Public Works Podcast

In this episode, host Joseph Blackman interviews James Peters, a Water Reuse expert, about revolutionary solutions to the global water crisis. James discusses how his organization helps cities facing "water bankruptcy" by providing a product that allows residents to recycle water at home. This approach aims to move communities to a water-positive state by cutting residential consumption in half. James dives into the barriers to public adoption, arguing that increasing prices and penalties is a counterproductive response that makes water exclusive. He offers a sharp critique of expensive, slow, and polluting desalination projects. Learn why eliminating the 50% of water currently wasted achieves the same benefit as doubling the supply—without the multibillion-dollar cost.

Find more at: https://showerpot.org/

Joseph Blackman and David Jenkins, CEO of Infrastructure Public Works Engineers of Australia (IPWEA), discussed the challenges and value propositions of associations, including the difficulty in engaging young professionals and the necessity for associations to adapt and find new, sustainable revenue streams. He emphasized that for educational offerings to be effective and attractive, they must be "recognized education" or possess a certification to ensure credibility and organizational buy-in. To improve member engagement and combat "buyer's remorse," David asserted that associations must understand their members' interests and provide relevant information and a welcoming experience, while also building trust through deliberate member consultation and transparent reporting on advocacy outcomes.

Joseph Blackman introduced Gabby Zanzarella, a Stormwater Operations Analyst for High Point, North Carolina, whose role involves protecting water quality, maintaining infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, often in high-pressure situations, requiring adaptability and effective communication. Gabby shared her non-traditional career path, which included a degree in environmental management and experience in urban forestry and nonprofit work, and discussed how their passion for hula hooping unexpectedly reinforced their service mentality and contributed to their professional trajectory. Essential to their success is maintaining an educational approach to resolve conflicts with residents and continuously improving through curiosity and observing peer organizations, with success defined by operational smoothness and residents understanding their impact on water quality, as highlighted by their "Only rain down the drain" campaign. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman welcomed Travis Kearney, Wastewater Collection Supervisor at Carpenteria Sanitary District, to the public works podcast, where Travis outlined his multi-faceted role, including managing 42 miles of pipe, overseeing maintenance and inspections, and maintaining 133 unique E1 grinder pumps in the small beach community. Travis emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and rotating work activities for team development, while also detailing the integration of the Lucidity CMMS system with ArcGIS Pro for work order creation. Travis shared his career path, credited mentors like Ricardo Larude and Mark Bennett, and offered leadership advice, including the importance of staying calm under pressure and encouraging young professionals to step outside their comfort zone. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Joseph Blackman introduced Lucia Diaz, the Manager of Facilities and Water System Programs for Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), who provided an overview of IEUA's wholesale water services, wastewater treatment, and her extensive role overseeing facilities management, conveyance systems, and physical security. Lucia detailed her career progression from a construction background to being the first female construction coordinator at IEUA, where she successfully managed major projects despite initial challenges, crediting her advancement to continuous learning, mentorship from advocates like Chander Letulle, and a focus on essential skill sets such as adaptability, people leadership, and strategic thinking. Throughout the discussion, Lucia emphasized the importance of listening, remaining consistent, and focusing on professional conduct, while also sharing her advice to the community to "Protect your pipes" by only flushing the "three P's." Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.