Water Values Podcast

Claudia Toussaint, General Counsel of Xylem, provides a terrific discussion of ESG issues from the perspective of a publicly traded corporation’s general counsel. In a nutshell, Claudia describes how little acorns of ESG can grow into mighty oaks when corporate boards use ESG to guide their business strategies. In this session, you’ll learn about: Claudia’s unique backgroundWhat ESG is from a publicly traded company’s perspectiveWhy the water sector is so central to ESG issuesHow sustainability has morphed from primarily being an environmental concept to a business and social conceptWhy an entity’s business strategy needs to align with its sustainability strategyThe ESG issues involved in the Exxon Mobil proxy fightWhy ESG needs to be front and center for publicly traded companies (guess what – the logic applies to all businesses!)Why it is critical for corporate boards to have an ESG strategyHow ESG supports a corporation’s access to capital and lowers the cost of capitalHow ESG supports a corporation’s workforce and the corporation’s strategic directionHow businesses measure ESGWhy Claudia thinks the water sector can lead on ESG Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Claudia’s LinkedIn PageXylem’s websiteSmart sewer technology satisfies EPA consent decree, saves city $400 million

Tom Ferguson of Imagine H2O fame and now captaining Burnt Island Ventures joins The Water Values Podcast for an engaging discussion on early stage and venture capital investing in the water sector and a big picture discussion about what the water sector needs to achieve greatness. In this session, you’ll learn about: Tom’s unique story for how he landed in the water sectorWhy Tom believes that deserving companies in water typically get funded, although their paths may be disparateBurnt Island Venture’s “broad at seed” strategyThe due diligence Burnt Island Ventures undertakes looking for investment opportunitiesFinding the pain point to accelerate the investment horizonThe investment lifecycleWhy investment diversification is importantBurnt Island Ventures’ current “Island” (you’ll need to listen to learn what this is)What Tom likes about water sector investing. And what he doesn’tTom’s big picture thoughts on the water sectorWhy the water industry needs to start shouting from the rooftops Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Tom’s LinkedIn PageBurnt Island Venture’s websiteTWV #176: The Evolution of a Water Start-Up with Dana HaaszTWV #165: Private Equity in the Water Sector with Cimbria Capital’s Brian Iversen Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Brent Fewell of the Water Finance Exchange shares the story of why the Water Finance Exchange was established and how it aims to serve the significant need for water infrastructure funding in the market. In this session, you’ll learn about: What the Water Finance Exchange isWhy the Water Finance Exchange was foundedHow the Water Finance Exchange is fundedBrent’s view on why communities have not been proactive in seeking water infrastructure fundingBrent’s thoughts on how the Water Finance Exchange might fit into the infrastructure billCriteria for Water Finance Exchange fundingHow Water Finance Exchange aims to help build utilities of the futureBrent’s observations on “water cooperatives”Why communities need to be open to change from a water funding perspectiveBrent’s thoughts on regionalization Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Brent’s LinkedIn PageWater Finance Exchange’s website

Jeffrey Kightlinger provides an excellent interview offering profound thoughts on the water industry that was recorded during the waning days of his 15-year tenure as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Plus, Reese Tisdale of Bluefield Research comes on for Bluefield on Tap to discuss how population shifts might impact the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about:  Why Jeff decided to retire from Metropolitan at this juncture Jeff’s perspective on what makes a good water leader Where the gaps in water leadership are and whether they’re being filled The advice Jeff received when he began his tenure at Metropolitan Whether Jeff heeded that advice How has the GM position changed during his tenure Jeff’s biggest surprises in dealing with water issues Jeff’s proudest accomplishments during his years at Metropolitan What Jeff wishes had worked out differently Jeff’s public words of advice for his successor, Adel Hagekhalil Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:  Jeff’s LinkedIn Page Jeff’s Twitter handle: @8thGenCA Other exit interviews: Verde Exchange (Part 1 and Part 2) and org TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger TWV #142: Los Angeles’ Approach to Infrastructure with Adel Hagekhalil Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Locus Technologies founder and CEO Neno Duplan provides a wealth of experience on water quality in the cloud. Neno began cloud-based data work before any of us knew what the cloud even was. He does a great job explaining the steps needed to undertake and the significant benefits of a cloud-based digital transformation, and much more! In this session, you’ll learn about:  Neno’s background and start in the nuclear sector consulting on cooling waterNeno’s perspective on water quality data and the cloudThe digital transformation from spreadsheets to local data bases to the cloudThe one advantage that utilities still keeping data on spreadsheets haveNeno’s advice on getting started with data collection and validationThe cross-functional benefits of using cloud-based dataThe benefits of cloud-based data in regulatory reporting and strategic decision makingWhat utilities can be doing now from a data collection standpoint to prepare for future regulationWhy cloud-based and validated data aids utilities in regulatory reportingWhere Neno thinks the future of water liesHow blockchain fits into the water quality regulation Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:  Neno’s LinkedIn PageLocus Technologies’ websiteNews Release: US EPA Establishes New Council on PFAS Thank You!

James Perry of Utilis joins us to discuss Synthetic Aperture Radar and its many and varied applications in the water sector. James provides a wealth of information about how the technology developed to its cost-effective use and application in the water sector. Plus, Reese Tisdale of Bluefield Research provides more water industry insights on the California drought and how utilities are bringing climate adaptation experience learned in California to other regions of the United States. In this session, you’ll learn about:  Jim’s background in big public companies and start-upsWhat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) isHow SAR worksHow SAR can find the “underground signature” of waterHow SAR mapping can help identify where leaks occur in a water systemThe types of leaks SAR mapping can identify, from slow drips to large main breaksHow SAR mapping allows system surveys to allow utilities to target problem leak areasUtilis’ experience as to where the infrastructure is leaking (mains, service lines, meters, hydrants, valves, etc. – the answer might surprise you)Additional uses for SAR like alternative supply locations, soil moisture monitoring, earthen dam monitoring, wastewater leakage, and much moreHow utilities using SAR experience a 6 month ROI Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:  James’ LinkedIn PageUtilis’ website Thank You!

Plutoshift CEO Prateek Joshi comes on to talk about digital transformation in the water sector. Prateek hits on a number of important and practical points in a wide-ranging discussion on data, AI, and machine learning in the water sector. In this session, you’ll learn about:  Prateek’s background & how it influenced his arc into the water sectorWater-intensive industries and using water data in those industriesPrateek’s view on digital transformationHow COVID influenced the digital transformationThe limitations of human-based decision-makingCommon challenges for data-centric organizationsHow to drive organizational behavior change with respect to data usageThe difference between AI and machine learningData quality and verification issuesThe factors companies look for when selecting an AI system Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:  Prateek’s LinkedIn PagePlutoshift’s websitePrateek’s website Thank You!

Water entrepreneur (and new mom) Meena Sankaran discusses data collection and usage in the water sector. She provides fascinating perspectives on everything from driving the digital transformation to common data gaps to cybersecurity. Get ready for a terrific interview from Meena! In this session, you’ll learn about:  Meena’s upbringing in India and its impact on her work in water today Meena’s view on the use of data in the water sector Why upcoming workforce retirements should drive the digital transformation Meena’s insights into managing data How to figure out what data is important Common data gaps The difference between qualitative and quantitative data gaps Getting employees to buy into the digital transformation Data collection and management inside the fence versus outside the fence Meena’s thoughts on cybersecurity in the water sector Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Meena’s LinkedIn Page Ketos’ website TWV #179: Data Enhanced Wastewater Treatment with Kando CEO Ari Goldfarb TWV #147: The Power of Digital Water with Cindy Wallis-Lage Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Water entrepreneur (and new mom) Meena Sankaran discusses data collection and usage in the water sector. She provides fascinating perspectives on everything from driving the digital transformation to common data gaps to cybersecurity. Get ready for a terrific interview from Meena! In this session, you’ll learn about:  Meena’s upbringing in India and its impact on her work in water today Meena’s view on the use of data in the water sector Why upcoming workforce retirements should drive the digital transformation Meena’s insights into managing data How to figure out what data is important Common data gaps The difference between qualitative and quantitative data gaps Getting employees to buy into the digital transformation Data collection and management inside the fence versus outside the fence Meena’s thoughts on cybersecurity in the water sector Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include: Meena’s LinkedIn Page Ketos’ website TWV #179: Data Enhanced Wastewater Treatment with Kando CEO Ari Goldfarb TWV #147: The Power of Digital Water with Cindy Wallis-Lage Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!

Long-time water lawyer Scott Slater discusses the Cadiz water project and touches on everything from environmental issues to water equity to efficient use of infrastructure. Take a listen to gain a unique perspective on the development of a water project and how it impacts society in general. In this session, you’ll learn about:  Scott’s long tenure as a California water lawyer The background of the Cadiz water project What a dry lake is How the Cadiz project intercepts groundwater before it evaporates in dry lakes The history of environmental review of the Cadiz project How the Cadiz project achieved a zero environmental impact designation The current state of the opposition to the Cadiz water project How water development relates to economic development activities and housing How the Cadiz project takes advantage of existing infrastructure and land rights How data has played a role in developing the Cadiz project The impact of the Cadiz water project on the equitable distribution of water Resources and links mentioned in or relevant to this session include:  Scott’s LinkedIn Page The Cadiz Water Project’s website LA Times article on the Cadiz Water Project TWV #133: Resiliency and Regionalism in Southern California with Metropolitan’s Jeffrey Kightlinger TWV #073: The Coachella Valley’s Water Story with CVWD’s Board President John Powell, Jr.  Thank You! Thanks to each of you for listening and spreading the word about The Water Values Podcast! Keep the emails coming and please rate and review The Water Values Podcast on iTunes and Stitcher if you haven’t done so already. And don’t forget to tell your friends about the podcast and whatever you do, don’t forget to join The Water Values mailing list!