Talk+Water

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, talks with Josh Katz, attorney with Bickerstaff Heath, about a recent Texas Supreme Court decision on produced water ownership and its implications for water rights and policy.Josh practices in the areas of municipal law, environmental law, administrative law, water law, electric utility regulation, and civil litigation. He represents municipalities, river authorities, water districts, and private entities in these and related matters before state agencies and in state and federal courts. Before joining Bickerstaff Heath in 2010, Josh was an associate with a large Austin law firm and an environmental and property law litigation boutique. He researched and drafted publications and other documents while clerking at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Jones McClure Publishing Company, where he drafted and edited various O’Connor’s legal publications. For a deeper dive into this topic, read his legal review published in the Texas Water Journal: https://twj-ojs-tdl.tdl.org/twj/article/view/7233. Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, talks with Dr. Margaret Cook, Vice President of Water & Community Resilience at the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), about water use of data centers in Texas.Margaret leads a team of experts who build collaborative initiatives to enhance community resilience, sustainable development, and the availability and affordability of clean water. She is a seasoned sustainability leader with a proven record of innovative research and solution development. With a strong foundation in engineering, policy, and the water-energy-climate nexus, she has successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders to address critical challenges in these sectors, co-developing programs with communities and prioritizing those with the greatest need. Margaret’s research focuses on developing and implementing solutions for water resource management, energy access and affordability, and climate adaptation.Margaret earned a Doctorate in Civil Engineering with a certificate in Engineering Education, a Master's degree in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, all from the University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering. She also holds a dual Master's degree in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, examines how failed P-13 wells, which are former oil and gas wells converted for water use, can fall outside regulatory oversight and create risks for Texas groundwater, with Sarah Stogner, District Attorney for the Texas 143rd Judicial District, and Dr. Ron Green, retired hydrologist.Sarah Stogner is the elected District Attorney for the 143rd Judicial District in rural West Texas. A West Texas landowner herself, she has become one of the state’s most vocal advocates for holding the oil and gas industry accountable for improperly plugged legacy wells—known as “zombie wells”—that threaten land, water, and property rights across Texas. She is the founder of Zombie Wells, a platform that connects affected landowners with regulatory data and legal resources. In 2022, Sarah ran for Texas Railroad Commissioner, advancing to the Republican primary runoff in a race that sharpened her focus on the Commission’s chronic failure to enforce plugging obligations and pursue successor liability against the majors. She brings a ground-level perspective that combines courtroom experience, regulatory policy knowledge, and the firsthand reality of owning land in oil country.Dr. Ron Green is a retired hydrologist, formerly with the Southwest Research Institute and the consulting firm, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber. He has specialized in groundwater hydrology and environmental geophysics, with a focus on water resource assessment and karst hydrology. He has volunteered on the state board of trustees of The Nature Conservancy in Texas, serving as chair of its Conservation and Science Committee. He has also served as board chair for the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance.For a deeper dive into this topic, read their paper published in the Texas Water Journal: https://twj-ojs-tdl.tdl.org/twj/article/view/7212.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses the role of journalism and storytelling in advancing water solutions with Travis Loop, founder of the waterloop, an award-winning nonprofit news outlet exploring water sustainability. Travis began his career as a newspaper reporter and returned to his passion for journalism to launch and operate the platform. He brings more than 20 years of experience, including serving as communications director at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Water Environment Federation, and the Chesapeake Bay Program, as well as speechwriter for the Governor of Hawaii.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses the National Water Availability Assessment project, with Dr. Ted Stets, a Research Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), who is leading the assessment.  The assessment project is tasked with producing a comprehensive, integrated assessment of the nation’s water availability.The first National Water Assessment was published in January 2025; a supplement will be published at the end of 2026, and updates to the report are scheduled every five years thereafter.Stets received a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2007, working on carbon and nutrient cycling in surface waters. His work at the USGS has focused on catchment hydrology and elemental cycling, as well as on the former National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA), which officially ended in 2018 after a 30-year run. Ted lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses how investors and companies are confronting water-related financial risks with Kristen James, Senior Water Program Director at Ceres. Kirsten directs Ceres' strategy supporting investors and companies in addressing challenges facing our freshwater systems. Her work includes leading the Valuing Water Finance Initiative, a global effort to support investors working with companies to reduce financial risks stemming from water scarcity, pollution, and damage to freshwater ecosystems. Previously, Kirsten served for five years as the director of California policy and partnerships at Ceres, where she led strategy development for Ceres’s California-focused policy work, engaging companies and investors in support of public policies that call for sustainable water management, clean energy, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions in California.  Prior to Ceres, Kirsten worked for a water resource-focused NGO as its Science and Policy Director. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in environmental science and management from the Bren School at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation recorded on February 6, 2025, Brian Richter, President of Sustainable Waters, trades places with Talk+Water host, Dr. Todd H. Votteler, to interview him about "Water Markets for Texas."  In 2025, Texas 2036 published "Water Markets for Texas" a major multi-year report analyzing how voluntary, well-structured water markets have operated in two regions of the state and what lessons they offer for any Texas communities preparing for its long-term water needs.   The report, authored by Votteler with contributions from Gabriel Collins, J.D., and Dr. Matthew Berg, draws on five decades of hydrologic data, regulatory analysis and interviews with Texas water managers, groundwater leaders, and Western water experts to understand the conditions that enable regional markets to function and why those conditions exist in only a few parts of Texas today.  The report goes beyond Texas with lessons for establishing of new water markets that are applicable in other states.  Votteler is a former federal special master and river authority executive with expertise in conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. Votteler is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Texas Water Journal and Texas+Water, and the host of the Talk+Water podcast. He is a Fellow of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, a Visiting Scholar at The Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin, and a Board Member for the Whitefish Lake Institute.  Brian Richter has been a global leader in water science and conservation for more than 30 years. He is the President of Sustainable Waters, a global organization focused on water scarcity challenges, where he promotes sustainable water use and management with governments, corporations, universities, and local communities. He previously served as Director of the Global Water Program of The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization. Brian has consulted on more than 170 water projects worldwide. He serves as a water advisor to some of the world’s largest corporations, investment banks, and the United Nations, and has testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions. He teaches Water Sustainability at the University of Virginia.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses water issues with Margot Molloy, Director of CK Blueshift, Cam Wobus, Principal at CK Blueshift, and Emily Lewis, Partner at Culp & Kelly.Margot Molloy is the Director of CK Blueshift a strategist, a facilitator and an executive coach that works with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, public agencies, and foundations. Her areas of expertise include launching complex new initiatives, orchestrating cross-sector collaboration to shape actionable strategies, and supporting leadership in transition.Cam Wobus is a Principal at C.K. Blueshift and a broadly trained earth scientist with expertise in hydrology, geomorphology, climate change, and economics. He supports clients with the quantification and monetization of climate change impacts on flood risk, water availability, and ecosystem health. He maintains a research affiliation at the University of Colorado, where he continues grant-funded research on behalf of the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.Finally, Emily Lewis is a veteran of Talk+Water. Emily is a Partner at Culp & Kelly where she assists clients in navigating and solving complex water problems. She regularly advises water right owners, municipalities, investors, agricultural users, and non-governmental organizations. Emily’s work focuses on designing and implementing practical solutions that secure client’s water resiliency in the face of challenging and changing conditions. Emily hosts a popular water podcast, Ripple Effect– A Podcast Putting Water in Context.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, moderates the 2025 Public Administration Symposium at Austin College in Sherman, Texas.On October 29, 2025, at the invitation of Professor Frank Rohmer, I provided the keynote talk for the Public Administration Symposium at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. The symposium, which was titled “The Challenge of Water in Fast Growing Texas,” was sponsored by the Sumner Foundation and presented by the Austin College Pre-Law Society.  The symposium was held less than a week before Texas voters approved Proposition 4, an important new funding program for Texas water infrastructure and new supplies. As part of the symposium I moderated its two panels which proceeded my talk. These panels focused on regional water issues and how the funding contemplated under Proposition 4 might impact water management in Texas.  Panel 1 included: Galen Roberts, Director of Water Resources for the North Texas Municipal Water District; Jason Pierce, Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications for the Upper Trinity Regional Water District; and Dr. Peter Schultze, Professor of Biology & Environmental Science at Austin College. Panel 2 included: David Kelly, Government Affairs Manager for the North Texas Municipal Water District; Wayne Lee, Director of Engineering for the City of Sherman; and finally Perry Fowler, Executive Director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network. The following discussion provided important insights into the current and future water needs of this rapidly growing region where multiple multibillion dollar semiconductor factories are already under construction.  Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses the key water planning, finance, and regulatory institutions of Texas and some of the current issues and challenges facing the state with Brooke Paup, Chairwoman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.Brooke Paup was appointed Chairwoman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) by Governor Greg Abbott in January of 2025.  Prior to her appointment to TCEQ, Paup served on the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) beginning in 2018.  In 2021, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Paup as the first woman chair in the history of TWDB. Prior to 2018, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, in the Office of the Attorney General, and at the Office of State-Federal Relations in Washington, D.C. Paup has 19 years of state government experience.In 2021, Paup was awarded the Texas Water Foundation's Rainmaker Award, which acknowledges exceptional leaders making lasting impacts in Texas water.  She was also recently the recipient of the 2023-2024 Public Official of the Year Award from the Water Environment Association of Texas.Paup has a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech School of Law.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses Texas Proposition 4 with Sarah Kirkle, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs at the Texas Water Association, and Perry Fowler Executive Director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network.Sarah Kirkle works with members of Texas Water Association to develop policy positions through TWA’s legislative committees and to subsequently advance those policy initiatives through education and advocacy at the Texas Legislature. Previously, Kirkle was at Texas 2036 and the Sunset Advisory Commission.Perry Fowler is the Executive Director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network (TXWIN) and Principal of Fowler Group Texas, LLC. Fowler also represents Texas811, the statewide damage prevention organization, advocating for safe excavation and utility coordination.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses the homebuilding boom in Houston area flood zones following Hurricane Harvey with Caroline Ghisolfi, Deputy Data Editor at the Houston Chronicle.Caroline Ghisolfi combines data analysis, visualization and investigative techniques to drive accountability reporting for Texas communities. She oversees a team journalist-coders and spearheads data literacy initiatives across Hearst Newspapers in Texas.Caroline joined the Chronicle as a data reporter on the investigative team in 2023. Before coming to Houston, she was at the Austin American-Statesman where she was part of a team selected as a Pulitzer finalist in public service. Caroline trained in data journalism in multiple roles at the Associated Press and holds a journalism master's degree from Stanford University.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses common western water needs and challenges with Tony Willardson, recently retired Executive Director of Western States Water Council.Tony Willardson was named as Executive Director of the Western States Water Council in July 2009, and served the Council in various capacities since 1979. He is a member of the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration and has been recognized by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) with the Mary H. Marsh Medal for Exemplary Contributions to the Protection and Wise Use of the Nation’s Water Resources. Further, he oversees publication of the Council’s weekly newsletter, Western States Water.For more information about Tony Willardson's decorated service to the world of water, please review his bio here.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses recent developments in the Rio Grande with Martha Pskowski, a Texas reporter for Inside Climate News based in El Paso.Martha reports on water, oil and gas, and the impacts of climate change. She was previously an environmental reporter at the El Paso Times and a freelance reporter in Mexico City.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses extreme weather with Texas State Climatologist, Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon. He is a Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University and also serves as the Director of the Southern Regional Climate Center.John Nielsen-Gammon has been on the faculty at Texas A&M University since 1991. He conducts research on various types of extreme weather from droughts and floods to air pollution and computer modeling. As Texas State Climatologist, he helps the state of Texas make the best possible use of weather and climate information through applied research, outreach, and service on state-level committees. He is a fellow of the American Meteorological Society. Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses the 89th Texas Legislative session with Vanessa Puig-Williams, Senior Director of Climate Resilient Water Systems at the Environmental Defense Fund, Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy at Texas 2036, and Carlos Rubinstein, Principal at RSAH​2O, LLC.The 89th Legislative Session was a historic, generational water infrastructure-focused session. From legislation geared toward water infrastructure funding, coalitions formed to investigate and address water challenges in Texas, and more, these water policy experts discuss the outcomes of this session over a jovial luncheon.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses water challenges in the Rio Grande with Martha Pskowski, a Texas reporter for Inside Climate News based in El Paso.Martha reports on water, oil and gas, and the impacts of climate change. She was previously an environmental reporter at the El Paso Times and a freelance reporter in Mexico City.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses Multidecadal drought impacts on the Lower Colorado Basin with implications for future management with author, Dr. Bridget Scanlon, Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin.Dr. Scanlon's current research focuses on various aspects of water resources, including global assessments using satellites and modeling, management related to climate extremes, and water energy interdependence. She has authored or co-authored ~200 publications. Dr. Scanlon is a fellow of AAAS, AGU and GSA and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses El Paso water resources with El Paso Water's Gilbert Trejo, Vice President of Operations and Technical Services, and Christina Montoya-Halter, Communications and Marketing  Manager.Gilbert Trejo oversees engineering, operations and technical services. Previously, he served as Chief Technical Officer. Before coming to El Paso Water in 2014, he was the Principal in charge of Arcadis' Water Division in the El Paso, Texas region. In that role, he led business development, designed and managed projects, and ensured financial performance. Trejo is also past chair and former board member for the WateReuse Association and Water Research Foundation. He is a published author on water reuse and water infrastructure topics. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Texas, a Certified Floodplain Manager and a Board-Certified Environmental Engineer.  Trejo earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Science in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin.Christina Montoya-Halter has 24 years of media, communications and marketing experience. She is the Communications and Marketing Manager for EPWater, overseeing internal and external communications. A University of Southern California graduate, prior to her role at EPWater, she was a broadcast journalist in El Paso. She is President of WateReuse Texas and is serving her third term on the American Water Works Association's Public Affairs Council.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses Austin water resources and the 100-year water plan with Shay Ralls Roalson, Director of Austin Water, and Marisa Flores Gonzalez, Program Manager for Austin Water's Water Forward Plan.Shay Ralls Roalson P.E. became the Director of Austin Water in January 2023, leading a team of 1,300 employees committed to providing high quality drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to more than one million people in the Austin metropolitan area.Shay has 29 years of experience working with water utilities on the planning, design, and construction of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. She joined Austin Water as Assistant Director in April 2020, where she led the engineering services team responsible for delivering the utility’s $1.4 billion five-year capital program. Prior to joining Austin Water, Shay was a consulting engineer, working with utilities across Texas.Shay is a past Chair of the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association and has served on the External Advisory Committee for the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Texas Section AWWA George Warren Fuller award.Shay received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin.Marisa Flores Gonzalez leads the Water Resources Team at Austin Water and is the project manager for Water Forward, Austin’s 100-year Integrated Water Resource Plan. Ms. Flores Gonzalez has 14 years of experience working in local government and utilities in multiple areas including water supply, water distribution, wastewater collection, and stormwater management planning. She brings a holistic approach to water planning, with a belief in the value of community engagement and adaptive management to create a resilient and equitable water future for the Austin community. Ms. Flores Gonzalez holds a B.A. in Geography and the Environment from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s in Public Administration from Texas State University.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, explores the importance of communication in addressing Western water issues with Daniel Rothberg, a writer who focuses on research regarding water, public land, mining, and energy.Daniel writes a newsletter, Western Water Notes, focusing on water in the Western U.S. For six years, Daniel worked as an environmental reporter for The Nevada Independent, where his work was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, Best of the West, and the Society of Environmental Journalists. During that time, he served as president of the Nevada Press Association, working to support and advocate on behalf of outlets across the state. Daniel’s environmental writing has been published in The Nevada Independent, The New York Times, Smithsonian, Inside Climate News, Sierra Magazine, Vox, and High Country News. He is currently based in Davis, California, where he is working toward a master’s in environmental policy.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation (recorded on 12/09/2024), Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses Texas' statewide flood plan with L'Oreal Stepney, P.E., Chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board. This plan provides a comprehensive assessment of flood risk and solutions to mitigate that risk.L'Oreal Stepney was named Chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board by Governor Greg Abbott on January 8, 2025. Governor Abbott appointed her to the Board in December 2022 for a term beginning January 1, 2023.Stepney previously served as the deputy executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). She began working for TCEQ in 1992, first in the Air Permitting Division for eight years, then as section manager for the Wastewater Permitting Section before being promoted to director of the Water Quality Division in 2003. She also served as deputy director of the Office of Water upon its creation in 2009. The Office of Water encompasses TCEQ's water availability, water districts, groundwater, river compacts, water quality permitting and planning, and public drinking water functions. During her time at TCEQ, Stepney worked closely with the Texas Water Development Board on several water programs.Additionally, Stepney has participated in the group from Texas that meets with Mexico and the International Boundary and Water Commission to negotiate water deliveries under the Rio Grande 1944 Treaty. She is a board member for the Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program and a graduate of the University of Texas Governor's Center Executive Management Program and the University of Texas Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution Fellows Program.Stepney received a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering and a master of science in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.Her term will expire February 1, 2029.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, explores the complexities of Colorado River management and related water issues in Utah, with Emily E. Lewis, a Director, Shareholder, and Co-Chair of the Natural Resources and Water Law Practice Group at Clyde Snow and Sessions in Salt Lake City, Utah.Emily assists clients in navigating and solving complex water problems. She regularly advises individual water right owners, water conservancy districts, municipalities, mining companies, investors, and mutual shareholder irrigation companies. Her strategic projects practice extends to innovative policy work and specialty project management. For example, she recently oversaw the Utah Statewide Water Marketing Strategies Project, produced a comprehensive Water Law Policy Inventory and Assessment to inform the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan, and hosts a weekly podcast, Ripple Effect – A Podcast Putting Water in Context. Emily is curious, creative, and an upcoming thought leader in the water space.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses water infrastructure funding and the Texas economy with Jeremy Mazur, Director of Natural Resources and Infrastructure Policy for Texas 2036, and Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy (Baker Institute).Jeremy Mazur has over 25 years of working in and with the Legislature and state leaders on water and energy policy issues. Before joining Texas 2036 in 2021, he served as Director of Government Relations for the Railroad Commission of Texas and worked on water policy in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. Gabriel Collins is a member of the Center for Energy Studies team member at the Baker Institute and a lead member of the Water-Energy Nexus Thrust at Rice University’s WaTER Institute. He is also an editor at the Texas Water Journal. Gabriel has a J.D. from the University School of Law.Episode Links:Prospective Costs and Consequences of Insufficient Water Infrastructure Investment in Texas ReportAssessing Texas' Water Infrastructure Needs ReportTake a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, talks with Jace Tunnell, Director of Community Engagement at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, about his work using digital outreach to combat plastic pollution and promote conservation along the Texas Coast.Jace is the founder of a citizen science project called Nurdle Patrol that tracks plastic pellet concentrations internationally to create awareness of plastics in the ocean and develop new policies based on the data. He also directs and produces a video series called "Beachcombing" about items washing up along the Gulf of Mexico beaches to help promote awareness of Gulf processes and interesting creatures in the ocean. His conservation efforts include educating the public about plastic pollution, marine science, and the protection of our natural resources.Jace received a Master's degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2001.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Principal of Collaborative Water Resolution, and Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, talks with Brigid Shea, Travis County Commissioner, about water conservation efforts in Travis County.Brigid is a former award-winning reporter at National Public Radio who has been fighting climate change in Texas since 1988. Along the way, she worked to save Austin’s iconic Barton Springs, organizing a massive city-wide ballot initiative that resulted in the historic Save Our Springs (SOS) law to save Barton Springs. As a former Austin City Council member, she helped create the first wind project in Texas and championed consumer, electoral, and environmental reforms.Since being elected to the Travis County Commissioners Court in 2014, she has won a national award for critical water conservation efforts through the use of reclaimed treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes like air conditioning and plumbing in several county buildings.Brigid previously served on the National Board of Clean Water Action and the State Board of the Texas Campaign for the Environment.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, talks with Dr. Jill Williamson, NASA International Space Station (ISS) Water Subsystems Manager and Water Management Co-Task Lead for the Mars Campaign Office Systems Capabilities Leadership Team, about innovative recycling technologies that purify and reuse all water sources, including sweat and urine, to ensure a sustainable, clean water supply for the ISS and astronauts. Jill has 10 years of unique expertise in water recycling and management for microgravity applications, as found on the ISS. Jill has a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Central Missouri and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from The University of Memphis, where she specialized in developing water quality analyzers for an ISS Water Recovery System (WRS) architecture. She now manages the ISS WRS to ensure pristine quality water is available to astronauts for food rehydration and drinks and ISS payloads and oxygen generation. This water recovery system uses a novel and classic water recycling technology that can operate efficiently within a microgravity environment.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, talks with Perry Fowler, Executive Director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network (TXWIN), about the state of water infrastructure in Texas.As Executive Director, Fowler leads the organization’s efforts to build a strong, sustainable, and competitive Texas water infrastructure construction market through policy development, education, and advocacy. He is also the Principal of Fowler Group Texas, LLC, providing lobbying, government affairs, business consulting, association, and coalition management services. A fifth-generation Texas native, Fowler grew up in the Texas construction industry and has worked as an advocate for the construction industry at the international, national, state, and local levels.Click here to view the 2024 Texas Water Capital Needs Survey.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water and the Texas Water Journal, discusses water reuse with Noelle George, Managing Director of WateReuse Texas.WateReuse Texas represents over 70 organizations working to ensure all future Texans have access to clean, safe water. Before her role at WateReuse Texas, Noelle was Executive Director of an international nonprofit advocating for global change in the areas of women’s rights and disaster recovery through grant-making and volunteer organizing. She started her career as a pipeline engineer and capital project manager at Chevron, winning the Memorial Award from the International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement for her 2006 paper “Hydrocarbon Dew Point Effects on Gas Flow Measurement.”Noelle has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington with an Environmental Focus and considers herself a Pacific Northwest transplant to Houston.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, talks with Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, P.E., United States Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), about managing the water treaties between the U.S. and Mexico.Appointed by President Joe Biden in August 2021, Dr. Giner is the second woman and first Latina to serve as the U.S. IBWC Commissioner. She previously served as General Manager of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC), an institution that developed environmental infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border in association with the North American Development Bank. During her tenure at the BECC, she focused on policies that addressed U.S.-Mexico cooperation on water, energy, and climate change. With the support of the BECC staff, she led the development and financing of $9 billion in environmental infrastructure, benefitting about 100 communities and over 10 million residents.  In addition, she has published extensively on water policy and transboundary bilateral cooperation. Dr. Giner’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Loyola Marymount University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.  She is also a registered professional engineer, a first-generation college graduate, and the daughter of an immigrant. Dr. Giner is from the border region and attended Loretto Academy High School in El Paso, Texas.  Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, talks with Aaron Wolf about managing and resolving water conflicts. Wolf is a Geography Professor at Oregon State University, a Professor of Water Diplomacy at the IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education, and a trained mediator/facilitator.Wolf directs the Program in Water Conflict Management and Transformation at Oregon State University, through which he has offered workshops, facilitations, and mediations around the world. He is also a Professor of Water Diplomacy at the IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education. Wolf authored The Spirit of Dialogue: Lessons from Faith Traditions in Transforming Conflict (Island Press, 2017), which he uses to bring facilitation and capacity-building to a variety of conflict settings, notably between entities who share water resources, and also in faith and interfaith communities, and within and between government agencies.Wolf was awarded the 2016 American Association of Geographers Gilbert R. White Distinguished Public Service Honor “in recognition of his work on seeking peaceful approaches to international competition over water resources” and the 2015 Heinz Award for Public Policy for “applying 21st-century insights and ingenuity, as well as ancient wisdom, to complex problems for the security of the planet.”  Finally, in the interest of full disclosure, Wolf and our Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, are both partners at Four Worlds Consulting, which delivers science-based, innovative approaches to heal disputes that arise, ranging from water and other natural resource conflicts to faith-based tensions. They work in a variety of settings, from urban and rural to domestic and international to public and private sectors.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, talks with Sam Marie Hermitte, Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of Water Science and Conservation for the Texas Water Development Board, about utilizing data to support water management and conservation.Her responsibilities at the Texas Water Development Board include strategic planning, legislative analysis and implementation, water data, drought policy and project coordination, priority flood research projects, and special initiatives such as the development of the Texas Water Data Hub and TexasFlood.org. Additionally, Sam leads the Texas Water Data Initiative and serves as a member of the Internet of Water Coalition and the Texas Disaster Information System Advisory Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in public affairs with a portfolio in integrated watershed studies from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, the Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, talks with Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), about the role of floodplain management in mitigating flood loss.As Executive Director of ASFPM, Berginnis frequently collaborates with FEMA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies to advocate for effective policies and programs related to mitigating flood risk, strengthening community resilience, protecting our water resources, and advancing equity and social justice. He has also testified before U.S. House and Senate Committees and Subcommittees on a number of topics, including FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, and disaster response and recovery issues.In December 2022, Berginnis began a three-year appointment to FEMA's National Advisory Council, where he provides valuable perspective on how the nation can best mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover in the face of growing climate threats. The council advises the FEMA administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for disasters and national emergencies.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Todd Votteler, the Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, talks with Brian Richter, president of Sustainable Waters, about the challenges posed by water scarcity.Brian Richter has been a global leader in water science and conservation for more than 30 years. As president of Sustainable Waters, a global organization focused on water scarcity challenges, he promotes sustainable water use and management with governments, corporations, universities, and local communities. He previously served as Director of the Global Water Program for The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization. Brian has consulted on more than 170 water projects worldwide. He serves as a water advisor to some of the world’s largest corporations, investment banks, and the United Nations and has testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions. He teaches Water Sustainability at the University of Virginia.Brian has developed scientific tools and methods to support river protection and restoration efforts, including the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software used worldwide by water managers and scientists. Brian was featured in a BBC documentary with David Attenborough on “How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?” He has published many scientific papers on the importance of ecologically sustainable water management in international journals. He co-authored a book with Sandra Postel entitled Rivers for Life: Managing Water for People and Nature. His latest book, Chasing Water: A Guide for Moving from Scarcity to Sustainability, has been published in five languages.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation during American Wetlands Month, Dr. Todd Votteler, the Editor-in-Chief of Texas+Water, discusses wetland conservation and protection with Dr. Megan Lang, the Chief Scientist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Program.Dr. Lang leads the congressionally mandated national Wetlands Status and Trends study for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Program, which provides estimates of U.S. wetland extent, type, and change specific to different time periods from the 1700s to 2019. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland and serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Wetlands. For over two decades, Dr. Lang has been working to improve the assessment of aquatic ecosystems through field and remote sensing studies.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler discusses dam removal movement with Katie Schmidt, Associate Director of the National Dam Removal Program at American Rivers.Katie coordinates and implements the American Rivers' federal policy agenda for dam removal and works with our federal agency partners. She also supports the National Dam Removal Community of Practice and develops tools and resources for dam removal practitioners. She has focused much of her work on hydropower reform and hydropower dam removal. As a former Fellow with American Rivers, Katie researched and wrote a guide to removing federally regulated hydropower dams. She completed her Master's in Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University with an emphasis in hydrology and natural resources policy, aiming to remove dams to restore the rivers. Before joining American Rivers, she worked with organizations such as American Whitewater, the River Management Society, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. When not working, Katie can be found adventuring on the trails or the river with her family.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Dr. Ralph Wurbs, professor in the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University, about modeling river and reservoir systems to support water management.Dr. Wurbs worked in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' water development program for nine years before joining the Texas A&M University faculty in 1980. He has taught many courses at Texas A&M University, professional development courses in Texas and abroad, and a graduate water management course several times as a visiting professor at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. His responsibilities at Texas A&M University have included serving as head of the department's Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Division, associate director for the Texas Water Resources Institute, and member of the Executive Committee of the Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Water Management and Hydrologic Science. Various federal, state, and international agencies have sponsored his research and consulting. He has worked closely with the water management community of Texas for many years, most notably under the auspices of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.Dr. Wurbs publications include three books from Prentice Hall: Water Management Models (1995), Modeling and Analysis of Reservoir System Operations (1996), and the textbook Water Resources Engineering, which thousands of students in Texas A&M University courses and other universities have used. His new book Managing Water in River and Reservoir Systems: Water Resources, Institutional Practices, and Constructed Infrastructure in Texas is being released by the American Society of Civil Engineers Press in March/April 2024. He has authored chapters in many other books, journals, conference papers, and technical reports. His work has been recognized by an endowed professorship, several teaching awards, and various others, including the Outstanding Research and Innovation Award of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.Dr. Wurbs holds degrees from Texas A&M University (B.S., 1971), University of Texas at Arlington (M.S., 1974), and Colorado State University (Ph.D., 1978). He is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a Founding and Honorary Diplomate of the American Academic of Water Resources Engineers.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas Water Journal & Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, talks with Scott Wright, Principal Engineer for the River Design Group, about the impact of dam removals in river restoration efforts.Scott Wright is the Principal Engineer for the River Design Group in Corvallis, Oregon. Scott grew up in Southern Oregon on the Rogue River, which was made famous by author Zane Grey. Wright’s dad was a logger who  instilled in Scott a love for the natural environment through endless days of fishing, hunting, and time in the outdoors. During his childhood, Scott witnessed a favorite fishing area on the Applegate River become inundated in a reservoir when the Applegate Dam was built. Later, he watched the Elk Creek Dam get partially built and then halted by environmental lawsuits.These childhood experiences and engineering degrees from Oregon State University became catalysts to bring about a lasting legacy to restore rivers for future generations to enjoy. Over the past 15 years, Wright has been the Project Manager and Engineer of Record for removing four dams in the Rogue River Basin: Gold Hill Dam, Gold Ray Dam, Wimer Dam, and Fielder Dam. He has over 31 years of engineering and construction expertise that combine to provide unique insights into river restoration and sound solutions for complex problems. Not only is he a Professional Engineer, but Scott is also a Project Management Professional and a Board-Certified Water Resources Engineer.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with the Owner and Editor of The Water Report, Shaina Shay. The Water Report is a monthly publication that provides detailed and timely coverage of the innovations and decisions shaping our water future.Shay has spent more than a decade developing expertise in water policy and management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatically sharing information has been a theme throughout her career. She has worked as a Water Resources and Conservation Specialist for two investor-owned utilities in Arizona, EPCOR Water and Global Water Resources. She also spent several years working in Victoria, Australia as a Water Market Specialist for the government and a Senior Consultant with Aither. Shaina has degrees in Environment and Water Resources Economics and International Relations and Affairs, both from the University of Arizona.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Dr. Rachel Fern, Statewide Wetland Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, about the state of wetlands in Texas, including their history, current status, and future challenges. Fern coauthored a recent article in the Texas Water Journal title "The State of Texas Wetlands."Fern is responsible for the statewide administration of wetland habitat projects benefiting migratory game birds. She works with internal and external partners to identify, plan, and coordinate technically complex habitat, research, and public hunting projects for migratory game birds across Texas.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Kelley Cochran, General Manager of the Guadalupe County Groundwater Conservation District, about the role Groundwater Conservation Districts play in supporting the state's water management and planning efforts. Cochran joined the district in 2014 as Executive Administrator and was promoted to General Manager in 2018. Since September 2021, she has served as the Administrator of Groundwater Management Area 13 and is the Area Representative for the Edwards Carrizo area of the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts. She is a 2021 Texas Water Leaders Program graduate, past Chairwoman and first female Chair of the Groundwater Science Division of the Texas Ground Water Association, and recipient of the Texas Ground Water Association's 'Ground Water Science Person of the Year' award January 2023.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with James Perry, Executive Vice President of the EarthWorks Division of ASTERRA, about innovative remote sensing technologies to support water management.Perry has spent over 30 years driving disruptive innovation. In both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies, James’ key mission is market adoption and to achieve a deeper foothold into new markets. James currently serves as the Vice President for Business Development at ASTERRA, based in San Diego, California.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Karrigan Börk, Acting Professor of Law at the University of California Davis (UC Davis) School of Law, about federal efforts to protect wetland habitats.Börk graduated from Stanford Law School in 2009 and completed his Ph.D. dissertation in Ecology at UC Davis in 2011. He clerked for Tenth Circuit Chief Judge Mary Beck Briscoe, U.S. District Court Judge Julie Robinson, and Judge Janice Karlin on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas. His publications run the gamut from the definitive text on the history and application of California Fish and Game Code Section 5937 to a hatchery and genetic management plan for spring-run Chinook salmon. He is currently examining legal and ethical issues in ecological restoration. His past work has focused on the management of guest species, those invasive species that managers invite in and make comfortable, and on the evolution of law via administrative actions. He is currently working on local governance issues in ecosystem management.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler discusses managed aquifer recharge with Dr. Helen Dahlke, Associate Professor of Integrated Hydrologic Sciences at the University of California, Davis, and leader of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Water Strategic Initiative.Dr. Dahlke has a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. Her current research interests include surface water–groundwater interaction, water resources management, vadose zone transport processes, and applications of DNA nanotechnology in hydrology. One of Helen’s main research efforts focuses on testing the feasibility of using agricultural fields as recharge sites for groundwater banking.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailTexas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Brian Richter, President of Sustainable Waters, a global organization focused on water scarcity challenges.Brian Richter has been a global water science and conservation leader for over 30 years. At Sustainable Waters, he promotes sustainable water use and management with governments, corporations, universities, and local communities. He previously served as Director of the Global Water Program of The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization. Richter has consulted on more than 170 water projects worldwide. He serves as a water advisor to some of the world’s largest corporations, investment banks, and the United Nations and has testified before the U.S. Congress on multiple occasions. He teaches Water Sustainability at the University of Virginia.Richter has developed scientific tools and methods to support river protection and restoration efforts, including the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software used worldwide by water managers and scientists. Brian was featured in a BBC documentary with David Attenborough on “How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?” He has published many scientific papers on the importance of ecologically sustainable water management in international journals. He co-authored a book with Sandra Postel entitled Rivers for Life: Managing Water for People and Nature. His latest book, Chasing Water: A Guide for Moving from Scarcity to Sustainability, has been published in five languages.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailTexas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Dr. Manny Teodoro, Professor for the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin, about issues facing the drinking water industry.Dr. Manny Teodoro's research stands at the nexus of politics, public policy, and public management. He works mainly on American environmental policy design, evaluation, and implementation. This line of research includes explorations of public verse private utility management and regulatory implementation as a matter of environmental justice. On the public management side, his work emphasizes professional labor markets as predictors of innovation and organizational performance.Dr. Teodoro's 2011 book, Bureaucratic Ambition (Johns Hopkins University Press), argues that career concerns shape organizational innovation and democratic governance. His 2022 book, The Profits of Distrust (with Samantha Zuhlke, David Switzer, Cambridge University Press), links the meteoric rise of the commercial drinking water industry to distrust in government and a broader withdrawal from civic life.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailTexas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks about water-related bills that passed during the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature with Jeremy Mazur, Senior Policy Advisor for Texas 2036, Sarah Schlessinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Water Foundation, and Carlos Rubinstein, Principal at RSAH2O, LLC, and Perry Fowler, Executive Director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network (TWIN).Rubinstein was appointed chairman of the Texas Water Development Board from 2013-2015. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of the $2 billion State Water Infrastructure Fund for Texas. Rubinstein also served as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) from 2009–2013. He has also served as deputy executive director of TCEQ and Rio Grande Watermaster.As the Executive Director of the TXWIN, Fowler leads the organization’s efforts to build a strong, sustainable, and competitive Texas water infrastructure construction market through policy development, education, and advocacy. He is also the Principal of Fowler Group Texas, LLC providing lobbying, government affairs, business consulting, association, and coalition management services.Mazur directs Texas 2036’s work in the area of natural resources, which includes water, oil and gas, and energy. He also directs research and policy development in water. His current projects include studying water markets, developing a strategic implementation plan for recent federal water legislation, and improving the state’s infrastructure and resilience to extreme weather.Schlessinger previously worked in groundwater policy and regulation and has experience with international nonprofits and disaster response. In addition to her role as Executive Director of the Texas Water Foundation, she currently serves as an appointed member of the Water Conservation Advisory Council and as a board member for Texas Water Trade.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailTexas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Texas Tribune reporters Jayme Lozano Carver and Alejandra Martinez about the Tribune’s Broken Pipes series, which examines the state's deteriorating water infrastructure.Jayme Lozano Carver is the Texas Tribune's first Lubbock-based reporter, covering the South Plains and Panhandle through a partnership with Report for America. She previously worked for Texas Tech Public Media, Lubbock's NPR station, where she spearheaded "Rural Healthcare: The Other Texas Drought," a series for PBS' "Frontline" on rural hospital closures in Texas. She also covered a broad range of topics for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, including climate change, agriculture, entertainment, and health care. Born in Levelland, Carver is a native of the South Plains area and studied at South Plains College and Texas Tech University. She loves to talk about her cats, horror movies, and pro wrestling.Alejandra Martinez joined the Texas Tribune in the fall of 2022 as a Dallas-based environmental reporter. She was previously an accountability reporter at KERA, where she began as a Report for America Corps Member and then covered Dallas City Hall. Before that, she worked as an associate producer at WLRN, South Florida's public radio station. Martinez studied journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and interned at KUT and NPR's Latino USA. She's a native of the Aldine area of Harris County and speaks fluent Spanish.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailTexas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Manager for Austin Water, about programs offered by Austin Water that help customers conserve water.As Water Conservation Manager, Kluge oversees a range of water conservation programs, including incentives, irrigation evaluations, commercial efficiency assessments, and water waste enforcement. Prior to his position with Austin Water, he spent 20 years with the Texas Water Development Board, culminating in the role of Director of Conservation and Innovative Water Technologies. Kevin holds a Master of Science in Natural Resource Utilization and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!

Send us Fan MailTexas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks about water and the 88th Session of the Texas Legislature with Perry Fowler, Executive Director of the Texas Water Infrastructure Network (TXWIN), Sarah Schlessinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Water Foundation, and Jeremy Mazur, Senior Policy Advisor for Texas 2036.As the Executive Director of the TXWIN, Fowler leads the organization’s efforts to build a strong, sustainable, and competitive Texas water infrastructure construction market through policy development, education, and advocacy. He is also the Principal of Fowler Group Texas, LLC providing lobbying, government affairs, business consulting, association, and coalition management services. Mazur directs Texas 2036’s work in the area of natural resources, which includes water, oil and gas, and energy.  Since joining Texas 2036 in September 2021,. Mazur also directs research and policy development in water. His current projects include a study on water markets, developing a strategic implementation plan for recent federal water legislation, and improving the state’s infrastructure and resilience to extreme weather.Schlessinger previously worked in groundwater policy and regulation and has experience with international nonprofits and disaster response. In addition to being the Executive Director of the Texas Water Foundation she currently serves as an appointed member of the Water Conservation Advisory Council and as a board member for Texas Water Trade.Take a deep dive into the world of water with those making  waves!Also, just a note that Talk+Water has been ranked as one of the top water podcasts in the world by FeedSpot and MillionPodcasts!