Discover the transformative idea of granting natural entities--including water--legal personhood as we sit down with Professor James Salzman, a leading voice in environmental law. This episode takes you beyond traditional environmental regulation, where nature typically plays a supporting role to human interests, and into the realm of the rights of nature movement. Listen in as we discuss the emergence of this groundbreaking concept and its implications on environmental law and policy, including how it diverges from the well-known animal rights movement. Wade through the legal intricacies of ..read more

Embark on an enlightening exploration of a globally pressing issue with the insight of Samista Jugwanth, joining us from the vibrant heart of South Africa. Prepare to unravel the intricate tapestry of WASH—Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene—challenges that persist not only in the developing world but also on the doorsteps of developed nations. Samista sheds light on the stark reality that billions are deprived of basic necessities like clean water and safe sanitation, with severe repercussions for public health, especially among children. In our discussion, we tackle the persistent myths and revea ..read more

Unlock the secrets of regulatory innovation as we sit down with Hdata's founder and CEO, Hudson Hollister, whose journey from SEC lawyer to tech trailblazer is transforming the energy industry's approach to data. This episode promises a wealth of knowledge as we venture into how Hudson's brainchild streamlines regulatory filing processes, applies AI to sector-wide queries, and empowers stakeholders with actionable insights. Discover how this groundbreaking platform not only reshapes energy data interaction but also eyes expansion into the vital water industry, potentially revolutionizing trans ..read more

Step into a world where every drop of water counts as Professor Buzz Thompson, author of "Liquid Asset," unravels the complex role of the private sector in water management. Together, we navigate the intricate dance of business and government alliances as they supply life's most vital resource, dissecting the tug-of-war between public service and commodification. Discover how companies like Xylem are revolutionizing water systems with cutting-edge technologies, and delve into the ethical and economic repercussions that ripple through our taps and irrigation lines. Unlock the future of water m ..read more

Welcome to an enlightening installment of the Water Foresight Podcast, where we venture into the complex world of non-revenue water, carbon emissions and carbon leakage credits. We're honored to have water industry veteran, Steve Cavanaugh, join us as we decode this labyrinth of issues. As the CEO of Cavanaugh & Associates and the chair of the International Water Association's (IWA) Leakage Emissions Initiative (LEI), Steve offers an invaluable depth of understanding on the subjects at hand.  We kick off our conversation unwrapping the concept of non-revenue water - a pivotal issue f ..read more

Is "fair market value" activity in trouble?  Should public and private water utilities begin to worry?  Does the recent Cicero v. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission decision by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania present a signal of change for the economic regulation of utilities?  Or, is this simply a wild card?  Cody Faulk with Spencer Fane LLP joins the Water Foresight Podcast to provide us with a balanced perspective on the future(s) of fair market value-based utility acquisitions. Is the public policy of utility consolidation dead or only if the utility is "trou ..read more

What does the recent Supreme Court case, Sackett vs. EPA, mean for the Clean Water Act? Join us as we explore this landmark case with Brent Fewell, Founder of the Earth & Water Law Group, who possesses over 30 years of experience at the intersection of water and law. Dive into the jurisdictional determination of the Sacketts' property near Priest Lake in Idaho, the Supreme Court's decision that wetlands are not federally protected, and how this ruling may shape the future of the Clean Water Act. Navigating the changing landscape of wetland protection can be daunting. In this episode, Bren ..read more

ChatGPT is garnering a great deal of attention.  What does it mean for the future of water?  Mahesh Lunani, CEO of Aquasight, joins the Water Foresight Podcast to help us understand ChatGPT and its possible or probable futures.  What is ChatGPT?  Where did it come from?  Is Chat GPT simply another incremental step in AI?  How does ChatGPT work within organizations?  What are the applications for ChatGPT within the world of water?  Can ChatGPT pass an operator's exam and run a water utility? File a rate case?  Develop an asset management plan?  ..read more

Leadership.  Everyone talks about it.  Customers and regulators demand it.  Water utilities need it.  Non-profits preach it.  What is leadership?  Can we define and measure it?  Or, do we know it when we see it?  Does it come down to traits, skills, or theories?  Dr. Peter Scheuermann joins the Water Foresight Podcast to begin a series on the future of leadership and water.  Dr. Scheuermann addresses the theory of Servant Leadership and its relevance to the future of water.  What are the elements of Servant Leadership?  Is it the ulti ..read more

The idea of the "Circular Economy" has been the subject of recent debate.  What about a "Circular Water Economy"?  Jim Lauria, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing of Mazzei Injector Company, helps us understand the rise of the Circular Water Economy.  Is this a new legal requirement or a operational paradigm?  What is its relationship to the agricultural sector?  What are the future scenarios for the Circular Water Economy?  Are there any unintended consequences?  Future implications for the price of water, environmental justice, supply chains, and water ..read more