Hands-On with Water Utility Innovations: Jim Wollbrinck's Take from ACE 24

In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac engages in a rich discussion with recurring guest Jim Wollbrinck, focusing on water utility innovations. Fresh from the ACE 24 conference in Anaheim, California, Jim reflects on the event's highlights and breakthroughs in the water utility industry. They dive into emergency response planning, emphasizing the advancements and networking achieved at the conference. Jim shares his insights on the modern technologies showcased and the significance of hands-on exhibits for better understanding and engagement.   Also in this episode: ACE 24 Conference: The exhibit hall's buzz and high engagement levels signify a post-pandemic resurgence in industry networking and technological innovation.  Displaying physical setups of products, like layflat hoses, significantly enhances engagement and understanding among attendees. Highlights the intricate dependencies between water utilities and refineries and the urgency of having a robust emergency fuel plan. Utilizing Civil Air Patrol and drone technology for expedited and comprehensive dam inspections in post-disaster scenarios. While AI offers substantial operational efficiencies, it also introduces new cybersecurity vulnerabilities that need careful management.   About the Guest: Jim Wollbrinck is a seasoned expert in the water utility industry, bringing over three decades of professional experience to the table. He has served in various capacities at San Jose Water, gaining extensive expertise in security and emergency management planning. Currently, Jim is with Metasys LLC, where he focuses on emergency management, business continuity, and security solutions for utilities. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Cal Nevada Section's Security and Emergency Management Committee and the National Security and Emergency Planning Committee.     About Isaac Alatorre: Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management. A UC Irvine graduate and beginning his career in safety and emergency supplies, Isaac was trained by David Jackson on all things related to PPS. With the help of his predecessor, he has updated PPS in regard to technology and processes. He believes that PPS has just started to make an impact. PPS has usually been a West Coast company, but now Isaac believes that PPS can help utilities across the globe with PPS many applications. Not only with pipelines but with emergency response awareness as a whole. He enjoys sports, whiskey, and food.     This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact