waterloop (Travis Loop)

Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is a scientist, wild water advocate, movement-maker, and author of the New York Times best-seller Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. In this episode he talks about the meaning of Blue Mind, the neuroscience involved, and how surfing, float tanks, and freediving impact the brain.

Hosted by Travis Loop

Marcus Ericksen is the co-founder and director of research for the 5 Gyres Institute. He has been on more than 20 ocean-crossing expeditions, written and published research on the impact of plastic pollution in the world's oceans, and authored Junk Raft about a trip from Los Angeles to Hawaii and My River Home: A Journey from the Gulf War to the Gulf of Mexico. In this episode Marcus discusses plastic in the ocean including the problems it causes, where it comes from, how much is in the water, and what can be done.

Chuck Fox is the Executive Director of Oceans 5, an international funders’ collaborative that works to constrain overfishing and create and expand marine protected areas. In this episode, Chuck explains the problem of overfishing and discusses sharks, whaling, and the Arctic and Antarctica.

Katie Wallace is the Director of Social and Environmental Impact for New Belgium Brewing and co-chair of the sustainability committee for the Brewers Association. In this episode, Katie discusses the role of water in beer, how brewers are water conscious, the ways breweries are conserving water, the business case for saving water, and how the boom of the craft brewing industry has shaped sustainability.

Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. In this episode Chad discusses the organization's mission, Smartfin technology, plastic pollution, offshore drilling, climate change, and surfers as scientists and environmental advocates.

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta is a marine biologist in Australia who uses technology to study whales. In this episode Vanessa discusses collecting whale snot with drones, her research on the impact of global shipping on marine giants, how alarms can prevent entanglement in fishing nets, and the importance of science communications.

Mark Price is the CEO of Firewire Surfboards. In this episode Mark discusses how Firewire makes more sustainable surfboards, leashes, and traction pads that are better for people - including shapers - and the environment. He talks about the impact of having Kelly Slater and Rob Machado as advocates and why Firewire supports a variety of conservation organizations.

Ryan Bigelow is the Senior Program Manager for Seafood Watch at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In this episode Ryan discusses how the popular Seafood Watch guide helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy, more sustainable ocean. He explains how people can evaluate seafood choices at restaurants and grocery stores, as well as ways that the industry is shifting toward sustainability.

Dr. Denise Herzing is the Founder and Research Director of the Wild Dolphin Project. In this episode Denise talks about her 35 years spent studying dolphins in the wild and why it is a unique and important approach. She discusses what science knows about the high intelligence level of dolphins, how they communicate, and their social structure and behaviors. Denise also explains the negative impacts of climate change and overfishing on dolphins, but offers ways people can support dolphin conservation and research.

Sean Swentek is Executive Director of A Walk On Water and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Surf Therapy Organization. In this episode Sean discusses the use of surfing as therapy for a wide range of issues including children with special needs, individuals with disabilities, veterans coping with PTSD, and people with mental health challenges. He explains how surf therapy also positively impacts family and friends that attend, as well as the volunteers themselves. Sean talks about the existing research on the benefits of surf therapy and efforts to expand the science.

Earl Swift is author of Chesapeake Requiem: A Year with the Watermen of Vanishing Tangier Island. In this episode Earl explains how the unique community in the Chesapeake Bay is struggling as the island disappears through a combination of erosion, subsidence, and rising seas from climate change. He talks about his time living on Tangier Island, the life of a watermen, and the iconic blue crab. Earl also discusses the reaction to his book and the difficult decisions around saving communities from climate change.

Apryl Boyle is the Founder and Executive Director of El Porto Shark. In this episode Apryl discusses misconceptions about sharks, the importance of changing public opinion, ways to raise awareness, and the role of partnerships in protection. She talks about aggregation of shark conservation data and forecasting marine life populations. Apryl also explains the role of sharks in climate change adaptation.

Dr. John Burns is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. In this episode John explains the critical importance of coral reefs to the ocean ecosystem and coastal communities. He talks about the health of coral reefs in Hawaii and globally, as well as what changes in reefs reveal about the health of the ocean and planet. John also discusses the science behind Hawaii’s ban on sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate and how these chemicals may impact coral reefs.

Jane Gilbert is the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Miami. In this episode Jane explains how climate change is impacting Miami, including through increased heat, sea level rise, and stronger storms. She explains the new Miami Forever Climate Ready plan and how the city is adapting with infrastructure, land use codes, and green space. Jane talks about the role of community involvement, partnership with state and federal government, and lessons learned from other cities around the world.

waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/

Seth Siegel is the author of Troubled Water: What’s Wrong With What We Drink. In this episode Seth discusses why he opened the book with the story of PFAS pollution in Hoosick Falls, the concept that chemicals are considered innocent to public health until proven guilty, and the state of drinking water science. He explains the problems with EPA’s oversight of drinking water quality and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Seth talks about a variety of ways to improve drinking water including a technology leap, an improvement fund, and vouchers for low-income people.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Emma Robbins is Director of the Navajo Water Project. In this episode Emma talks about the Navajo Nation and how Navajo are 67 times more likely than other Americans to live without running water, with one in three families hauling water home every day. She explains that the Navajo Water Project is a community-managed utility alternative that brings hot and cold running water to homes without access to water or sewer lines. Emma discusses success stories and the powerful impact of seeing people gain running water for the first time.

waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/

Eric Adler is the CEO of Flume. In this episode Eric explains how in the era of residential water conservation and wired homes the Flume Smart Water Monitor allows people to track their house's water use in real-time on a smartphone and provides alerts about excessive use and leaks. He says a few years ago the severe California drought and water restrictions led him to create Flume as a project at Cal Poly University. Eric discusses how utilities want to encourage customers to conserve water and help them understand water bills so many are offering rebates for Flume.

waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/

Micah Ragland is a native of Flint, Michigan and served as a public outreach official in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama Administration.

in this episode Micah describes the history and people of Flint, as well as his experience growing up in the city. He explains how the Flint drinking water crisis unfolded for him, beginning with texts from relatives and then spending 11 months in the community as a central part of EPA’s response. Micah talks about the current situation in Flint and the remaining work to address the lead problem.

waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/

Rob Bilott is an environmental attorney and author of Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont.

In this episode Rob details his two-decade legal fight to reveal the harm done by PFAS to people in Parkersburg, W.V. and to call widespread attention to the unique threat the “forever chemicals” pose to human health. He discusses how it feels to be the person most responsible for revealing the dangers of PFAS and the value of having the film Dark Waters and its star Mark Ruffalo highlight the story for the masses. Rob says that his work is not over and he is pursuing class-action status for everyone in the United States who has been exposed to PFAS.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

La’Meshia Whittington-Kaminski is Deputy Political Director for Advance Carolina and Organizing Campaigns Director for the NC Black Alliance.

In this episode La’Meshia explains how the environmental justice movement began in North Carolina and the disproportionate impacts that low-income communities and communities of color have faced in the state, including GenX in drinking water, pollution from factory farms, and hurricane damage. She discusses the role political maps - specifically gerrymandering - has played and why there is a lack of public awareness of environmental justice issues. La’Meshia says that organizations have improved situations for communities through partnerships, communication, and grassroots support.

Vaughn Hagerty is the Public Information Officer for the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in Wilmington, North Carolina.

In this episode Vaughn discusses the discovery that GenX, a PFAS chemical, was dumped into the Cape Fear River for nearly 40 years by Chemours, a DuPont spin-off company, and ended up in local drinking water. He talks about the community’s response, the agreement reached with Chemours, and the $43 million the utility is spending to upgrade water treatment. Vaughn also explains his decision to join Cape Fear PUA after being a reporter that broke the story and how it has approached communication with customers in Wilmington.

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Kara Meyer is the Managing Director of + POOL, a nonprofit working to build a swimming pool in the East River in New York City.

In this episode Kara discusses the vision for + POOL including how it would filter river water and provide a recreational resource for New Yorkers. She explains the time-consuming process of gaining various approvals and building necessary support that is underway. Kara also talks about the public art installation of an illuminated plus sign in the river that changed colors based on water quality and raised public awareness about the project and the urban waterway’s health.

waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/

Mathew Hauer is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Florida State University who studies the impacts of climate change on society.

In this episode Mathew explains that an estimated 13 million Americans will need to move because of rising sea levels by the end of the century. He discusses how these climate refugees from coastal areas in states like Florida, Louisiana, the Carolinas, and Virginia will create a variety of pressures on local economies and society as they relocate to inland cities. Mathew also talks about his research on how climate change may decrease human fertility and increase human mortality in the coming decades.

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Rob Puentes is the President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation.

In this episode Rob discusses various intersections of water and transportation, including the challenges and opportunities with both types of infrastructure simultaneously in need of massive investment to modernize and expand. He talks about the impact that paved surfaces such as highways and roads have on stormwater pollution and the resulting trend to utilize more green infrastructure in transportation projects. Rob also explains that coastal cities are having to adapt transportation infrastructure in the face of climate change impacts such as sea level rise and the benefits to quality of life in cities that remove highways that block public access to waterfronts.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

John Deignan is Lead Free DC Program Manager at DC Water.

In this episode John says there are more than 20,000 lead drinking water lines on private property in Washington, DC and the utility’s new program provides funding for replacement and requires disclosure of lead by landlords and property sellers. He discusses the financial and logistical challenges of replacing lead lines and how DC Water built an online searchable map using historical records. John also explains that lead lines for drinking water are an environmental justice issue and that a report by American University and the Environmental Defense Fund found that programs relying on customers to pay to have their lead pipe fully replaced put low-income and African American households at greater risk of lead exposure.

Ramiro Diaz is Senior Project Designer with Waggonner & Ball, an architecture and environment firm based in New Orleans.

In this episode Ramiro explains the firm’s Living With Water approach to design that revolves around water sustainability, climate resilience, and community livability. He discusses projects including the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, Mirabeau Water Garden, and Dutch Dialogues. Ramiro also talks about the process of collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to shape design and create environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation.

In this episode Chad discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted beach access and surfing, and how the Surfrider Foundation assembled an expert task force to provide recommendations on public access. He explains that this is also a challenging time for the organization’s federal policy goals as it mostly plays defense against the Trump administration’s environmental attacks. Chad talks about the role of citizens in water quality monitoring, building Ocean Friendly Gardens, nutrient pollution at Florida beaches, and activism by the hard-core surfers of the Great Lakes.

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Julia Stein is Project Director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.

In this episode Julia discusses the scope of single-use plastic production and pollution, why recycling isn’t an adequate solution, and the importance of source control. She explains the various laws found at the local level on plastic, including successful approaches and economic benefits. Julia also says federal action is needed on single-use plastics and that there is an impactful bill currently in Congress.

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Tim Wheeler is Associate Editor and Senior Writer for the Bay Journal.

In this episode Tim discusses the current health of the Chesapeake Bay and the status of key indicators of nutrients, underwater grasses, and blue crabs. He talks about progress toward meeting the “pollution diet” for the Chesapeake by 2025 and the politics among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and states of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Tim also explains the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on restoration activities and Bay industries.

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Anne Schechinger is Senior Economics Analyst at the Environmental Working Group.

In this episode Anne discusses new research from EWG that shows nitrate contamination of drinking water increasing across 10 states. She explains that nitrate is a health risk for infants and is tied to increased risk of several types of cancer. Anne says nitrate is a primary component of fertilizers and manure that can run off farm fields and into groundwater and waterways, and that drinking water standards for nitrate should be lowered.

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Marleah LaBelle is Owner of Turning Pages Consulting and a Tribal member of the Native Village of Port Graham, Alaska.

In this episode Marleah discusses the place of water in Alaska Native culture and how the lack of running water in many villages negatively impacts health and well-being. She talks about Alaska Natives feeling marginalized and struggling for environmental justice. Marleah also explains that Alaska is experiencing significant impacts of climate change and that the community of Newtok already had to be permanently relocated.

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Travis Thompson is the Communications Manager at Denver Water.

In this episode Travis discusses the utility’s ambitious plan to remove between 64,000 to 84,000 lead water pipes over the next 15 years. He explains the decision to take a proactive approach to protecting customers from lead and why replacing pipes was chosen over changes to water chemistry. Travis also talks about the extensive outreach to the public to educate them about lead and plans to replace pipes.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Fay Hartman is the Conservation Director of the Colorado River Basin Program at American Rivers.

In this episode Fay talks about the federal government’s history of investing in river and water projects that damage rivers and perpetuate injustices against people of color and low-income communities. She discusses how rivers are powerful economic drivers, particularly through recreation and tourism, and that restoration results in job creation and economic growth. Amy says that American Rivers is calling on Congress to invest $500 billion over 10 years to improve water infrastructure, modernize flood management, and revitalize watersheds.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Dan Shapley is the Water Quality Program Director at Hudson Riverkeeper.

In this episode Dan discusses various challenges the Hudson River faces as it flows from the Adirondack Mountains to New York City, which include legacy PCB pollution and emerging PFAS problems. He explains how the movement to protect the Hudson eventually spawned the global Riverkeeper program. Dan also talks about the important role of community science in public engagement and the new plan for drinking water source protection.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Sharee Williamson is Associate General Counsel at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In this episode Sharee discusses the wide range of historic places and national treasures that are connected to water. She explains that impacts of climate change such as sea-level rise, stronger coastal storms, and flooding from intense rainfall are threatening many historic sites like Charleston, S.C.; the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.; and Annapolis, Md. Sharee talks about options for building resilience at historic places and the role of the National Park Service in preservation.

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Howard Neukrug is the Executive Director of The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this episode Howard discusses why there is always activity and innovation around water in the Philadelphia area. He says that The Water Center at Penn is focused on applied research to solve urban water challenges, with faculty, staff, and students all contributing. Howard explains why integrated watershed management and stakeholder engagement are vital to water sustainability in the 21st century.

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Erin Savage is Central Appalachian Senior Program Manager for Appalachian Voices.

In this episode Erin explains the practice of mountaintop removal for coal mining, which has destroyed more than 500 mountaintops, 1.2 million acres of forest, and 2,000 miles of streams in the Appalachians. She discusses the harmful impacts to communities including contaminated drinking water, increased flooding, and higher rates of cancer and other health issues. Erin says the coal industry isn’t meeting its responsibility to restore these mountaintops and that local economies need to be restructured to give people alternatives to working in mining.

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Fred Tutman is the Patuxent Riverkeeper.

In this episode Fred discusses his experiences as a Black man working in the overwhelmingly white environmental field and shares his perspective on the increased attention from organizations on people of color and diversity. He explains why he refers to it as environmental injustice and why ensuring clean water is part of delivering equity broadly for Black Americans. Fred also talks growing up on a farm by the Patuxent River in Maryland and his spiritual connection to the waterway.

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Venky Raghavendra is Vice President of Advancement for the Safe Water Network.

In this episode Venky discusses social entrepreneurship and why it has a vital role in addressing water challenges around the world. He explains how the Safe Water Network emphasizes market-based solutions to provide access to water for people in India and Ghana. Venky also talks about a virtual global convening of young people who are innovators and changemakers for water.

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Heather Sackett is Managing Editor at Aspen Journalism and Editor and Report of its Water Desk.

In this episode Heather discusses the rise and importance of nonprofit media outlets such as Aspen Journalism that cover environmental issues. She explains water rights in Colorado and the impact of climate change and the Colorado River Compact on water management. Heather also talks about private investors and hedge funds buying land to gain water rights and the community’s perception of that activity.

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Jeremy Orr is a Staff Attorney for the Safe Water Initiative of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

In this episode Jeremy explains that he went into environmental law because he saw a glaring lack of Black representation in the decision-making positions that impacted Black people. He discusses how racism and discriminatory practices created inequitable access to drinking water for communities of color and why environmental justice must be part of delivering equity for Black Americans. Jeremy also talks about a variety of recent progress and success in the fight for safer drinking water in Illinois and Michigan.

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Mark Mattson is the Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and President of Swim Drink Fish Canada.

In this episode Mark talks about the improvements made in Lake Ontario, particularly in the Toronto area, over the past few decades and the role of laws in driving the change. He discusses the importance of connecting people to water by providing public access and opportunities to swim, paddle, and fish. Mark also discusses the development of Swim Guide, a website and app that provides water quality information for over 8,000 beaches.

The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Judith Enck is founder of Beyond Plastics and a Senior Fellow and Visiting Faculty member at Bennington College, as well as a former Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for New York, New Jersey, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

In this episode Judith explains how advocacy, education, legislation, and individual action are all part of reducing plastic pollution in water. She discusses how the coronavirus pandemic impacted the amount of single-use plastic and lists several films that tell the story of plastics. Judith also talks about PFAS pollution in Hoosick Falls, NY, hurricane recovery and resilience, and damaging changes to water policy under the Trump administration.

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Vipe Desai is Founder of VoteTheOcean, Chair of the Board of the Ocean Institute, and Founding Member of the Business Alliance to Protect the Pacific Coast.

In this episode Vipe discusses the value of disruptive branding and cause-marketing in the environmental field and why the action sports industry is an effective advocate for nature. He talks about the importance of political activism on ocean issues and the need for more people to vote and engage elected officials. Vipe also explains how the business community can exert its influence on coastal policy.

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Jaimal Yogis is the author of Saltwater Buddha, The Fear Project, All Our Waves Are Water, and Mop Rides the Waves of Life.

In this episode Jaimal shares his perspective on the spiritual connection people feel to the ocean and life lessons that can be learned from surfing and waves. He also talks about fatherhood, meditation, and Buddhism. Jaimal discusses his new children’s book, which teaches mindfulness and control of emotions.

The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/

Haley Plaas is a PhD student in the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina.

In this episode Haley discusses the science of harmful algal blooms, including causes, toxins they can produce, and concerns for human health. She talks about the increase of harmful algal blooms across the U.S. and how nutrient pollution and warmer water from climate change are major factors. Haley explains her research on the potential aerosolization of toxins from algal blooms that she is conducting along the North Carolina coast.

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Bill Teichmiller is the CEO of the EJ Water Cooperative.

In this episode Bill discusses how a not-for-profit, member-owned water cooperative provides services to over 77,000 people and is an alternative to public and private water utilities. He shares what he believes to be the advantages of a co-op, including better service, lower rates, cleaner water, and equity for customers. Bill talks about the challenges of having 53,000 drinking water utilities and how regionalization and cooperatives could provide solutions.

The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/

Chris Moore is Senior Scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

In this episode Chris discusses the incredible ability of oysters to filter water and provide habitat for other species. He explains how policy changes, restoration projects, and aquaculture are helping to improve oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, particularly in some tributaries. Chris also talks about eating oysters, what makes them taste different, and the popularity of Chesapeake Bay oysters in restaurants.

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Mariah Davis is Policy and Campaigns Manager at the Choose Clean Water Coalition.

In this episode Mariah talks about her journey as a Black woman in the environmental field and how she feels about the intense focus on equity the past several months. She discusses the efforts and roles of the Choose Clean Water Coalition, Chesapeake Bay Program, and funders in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mariah explains how environmental organizations can use recommendations and a checklist in an action guide to make progress on DE&I.

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Dan Bena is a former water and sustainability executive at PepsiCo and currently a senior consultant for the Safe Water Network.

In this episode Dan discusses how a global company like PepsiCo views its relationship to water and how corporations are approaching water risk and management. He talks about the position of water as a human right and the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Dan also explains why he is an optimist in the face of many water challenges and shares lessons the U.S could learn from the developing world.

Find all podcasts at waterloop.org.

The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com

Colin Wellenkamp is the Executive Director of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative.

In this episode Colin discusses how mayors for more than 100 cities and towns on the main stem of the Mississippi River work together on common goals for clean water, sustainable economies, food security, climate resilience, and culture. He explains how climate change is delivering devastating impacts, ranging from extreme heat in the upper Mississippi, to historic flooding in the middle region, to frequent hurricanes in the lower area. Colin talks about approaches to reduce nutrient pollution, including supporting sustainable agriculture, increasing monitoring with sensors, and piloting environmental impact bonds in Memphis and New Orleans.

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Rick Luettich is Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina.

In this episode Rick explains that climate change is warming the ocean and atmosphere and raising sea level, leading to hurricanes that are stronger and wetter. He discusses the use of computer modeling to study and predict storm surge along the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as for resiliency planning by communities. Rick also talks about the science of protecting shorelines from coastal storms by using oyster reefs, man-made barriers, and other structural options.

Find all podcasts at https://www.waterloop.org

The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/

Nathan Ohle is the CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership.

In this episode Nathan talks about the communities and character of rural America, and how water challenges often stem from resource and capacity issues. He explains that RCAP provides a blend of training and technical assistance through a network of partners across the country. Nathan also discusses the concept of regionalization and how some rural communities are already collaborating in some form.

Find all episodes at https://www.waterloop.org

The waterloop podcast is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com/

Diane Durance is the Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW).

In this episode Diane explains that the term Blue Economy refers to a range of economic uses of ocean and coastal resources including energy, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. She discusses efforts by UNCW to grow the Blue Economy in southeastern North Carolina by supporting entrepreneurs, attracting funding, forging partnerships, and encouraging companies to set up in the area. Diane talks about preparing students to enter the Blue Economy and providing jobs in areas such as marine engineering, biology, and biotech, as well as coastal resilience.

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Tim Male is Executive Director of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center and Seyi Fabode is CEO and Co-Founder of Varuna.

In this episode Tim and Seyi discuss the need to reinvent the Consumer Confidence Reports that drinking water utilities are required to provide to customers. They explain that the public can’t understand most reports because they are too technical, difficult to understand, and out of date, but could be positively overhauled by utilities with creative data visualization, a desire to build trust, and a customer service mindset. Tim says the Water Data Prize is a design competition to present new concepts for presenting drinking water information to consumers.

Find all podcasts at https://www.waterloop.org

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Peter Colohan is the Executive Director of the Internet of Water project at Duke University and Stacy Timmons is the Associate Director of Hydrology Programs for the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources.

In this episode Peter and Stacy discuss the challenges of finding and using water data because it is not modernized, integrated, and organized. Peter explains the effort to build the Internet of Water, which is envisioned as an interconnected network where water data are discoverable and accessible so it can be used to manage water resources. Stacy talks about the New Mexico Water Data Initiative and a project to put water data for the Pecos River into modern infrastructure so it can be used by stakeholders for decision-making.

Find all podcasts at www.waterloop.org

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Felicia Marcus is a Fellow at Stanford University’s Water in the West Program and member of the Water Policy Group.

In this episode Felicia discusses many of the major water issues in California, drawing from her experience in leadership roles at the U.S. EPA, state Water Resources Control Board, and City of Los Angeles. She talks about California’s response to drought, including the emphasis on water conservation and efficiency, as well as other measures to build resilience to climate change. Felicia also shares her perspective on the role of collaboration in water management and explains her work at Stanford.

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Marc Edwards is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech University.

In this episode Marc discusses how he became involved in the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan and that it was a failure of responsibility across all levels and aspects of government. He explains the model of investigative science that he and his team uses to examine drinking water quality, and while he dislikes crossing into advocacy and activism he will expose government misconduct if necessary. Marc talks about the engineering ethics course he teaches at Virginia Tech and how students learn to follow scientific obligations to the profession and society.

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An estimated one million people in California lack access to safe, reliable drinking water and most of them are Latino and low-income individuals. Susana De Anda is the Executive Director of the Community Water Center and explains how it uses a blend of education, organizing, and advocacy to address the drinking water crisis in the state. She also discusses the importance of local involvement in solutions, the human right to water, and the work of Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL).

Find all podcasts at waterloop.org

Heather Stapleton is a professor and Lee Ferguson is an associate professor at Duke University.

In this episode Heather and Lee discuss how discovery of GenX in North Carolina’s Cape Fear River sparked testing for PFAS in waterways across the state, which found elevated levels of the forever chemicals in the Haw River. They explain how an exposure study is examining PFAS in drinking water, resident’s blood levels, and effects on birth outcomes. Heather and Lee also talk about developing policy recommendations for managing PFAS.

Find all podcasts at www.waterloop.org

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Kathryn Lucero is Community Environmental Management Specialist at Communities Unlimited.

In this episode Kathryn talks about colonias, the Spanish word for neighborhood, which is used in reference to residential areas along the U.S.-Mexico border that often have substandard housing and lack basic infrastructure such as water. She discusses how efforts of the past 20 years have brought drinking water to a large percentage of colonias, including where she works in Texas. Kathryn explains the benefits for people physically, socially, and economically when they have water services in colonias.

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Philip Berke is the Director of the Center for Resilient Communities and the Environment at the University of North Carolina.

In this episode Philip explains the pressing need for communities to focus on planning to become more resilient to climate change. He discusses a variety of approaches, from hardening of infrastructure to managed retreats, that communities are taking in places like Virginia, New Hampshire, and Texas. Philip also talks about efforts to evaluate and expand resilience planning such as the Resilience Scorecard and programs of the National Academies of Science, Urban Institute, and National Science Foundation.

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Greg Characklis is Director of the Center on Financial Risk in Environmental Systems at the University of North Carolina.

In this episode Greg explains the financial risk to society from variability in the environment, including rainfall, water levels, and temperature, as well as extreme weather events. He discusses the increased attention on the risk from lenders, investors, insurance companies, and credit agencies, and how a variety of traditional and innovative tools can be used to manage financial risk. Greg talks about situations of financial risk in water around the country including the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Central Valley in California.

Greg Characklis is Director of the Center on Financial Risk in Environmental Systems at the University of North Carolina.

In this episode Greg explains the financial risk to society from variability in the environment, including rainfall, water levels, and temperature, as well as extreme weather events. He discusses the increased attention on the risk from lenders, investors, insurance companies, and credit agencies, and how a variety of traditional and innovative tools can be used to manage financial risk. Greg talks about situations of financial risk in water around the country including the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, and Central Valley in California.

The spectacular California coast is incredibly diverse, from the mega-urban areas of Southern California and the Bay Area to the rugged rural areas of the Central Coast and Northern California. The water challenges are equally diverse, with climate change, stormwater, agriculture, the energy industry, and more as problems. In this episode Sean Bothwell, Executive Director of the California Coastkeeper Alliance, discusses a variety of solutions, including regulations to account for the impact of sea level rise on infrastructure, marine protected areas to support underwater ecosystems, and a Blue Business Council to bring powerful voices to water advocacy.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at www.flumewater.com

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Conversation and collaboration are key ingredients in accelerating change in water management across Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania, where aging infrastructure, mining and fracking, and emerging pollutants like PFAS are part of the water challenges. In this episode Alison De Luise, Senior Advisor at the Water Center at Penn, and Karl Russek, Director of Applied Research at The Water Center at Penn, talk about their work in the region to understand water challenges and the priorities of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. They also discuss launching a network of organizations, establishing a leadership incubator, and helping small towns find financial and technical assistance.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com

As the drinking water crisis unfolded in Flint, it became clear that removing all of the lead pipes to people’s homes would be a daunting challenge. Among the reasons - a lack of records on locations, competing approaches for the order, and a community that was distrustful and in many ways disconnected. But more than five years later most lead pipes are out of the ground. In this episode reflections on the experience and lessons learned are shared by Ben Pauli, Assistant Professor at Kettering University, Jared Webb, Chief Data Scientist at BlueConduit, and Mona Munroe-Yousif, Executive Director of the Environmental Transformation Movement of Flint. On the technical side, the use of data, machine learning, and predictive analytics proved to be highly effective for locating lead lines. On the human side, community outreach was vital, including engagement with diverse groups, gathering a range of input, and forging new partnerships.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com

The higher temperatures and reduced precipitation in the Colorado River Basin are no longer viewed as a short-term drought, but as a longer-term aridification caused by climate change. The alarming strain on the region’s water resources is being met with a more holistic approach to management, a deeper sense of collaboration, and a variety of innovative efforts all aimed at a sustainable future. In this episode Ted Kowalski, Colorado River Initiative Lead and Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, discusses the status of water agreements, how farmers and ranchers are leading the way on conservation, the rising role of indigenous communities, and why he calls water a human right.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com

A common market-based approach to environmental conservation is stream mitigation banking, which allows an entity to degrade or destroy a stream while developing property in exchange for restoration of a stream someplace else. A new book Streams of Revenue explores the history of this practice and is authored by Martin Doyle, a professor at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, and Rebecca Lave, a professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at Indiana University. In this episode they discuss the difficulty and lack of success of stream mitigation banking and explain why they believe it needs to be reformed to achieve better environmental outcomes.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at flumewater.com

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com

Historically bulkheads, seawalls, and other hardened structures were used along the Carolina coast to protect from the forces of erosion, waves, and storms. But there is a rise in the use of living shorelines, a stabilization technique that uses natural materials like rocks, oyster reefs, and plants. Living shorelines are better for water quality, property protection, and fish habitat. This episode features a discussion with Carter Smith, a marine scientist at Duke University, Lexia Weaver, a coastal scientist with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and Daniel Govoni, a policy analyst for the NC Department of Environmental Quality. They explain the many benefits of living shorelines, incentivizing property owners to install them, and policy changes to support their use.

Oysters are an iconic and important part of Louisiana’s coastal ecosystem, culture, and economy. But in addition to harvest pressure, the oysters are under stress from increased freshwater, either from heavy rainfall fueled by climate change or diversions of water from the Mississippi River. In this episode Morgan Kelly, an Associate Professor of Biology at Louisiana State University, discusses the health and prevalence of oysters, how they are stressed by freshwater, and ways to relieve that pressure through management of river diversions, use of hatcheries, and selective breeding.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​

The Colorado River is managed under the “Law of the River,” a complex series of agreements, laws, legal decisions, and regulations that originated with the 1922 Colorado River Compact. There are important lessons and successes from the past 100 years to remember as the basin faces urgent water challenges driven by climate change and population growth and stakeholders work on renegotiation of river policy. This episode features a retrospective on the Law of the River with Amy Haas, Executive Director of the Upper Colorado River Commission, and Chris Harris, Executive Director of the Colorado River Board of California. They discuss key moments from the past century and what those changes to river law meant for management. Amy and Chris also share examples of progress such as putting collaboration ahead of litigation, forging a partnership with Mexico, and managing water quality.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​

Budgets are struggling to keep up with the scale and scope of water projects that need funding in communities across the U.S. At the same time, it is extremely difficult for public agencies to take risks on solutions that could address water challenges in more affordable and effective ways. In this episode Eric Letsinger, CEO of Quantified Ventures, discusses the rise of environmental impact bonds, an innovative financing tool that provides capital from investors for new approaches and bases the return on outcomes. Eric talks about a variety of uses of environmental impact bonds, including for green infrastructure in Washington, D.C.; flood mitigation in Hampton Roads, Virginia; water quality from agriculture in the Midwest; and restoration of coastal wetlands in Louisiana.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

Residents of Toledo, Ohio deal with water challenges ranging from pollution in Lake Erie to lead pipes for drinking water to increasing utility bills. Toledo’s communities of color and low-income have historically lacked information and input in water issues such as these. But now that’s changing through community outreach as discussed in this episode with Alexis Smith, Community Program and Technology Associate for Freshwater Future, Alicia Smith, Director of Community Programming and Associate Director of Policy for Freshwater Future, and Ramon Perez, a Community Organizer for the Junction Coalition. They talk about work to educate and engage Toledo residents, the vision for water equity and environmental justice, and how the situation in Toledo is reflective of other cities around the Great Lakes region.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

A lack of information on groundwater has historically posed challenges for management. Now emerging tools are expanding and organizing the data available for decision-making, as discussed in this episode with Ben Kerr of Foundry Spatial, Melissa Rohde of The Nature Conservancy, and Tom Gleeson of the University of Victoria. They talk about using technology for groundwater management in Canada and California, how the interaction of surface water and groundwater factors into information gathering, and the benefits of visually appealing interfaces for data.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at flumewater.com​​​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

Last century’s approach to water management was based on controlling nature, a fragmented infrastructure system, and general sense there was plenty of water. But the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century have spurred a transition to a water management approach revolving around circularity, scarcity, and nature itself. The past, present, and future are discussed in this episode with Newsha Ajami, the Director of Urban Water Policy at Water in the West at Stanford University and a Senior Research Scholar at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Newsha explains that she is optimistic because of the rise of nature-based infrastructure, more integration and innovation in water systems, and increased public awareness and behavior change.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​

Although New Mexico receives far less attention than many other western states, it is at the precipice of a water crisis, with climate change further straining the arid state and groundwater impacted by the oil and gas industry. The situation is discussed in this episode with Laura Paskus, author of At the Precipice: New Mexico’s Changing Climate, a reporter for New Mexico in Focus, and board member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Laura explains the status of the Rio Grande River, importance of tribal input into water decisions, efforts to better control groundwater use, and the increasing diversity of voices at the table. She also talks about the public’s appetite for water stories and need for journalists to write in a compelling and engaging style.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​

In the Mississippi Delta there is no bigger force on the economy and the environment than agriculture, with its tens of millions of acres of farmland that both feeds a nation and impacts water quality. In Arkansas programs can help both if they arise from collaboration and provide benefits for farms and conservation, as discussed in this episode with Jason Milks, Delta Projects Manager for The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas. He talks about a variety of success stories including the Wetlands Reserve Program, White River Wildlife Refuge, and controlling runoff from unpaved roads.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​

The U.S. coast is unprepared for the increasing impacts of storms and sea level rise on communities, infrastructure, the economy, and the environment itself. Comprehensive changes in leadership, policies, programs, and funding could create a more resilience coastline. In this episode Jeff Peterson discusses his book A New Coast, which offers strategies for responding to devastating storms and rising seas. Jeff outlines needed changes, including to flood insurance and disaster programs, assistance to states and municipalities, and investment in preparedness rather than response.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by the Flume smart water monitor, the perfect device to track your home's water use in real-time from your smart phone and be alerted to excessive use or leaks. Save 10 percent with promo code waterloop at https://flumewater.com​​​​​​​​​

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

Communities of color and low-income suffer disproportionately from polluted water and delivering environmental justice in these situations is essential for achieving broader equity in society. This is reflected in the fight against waste from concentrated animal feeding operations, fossil fuel pipelines, and contaminated drinking water in North Carolina, as discussed in this episode with Jovita Lee, Senior Environmental Justice Campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity. Jovita explains how these situations in North Carolina reflect challenges facing communities of color around the country and that there are opportunities to ensure cleaner water through regulations and permitting. She also talks about the need to focus resources on the organizations that have championed environmental justice for decades.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

Crews in The Ocean Race, the iconic around-the-world sailing competition, have noticed changes in the water such as more trash and less marine life. But increasingly sailors and organizers are steering toward sustainability, including by gathering scientific data at sea and making changes to the event’s footprint. In this episode Anne-Cecile Turner, Sustainability Director for The Ocean Race, and Simon Fisher, Co-Skipper of the 11th Hour Racing Team, discuss efforts in mapping microplastics, involving more boats in science, and sailors serving as advocates for the ocean.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

Many lakes around the country suffer from poor water quality in the same way as Greenfield Lake in Wilmington, N.C. - stormwater runoff into the lake from hard surfaces like roads, parking lots, and buildings causes nutrient pollution, algae growth, and even fish kills. But lakes can go from green to clean through a combination of science, partnerships, and measures to reduce runoff. The effort to restore Greenfield Lake is discussed in this episode with Mike Mallin, a Research Professor at the Center for Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington; Dana Sargeant, Executive Director of Cape Fear River Watch; and Fred Royal, Stormwater Services Manager with the City of Wilmington. They explain how universities, local government, a nonprofit, and an engineering firm are collaborating to target the sources of pollution and clean up a lake that is a community amenity and ecological gem.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com.

Water drainage is critical for farms in the Midwest. But farmers don’t usually receive comprehensive and unbiased information about water management and drainage solutions, and have to focus on short-term costs instead of long-term equity. Taking a holistic and objective approach can improve farms and water quality, as explained in this episode with Quint Shambaugh, Co-Founder of DIGS Associates. Quint discusses the opportunities to address agricultural drainage across a watershed, bring farms together on projects, reduce nutrient pollution, and help the health of local waterways and the Mississippi River.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​.

The Salton Sea is a unique waterbody that has suffered from high salinity levels, agricultural runoff, and water consumption by cities in Southern California, pushing the ecosystem to the brink and threatening the health of surrounding communities. Efforts to help the Salton Sea include expanded resources from the state, wetland restoration projects, and controlling toxic dust, as discussed in this episode with Frank Ruiz, Salton Sea Program Director for Audubon California. Frank also talks about the need to increase collaboration across stakeholders, give a voice to the poor communities around the Salton Sea, and educate young Latinos about environmental issues.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​.

For the Colorado River to have a sustainable future, it’s vital to understand its past and present. Blood of the West is an in-development documentary series about the Colorado River that will take viewers on a journey from headwaters to delta and explore the history of the river. In this episode with J.R. Robinson, director of Blood of the West, he explains how his adventures in the basin inspired him to launch the film project. J.R. shares a detailed look at the places and moments that stand out in the history of the Colorado River and that offer lessons for management going forward. Learn more about the project and how to help the film be produced at bloodofthewest.com

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from Spring Point Partners and the Walton Family Foundation.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​.

During last decade’s severe drought the State of California passed the Open and Transparent Water Data Act in recognition of the critical role of data in water management. That led to the formation of the California Water Data Consortium, a nonprofit that works with the state, local water agencies, farmers, NGOs, and others to improve organization, access, and use of data. In this episode Tara Moran, President and CEO of the California Water Data Consortium, discusses the progress and pilot projects involving lidar, groundwater, urban water, and agriculture.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​

For five generations Paul Bruchez’s family has ranched in Colorado, giving him an intimate understanding of water and the Colorado River. As climate change and development strain water resources to the breaking point, agriculture is facing tremendous pressure, pushing to improve water conservation, and collaborating with other stakeholders to find solutions. In this episode with Paul, an owner of the Reeder Creek Ranch and a fly-fishing guide, he discusses demand management and remote sensing projects, the role of agriculture in carbon sequestration, and restoring habitat for fish.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, cutting-edge technology is powering the practice of precision conservation, the use of advanced data and imagery for efficient decision making in environmental management. Tools like aerial imagery, LiDAR elevation data, spatial analysis, geomorphology, and machine learning are helping projects to achieve greater impact on the ground. In this episode, Emily Mills, Geospatial Technology Manager, and Adrienne Gemberling, Senior Project Manager, of the Chesapeake Conservancy discuss how the organization has heavily invested in this technology, hired a large and skilled staff, and created the Conservation Innovation Center. Emily and Adrienne talk about the power of the tools, providing information for partners in conservation, and examples of projects to improve stream health in Pennsylvania.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​​

A plan to route an oil pipeline through predominantly black neighborhoods in Memphis is an example of how minority communities across the country are overburdened by pollution and subjected to environmental racism, say Chandra Taylor, Senior Attorney and Leader of the Environmental Justice Initiative at the Southern Environmental Law Center, and Marquita Bradshaw, Executive Director of Sowing Justice. They discuss how the cumulative impacts of pollution in communities like southwest Memphis must be considered when proposals such as the pipeline arise. Chandra and Marquita explain how to respond to projects that pose a pollution and public health threat to a community, including the critical need for grassroots mobilization and exploration of all options at the local, state, and federal levels.

See all podcasts at waterloop.org

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

Religion is a very prevalent part of life in New Orleans and southern Louisiana, leading conservation organizations to build relationships with local faith leaders and to educate them on environmental issues. Faith leaders often believe that as God’s creation it is important to be stewards of nature and they carry this message to their congregations. The role of the faith community in conservation is discussed in this episode by Helen Rose Patterson, Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Gulf Program at the National Wildlife Federation, and Cory Sparks, Assistant Pastor at Bethany United Methodist Church in New Orleans. Helen Rose and Cory talk about field trips to see coastal problems and projects, training in advocacy for faith leaders, and the impact they have by writing op-eds, speaking at public meetings, and talking to elected officials.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.

waterloop is sponsored by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart and stylish way to save water, energy, and money while enjoying a powerful shower. Use promo code Loop20 for 20 percent off at https://www.highsierrashowerheads.com​​​

With the ocean and coastal waters under a variety of stressors including pollution and climate change it is vital to gather more scientific data. Rapid advancements in technology have led to a proliferation of sensors for studying the coast and made these tools operable and affordable for a wider group. The use of sensors is discussed in this episode with Phil Bresnahan, an Assistant Professor of Oceanography at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Phil also talks about the need for scientists to improve communication, his invention called Smartfin that is a sensor for surfboards and paddleboards, and why surfers are excellent citizen scientists.

waterloop is made possible in part by grants from the Walton Family Foundation and Spring Point Partners.

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