The Water Zone

Did you know that 17 countries comprise a quarter of the world’s population? These countries face extreme water stress. With 80-100% of surface and aquifer water supplies already in use, they are rapidly consuming all available water. Lawrence McDonald, Vice President for Communications and Betsy Otto, Water Initiative Director at the World Resources Institute, join the show to explore recent activity to provide the tools to understand the water crisis in these regions and research possible approaches to reduce its impact. They also share their experiences related to Chennai, India; a city that was quickly facing an existential threat from water stress and the new policy choices it took towards better water management.

Podcast recorded on July 7, 2022

Special guest Ali Noroozi, CEO of A2Z Ozone Systems discusses how ozone generators are being used by water agencies as an alternative to chlorine to purify potable and waste water. He speaks about the fascinating ways ozone systems are used across other industries such as, pesticides, clothing, cooling towers, denim manufacturing and others. Ozone generators are also utilized to help preserve fruit, vegetables and even meat helping to give these products a longer shelf life.

Podcast recorded June 30, 2022

Friend of the show, Travis Loop, of Loop Communications, and Matt Rice,  Southwest Regional Director for the American Rivers Assoc., discuss the most endangered river in the U.S., the Colorado River. Matt provides insight to the distribution of water from the river to neighboring states and the effects climate change has had on water levels. They explore different perspectives on what states can do to better utilize the water and whether existing water rights are still fair for all users.

Podcast recorded on June 23, 2022

Featured Ed Mathieu of Overland Distributing, Co. discusses the science of magnetic influenced water technology, used to alter the molecular structure of water in an effort to increase water molecule size. This technology helps water more easily permeate soils and is being utilized in agricultural applications. The technique also helps to produce additional oxygen, critical to crop growth success.

Podcast Recorded on June 16, 2022

As CEO of the world's second largest power and solar plant construction company, and as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, Jim Lamon has a few ideas to share on the issue of water in his home state of Arizona. Jim discusses his ideas to secure more water for Arizona through pipeline construction from Mississippi. He also explores the idea’s construction implications and ways adjoining states can work together to resolve centuries-old open water rights conflicts to the benefit of all those that rely on our natural resources.

Podcast recorded on June 9, 2022

Very special guest, and water industry veteran, Mike Baron, discusses new marketing trends water districts are adopting to provide critical water information to the general public. Mike also delves into what he believes will be the future of water in California and explored some of the directives that are being implemented to help use water more efficiently. 

Recorded on June 2, 2022

This week Jim Klauth, president of Aqua Trac System in Phoenix, AZ, joins us. Aqua Trac is an independent water management company that specializes in water use consulting, auditing, and provides upgrade and technical services to universities, golf courses, HOAs, resorts, municipalities and landscape professionals. Jim shares real-world examples of how improved landscape irrigation systems have helped to significantly reduced monthly water expenditures.

Podcast recorded on May 26, 2022

Guest Catlow Shipek, founder of the Wetlands Management Group (WMG) in Tuscan, AZ, provides an overview of the advocacy, stewardship and ecological projects they lead. Notably the project to restore Tanque Verde Creek by eradicating the very invasive Arundo Donax reed. WMG also specializes in training and managing the “hydro-local" movement, a concept that promotes activities to help ensure water security and resilience for residential and commercial properties.

Podcast recorded on May 19, 2022

Get an update on all the latest water news and answers to your questions. Chris and Rob introduce Tip-Talk, to respond to irrigation questions from listeners. Topics cover everything from drip irrigation to spray bodies & nozzles.

Podcast recorded on May 12, 2022

Representatives from the City of Westminster, the 2021 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge winner, join Wyland Foundation’s Steve Creech and Municipal Water District of Orange County’s Tiffany Baca to spotlight the 2022 Mayor’s Challenge. In addition, the team discusses the planning and implementation of a newly created pocket park designed in cooperation with The Toro Company to highlight water efficiency.

Podcast recorded on April 21, 2022

Special guests, Peter Gleick, President Emeritus and Sr. Fellow of the Pacific Institute, and Travis Loop, president of Loop Communications, explore the long history of conflict over water.  From ancient history to modern times, whether used as a resource or a weapon, precious water is often collateral damage in the battles we wage.

Podcast recorded on April 14, 2022

Deluge Technologies has designed new thermal engine technology that could help meet the demand for water in the Phoenix, AZ area. CEO Brian Hagerman joins to explain the science behind how thermal engine technology can desalinate water using minimal power and then make use of the residual salt as power storage for the area. Listen to discover how this cutting edge innovation may help ease the need for water across the country.

Podcast recorded on April 7, 2022

Director of the Center for Irrigation Technologies at Fresno State University, Sarge Green, joins  to discuss the importance of water to the state of California.  He walks us through the state's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and its impact on housing and agriculture. In addition, Sarge provides insight on some of the best management practices the initiative has to offer and how it will affect the rest of the country.

Podcast recorded on March 31, 2022

Water Solutions Network brings leaders dedicated to solving California’s water management challenges together. Managing Director, Debbie Franco joins the show to discuss the origin of this collaborative network and how proper water management can be incorporated across water districts. Debbie sheds light on the various advocacy programs Water Solutions Network has in process and how their members develop solutions for the many opportunities that exist in the water industry.

Podcast recorded on March 24, 2022

Epic Cleantec, CEO, Aaron Tarkovsky, joins the show to discuss technology on the horizon for water reuse, the record-breaking drought in the Western U.S. and how it will affect towns and cities in the future. With increasing implementation of water reuse systems and installation incentives in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Austin, Aaron believes decentralization is poised to have a "roof-top solar" moment. 

Podcast recorded on March 17, 2022

Mark Grey from the Building Industry Association of Southern California describes water issues effecting the building industry like water shortages, storm water reclamation and the rising cost to connect water to homes. He shares information about the Association's education series to inform the industry, as well as the general public, about upcoming water restrictions and how they effect new home buyers.

Podcast recorded on March 3, 2022

Featured guest Joe Berg, Director of Water Use Efficiency for the Municipal Water District of Orange County, CA, informs listeners about his responsibilities with the water district and provides his views on the future of water. Berg provides details on California’s 20x22 water conservation plan released in January and presents what he believes are the top three water issues to tackle in the state.

Podcast recorded on February 24, 2022

Tom Huffman, Deputy Superintendent for Arizona’s Aqua Fria Union High School District speaks about the motivation behind the district's big push for water conservation. He discusses the activities they are launching to bring total water and energy conservation to a higher level and their plan to address sustainability, irrigation education and certification as a special science curriculum for their students.

Podcast recorded on February 17, 2022