Everyone has a role to play in protecting public health. Tap Talk, the Drinking Water in Rural America Podcast, connects professionals across the drinking water community with ideas to extend and enhance our work.
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Join this weekly podcast with Dr. Lezli Levene Harvell, Creator + Curator of The Iconoclast Dinner Experience and her daughters, Zuri and Nava, where they explore Culture, Race, + Societal Issues through the lens of cultural critics, industry experts, writers, and HBCU students and recent grads. Season Two includes Impolite Conversations on topics such as Formerly Untouchable Castes, $5 Indians, and Being White In South Africa 20 years Post-Apartheid.
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TT048 — Solutions-Focused Journalism: Creating Water Stories
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In the final episode of our fourth season, Steve and Jennifer welcome Travis Loop to Tap Talk to discuss how to use solutions-focused journalism and storytelling to address our various water problems. Travis is the founder of waterloop, a nonprofit media outlet exploring the progress and successes in tackling water challenges in the United States t…
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TT047 — Hands-On Training: How to Develop the Water Workforce
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The latest episode of Tap Talk delves back into the topic of how to develop and train the newest generation of the water workforce. Jennifer and Steve talk with Matt Maas, the director of the Environmental Resources Training Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The ERTC is a one-of-a-kind facility with working pilot plants and labor…
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TT046 - Lead Service Line Replacements: Lessons from Cleveland (Part 2)
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This week we are bringing you part two of our conversation with Brenda Culler and Joshua Pecek of Cleveland Water's lead service line replacement team! The substantial efforts of their team provide a model for other water systems of all sizes who are developing their own plans to replace the millions of lead service lines in the United States. Visi…
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TT045 - Lead Service Line Replacements: Lessons from Cleveland (Part 1)
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The EPA estimates there are over nine million lead service lines to replace in the United States. During this week's Tap Talk, we learn about the efforts at Cleveland Water to replace these service lines that have landed Cleveland and Cuyahoga County ahead of the curve. We welcome Cleveland Water's Brenda Culler, Lead Program Manager, and Joshua Pe…
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TT044 - Cybersecurity: Helpful Resources for Small Systems
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On this week's Tap Talk, we're talking about a topic that is becoming ever more important for water utilities: cybersecurity. Steve and Jennifer discuss how essential it is to protect the digital systems at even the smallest of water systems and the basic steps that those smallest utilities can take with Jennifer Lyn Walker, the Director of Infrast…
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TT043 - Local Solutions: A Key to Growing the Water Workforce (Part 2)
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This week, we continue our conversation with Mike Sullivan and Shannon Drosnock, utility directors from suburban Philadelphia. Mike and Shannon lead a successful internship program for Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Region 1. In this episode, they talk with Steve and Jennifer about the logistics of their program, how they appeal to potential pa…
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TT042 - Local Solutions: A Key to Growing the Water Workforce (Part 1)
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This week, we welcome two guests from Pennsylvania: Mike Sullivan, executive director of the Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority; and Shannon Drosnock, executive director of the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority. Mike and Shannon lead a successful internship program for Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Region 1, in the greate…
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TT041 - Data: The Key to Private Well Advocacy
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This week, Jennifer and Steve are chatting with Amie Shei from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, which for five years has been lobbying for the implementation of statewide regulations on private well water quality. Listen to learn how data from sampling private wells has been essential to these efforts and other strategies to advocate…
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TT040 - Be the Champion: Building Knowledge with Informal Communities
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Bob Dunlevy of U.S. EPA's Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) has been hosting and facilitating an asset management stakeholder group and conference call for 15 years. This week, Steve and Jennifer talk with Bob about building understanding of asset management in water utilities and how informal communities can be an essential tool for know…
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TT039 - RCAP at 50: Building Sustainable Rural Communities
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The Rural Communities Assistance Partnership (RCAP), WaterOperator.org's principal collaborative partner, has been providing technical assistance to America's rural communities for 50 years. Today, we chat with RCAP CEO Olga Morales-Pate about the challenges of ensuring the sustainability of rural communities, what it means to be a technical assist…
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TT038 - Operator Training: It Takes Skill
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The methods with which we teach and train water operators have evolved as the world changes around us, but one thing hasn't changed: It takes skill and effort on the parts of both the teacher and learner to ensure the most effective possible training. In this episode, we chat with Ramzi Mahmood of the Office of Water Programs at California State Un…
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TT037 - Partnership: The More You Give, The More You Get
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In the time we've spent building and maintaining WaterOperator.org and its family of websites, the importance of building strong partnerships and teams has never been more apparent. In our Season Four premier episode, Tap Talk hosts Steve and Jennifer Wilson look back on the beginnings of WaterOperator.org, discuss the evolution and expansion of ou…
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TT036 - Busting Myths about Regionalization
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Regionalization is not just one thing, but a spectrum of partnership opportunities for efficiency and economies of scale. In this episode we’re chatting with RCAP’s Laura Landes and Sarah Buck about the fundamentals of regionalization and why these conversations are so important to the sustainability of small and rural water systems. Visit drinking…
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As we approach 50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act, public water systems and state regulators continue to face new and long-standing challenges. In our conversation with Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, we discuss the most pressing issues as well as efforts to increase compliance and s…
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TT034 - Leveraging Passion to Protect Public Health
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Pennsylvania has no statewide well construction code or other private well regulations, but this suburban Philadelphia county is one of a small number leading the way to greater public health protection in the state. In this episode we’re chatting with Kyle Schmeck about the Montgomery County program and the lessons he has learned. Visit drinkingwa…
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TT033 - Research for Water Equity (Part 2)
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In the second half of our conversation with Dr. Kelsey Pieper, we discuss alternate perspectives on real private well problems. The conversation reiterates the need for personalized solutions, raises various research questions, and shares opinions on the needed direction for public outreach. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the…
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TT032 - Research for Water Equity (Part 1)
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Research engineers like Kelsey Pieper get to work at the interface between knowledge discovery and real world application. In this first of two conversations with Dr. Pieper we explore some of the challenges of improving access to safe water, particularly for private well users. This episode highlights how both social understanding and real data ar…
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TT031 - Funding Your Water Infrastructure Project
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When Saco, Maine calculated the true cost of not updating their wastewater plant to accommodate the impacts of climate change, local government officials took action to secure the needed funding. Our conversation with Emily-Cole Prescott and Howard Carter includes the importance of communication and outreach in gaining support for the project. Visi…
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TT030 - Improving Safe Water Access for the Cherokee Nation
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Tribal communities share many of the water issues experienced by public water systems and private well users across the US, but they also have some unique challenges. In this episode we're chatting with Billy Hix, a licensed water operator and registered sanitarian who works for the Cherokee Nation. Our conversation highlights the innovative soluti…
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Tammy Helms has been a certified water operator for 27 years because she refused to be told 'no.' Today she also manages Alaska DEC's technical assistance program. In this episode you'll not only hear Tammy's story but other examples of persistence and resilience when it comes to protecting public health in rural Alaska. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.…
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TT028 - Data and Details from an Effective Program
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In this episode we're chatting with Frieda von Qualen from the Minnesota Department of Health. Our conversation features insights on running a successful outreach program, an upcoming Minnesota-focused private well forum, and the shift towards policy that Frieda's own work in the program has taken. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and f…
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TT027 - The Future of Operator Certification
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In this episode we're chatting with Paul Bishop, president and CEO of Water Professionals International, about water and wastewater certification in a post-pandemic world. Our conversation includes ideas for the future as well as the shifts that will be needed to recruit new water professionals. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find…
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In this episode we're chatting with David Henrich, a water well contractor and industry advocate on the national stage. Our conversation includes Mr. Henrich's perspectives on customer knowledge, shifts in the industry and regulatory landscape, and the one thing that could make all the difference for public health. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to…
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Your Great-Grandmother Wasn’t a Cherokee Princess // $5 Indians
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According to the US Census, the Native American population has grown by 1600% from 1960 to 2020. We’re closing out our theme of race as a social construct by exploring the phenomenon of White men purchasing Native American identity prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dr. Lezli is joined by Dr. Gregory Smithers, a professor of Ameri…
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Being White Ain't What It Used to Be: 25+ Yrs Post-Apartheid
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Continuing the first theme of Season 2, IDE Impolite Conversation is exploring race as a social construct. The first three episodes of the season explore how the “race” or social stratification can be changed with the stroke of a pen or even purchased. In this episode Dr. Lezli is joined by the founding director of the Wits Centre for Diversity Stu…
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“Formerly Untouchable” Castes // Passing While Indian
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Dr. Lezli kicks off Season 2 of IDE Impolite Conversation exploring race as social construct with leading anti-caste expert, journalist, and award-winning author, Yashica Dutt. Yashica is the author of “Coming Out As Dalit: A Memoir”. The two explore Yashica’s journey hiding her lower, “formerly untouchable” Dalit caste, why "nobody cares about cas…
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TT025 - Understanding Drought and Drinking Water
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In this episode we're chatting with Molly Woloszyn, a Regional Drought Information Coordinator with NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System. You'll learn more about current drought issues in the Midwest and across the US as well as how water and health professionals can network with experts in this area. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org…
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TT024 - Thinking Differently about Infrastructure
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In this episode we're chatting with Heather Himmelberger, a professional engineer and director of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center. Our conversation features the role of the EFC network, why water systems shouldn't be intimidated by asset management, and her mixed feelings about infrastructure spending. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to l…
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TT023 - Environmental Justice, Water, and Public Health
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In this episode we're chatting with Dr. Jackie MacDonald Gibson about her work at the intersection of environmental health and public policy. We focus on the disparities that private well users in disadvantaged communities face, even when there is a public water system in close proximity. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the fu…
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TT022 - Best Practices in Webinar Training
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Does hosting a webinar feel like a chore? In this episode we're chatting with our own Katie Buckley about the steps we take to produce a successful webinar program with The Private Well Class. We cover advance planning, running the event, and recommended best practices for follow-up. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full sh…
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TT021 - Education and Funding Options for Well Owners
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In this episode we're talking with Margaret Martens of the Water Systems Council and the Water Well Trust about the need for education, support, and funding for private well users in the US. You'll learn about recent changes that expand access to that funding as well as the breadth of resources available for free. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to …
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TT020 - Community-centered Infrastructure Planning
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How do we solve the most difficult water infrastructure problems? It requires a more nuanced approach to trust-building and a proactive perspective on the challenges still to come. In this episode we're chatting with CAPT David Harvey about what we can all learn about problem solving in rural communities from the Indian Health Service. Visit drinki…
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Water is often only part of the healthcare conversation about children when there is a problem. Dr. Alan Woolf, as part of a larger network of pediatricians specializing in environmental health, hopes to change that. In this episode we discuss the simple and not-so-simple reasons that providers don't counsel patients on drinking water as well as po…
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TT018 - Creative Collaborations in Water (Part 2)
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Local efforts are part of a much bigger story. In this episode we continue our conversation with our friends and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. The conversation features challenges facing the water sector, in the US and around the world, and how this team's work is creating solutions. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to lear…
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TT017 - Creative Collaborations in Water (Part 1)
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In this episode we're chatting with David Reckhow, Emily Kumpel, and Patrick Wittbold, colleagues and collaborators at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Their research, teaching, and service experiences related to small drinking water systems is the focus of our conversation, which will span two episodes. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to l…
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How can we help private well users if the data isn't accessible? In this episode we chat with Clare Pace about her work in California to understand issues related to private well data, safe water access, environmental justice, and outreach that's actually helpful. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this ep…
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TT015 - Selecting Appropriate Water Treatment and Ethical Providers
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How can professionals better assist homeowners with treatment decisions? In this episode we're chatting with Eric Yeggy of the Water Quality Association about the organization's code of ethics, considerations when selecting a provider, and the first thing every homeowner needs to do. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full sh…
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TT014 - Building Civic Engagement in Rural Water Issues
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Jerry Tinoco is passionate about his work in California for the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC). In this episode we chat about the value of public service, connecting with community members to build trust, and the multiple hats technical assistance providers wear. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show not…
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TT013 - Water is an Economic Development Problem
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One of our goals with this podcast is breaking down the silos of our work in water. In this episode, which kicks off Season 2, Nathan Ohle reflects on his experience leading RCAP, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, for the past five years and the deeper water sector context he'll bring to his new position at the International Economic Deve…
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TT012 - Water Supplies and Renter's Rights
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Renters of homes with private wells are among the populations most vulnerable to unsafe water supplies. In this episode we're chatting with Mark Johnson of RCAP Solutions about his own experience as renter in Vermont, challenges in reaching both renters and landlords, and advice for those who want to ensure their water is safe. Visit drinkingwaterp…
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TT011 - Risk Communication and Perception
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How do you motivate the public to change their behavior? In this episode we're chatting with PhD student Simon Mooney, who has explored important questions about environmental health communication efforts and risk perception in his research. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!…
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TT010 - Understanding Groundwater Quantity and Quality
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How do we better understand how groundwater becomes contaminated and the future of our water supplies? Basic and applied research is where it begins. In this episode we're chatting with groundwater geochemist Walt Kelly about our organization, the Illinois State Water Survey, risk communication in groundwater supply planning, and approaches to stud…
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TT009 - Asset Management for Rural America (Part 2)
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How will asset management drive decision-making and funding for water infrastructure? This episode continues our conversation from the previous episode with Art Astarita, a retired technical assistance provider. We touch not only on the future of data acquisition and sharing, but also how this big picture thinking applies to private wells. Visit dr…
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TT008 - Asset Management for Rural America (Part 1)
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How do we get to small system sustainability? In this episode we're chatting with Art Astarita about asset management with a small systems lens, focusing on the importance of full cost accounting, funding depreciation, engaging board members with water system planning, and integration of asset management with broader community infrastructure planni…
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TT007 - Helping the Smallest Water Systems
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Those who rely on a single well as their source of drinking water have much in common, even as some are regulated and others are not. In this episode we're chatting with Jim Siriano of the American Water Works Association about his diverse career experiences working on small system drinking water issues, including the similarities between private w…
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TT006 – Protecting Well Users in North Carolina
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In North Carolina the drilling of a new well kicks off a robust construction oversight and homeowner education program to protect groundwater. In this episode we’re chatting with Wilson Mize about his state’s notable efforts, including their use of downhole cameras, the unique challenges of older wells, and how the pandemic has impacted outreach ef…
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TT005 - Controlling Nitrification in Chloraminated Systems
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Three months after retiring from Illinois EPA Dave McMillan starting working for the Illinois Rural Water Association as a trainer and technical service provider. In this episode we reflect on Dave's career in the industry, including what's changed and what hasn't. We dive deeper on preventing and addressing nitrification issues in water systems th…
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In this episode we're chatting with Judy Manners of the Tennessee Department of Health, whose work has included outreach, education, and research on roadside springs. Many of these unregulated drinking water sources have long cultural histories, but also pose a significant health risk. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full …
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TT003 - Mastering Well Owner Education
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How do you protect public health when there are no regulations that provide minimum standards for well construction? In this episode we're chatting with Bryan Swistock about his experiences in outreach, education, and research at PennState Extension, one of the oldest and most robust private well programs in the country. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.…
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TT002 - Private Wells vs. Public Water Systems
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Private well users are the operators of their own tiny water system, a role that comes with substantial responsibility and no required training. In this episode we're chatting with Barb Liukkonen about the pros and cons of private wells vs. public water supplies. We specifically look at the question of whether it's always the better choice for a pr…
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