waterloop: exploring solutions Travis Loop

In a groundbreaking episode, water management in the digital era is explored through a unique engagement with artificial intelligence. ChatGPT was used to create Dr. Aqua, an AI persona embodying a water management expert. Dr. Aqua's responses were then given voice and visual life through AI tools, presenting a fascinatingly interactive character.Dr. Aqua discusses the integration of digital twins, effective data management, the crucial role of cybersecurity, and the innovative use of drones and robots. The episode also delves into the potential of AI and tools like ChatGPT, exploring how these technologies can enhance communication with the public and address water challenges.Dr. Aqua shares insights on the adoption of digital tools in water management versus other industries, the risks of technological stagnation, and practical advice for embracing digital advancements. This conversation is not just an exploration of water management strategies but also a testament to the evolving role of AI in understanding and solving complex industry issues. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet and the winner of the 2023 US Water Prize for Communications: waterloop.org

Water management is critical and challenging for Navajo Nation, which spreads across 27,000 square miles of the arid Southwest. In this episode, Crystal Tulley-Cordova, Principal Hydrologist for the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources, shares her experiences and observations, including how climate change is impacting the landscape. She discusses the role of Navajo Nation in management of the Colorado River and how tribes in the basin are seeking greater influence. Crystal also talks about the influx of federal funds for infrastructure and how it is supporting progress on Navajo water projects. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics. Learn more at flumewater.com

This is an epilogue to the series The PFAS Puzzle: Lessons From A Contaminated Fear. The chemicals were dumped in the North Carolina river for nearly 40 years before being discovered. The series explores how a community responds when it is the epicenter of PFAS pollution. In this episode, waterloop founder Travis Loop shares some of the pivotal soundbites from an array of experts including environmental scientists, utility managers, public health researchers, community advocates, and regulators. He also shares his professional perspective and personal commentary on PFAS pollution.Find the complete series at PFAS puzzle (https://bit.ly/PFASpuzzle).waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet.This series is sponsored by: Black & Veatch, providing end-to-end consulting, engineering, and construction services to address each community's unique PFAS needs. Learn more at bv.com/pfasPFASComms.com, who makes utilities the trusted, go-to-source for PFAS information in the community. Visit pfascomms.comALTRA, a company with the most robust PFAS treatment solution. Visit logistec.com/pfas-solutions

There is tremendous potential in onsite reuse, where a building’s greywater, wastewater, or stormwater is treated and used again at the same location. To raise awareness of this technology, a beer was brewed using water recycled by an onsite system at a San Francisco apartment building. The OneWater Brew and the concept of onsite reuse are discussed in this episode with Aaron Tartakovsky, CEO of Epic Cleantec. Aaron explains the process of creating the beer and the media attention it has garnered. He also discusses efforts to increase acceptance of onsite reuse among regulators, builders, utilities, and the public.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org

Historic levels of funding are available to replace lead service lines across the United States.But thousands of water systems are so small they lack the staff expertise and capacity needed to identify, apply for, and manage funds. That’s why there is a massive push to expand and deploy technical assistance, including the launch of more environmental finance centers. The effort is discussed in this episode with Palencia Mobley, Midwest Funding Navigator Manager for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center. The episode also features a conversation with Dante Sawyer, Village Manager for Hazel Crest in Illinois, who shares the experience of a small municipality that utilized technical assistance to fund removal of lead lines.waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.orgThis episode is made possible by support from the WaterNow Alliance and Environmental Policy Innovation Center and is sponsored by:-120Water offers cloud-based software and digital sampling kits to help water systems and states to execute lead programs. Visit 120water.com-LeadCopperRule.com helps utilities proactively manage lead communications and public information emergencies. Visit leadcopperrule.com-BlueConduit has developed cutting-edge, predictive machine learning software to effectively locate lead service lines. Visit blueconduit.com

Resilience is a shared characteristic of rural communities, often dealing with adversity through their close-knit and resourceful nature. However, the ongoing rural struggles related to water infrastructure, pollution, and workforce shortages are now amplified by the effects of climate change. New strategies and technical assistance can build up their resilience, as discussed in this podcast with Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Olga sheds light on the power of collaboration and regionalization, enabling small water systems to benefit from economies of scale and gain a more powerful voice. She also emphasizes the critical need for flexible funding mechanisms and workforce development to enhance the capacity of rural communities.This episode is supported by Flume Utility & Business Solutions, which delivers comprehensive residential water data analytics to entities tasked with creating a sustainable water future. Learn more at flumewater.comwaterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. Visit waterloop.org