Environmental Finance Center Network

Does your wastewater or water system have aging equipment? Looking for a way to continue operating safely and prepare for the future? Nick Willis with Wichita State University EFC, invites us to consider a few things as we evaluate the criticality, the risk, and probability of failure when it comes to systems with older equipment! Additional Resources: EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 1: Beyond the inventory – What Asset Management Planning Really Means EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 2: Start Small – Building an Asset Management Plan that Works for You EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 3: Turning Sense into Dollars – Using Asset Management for Financial Decisions

Think you know how wastewater funding works? You might be surprised. In this episode, we’re playing Fact or Fiction and taking a closer look at some of the assumptions that can make funding seem more complicated than it is. From how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund actually works to what happens when a community has a project but isn’t sure where to turn... We’re separating some common misconceptions from what systems really need to know. Additional Resources: EFCN Funding Tables EFCN Animation | SRF Funding Process: How To Get Funding For Your Utility EFCN Blog | Funding Pipeline: How to Apply for Infrastructure Funding ⁠EFCN Blog | What Funding Is Available for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects?

This episode focuses on the technologies used to treat PFAS. Dr. Li discusses the science behind granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, comparing their performance, operational requirements, and cost considerations. The conversation also explores PFAS disposal after treatment, emerging remediation approaches, and key factors small water systems should consider when planning for PFAS treatment. Listen to Parts 1 and 2 of the PFAS Podcast Series Here: PFAS Series, Part 1 PFAS Series, Part 2 Additional Resources: EFCN Blog | PFAS Monitoring: What Small Systems Need to Know EFCN Blog | A Guide for Water Operators Preparing for PFAs Sampling and Regulations EFCN Animation | The PFAS Problem

In this episode, join Dawn, AJ, and Mike of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) to discuss the main types of wastewater treatment plants including their benefits, downsides, and best use cases for each plant type. The three main types of WWTPs discussed are: Lagoons - Facultative Lagoons - Aerated Lagoons - Anaerobic Lagoons - Polishing Ponds - Evaporative Lagoons Fixed-Film Plants - Trickling Filters - Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs) Suspended Growth Plants - Activated Sludge At the heart of each of these plant types is the kind of biological treatment used. Whether you are totally new to wastewater treatment or a seasoned operator or plant manager considering upgrades to your plant given evolving regulations and discharge permit requirements this episode is for you! Additional Resources: EFCN Podcast | Small Wastewater Systems: How Lagoons Treat Wastewater EFCN Blog | Seasonal Challenges, Smart Solutions: Summer Operation of Wastewater Lagoons

We know you are passionate about water, but is there something else you love to do? If so, how can you tap into that to reach your community? Meet Marissa! She invites us to think "outside the tank" and make connections with everyone! Additional Information: Oscoda Citizens For Clean Water | Pirates and Mermaids Festival EFCN Blog | Understanding Public Notice Requirements and Communicating Water Issues to Your Community EFCN Blog | Building Community Support for Wastewater Projects

Small systems do not need to be caught off guard when it comes to new regulations! Listen in on this conversation where the whole process is explained and what small systems can do to stay in the know Additional Information: EPA | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) EFCN Blog | Big Picture: EPA Regulations and NPDES Permits

Learn about the myriad considerations for green schoolyard design from a landscape architect's perspective. Adam De Foor-White, PLA, ASLA shares his insights and experience for those who may be considering a green schoolyard for their school. This podcast is a companion to our three-part webinar series Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy, which covers funding strategies and considerations for green schoolyards. Watch the Environmental Finance Center Network’s, “Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy,” webinar series moderated by Greenprint Partners here: Part 1: Green Schoolyards as Stormwater & Community Resilience Strategy Part 2: Lessons from Milwaukee Part 3: Lessons from Chicagoland

Every time it rains, water washing off roads and highways carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and estuaries. One of the most concerning pollutants is 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a chemical byproduct of a common tire rubber additive that is among the most toxic substances known to aquatic life. This podcast introduces 6PPDQ to planners and technical staff who may be encountering it for the first time and shows what communities can do about it. Speakers from Washington State DOT, Herrera Inc, and Stewardship Partners will share lessons learned from using green stormwater infrastructure as a solution and discuss how municipalities, transportation agencies, and nonprofits can work together to deploy solutions, engage their communities, and access funding. Speakers: Tony Bush, Stormwater Branch Manager, Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Dylan Ahearn, Principal Scientist, Herrera Inc Soumi Gaddameedi, Grants & Development Manager, Stewardship Partners Katie Harris, Greenprint Partners (moderator) Additional Resources: EFCN Webinar | Cleaning Our Waterways: Green Infrastructure Solutions for 6PPDQ EFCN Blog | When It Rains, It Runs Off: What Every Community Should Know About 6PPDQ WSDOT | Stormwater Retrofit Prioritization Web Map Stewardship Partners | Adopt A Downspout

In this episode, Eva Schwendimann from the SW EFC discusses the basics of sewer smoke testing in sanitary sewer systems with Mike Rivera. Mike is a Water and Wastewater Utility Specialist at the SW EFC and has a background of working with Water and Wastewater in New Mexico systems for over 20 years. This episode walks listeners through why and how a smoke test is conducted, the equipment needed, best case weather conditions for testing, and how to collect and manage data from a smoke test. Episode Chapters: Podcast Intro - 0:00:00 Mike’s experience with smoke testing - 0:01:22 Summary of smoke test procedure - 0:04:25 What can a smoke test detect? - 0:05:02 What is Infiltration and Inflow? - 0:05:22 Equipment needed - 0:08:32 Step by step procedure - 0:09:38 How effective is smoke testing?- 0:12:18 Best weather conditions - 0:13:14 How to collect and manage data - 0:14:08 Podcast Outro - 0:18:57 Links to additional resources: NPDES: Stormwater Best Management Practice, Preventing Stormwater Contamination from Sanitary Sewage Sewer Smoke Testing | Fulcrum EFCN Blog | The Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns on Wastewater and Stormwater Systems

Learn why cybersecurity matters for every water and wastewater utility and how leaders can take simple, proactive steps to safeguard their operations and the communities they serve. Additional Resources: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) EFCN | Request Assistance with Cybersecurity or Request a Cybersecurity Training

In this episode James Markham from the Southwest Environmental Finance Center interviews Angelina Grey, Associate Planner at the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments in New Mexico about guidance for small utilities that are looking for help with capital improvement planning, with a focus on what needs to be done to get ready for the process. Getting your regulatory and financial house in order are the biggest items to complete when doing capital improvement planning.

More than 50 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, what can we learn from its impact on small communities? In this episode, Dr. Rhiannon Jerch discusses how the Clean Water Act shaped municipal finances, improved water quality, and influenced long-term community growth. We explore how small municipalities financed major wastewater infrastructure investments, the role of user fees and federal funding, and what these findings can teach today's communities as they plan for future water infrastructure challenges.

Cross-connection and backflow risks may not always be obvious, but they can pose serious threats to drinking water systems and public health when left unaddressed. In this episode, Alice Kilkelly from the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center speaks with Elizabeth Belezaire, Water Quality Analyst at the Board of Water Supply for the City of Mount Vernon, New York, about the city’s efforts to strengthen its cross-connection control program. Over the past year, Mount Vernon has worked to move beyond paper-based systems, build a more complete inventory of backflow prevention devices, and improve communication with businesses and residents about their role in protecting water quality. The conversation offers practical insights for utilities and communities looking to start or strengthen their own cross-connection control efforts. Learn more about Mount Vernon’s Cross Connection Control Program today by visiting: https://www.mountvernonny.gov/2055/Cross-Connection-Control-and-Backflow-Pr

Small water systems face many of the same regulatory requirements and financing complexities as larger utilities, but with fewer staff and resources to manage them. In this episode, we examine how finance professionals can effectively navigate the landscape of federal funding opportunities available to small water systems.Joined by finance expert Kevin Wachtel, Senior Manager at GFOA, the discussion addresses key funding sources including federal grants and loan programs as well as critical considerations for evaluating and selecting among financing instruments. Additionally, the conversation explains the importance of financial readiness, long-term capital planning, and the strategic role of debt financing in supporting essential infrastructure investments. This Podcast offers valuable insights for finance leaders seeking to strengthen their utility's financial position and ensure the sustainability of vital water infrastructure. Additional Resources: 10 Steps to Developing Utility Rates

PFAS are increasingly being detected in drinking water systems across the country. In this episode, Dr. Li explains what PFAS are, how they enter our water supplies, current regulations, risks to communities and private well owners as well as actionable measures individuals can implement within their households to mitigate the presence of these pollutants.

In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven and Eric Williams are joined by Bill Moody of the Mississippi Department of Health’s Water Division and David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems. Together, they share practical guidance for water utilities on maintaining regulatory compliance and responding effectively during emergencies. Drawing on real-world experience, the conversation focuses on severe weather events, prolonged power outages, and steps utilities can take to prepare, respond, and recover while continuing to protect public health.

Severe weather events, natural disasters, and power outages pose serious challenges for wastewater public utilities, yet essential services must continue when communities need them most. In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network podcast, hosts Anthony Craven, Jason Barrett, and Eric Williams sit down with Mr. David DeWitt of Taylor Power Systems to explore how wastewater utilities can prepare for emergencies and maintain safe, reliable operations during crises. Drawing from his experience in designing generator systems for wastewater and water utility facilities, DeWitt emphasizes that emergency power planning is essential for utility resilience. The conversation covers key considerations for backup power systems, including generator sizing, fuel selection, load planning, routine testing, and long‑term reliability. Together, they discuss how planning and thoughtful design can help utilities respond effectively to hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, winter storms, and other severe weather events. This episode also highlights the operational, financial, and public health implications of power loss at wastewater facilities and why investing in preparedness before disaster strikes can save time, money, and environmental harm. Whether you are a utility manager, operator, engineer, or local decision‑maker, this discussion offers practical insights into building resilient wastewater systems that protect communities and the environment when emergencies occur.

Join Brian Bohnsack, Tyler Cotner and John Colcazier from the Wichita State University EFC as they share their experiences working with wastewater and water boards and some of the most common issues they have encountered.

This podcast outlines how to frame the funding challenges, how to understand the Funding Landscape, ways to identify funding sources for you utility, the best ways to stay organized, how to manage multiple funding sources, and how Technical Assistance can help. Hosted by Wichita State University EFC Program Manager Analisa Munhall, with Anna Archer, who is also a WSU EFC Project Manager.

This episode explores how the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement has evolved since its inception. The conversation breaks down pollution diets and nutrient reduction goals, highlights effective stormwater best management practices, and discusses workforce development programs that are helping small communities move from regulatory compliance to community-focused action that protects local waters and builds long-term capacity. Hosted by Danish Kumar, Program Manager at the University of Maryland EFC, with special guest David Wood, Executive Director, Chesapeake Stormwater Network