Welcome to “Rural Ripples,” the podcast where we dive into the unique challenges and innovative solutions of small water systems from coast to coast. Hosts Chelsea Boozer of Rogue Water Lab and Jeff Biberdorf of Fontus Blue amplify the voices of those who keep our rural communities flowing. Each episode, they bring you insightful interviews with general managers, nonprofit leaders, and association experts dedicated to supporting small systems. So, join along as we explore the ripples of change and celebrate the resilience of our water heroes!
EP010 | Valuing Water: Brent Locke on the Critical Need for Public Awareness
Brent Locke, General Manager of the Bistone Municipal Water Supply District, shares his 50-year journey in water management and highlights the critical need for public awareness to ensure reliable water delivery.
5 Dec 2024
EP009 | Navigating the Future: Tad Bohannon on Regional Collaboration
Tad Bohannon, CEO of Central Arkansas Water, shares insights on regional collaboration and innovation in rural water systems, revealing the key to building resilient and sustainable water systems for the future.
20 Nov 2024
EP008 | Small Town Roots, Big Impact: David Baird On community and economic resilience
David Baird, former National Rural Water Association President, shares his expertise on community and economic resilience through collaboration and resource sharing between small and large rural systems.
7 Nov 2024
EP007 | Empowering Rural Systems: Dr. Sophia Oberton on Workforce and Mindset
In this episode, we welcomed Dr. Sophia Oberton, a true powerhouse in the world of rural water management.
Dr. Oberton, the Water Superintendent and Special Projects Coordinator for the unique border town of Delmar, Delaware/Maryland, brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshing perspective on the pressing issues facing small water systems today. She has a fascinating journey into the water industry and a deep commitment to empowering her community and her employees.
Dr. Oberton sheds light on workforce development and retention, aging infrastructure, and navigating the complexities of funding. She shares insights on fostering a growth mindset within her team, the role of innovative solutions like SCADA in optimizing operations, and how she’s working with the next generation through pre-apprenticeship programs to inspire future water professionals.
Whether you’re in the industry or just passionate about the water that flows into your community, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, actionable insights, and Dr. Oberton’s unshakable dedication to making a difference. Grab your headphones and tune in for a conversation that’s as engaging as it is empowering.
23 Oct 2024
EP006 | Rooted in Water: Juanita Reyher-Colon On Community-Driven Stewardship and Small System Innovation
Aloha! 🌺
Today, we are honored to welcome our good friend Juanita Reyher-Colon. Jeff and I have known Juanita for quite a while now, and we're excited to share her stories with the listeners of Rural Ripples. Hailing from the island of Molokai, where her family has lived for 14 generations, Juanita has deep roots in her community and a profound cultural connection to water.
You may know her from her previous role as vice president of the American Water Works Association or her leadership on the Maui County Board of Water Supply. She currently serves as the executive director of the Hawai'i Rural Water Association. In this episode, Juanita shares her insights on the importance of community-driven water stewardship, how her native Hawaiian heritage influences her approach to water management and innovative strategies for addressing the challenges faced by small systems.
8 Oct 2024
EP005 | Voices from the Frontlines: Shannon Kring on Water Activism, Community Relations, and Indigenous Leadership
Shannon Kring is a renowned filmmaker and human rights advocate who has spent years capturing the stories of marginalized communities around the world, often with a focus on the vital role of water. As a writer, director and producer, Shannon works with the White House, the Administration for Children and Families, the State Department, the United Nations, and other national and global groups concerning Indigenous and marginalized members of society.
She’s a UN World Tourism Organization Liaison and serves as Honduras’ Official Goodwill Ambassador. She’s lived in what was at the time named the Murder Capital of the World – San Pedro Sula, Honduras - and has been back in the US telling stories here since 2016. Shannon was the first US director and only third woman to ever be awarded backing by the Finnish Film Foundation in its then 69-year history back in 2018. She’s won countless other awards in film over the years, and is currently in production on a feature documentary called NINE LITTLE INDIANS, co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Tony Robbins.
In this episode, Shannon shares her powerful journey behind the award-winning documentary End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock, and the untold stories of water activism, women’s leadership, and the fight for Indigenous water rights.
25 Sept 2024
EP004 | The Future is Now: Matt McDougald on the Evolution of Small Water Systems
Welcome back to “Rural Ripples,” the podcast where we explore the unique challenges and innovative solutions for small water systems nationwide. Today we have a thought-provoking conversation with Matt McDougald from the Opelika Water Board. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge on the importance of communicating the value of water, the future integration of AI in water management, and the necessity of adapting to evolving technologies. In this episode, Matt shares his insights on how small systems can thrive by embracing change and fostering a deeper understanding of water’s value. Let’s dive into this enlightening discussion with Matt McDougald.
10 Sept 2024
EP003 | Moonshots and Milestones: George Hawkins on Transforming Water Utilities
In this episode, we talk to George about his experiences overcoming governance challenges, which we all know can sometimes hold up impactful work for utilities. He also discusses the importance of community engagement and shares some forward thinking ideas on sustainable water management.
27 Aug 2024
EP002 | Cultivating Talent: Greg Venette on Building a Strong Water Workforce
This episode explores the remarkable journey of Greg Venette, the Utilities Superintendent for the City of Louisville, Colorado. With nearly two decades of experience in Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations, Greg’s leadership and resilience have made a lasting impact on the water industry. Honored with the 2022 American Water Works Association Heroism Award, Greg and his team exemplify excellence in overcoming the unique challenges faced by small water systems.
Greg shares his insights on managing smaller systems with limited resources, turning challenges into opportunities, and the critical role of embracing technology. We also discuss the advantages of working in ‘schmedium’ systems like Louisville’s and the vital support provided by rural water associations.
Whether you’re in the industry or simply curious about the work behind the scenes, this episode offers a blueprint for success in the evolving landscape of water utilities. Tune in for an insightful conversation highlighting the dedication and forward-thinking that define small water systems today.
13 Aug 2024
EP001 | Building Resilient Communities: Olga Morales-Pate on Sustainable Water Solutions
Olga Morales Pate is a dynamic leader and advocate for rural communities. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face from all of her experience in the field, and now in her current leadership as head of RCAP, Rural Communities Assistance Partnership.
In this episode, Olga shares her story growing up as a child without water in her home. She also shares her vision for a sustainable future, the importance of intentional investment in infrastructure, and the need for flexible funding to support the unique needs of each community.
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