Tap Talk
50 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago -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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Episodes
TT042 - Local Solutions: A Key to Growing the Water Workforce (Part 1)
April 11, 2024 18:00 - 34 minutes - 22.6 MBThis 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 greater Philadelphia area. They talk with Steve and Jennifer about their efforts to combat the "silver tsunami" affecting the water workforce. Visit...
TT041 - Data: The Key to Private Well Advocacy
April 04, 2024 11:00 - 42 minutes - 26.5 MBThis 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 for the safekeeping of private wells. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT040 - Be the Champion: Building Knowledge with Informal Communities
March 28, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 26.4 MBBob 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 knowledge building. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT039 - RCAP at 50: Building Sustainable Rural Communities
March 21, 2024 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBThe 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 assistance provider, and why passion is the most important part of the job. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes ...
TT038 - Operator Training: It Takes Skill
March 14, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 25.6 MBThe 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 University, Sacramento, about what he's learned from his years of teaching and the future of operator training. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to ...
TT037 - Partnership: The More You Give, The More You Get
March 07, 2024 07:00 - 46 minutes - 29.5 MBIn 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 our programs, and the value of our partnerships in helping those we serve. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show not...
TT036 - Busting Myths about Regionalization
June 24, 2023 22:26 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBRegionalization 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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT035 - The State of Drinking Water
June 15, 2023 15:41 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBAs 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 sustainability for the most disadvantaged communities. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode...
TT034 - Leveraging Passion to Protect Public Health
June 08, 2023 18:25 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBPennsylvania 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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT033 - Research for Water Equity (Part 2)
May 31, 2023 21:25 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBIn 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 full show notes for this episode!
TT032 - Research for Water Equity (Part 1)
May 26, 2023 17:17 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBResearch 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 are needed to design equitable solutions. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT031 - Funding Your Water Infrastructure Project
May 10, 2023 22:03 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBWhen 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. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT030 - Improving Safe Water Access for the Cherokee Nation
May 04, 2023 22:51 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBTribal 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 solutions the Tribe is using to address safe water access as well as significant obstacles that remain. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more ...
TT029 - The Power of Persistence
May 02, 2023 20:32 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBTammy 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.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT028 - Data and Details from an Effective Program
April 13, 2023 23:02 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBIn 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 find the full show notes for this episode!
TT027 - The Future of Operator Certification
April 11, 2023 13:43 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBIn 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 the full show notes for this episode!
TT026 - Focusing on the Customer
March 31, 2023 22:24 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBIn 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 learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT025 - Understanding Drought and Drinking Water
September 08, 2022 17:30 - 41 minutes - 25.9 MBIn 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 to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT024 - Thinking Differently about Infrastructure
June 03, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 36.8 MBIn 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 learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT023 - Environmental Justice, Water, and Public Health
May 16, 2022 01:23 - 38 minutes - 24.3 MBIn 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 full show notes for this episode!
TT022 - Best Practices in Webinar Training
May 06, 2022 19:22 - 45 minutes - 26.1 MBDoes 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 show notes for this episode!
TT021 - Education and Funding Options for Well Owners
April 30, 2022 00:36 - 26 minutes - 16.4 MBIn 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 learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT020 - Community-centered Infrastructure Planning
April 21, 2022 16:47 - 47 minutes - 30.7 MBHow 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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT019 - Water and Children's Health
April 14, 2022 21:24 - 49 minutes - 29.9 MBWater 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 potential next steps towards a consistent and proactive approach. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for th...
TT018 - Creative Collaborations in Water (Part 2)
April 07, 2022 22:04 - 37 minutes - 24.1 MBLocal 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 learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT017 - Creative Collaborations in Water (Part 1)
April 01, 2022 03:39 - 50 minutes - 29.1 MBIn 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 learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT016 - Listening to People and Data
March 24, 2022 06:00 - 36 minutes - 21.7 MBHow 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 episode!
TT015 - Selecting Appropriate Water Treatment and Ethical Providers
March 17, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 15.4 MBHow 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 show notes for this episode!
TT014 - Building Civic Engagement in Rural Water Issues
March 10, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutes - 22.1 MBJerry 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 notes for this episode!
TT013 - Water is an Economic Development Problem
March 02, 2022 21:13 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBOne 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 Development Council. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT012 - Water Supplies and Renter's Rights
November 18, 2021 02:46 - 40 minutes - 24.9 MBRenters 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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT011 - Risk Communication and Perception
November 11, 2021 15:52 - 53 minutes - 35.8 MBHow 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!
TT010 - Understanding Groundwater Quantity and Quality
November 04, 2021 21:27 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBHow 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 studying some of today's biggest water quality issues, such as microplastics and lead. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the f...
TT009 - Asset Management for Rural America (Part 2)
October 28, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutes - 26.6 MBHow 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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT008 - Asset Management for Rural America (Part 1)
October 21, 2021 20:18 - 48 minutes - 31.2 MBHow 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 planning. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT007 - Helping the Smallest Water Systems
October 14, 2021 15:44 - 58 minutes - 37.5 MBThose 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 wells and transient non-community systems and the differences between water issues in the east and the west. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to ...
TT006 – Protecting Well Users in North Carolina
October 07, 2021 14:16 - 27 minutes - 17.6 MBIn 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 efforts. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT005 - Controlling Nitrification in Chloraminated Systems
September 30, 2021 06:00 - 57 minutes - 37 MBThree 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 that use chloramines for disinfection. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT004 - The Problem with Springs
September 23, 2021 02:10 - 50 minutes - 32.9 MBIn 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 show notes for this episode!
TT003 - Mastering Well Owner Education
September 16, 2021 03:43 - 48 minutes - 37 MBHow 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.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
TT002 - Private Wells vs. Public Water Systems
September 06, 2021 22:24 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBPrivate 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 private well owner to connect to a distributed system when feasible. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for...
TT001 – The Drinking Water in Rural America Podcast
September 01, 2021 21:28 - 30 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode we’ll share some of the backstory behind this show and our partnership as your co-hosts. We’ve leaned on our own individual strengths to build our outreach programs and our family. Now it’s time to learn more about how our friends and colleagues are getting things done. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode!
PWP008 - RFD Radio Network Lead 08/26/2016
October 19, 2016 18:48 - 16 minutes - 22.5 MBSteve Wilson is in the RFD Radio Network studio with Alan Jarand where they discuss taste and odor issues and the contaminants that can cause them including lead, sulfur, and arsenic.
PWP007 - RFD Radio Network Geology and Water Use Practices 06/24/2016
August 12, 2016 19:00 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBIn another segment from RFD Radio Network Steve Wilson sits down with Alan Jarand to discuss varying geology, Illinois issues, and effects certain water use practices can have on aquifers.
PWP006 - RFD Radio Network Abandoned Wells 05/20/2016
June 17, 2016 15:29 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBGroundwater hydrologist, Steve Wilson, sits down with Alan Jarand from RFD Radio Network to discuss all that is abandoned wells.
PWP005 - RFD Radio Network Interview Continued 04/01/2016
June 10, 2016 16:18 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBGroundwater hydrologist, Steve Wilson, sits down with Alan Jarand from RFD Radio Network to continue their interview and discussion from last episode.
PWP004 - RFD Radio Network Interview 02/19/2016
June 01, 2016 15:52 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBGroundwater hydrologist, Steve Wilson, sits down with Alan Jarand from RFD Radio Network for an interview.
PWP003 - Well Construction and Related Issues
October 31, 2015 00:21 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MBKnowing what type of well you have and how it was constructed can help determine how water gets to your well and types of contamination risks.
PWP002 - Groundwater and Well Contamination
October 13, 2015 17:07 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MBUnderstand how pumping your well can influence groundwater flow, water level, and water quality and how contaminants can move within groundwater.
PWP001 - The Science of Groundwater
October 05, 2015 21:30 - 17 minutes - 24 MBKnowing the geology of your well provides you with an understanding of possible sources of contamination, as well as how much water your well might be able to pump.