Environmental Finance Center Network

More than 50 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, what can we learn from its impact on small communities? In this episode, Dr. Rhiannon Jerch discusses how the Clean Water Act shaped municipal finances, improved water quality, and influenced long-term community growth. We explore how small municipalities financed major wastewater infrastructure investments, the role of user fees and fed...

Cross-connection and backflow risks may not always be obvious, but they can pose serious threats to drinking water systems and public health when left unaddressed. In this episode, Alice Kilkelly from the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center speaks with Elizabeth Belezaire, Water Quality Analyst at the Board of Water Supply for the City of Mount Vernon, New York, about the city’s effor...

Small water systems face many of the same regulatory requirements and financing complexities as larger utilities, but with fewer staff and resources to manage them. In this episode, we examine how finance professionals can effectively navigate the landscape of federal funding opportunities available to small water systems. Joined by finance expert Kevin Wachtel, Senior Manager at GFOA, the discuss...

PFAS are increasingly being detected in drinking water systems across the country. In this episode, Dr. Li explains what PFAS are, how they enter our water supplies, current regulations, risks to communities and private well owners as well as actionable measures individuals can implement within their households to mitigate the presence of these pollutants.

In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven and Eric Williams are joined by Bill Moody of the Mississippi Department of Health’s Water Division and David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems. Together, they share practical guidance for water utilities on maintaining regulatory compliance and responding effectively during emergencies. Drawing on real-world ex...

Severe weather events, natural disasters, and power outages pose serious challenges for wastewater public utilities, yet essential services must continue when communities need them most. In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven, Jason Barrett, and Eric Williams sit down with Mr. David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems to explore how wastewater utilitie...

Join Brian Bohnsack, Tyler Cotner and John Colcazier from the Wichita State University EFC as they share their experiences working with wastewater and water boards and some of the most common issues they have encountered.

This podcast outlines how to frame the funding challenges, how to understand the Funding Landscape, ways to identify funding sources for you utility, the best ways to stay organized, how to manage multiple funding sources, and how Technical Assistance can help. Hosted by Wichita State University EFC Program Manager Analisa Munhall, with Anna Archer, who is also a WSU EFC Project Manager.

This episode explores how the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement has evolved since its inception. The conversation breaks down pollution diets and nutrient reduction goals, highlights effective stormwater best management practices, and discusses workforce development programs that are helping small communities move from regulatory compliance to community-focused action that protects local waters a...

Cold weather can pose unique challenges for on-site wastewater systems—but with the right preparation, problems can be prevented before they start. In this episode, host Anthony Craven is joined by Jason Barrett, Associate Professor with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, to discuss best practices for maintaining o...

This episode explores the growing energy and water demands of data centers as artificial intelligence is driving rapid expansion across the country. The discussion highlights how AI-focused data centers differ from traditional facilities, why their electricity and water use is increasing, and what this means for small and rural communities. The conversation also explores how local governments and...

Small water systems are struggling to keep up with compliance and rising costs. In this episode, we explore how new policy tools, partnerships, and restructuring can unlock solutions for the future. This episode is hosted by Danish Kumar, Climate Change Program Manager at The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, with Ellen Kohler, Director of Applied Research and Policy at The Wate...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Clare Pace (PhD, MPH) a postdoctoral researcher for the University of California, Berkeley Water Equity Science Shop (WESS). Dr. Pace shares insights about PFAS for small and rural water systems. Starting with the basics, we discuss what PFAS are, where they come from, known and unknown health risks, the current PFAS regulatory landscape for water and wastewater s...

What happens behind the scenes to ensure clean, safe water leaves our communities? In this episode, host Anthony Craven talks with Dr. Jason Barrett, Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager at the MWRRI, about the municipal wastewater permitting process. Together, they break down why permits matter, h...

Aging pipes, outdated meter reading systems, and strained budgets are putting more pressure than ever on our nation’s water utilities. In this episode, host Anthony Craven sits down with Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager with the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Dr. Jason Barrett, MWRRI Director, to unpack the biggest challenges facing utiliti...

Changing weather patterns and climate are putting new pressure on septic systems. From rising groundwater to more frequent flooding, many communities are already seeing the impacts. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lazur and Dr. Allison Reilly explore how climate change is affecting septic system performance, the public health risks that come with system failures, and practical steps homeowners and loc...

In this second episode of a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe and Ryan Magee, technical assistance provider at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, continue their conversation about the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how...

In a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe explains the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how water systems use various layers of treatment to ensure that the water coming out of a tap is safe for public consumption. Your host for thi...

One of the greatest challenges that communities face when planning and managing green infrastructure programs is maintenance and upkeep of their green infrastructure installations. Green infrastructure (water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that uses natural systems to mitigate water quality and quantity) requires management and maintenance – but do you have a knowledgeable, reliable, a...

This podcast features Goleta Water District in Santa Barbara County, California. The district operates to provide water to over 87,000 people living in the greater Goleta Valley with an infrastructure of more than 270 miles of pipeline. GFOA worked with the Goleta Water District on a risk-based reserve project to assist the District re-evaluate it reserve policy to right-size fund levels to accoun...

In this podcast, host Danish Kumar speaks with Jennifer Egan, Program Manager at the UMD EFC about the pressing but often overlooked issue of wastewater management in mobile home parks and rural communities. They explore the challenges posed by aging septic systems, deferred maintenance, and complex ownership structures, particularly in low-income areas. Jennifer shares real-world examples from De...

In the world of wastewater treatment, operators often wear many hats—including that of the sampler. Sampling is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a cornerstone of effective plant operation and environmental protection. Yet, many operators face challenges due to limited access to proper tools and training. In this second episode of a two-part series, the Environmental Finance Center Network’s...

In the world of wastewater treatment, operators often wear many hats—including that of the sampler. Sampling is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a cornerstone of effective plant operation and environmental protection. Yet, many operators face challenges due to limited access to proper tools and training. In this first episode of a two-part series, the Environmental Finance Center Network’s...

Veteran operator, Mike Rivera, shares real-world water sampling insights—from compliance prep and troubleshooting to working in tough environments. Practical tips for small system water operators.

Join the Environmental Finance Center Network as we explore how capital improvement planning can lead to a more financially resilient utility. In this episode, Southwest EFC Research Engineer A.J. Barney speaks with Rose Fenton, the Wastewater Plant Operations Manager at the Village of Jemez Springs, NM. Rose shares her firsthand perspective on the journey of developing a Capital Improvement Plan...