21st Century Water

• How a Small District in Colorado is Leading The West in Water Innovation

  In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Andrea Cole, General Manager of Dominion Water & Sanitation District in Colorado. With a background in engineering and law, Andrea brings a multidimensional perspective to leading water, wastewater, and stormwater efforts in the fast-growing Sterling Ranch community. We begin by exploring her journey from a small town in Wyoming, where an early appreciation for natural resources sparked her passion for water. Her unique blend of technical knowledge and legal expertise has positioned her to address the regulatory, financial, and political challenges that utilities face today.We dive into Sterling Ranch’s model of sustainability, where renewable water is foundational—not an afterthought. Dominion, under Andrea's leadership, has helped position the community as a leader in water efficiency, achieving usage rates as low as 0.17 acre-feet per home annually. This mindset-first approach has shaped a culture where residents inherently value water as a finite resource. With only 10% of the community built out so far, Sterling Ranch is on track to grow to nearly 60,000 residents, with infrastructure in place to support long-term sustainability.We also look at Douglas County’s broader vision for growth, where Dominion plays a central role in establishing renewable water systems to support future economic development. A key highlight is the $34 million regional wastewater treatment plant set to break ground, which will treat reusable water and enable indirect potable reuse. This project also connects a nearby disadvantaged community to modern infrastructure and safe water, correcting long-standing issues with non-renewable, contaminated sources.Andrea emphasizes the importance of soft skills in leadership—stakeholder engagement, regulatory navigation, and political awareness—as often more critical than the technical engineering work itself. Her legal training enables her to view regulatory frameworks not as barriers but as tools for innovative problem-solving. We also discuss Dominion’s forward-thinking investment strategy, totaling over $70 million across wastewater, pump stations, and water pipeline projects in the coming years.Despite being a small and growing utility with only 11 employees, Dominion is leveraging its flexibility to adopt modern technology like GIS to enhance planning and operations. Workforce development is another key theme, with Andrea focusing on hiring people who thrive in dynamic environments and want to help shape the district’s future. She closes by expressing her vision for a legacy rooted in sustainability—a future where our great-grandchildren can enjoy water and nature just as we have.Links:Dominion Water & Sanitation District: https://www.dominionwsd.orgSterling Ranch Community: https://www.sterlingranchcolorado.comDouglas County Government: https://www.douglas.co.usAmerican Rescue Plan Act: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

  --------  

  28:43
• Las Vegas'' Water Secret: How Southern Nevada Water Authority Manages Extreme Scarcity

  In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with John J. Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and the Las Vegas Valley Water District. John oversees the water supply for 2.5 million residents and 40 million visitors annually in one of the most water-stressed regions of the United States. He shares his journey from environmental law to leading a major water utility and highlights the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to water management, including the 2002 Colorado River drought and the 2007-2009 recession.John explains the vast scale of SNWA’s infrastructure, from its 250 miles of massive pipelines to the 7,000 miles of distribution lines in the Las Vegas Valley Water District. With climate change and cybersecurity as the biggest challenges facing water utilities, he emphasizes how SNWA has aggressively tackled conservation. Through innovative measures like removing non-functional turf, enforcing watering schedules, and deploying water enforcement officers, Southern Nevada has added 800,000 people since 2002 while reducing total water consumption by 35-40%.We discuss the importance of strategic investments, including a $1.5 billion low-lake-level pumping station at Lake Mead, designed purely for redundancy to secure supply. John also shares insights into international and interstate water negotiations, where he has played a key role in agreements involving the seven Colorado River Basin states and Mexico. He highlights the delicate balance of ensuring every party “loses” just enough to reach a compromise that sustains long-term water management.A key advantage for Las Vegas is its ability to recycle nearly 100% of indoor water use. Thanks to its unique geography, all wastewater is treated and returned to Lake Mead, allowing for legal return flow credits. The city’s only significant water losses come from outdoor irrigation, evaporative cooling, and septic systems, which SNWA is actively addressing. John also discusses their use of innovative leak detection technology, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and automated metering to enhance efficiency.One remarkable case study is how SNWA worked with Formula 1 to make the Las Vegas Grand Prix the first net-positive water race in history. By offsetting race-related water use with an atmospheric water generator installed at MGM, the event saved more water than it consumed. John sees AI playing an increasing role in optimizing pipeline maintenance and customer leak detection, making conservation even more effective.Another is the building 54 weirs, which are erosion-controlled structures to slow down the water. And over the last 20 years, the number one source of materials for those weirs is imploded old casinos.As we wrap up, John reflects on his legacy, emphasizing pragmatism and the importance of speaking truth to power. His leadership has positioned Southern Nevada as a global model for water conservation and resilience, proving that even in the face of extreme scarcity, strategic planning and innovation can secure a sustainable water future.More: Las Vegas Valley Water District: https://www.lvvwd.com/Southern Nevada Water Authority: https://www.snwa.com/ Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

  --------  

  35:44
• Fort Wayne Water Systems: Matthew Wirtz Discusses Infrastructure, Technology, and Sustainability

  In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Matthew Wirtz, Deputy Director and Chief Engineer at Fort Wayne City Utilities. With over 25 years of experience, Matt has played a crucial role in shaping the city’s water infrastructure, addressing challenges like flood prevention, stormwater management, and sustainability. Coming from a farming background, Matt’s early exposure to water management laid the foundation for his career in civil engineering.We explore Fort Wayne’s ambitious efforts to modernize its water systems while balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility. Matt discusses the city’s 18-year-long control plan to separate sewer and stormwater systems, a major initiative aimed at reducing overflows by over 95%. Now in its final year, this project marks a significant milestone in Fort Wayne’s water management history. The city has also been investing heavily—up to $135 million annually—in infrastructure improvements, including lead pipe replacement, asset management, and innovative energy solutions.One of Fort Wayne’s standout achievements is its microgrid system, which integrates solar power, battery storage, and methane-powered engines to enhance power resiliency at its water and wastewater treatment facilities. This setup provides 40-80% of the city’s energy needs daily while ensuring backup power during critical events. Matt emphasizes how this model not only supports sustainability but also enhances operational reliability.We also discuss how Fort Wayne is leveraging technology and innovation to optimize utility operations. The city is adopting machine learning for sewer inspections, implementing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to improve water management, and exploring AI-driven tools for asset management and customer service. Additionally, Fort Wayne is addressing workforce challenges by growing its in-house engineering team, recruiting interns, and investing in professional development to build a strong talent pipeline.Looking ahead, sustainability remains a key focus. Fort Wayne is developing large-scale green infrastructure projects, such as converting a 140-acre former golf course into a wetland for flood mitigation and water quality improvement. The city is also working toward a more integrated approach by breaking down traditional utility silos, fostering collaboration between engineering and operations teams.Matt shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing work-life balance, mental well-being, and a people-first approach to management. His goal is to leave behind a utility that is not only technologically advanced but also a great place to work.This conversation highlights Fort Wayne’s forward-thinking strategies in water management, blending innovation, sustainability, and resilience to create a model for the future.Fort Wayne Public Works Website: https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/public-works-departments/board-of-public-works.html Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

  --------  

  25:47
• How New Orleans Is Building Resilient Water Systems for the 21st Century

  This episode of 21st Century Water features a dynamic conversation with Ghassan Korban, Executive Director of the Sewage & Water Board of New Orleans. Korban shares insights from his six-year tenure, focusing on the challenges and transformative solutions for New Orleans’ water infrastructure, a system vital to a city below sea level. The episode dives into the critical steps taken to modernize the city’s systems, sustain its population, and adapt to increasing environmental challenges.Korban reflects on transitioning to New Orleans after 31 years in Milwaukee, driven by his passion for solving complex engineering problems. He recounts inheriting a system struggling with aging infrastructure and a battered reputation following significant flooding in 2017. Korban emphasizes the importance of prioritizing efforts, starting with stabilizing critical systems while pursuing long-term, future-proof solutions.A major milestone for the city has been the development of a new power generation complex, ensuring reliable energy for drainage operations—essential for keeping the city dry during rain events. This new system transitions from antiquated, failure-prone turbines to a robust mix of external power supply and backup gas turbines, designed to serve the city for decades. Korban also highlights the successful rollout of smart meters (AMI), addressing billing inaccuracies and modernizing customer service, with over half the population now transitioned to the new system.The discussion explores innovative funding strategies, including New Orleans’ unique “fair share” agreement, which channels tourism-generated tax revenue into water infrastructure projects. With the Super Bowl around the corner and Mardi Gras to follow, Korban explains New Orleans' unique position as a city with more tourists than residents. This effort, alongside loans and grants from programs like WIFIA and SRF, has helped fund critical improvements while reducing the financial burden on residents. Korban underscores the importance of earning trust through effective execution, ensuring future funding access.Korban also describes the intricacies of New Orleans’ drainage system, consisting of 24 strategically placed pumping stations with nearly 100 pumps. These systems often activate up to 20 times a year, often during heavy rains, to prevent flooding. Additionally, Korban shares the city’s response to new threats like saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River, driven by drought and climate change, which jeopardizes the city's raw water supply.The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of workforce development and legacy building. Korban expresses confidence in the team he has cultivated and their ability to carry forward a culture of innovation, responsibility, and resilience. He also emphasizes the urgency of addressing talent gaps and sustaining investment in infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of a changing environment.Korban’s work exemplifies leadership through prioritization, execution, and adaptability. His focus on sustainable, resilient systems and creative funding solutions serves as a model for cities grappling with aging infrastructure and climate challenges.New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board: https://www.swbno.org Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

  --------  

  36:14
• Transforming Pittsburgh Water: Will Pickering’s Vision for the Future

  In this episode of 21st Century Water, Mahesh Lunani speaks with Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, about the transformative changes he has overseen in Pittsburgh's water infrastructure. Pickering shares his unconventional journey into utility leadership, tracing his career from public policy roles in Washington, D.C., to heading a water utility that was in dire need of reform when he joined.Pickering discusses the challenges Pittsburgh Water faced, including outdated infrastructure, lead service line contamination, and public distrust exacerbated by national crises like Flint, Michigan. Since joining in 2016, Pickering has prioritized rebuilding customer trust and modernizing the utility through strategic investments. Notably, Pittsburgh Water has replaced more than half of its lead service lines at no cost to customers, aided by federal grants and low-interest loans. This proactive approach has established the utility as a national model for lead mitigation.Pickering also highlights the utility's shift from a reactive "fix-it-when-it-breaks" model to a proactive philosophy that emphasizes long-term planning, public engagement, and affordability. A rebranding effort, launched recently, aims to unify the utility's identity and signal a break from its troubled past, while reinforcing a "one water" approach across drinking water, sewer, and stormwater services.In addressing broader challenges like climate change and infrastructure resilience, Pickering stresses the importance of preparing for unpredictable risks, from extreme weather to cybersecurity threats. Under his leadership, Pittsburgh Water is leveraging data-driven tools like asset management systems and predictive analytics to prioritize investments and extend the life of critical assets.Looking ahead, Pickering identifies affordability, regulatory compliance (particularly around emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics), and customer engagement as key focus areas. He envisions a utility that continues to innovate and serve as a national leader in water management, emphasizing that building a resilient, customer-focused organization is a legacy he hopes will endure long after his tenure.The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of adaptable, forward-thinking leadership in the water sector, as Pickering’s commitment to both community and operational excellence shines through.Pittsburgh Water Website: https://www.pgh2o.com/ Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

  --------  

  36:12

More Government podcasts

Trending Government podcasts

About 21st Century Water