waterloop: exploring solutions Travis Loop

The Potomac River, once labeled a national disgrace due to severe pollution, has seen significant improvements over the decades. Through efforts such as wastewater treatment upgrades and cleanup of industrial hotspots, the river's health has greatly improved, making it often safe for recreational use. In this episode, Dean Naujoks, the Potomac Riverkeeper, discusses the progress achieved and the ongoing challenges like agricultural runoff and urban stormwater. He also highlights successful initiatives and legal victories that have contributed to cleaner water, and underscores the importance of continuous vigilance and community involvement in safeguarding this vital waterway that flows through Washington, D.C.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet. This episode was launched from the Reservoir Center, where waterloop is a media partner.

Jackson, Mississippi, has long struggled with inadequate water infrastructure, highlighted by a major treatment plant failure in 2022 that left 160,000 residents without safe drinking water. Lexus Giles, an artist from Jackson, reflects on these challenges through her work "Wading the Woes of Jackson Water." The exhibit features pieces that represent the struggles and adaptations of Jackson's residents in accessing clean water. In an interview conducted at the first-ever gathering of the U.S. WASH sector in Washington, D.C., Lexus discusses the habits her family developed to cope with the unreliable water supply, such as carrying plastic water bottles and adding bleach to bathwater. She explains how these personal experiences and the resilience of her community have influenced her art. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.

Agencies responsible for natural resources along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River corridor often face significant challenges due to limited resources. A powerful solution to this problem is the Gulf Corps program, which leverages funding from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement to support nature-based projects. This episode features conversations with Christina Wayne from The Nature Conservancy, Brian Pember from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Austin Bowley from the Corps Network discuss the transformative impact of this initiative. Filmed at a worksite in Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, they discuss the program’s dual focus on environmental restoration and workforce development. The Gulf Corps’ efforts include trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and building living shorelines, significantly enhancing public access and conservation. This episode underscores the critical need for such initiatives to sustain and restore nature while providing valuable job skills and career opportunities.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet. The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.

California is grappling with a severe groundwater crisis, underscoring the urgent need for accurate accounting under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). SGMA mandates that certain basins develop plans to achieve groundwater balance by 2040, ensuring that withdrawals do not exceed recharge rates. Various tools are being used or developed to tackle this challenge, ranging from field meters and well monitors to computer models and online platforms. This episode features conversations with Ann Hayden, Vice President of Climate Resilient Water Systems at the Environmental Defense Fund; Brad Samuelson, Managing Partner of Water and Land Solutions; and Brian Lockwood, General Manager of Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. They discuss the pressures and solutions for groundwater accounting from the Central Valley to the Central Coast. The episode also includes a demonstration of the Groundwater Accounting Platform.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.

Many people in Oregon face significant water justice challenges, including affordability, accessibility, and quality. Addressing these issues requires place-based, community-specific solutions. In this episode, Alai Reyes-Santos, Associate Director of the PNW Just Futures Institute for Climate and Racial Justice, discusses her work in Oregon and what she has learned from her roots in Puerto Rico. She explains the diverse water justice issues in Oregon, such as distrust of water quality among communities of color, inadequate infrastructure in tribal areas, and the vulnerabilities of renters. Alai also highlights the efforts to build a Water Justice Network and a Water Justice Leadership Institute, aiming to empower communities and advocate for equitable water policies. waterloop is a nonprofit media outlet. This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration between waterloop and the Water Hub that features interviews with diverse experts from communities across the country.

Louisiana faces severe coastal erosion and land loss, making coastal restoration a critical challenge. One of the innovative solutions is the $2.9 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project, which aims to restore about 20 square miles of wetlands and land. In this episode, Brad Barth, Diversions Program Manager from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, discusses this massive engineering feat, which aims to harness the Mississippi River's natural sediment flow to rebuild the coast. Barth explains the multiple factors contributing to coastal erosion and how this project integrates with other restoration efforts. He details the design and functionality of the sediment diversion, highlighting its role in delivering sediment and nutrients to sustain marshlands. Additionally, Barth shares insights into the broader strategy of using nature-based solutions, such as barrier island reconstruction and marsh creation, to protect and restore Louisiana's coast. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet. The Mississippi By Nature series is supported by the Walton Family Foundation and outfitted by Patagonia.