Make It Clear: Why You Can't Just Flush and Forget
62 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -Where we talk about all things water and wastewater related.
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Episodes
World Water Day 2024
March 22, 2024 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.62 MBIn this episode, Angela and Shawn discuss the importance of recognizing World Water Day and the ongoing need for water conservation efforts. They highlight the repetitiveness of water conservation discussions and the necessity of having dedicated days to raise awareness. The theme of this year's World Water Day is 'Water for Peace,' focusing on water scarcity and lack of access to clean water. The conversation also includes alarming statistics on the number of people without access to safe d...
Vacation Homes and Wastewater Systems
March 12, 2024 13:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this episode, we discuss vacation homes and short-term rentals with Cory Lyon, and Aaron Yates. Cory and Aaron define vacation homes and highlight the trend of people frequently renting out their properties. The conversation explores the variations in vacation homes by region, including examples from California, the Midwest, and the Northeast. We also discuss the design considerations and best technology for short-term rentals which leads to the importance of maintenance and monitoring sy...
Perspectives on Aging Infrastructure
February 20, 2024 14:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBMike Saunders joins us for another engaging discussion. This time, the conversation explores the concept of aging infrastructure in the wastewater industry. It discusses the two main aspects of aging infrastructure: deteriorating functionality and becoming obsolete. The timeline for infrastructure to be considered aging varies, with some systems losing functionality as early as 10 years. Not surprisingly, the problem of aging infrastructure is significant, with thousands of sewer overflows ...
Talking About Our "Why"
January 30, 2024 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBIn his book "Start With Why", author Simon Sinek talks about inspiration, and discovering your drive and passion for doing what inspires you. In a departure from our normal format, Angela and I take some time to talk about our own personal "why". We talk about what drives us and inspires us to be a part of this industry and a part of Orenco Systems. What drives you? Do you have a passion for what you do? Do you know what your "why" is? If you have comments or questions about our podcast, ...
WWETT 2024
January 15, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 4.02 MBWe're going to WWETT! Join us, January 25th-27th, in Indianapolis for one of the largest shows we attend every year. We will be in booth #2637 and we are bringing our newest product, the Tank Shield! We will also have full-size versions of our Prelos Processor and an AX20 pod that you can get a closer look at. You can find all of the show information through the show website, WWETTshow.com. We would love to see you there! If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach ...
Our Favorite Industry Information Resources
January 09, 2024 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBLooking for information regarding our industry can seem overwhelming. There are a lot of places out there that will provide you with information. Some of it is good, and some...not so good. Sometimes, finding reputable sources can be a challenge. To help you out, we have put together a brief list of websites, textbooks, tradeshows, and publications to get you started. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to ...
The Dealer Spotlight: AQWA
December 19, 2023 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBIn the wastewater industry, being an equipment dealer means so much more than just selling equipment. There is often more to a project than just the parts and piece that go into an installation. Many dealers often offer additional services or resources that can help in every phase of a project. Engineers sometimes need product specs or design assistance. Installers may ask for installation advice, instructions, or drawings, and service providers might need help with processes, testing proce...
Those Mysterious Acronyms: What Do They Mean?
December 05, 2023 14:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBEvery industry has acronyms or uses some kind of shorthand to convey information. If you have been in any particular industry for an extended period of time, you have probably picked up on many of them. Many of us use them on a daily basis and often forget that new industry members or those outside the industry don't understand what we mean when we use them. In this episode, Angela and I try to "lift the curtain" on some of the more common acronyms and help you understand what is being talke...
Spotlight On Our Controls Division
November 21, 2023 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBFor the last 40 years, control panels have been an integral part of the solutions offered by Orenco Systems. Over the years, our Controls division has branched out to meet the needs of, not just the wastewater industry, but the water industry as a whole. We provide control solutions for projects of all sizes. In this episode, we talk with Bill Cagle, the Vice President of the Controls division, and Jerry Snyder, Sales Director for Controls, about the capabilities of our panel manufacturing ...
Paradigm Shifts: Changing the Way We Think About Wastewater
November 07, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBChange happens all around us. Some changes are easy. Other changes are much more involved. And then, there are changes that are so profound that they change the way we think about something in a radically new fashion. It's a paradigm shift; you see a part of your world in a whole new way. Believe it or not, there have been several paradigm shifts in relation to wastewater over the centuries. In this episode, Angela and I look at a few of them and talk about why they are so profound. If you ...
Wastewater In The News
October 17, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBThere's always something happening in the world of wastewater and some of those things are news-worthy. Every so often, Angela and I will look at what's happening in our industry and bring you relevant articles that are worth noting. In this episode, we will cover several interesting stories that received recent attention. You can find these articles through the links below. Water and Wastewater Treatment Market – Global Industry Analysis. Precedence Research. July 2023 https://www.precede...
Intermittent Flow Systems
October 03, 2023 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.8 MBFlows in wastewater systems will vary from project to project. Then there are those projects that have high flows on one or two days during the week or even several months out of the year, and then receive almost no flow during the other days or months. These intermittent flow systems can pose a problem for designers and require special consideration. Bill Hensley, one of our senior systems engineers, talks with us about what makes these systems unique and offers some insight into how to de...
The Road to WEFTEC 2023
September 19, 2023 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.07 MBWe are on the road to WEFTEC! This technical conference is reported to be the world's largest gathering of water and wastewater industry professionals. There is always a lot to see and certainly a lot for attendees to learn. This year, the exhibition will be held between October 2nd and the 4th at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. With more than 900 exhibitors and nearly 170 educational opportunities, there is something for everyone. We would love for you to stop by! We will be located in the ...
Falsehoods and High-Pressure Sales
June 27, 2023 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIn almost every industry, you could compile a list of things that seem to be "common knowledge" that are either half-truths, or just plain false. The wastewater industry is no different. If you have a company trying to sell you a product or a professional giving you their opinion, don't just take their word for it. Do your research and separate fact from fiction. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of ...
High Strength Waste: What Does That Mean?
June 13, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBHigh-strength waste is always a concern. However, it can be especially problematic if you live or work in an area that is sensitive to higher concentrations of nutrients. High concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, and even a high BOD value can present a problem for fragile environments. Keven Kelley, one of our senior engineers, joins us to talk about what high-strength waste is, how we can treat it, and why it can be such a problem. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, ...
Record Keeping - It's Important
May 30, 2023 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBIn an industry that is governed by so many rules and regulations, it is important to keep records. Installers, service providers, and even home or business owners should be keeping records to document everything. In this episode, we talk about what records are important to keep and why you should be keeping them. You never know when that bit of information will come in handy or save you from trouble down the road. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us throug...
Influential Voices: An Interview with Dr. Bob Rubin, Professor Emeritus
May 16, 2023 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBAs our industry has evolved, there were several voices that championed ideas. These influential voices inspired change, challenged conventional thinking, and invented revolutionary technologies that would set the course for future generations. These individuals all share a passion for what they do. Many of these industry pioneers are still active today. They continue to create new ideas, work on new innovations, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders. In this series, we get the...
Things Every Homeowner Should Know
May 02, 2023 13:00 - 10 minutes - 6.96 MBWhile it isn't a big list, there are some basic things that every homeowner who has a septic system should know. In this episode, we talk about what important information you should have about your system and why it's important. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.
Influential Voices: An Interview with Terry Bounds, P.E.
April 18, 2023 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBAs our industry has evolved, there were several voices that championed ideas. These influential voices inspired change, challenged conventional thinking, and invented revolutionary technologies that would set the course for future generations. These individuals all share a passion for what they do. Many of these industry pioneers are still active today. They continue to create new ideas, work on new innovations, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders. In this series, we get the...
Getting a Look at Our Industry
April 04, 2023 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBWe work in an exciting but often misunderstood industry. Just like most of an iceberg is hidden below the surface, most people only see the small, public part of our industry that is visible when there is a septic problem. Most commonly, they see the dedicated people that maintain and install systems. But, like an iceberg, there is so much more that the public never gets to see. In this episode, Angela and I get to talk about what it is like to work in the wastewater infrastructure industry....
Homeowner Do's and Don'ts Pt 4: Your Control Panel
March 21, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.61 MBLots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. Not every septic system has a control panel. However, if you have one in your system, it might be som...
Homeowner Do's and Don'ts Pt 3: Outside the Home
March 07, 2023 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.14 MBLots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. In the third episode in our series, Angela and I talk about what homeowners should be aware of outsid...
Homeowner Do's and Don'ts Pt 2: Inside the Home
February 21, 2023 14:00 - 10 minutes - 6.99 MBLots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. In this second episode of our Do's and Don'ts series, Angela and I talk about the simple things you c...
Homeowner Do's and Don'ts Pt 1: The Drain
February 07, 2023 14:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBLots of things come with do's and don'ts: appliances, computers, cars ... even clothes. These do's and don'ts help us get the most out of the things we use every day. Your wastewater system is no different. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, and some common-sense guidelines, you can be confident that your wastewater system will operate with little-to-no hassle for many years. In this first episode of our Do's and Don'ts series, Angela and I talk about the basics of what shoul...
How Does It Work: Drainfields: The End of the Road
January 24, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBIn part four, we finish out our series with a discussion on drainfields. Follow along as we talk with Jeff Ball about the different types of drainfields that are used in the industry. We'll discuss some tips for maintaining your drainfield to keep it in good working condition and talk about some reasons why a drainfield could fail. What better way to end the series than by talking about the final piece of your septic system; the drainfield. If you have comments or questions about our podcas...
How Does It Work: From Drain to Drainfield
January 10, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBHow much do you know about what happens in your septic tank? There is a lot that goes on in your septic system between your house and the drainfield. Jeff Ball, one of the owners of the company, joins us to talk about how a septic tanks works, the processes that take place in a septic tank, and why the tank is so important to treating wastewater. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, ca...
How Does It Work: Using Your Garbage Disposal
December 27, 2022 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.8 MBGarbage disposals are a convenience in many homes, but their use is sometimes misunderstood by many well-meaning homeowners. In this second episode of our series, "How Does it Work?", we talk with Jeff Ball about the two schools of thought on the use of garbage disposals. We discuss what is and is not acceptable use of this modern convenience, and give homeowners some tips and tricks to keep in mind. If you own a garbage disposal, be sure to refer to the owners manual provided by the manufa...
How Does It Work: Can I Flush This?
December 13, 2022 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWelcome to the first episode in our new series, "How Does It Work" where we discuss the basics of septic systems. In this episode, we talk with Jeff Ball, one of the company owners, about what is safe to flush down the toilet, and what things may cause damage or harm to your wastewater system. You can find additional information in our Homeowner Manual found through this link (https://odl.orenco.com/documents/NBR-ATX-AXR-3.pdf). Join us as we explore the question, How Does It Work? If you ...
Resource Conservation: Reusing Wastewater
November 29, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBWater is a scarce and valuable resource. Every year, our usable supply of it gets smaller and smaller as we allow it to be contaminated with chemicals and toxic materials. The good news is that we can do something about it by reusing what is commonly called "wastewater". The water that we dispose of in our sewage treatment and greywater systems can gain new life when it is cleaned up and used for another purpose before being sent back into the water table. Garry-Lee Espinosa, one of our se...
Effluent Filters Are Essential
November 15, 2022 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBIt's hard to believe that something so seemingly trivial and inexpensive could potentially save you thousands of dollars by preventing premature failure of your expensive septic system components. That's the potential of making sure your system is protected by an effluent filter. This basic, yet necessary part of your system is the focus of our episode with one of our Product Managers, David Nelson. Join us as we discuss how they work, how to choose the right filter for your system, and how ...
Designing for Residential vs. Commercial Wastewater
November 01, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBDesigning wastewater systems no matter where the wastewater comes from is all the same, right? Unfortunately, the answer is "No". The waste coming from single-family homes (or even a collection of homes) tends to be the same from system to system. When designing for commercial systems though, the waste strength can vary wildly. In this episode, we talk with GarryLee Espinosa, one of our senior engineers, about the differences in systems for residential and commercial establishments and why t...
The State of Water
October 18, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBWater is a vital resource. So important, in fact, that we wanted to circle back around to thoughts from a previous episode and highlight some of the realities we face with such a limited and valuable resource. In this episode, we brought back our clean water expert, Geoff Salthouse, to talk about the quantity, quality, and availability of clean water, and how you can do something to benefit both yourself and future generations. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can re...
The Road to WEFTEC
October 04, 2022 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.4 MBWe are going to the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition Conference (WEFTEC)! This is one of the largest conferences in North America that focuses on water and wastewater and we would love to see you there. Angela and I briefly share what it is like preparing for WEFTEC, what you can expect if you attend, and how to get access to all of the schedules, speakers, and exhibitors that make up this massive show. See you in New Orleans! If you have comments or questions about our p...
Funding a Municipal Project
July 26, 2022 13:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBWastewater infrastructure is an essential part of every community. It involves environmental and economic studies, designing and engineering, installation, maintenance, and sometimes, remediation. All of this costs money. So, where does that money come from? Our guests, Mike Saunders and Bill Snyder, share their knowledge and experience with us and tell us how this essential community resource gets funded. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this li...
A Primer on Nutrients in Wastewater
July 12, 2022 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBAcross the United States, nutrient discharges from wastewater systems are being regulated at an increasing rate. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems can provide better, more reliable solutions for reducing nutrients through biological processes. In this episode, we'll talk with Bill Hensley, one of our Senior Engineers, about what those nutrients are and how we go about reducing nitrogen and other nutrients of concern. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reac...
Pros and Cons of Grinder Systems
June 21, 2022 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBConsidering a grinder system? Not quite sure how they compare to liquid-only sewer technologies? Join us as we talk with Bill Snyder who lays out the facts about what a grinder system is, what their advantages are, and what their disadvantages are; especially when compared to a liquid-only sewer. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.
A Case Study on Jack's Point, NZ
June 07, 2022 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.3 MBBuilding homes in scenic and pristine environments can present a problem when it comes to wastewater management and treatment. In this episode, we talk with Brian Cohen, our International Region Account Manager, about the project, Jack's Point, found in the beautiful New Zealand countryside. We discuss the decisions the developers faced and why they chose to use an Orenco liquid-only sewer for collection going to an AdvanTex Treatment System. If you have comments or questions about our pod...
Your Septic Tank Must Be Watertight
May 24, 2022 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBSeptic tanks, in one form or another, are a part of every wastewater system. Thousands of them are installed each year across the country. Some are made of concrete, some out of fiberglass or a poly material, but they are all the same, right? Once they are installed and buried, does it really matter if they leak? Join us as we talk with Steve Sinks, our NW Account Manager, about why choosing the right tank makes a difference to the environment, public health, and your pocketbook. If you hav...
Things Every System Should Have
May 10, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBEvery septic system, whether it is a septic tank and a gravity drainfield, or an advanced treatment system like AdvanTex®, share some common but very important parts. Join us as we talk with one of our Regional Managers, Cory Lyon, about some common parts that should be in every septic system and why they are so important. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.
Earth Day 2022 - It's Time to Focus on Water
April 22, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBEarth Day is a day to take stock of our planet and renew our efforts to protect our natural resources. One of the most precious, but often neglected, is our water. While we may think of it as an abundant resource, the fact is that there is precious little of it that we can use. Join us as we talk with Mike Saunders about how important it is that we educate ourselves and future generations on the importance of conserving and preserving this precious resource. If you have comments or question...
What They Didn't Teach You in Engineering School
April 14, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWhile colleges are usually pretty good at teaching you how to think like an engineer, your course of study probably didn't teach you everything you would need to know. Join us as talk with three of our newest engineers about what they did learn and, more importantly, what they wish they would have learned in school. If you are thinking about becoming an engineer in the wastewater industry, you might even get some advice that will help you along the way. If you have comments or questions ab...
Speaking of Controls...
March 15, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBEvery septic system, whether it's simply a septic tank and a drainfield, or an advanced treatment system, probably makes use of some kind of alarm or control panel. Our guest, Steve Sinks, is here to talk to us about different types of control panels and how to determine what panel your system may need. We'll touch on everything you need to know when looking for controls for your next project. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discu...
What is VeriComm®?
March 01, 2022 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBIs it a panel? Is it a website? Is it a data collection and monitoring tool? It's all of these and more! In this episode, Angela and Shawn talk with our resident VeriComm expert, Aaron Yates. Join us as we discuss the parts that make up a Vericomm system, how it works, and how you can use it to maximize system design, operation, maintenance, and efficiency. Service Providers will be able to know what is happening in a system before going to a site and Homeowners will have peace of mind knowi...
Let's Talk About Nitrogen
February 15, 2022 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBDepending on where you live and work, nitrogen in the waste stream can be a real environmental concern. Garry Lee Espinosa, one of our senior engineers, talks with us about why jurisdictions sometimes focus on nitrogen. He breaks down the nitrogen cycle and explains why packed bed filters can be a cost-effective solution to reducing the nitrogen that makes its way back to the environment. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a...
Sewage Regulation and Enforcement
February 01, 2022 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode, Orenco's Government Affairs Director, Nick Noble, joins us to talk about the importance of good regulations and effective enforcement. States and local jurisdictions rely on good regulations to help protect our water and the environment from poorly performing wastewater systems. Nick helps us understand why good regulation and enforcement is not easy to accomplish and why all of the stakeholders in the wastewater industry need to step up and commit to raising the bar. If yo...
5 Myths About Liquid Only Sewers
January 18, 2022 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBGravity Sewers have been in use for so long and are such a widely accepted method for transporting wastewater that many other technologies aren't as well known or have become marginalized. One of these lesser known methods that is gaining more attention is Liquid Only Sewer. This proven technology has long been hounded by outdated and unwarranted myths that David Lepre, one of our senior engineers, will help us dispel in this episode. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you...
The Benefits of Liquid Only Sewer
January 04, 2022 14:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBFor many small communities and developments, liquid only sewer provides a lot of benefits over other technologies. Mike Saunders, our resident expert, takes some time to talk to us about the many advantages that can be leveraged by designing and implementing this technology into your project. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.
"Flush and Forget" is No Longer an Option
November 23, 2021 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBNow, more than ever, it is imperative that we are mindful of what we are flushing down the toilet or washing down the drain. It's not just the right thing to do for the environment, but it's also the right thing to do for those in our communities. Join us as we talk with Geoff Salthouse, our International team manager, about why this is so important. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers...
Discussing Inflow and Infiltration
November 09, 2021 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBInflow and Infiltration, commonly known as I&I, are two little words that can represent huge problems for both municipal sewer and septic systems alike. In this episode, we talk with Patrick Foley, the Systems Engineering Manager at Orenco Water. We discuss the causes of I&I, how to test for it, what kinds of impacts it can have on a treatment system, and, most importantly, how it can affect the ratepayers and owners financially. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can...
The Importance of On-Lot Safety
October 26, 2021 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBIf you design, install, maintain, or live with a septic system, this episode is for you! Cory Lyon, our East Region Sales Manager, joins us to talk about this critical topic. Good safety habits are important to cultivate and should be a part of everything we do in the onsite industry. Join us as we discuss why ignoring safety guidelines can cost more than just money. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to on...