An Intro to PFAS with Dr. Clare Pace from Berkeley's Water Equity Science Shop (WESS)
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Clare Pace (PhD, MPH) a postdoctoral researcher for the University of California, Berkeley Water Equity Science Shop (WESS). Dr. Pace shares insights about PFAS for small and rural water systems. Starting with the basics, we discuss what PFAS are, where they come from, known and unknown health risks, the current PFAS regulatory landscape for water and wastewater systems in the United States, and advice for water systems and policymakers who are thinking about PFAS.
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12:13
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12:13
Permit to Protect: Inside Municipal Wastewater Operations
What happens behind the scenes to ensure clean, safe water leaves our communities? In this episode, host Anthony Craven talks with Dr. Jason Barrett, Director of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager at the MWRRI, about the municipal wastewater permitting process. Together, they break down why permits matter, how the process works, and the critical role it plays in protecting public health and the environment.
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26:25
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26:25
Water Under Pressure: The Future of Our Infrastructure
Aging pipes, outdated meter reading systems, and strained budgets are putting more pressure than ever on our nation’s water utilities. In this episode, host Anthony Craven sits down with Eric Williams, Senior Project Manager with the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University, and Dr. Jason Barrett, MWRRI Director, to unpack the biggest challenges facing utilities today. From infrastructure upgrades to modern billing technologies, they explore what’s at stake and how communities can prepare for a more resilient water future.
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26:25
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26:25
Prepping Your Septic System for the Future
Changing weather patterns and climate are putting new pressure on septic systems. From rising groundwater to more frequent flooding, many communities are already seeing the impacts. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Lazur and Dr. Allison Reilly explore how climate change is affecting septic system performance, the public health risks that come with system failures, and practical steps homeowners and local leaders can take to prepare for the future. The conversation also covers options for upgrading systems, connecting to centralized sewer, and building long-term community preparedness with a data-driven approach.
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29:53
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29:53
Ensuring Water Quality Through Treatment - Part 2
In this second episode of a two-part series, University professor and water quality expert Kerry Howe and Ryan Magee, technical assistance provider at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center, continue their conversation about the meaning behind the term water quality as it applies to public water systems. From turbidity to different types of source water to chlorination, Kerry helps clarify how water systems use various layers of treatment to ensure that the water coming out of a tap is safe for public consumption. If you haven't listened to Episode 1, it was published on August 26, 2025, and can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wb18ZmRAedU1VnBQR1FXs
The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) is a university-based organization originally created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EFCN works with states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector to promote sustainable environmental solutions through innovative training and assistance focused on actionable results.
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