Tap Talk

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 show notes for this episode!

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 notes for this episode!

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 Development Council. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to...

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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show no...

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!

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 studying some of today's biggest water quality issues,...

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 drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the...

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 planning. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more a...

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 wells and transient non-community systems and the d...

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 efforts. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn mo...

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 that use chloramines for disinfection. Visit drinkin...

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 show notes for this episode!

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.org to learn more and find the full show notes for...

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 private well owner to connect to a distributed syste...

In 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!