In this episode of Talking Under Water co-hosts Bob Crossen and Mandy Crispin, along with Water Group Editor Alex Cossin share the trends they witnessed at AWWA ACE24 in Anaheim, California. Then, the hosts are joined by fellow co-host Katie Johns to discuss recent industry news, including $60 million in funding from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association to build a climate-ready workforce; and $65 million from the Department of Labor for workforce development in the U.S. with some specifically targeting the water sector. Also, hosts share information about microplastics legislation, Portland Maine’s lawsuit against DuPont and 3M for PFAS in wastewater, and microplastics legislation.

• White House announces $60 million to build climate-ready workforce
• U.S. EPA publishes 2024-2027 climate adaptation plan
• Portland, Maine, Water District joins wastewater class action lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers
• Bill requiring study of microplastics in drinking water passes assembly health committee
• U.S. Department of Labor awards $65 million in grants to community colleges to expand access to training

• Cold open | 0:00
• Host introduction and episode summary | 0:40
• The "as a service" business model trend in water | 1:35
• AWWA | 6:23
• OCWD tour's value for editors | 7:55
• NOAA's $60M plan for a climate-ready workforce | 9:13
• Department of Labor investment in workforce | 11:23
• Microplastics monitoring begins in California | 13:32
• Portland, Maine files lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers | 14:48
• Housekeeping | 16:30

• Meet the new AWWA President Cheryl Porter
• Ace 2024 opening general session thread

Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, point of use, point of entry, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and on-site interviews with experts for WWD, WW and SWS. New episodes of the podcast are released on the third Friday of every month. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.  

Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.