance of documenting contaminant-specific costs, testing efforts, treatment decisions, staff time, and public outreach activities. These records could prove valuable for compliance, funding opportunities, and potential cost recovery efforts in the future. The episode concludes with stormwater news covering Michigan dam safety legislation, EPA-approved groundwater remediation plans in Wyandotte, and Florida funding to strengthen wastewater infrastructure following Hurricane Milton. Show notes: EPA releases draft PFAS biosolids guidance for public comment EPA proposes UCMR 6 monitoring rule, leaves microplastics off testing list Lessons from PFAS can help utilities prepare for the next wave of contaminants How Suffolk County Water Authority Got Ahead of PFAS and Built a Roadmap for the Next Emerging Contaminant What PFAS Taught Us About Preparing for the Next Emerging Contaminant What is greywater? Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:31 – EPA releases PFAS in biosolids guidance and opens public comment period 04:59 – Michigan’s source-control strategy shows major PFAS reductions 11:23 – ACE panel lessons: preparing utilities for the next emerging contaminant 14:26 – Why utilities should document contaminant-specific costs and decisions 18:08 – Suffolk County perspective: preventing contaminants before they reach drinking water sources 19:26 – Stormwater infrastructure, dam safety, cleanup projects, and funding news 21:48 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  4. Jun 26

    Collaborating for a Sustainable Future: Insights from AWWA ACE26

    In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Mandy Crispin discuss key insights and takeaways from the AWWA ACE26 conference, including affordability challenges, PFAS treatment and regulation, data center demands, and the evolving role of collaboration across the water sector. Recording from Washington, D.C., the hosts share firsthand experiences from sessions, interviews, and conversations across the event. They highlight a powerful keynote framing this moment as “water’s moonshot,” emphasizing the urgency and scale of challenges facing utilities today. Central to the discussion is the growing tension between maintaining affordable rates and funding essential infrastructure upgrades. The episode dives into PFAS as a persistent and complicated issue, touching on treatment technologies, regulatory uncertainty, and liability concerns tied to disposal. The conversation expands to emerging contaminants like microplastics and the broader need to address pollution further upstream. They also explore how data centers are reshaping water demand, particularly at the local level, and why utilities must engage early in siting and partnership discussions. Across topics, a recurring theme emerges: collaboration — whether through new project delivery models, public-private partnerships, or policy innovation — is critical to navigating today’s interconnected challenges and preparing for the future. Show notes: AWWA ACE26 Show Coverage Landing Page (to be updated on an ongoing basis — bookmark and come back for more show coverage) Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nomination Form WaterWorld Top Projects Nomination Form Stormwater Solutions Top Projects Nomination Form PFAS Crossword Puzzle Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:03 – “Water’s Moon Moment” Keynote 03:43 – Affordability vs. Infrastructure Crisis 07:01 – PFAS Complexity & Industry Overload 12:03 – Emerging Contaminants & Regulatory Questions 20:32 – Data Centers & Localized Water Demand 44:59 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  5. Jun 12 ·  Bonus

    Confidence You Can Measure: What Utilities Should Expect from Modern Metering

    In this sponsored interview, Editorial Director Bob Crossen sits down with Blake Michal from Kamstrup to discuss what a decade of AMI performance can teach utilities about reliability, cost, and lifecycle value.  About the Podcast       Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  6. Jun 11

    Revolutionizing Water Management: The Circular Water Economy

    In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen speaks with Krishna Prashanth, global product line manager for electromagnetic flow meters and global segment manager for water and wastewater instrumentation at ABB, about the promise and practicality of the circular water economy. Prashanth explains how the concept shifts water management away from a linear take-treat-discharge model and toward a system focused on reducing losses, reusing water, recovering resources and extending the value of every drop. He outlines the “six Rs” — reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, recover and restore — and argues that utilities must evolve from operators of pipes and plants into stewards of local water loops. The conversation also explores the critical role of data capture, monitoring and analysis in making circularity possible, from identifying leaks and managing demand to improving reuse decisions and predicting infrastructure issues. Prashanth and Crossen discuss how AI can strengthen these efforts when paired with trusted instrumentation, as well as the barriers standing in the way, including regulatory silos, misaligned incentives and aging infrastructure. Together, they paint a picture of a more resilient, efficient and resource-aware future for water utilities. Show notes: Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nomination Form WaterWorld Top Projects Nomination Form Stormwater Solutions Top Projects Nomination Form PFAS Crossword Puzzle Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 02:14 – What the circular water economy actually means 05:29 – The six Rs that could reshape water management 11:15 – Why utilities need a new role 13:21 – The data foundation behind circular water 18:17 – Where AI fits — and where it doesn’t 28:23 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  7. May 29

    EPA Advances PFAS Regulations and Funding for Water Safety

    In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss EPA’s latest PFAS regulatory moves, major new federal funding for drinking water and lead service line replacement, and stormwater-related investments aimed at protecting coastal water quality. The episode opens with a breakdown of EPA’s proposal to maintain drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS while reconsidering standards for several other PFAS compounds, alongside a potential compliance extension that could give some utilities until 2031 to meet federal limits. The hosts also examine EPA’s increasing focus on PFAS destruction technologies, nearly $946 million in emerging contaminants funding, and what those developments mean for utilities trying to balance treatment costs, planning, and compliance pressure. The conversation then shifts to the legal and financial risks surrounding PFAS liability, including how CERCLA and RCRA apply to utilities, what EPA’s enforcement discretion does and does not protect against, and why water sector groups are pushing for permanent legislative safeguards. Later, the episode highlights nearly $2.9 billion in lead service line replacement funding and closes with stormwater and coastal water quality news, including federal beach monitoring grants and resilience planning underway in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Show notes: Administrator Zeldin Makes Major PFAS Announcement and Hosts Roundtable with Secretary Kennedy EPA History: Superfund Federal Environmental Liability under CERCLA and RCRA Report finds 61% of U.S. beaches experienced unsafe contamination levels in 2024 EPA announces $9.75 million in BEACH Act funding for water quality monitoring Sullivan's Island resilience plan pairs gray infrastructure with green solutions for 2050 Key moments: 00:00 – Introduction 01:16 – EPA PFAS actions overview 02:16 – Proposed PFAS compliance extension to 2031 03:31 – Shift toward PFAS destruction technologies 04:39 – $945.7 million in emerging contaminants funding 06:13 – EPA outreach for small and disadvantaged systems 07:02 – $2.9 billion for lead service line replacement 08:34 – Lead funding declines slightly from prior year 09:02 – PFAS liability discussion begins 10:20 – RCRA and CERCLA explainer 13:05 – Why utilities face PFAS liability risk 14:03 – EPA enforcement discretion 16:48 – Legislative safe harbor push 17:45 – Deeper PRP liability implications 19:32 – Atlantic Richfield case walkthrough 23:22 – Limits of current liability protections 25:17 – Stormwater and coastal water quality segment 25:30 – EPA beach water quality grants 26:22 – Safer swimming report findings 27:12 – Sullivan’s Island resilience planning 28:11 – Housekeeping About the podcast Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

  8. May 15

    Digital tools are changing how water utilities handle flooding

    In this episode of Talking Underwater, Stormwater Solutions Head of Content Sarah Kominek speaks with Manuel Parra of Xylem Vue about how digital tools are changing the way municipalities prepare for and respond to flooding. The conversation explores how communities can use existing infrastructure more effectively, why high-quality data matters as much as data collection, and how predictive analytics, modeling, and AI can support faster, smarter decisions during wet weather events. Parra also shares real-world examples from Houston and Buffalo to show how practical, scalable flood-control technology can help reduce risk, improve operations, and protect lives.  Key Moments  00:00 - Episode introduction and overview of why flood prediction is becoming more urgent  01:54 - How digital flood-control applications help municipalities respond to severe weather events  03:11 - Tools emergency managers use today, from sensors and rain gauges to models and AI  04:24 - Why data quality, not just data quantity, is critical for effective flood response  06:25 - Houston example: underpass flood detection and public alerts using existing infrastructure  08:05 - Buffalo example: preemptive system management that helped reduce combined sewer overflows  10:12 - What integrating digital technology with existing stormwater infrastructure looks like in practice  11:35 - The role of predictive analytics and AI in supporting operator decisions  13:16 - How climate variability changes the baseline and why models must keep evolving  14:32 - Regulatory and liability considerations tied to better infrastructure management  15:34 - How smaller or under-resourced communities can adopt lower-cost, right-sized solutions  17:34 - Typical lead times for flood prediction and why every minute counts  18:35 - Final takeaway: flood technology does not have to be overly complex to make a major impact  About the Podcast       Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Stormwater Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.

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Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Talking Under Water is a One Water podcast for the water industry. Editors from Endeavor’s Water Group highlight news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts. Topics covered include water and wastewater treatment, stormwater and erosion control, diversity, regulations/legislation, flooding, circular water economy, water scarcity, small systems, emerging contaminants, smart water and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Endeavor Business Media
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Talking Under Water

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