Insights & Trends from ACE 2025

Bob Crossen, vice president of content strategy for water and energy, recaps the American Water Works Associations' ACE show, which took place from June 8-11, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Crossen was joined at the show by WaterWorld editor-in-chief Mandy Crispin and Water Group associate editor Alex Cossin, so he shares insights the three of them gained from the show. First, Crossen discusses new products that Mueller and Neptune showcased then moves on to two interviews. The first is with AWWA CEO David LaFrance. LaFrance discussed funding, financing, rates, and public communications. The second is with Gigi Karmous-Edwards who spoke about the different kinds of artificial intelligence, and some  innovative uses for generative AI in the water sector.  Show Notes: PFAS treatment and litigation strategies for water systems Mueller teases hydrant retrofit kits at AWWA ACE25 Neptune Technology Group highlights newest meter and cellular endpoint offerings Deconstructing the conundrum of rising rates and water affordability Time Stamps: Introduction & summary | 0:11  Mueller teases new product | 0:56 Neptune showcasese new products | 1:24 Article read: PFAS treatment & litigation strategies for water systems | 2:18 Interview with David LaFrance begins | 4:42 Top challenges for water industry | 5:10 Rate-setting tools and recommendations | 5:59  Pressure on improving water quality | 8:15 Factoring in communication with the public | 9:05 Water 2050 | 11:12 Interview with David LaFrance ends | 12:15 Interview with Gigi Karmous-Edwards begins | 12:22 Breaking down what AI means | 13:06 Karmous- Edward's WRF AI project | 14:11 Where is AI falling short? | 15:07 Differences between Chatbots, AI and machine learning | 16:47 What does the future hold for these technologies in water? | 17:53 Interview with Gigi Karmous-Edwards ends | 22: 55 Housekeeping | 23:18 Resources:  SWS Top Projects Nominations WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations    About the Podcast       Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal 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, residential, storm water and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.       Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [email protected] engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.