Environmental Finance Center Network

Does your wastewater or water system have aging equipment? Looking for a way to continue operating safely and prepare for the future? Nick Willis with Wichita State University EFC, invites us to consider a few things as we evaluate the criticality, the risk, and probability of failure when it comes to systems with older equipment!

Additional Resources:
EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 1: Beyond the inventory – What Asset Management Planning Really Means
EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 2: Start Small – Building an Asset Management Plan that Works for You
EFCN Blog Series | Turning Data into Action Part 3: Turning Sense into Dollars – Using Asset Management for Financial Decisions

Think you know how wastewater funding works? You might be surprised. In this episode, we’re playing Fact or Fiction and taking a closer look at some of the assumptions that can make funding seem more complicated than it is. From how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund actually works to what happens when a community has a project but isn’t sure where to turn... We’re separating some common misconceptions from what systems really need to know.
Additional Resources:
EFCN Funding Tables
EFCN Animation | SRF Funding Process: How To Get Funding For Your Utility
EFCN Blog | Funding Pipeline: How to Apply for Infrastructure Funding
⁠EFCN Blog | What Funding Is Available for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects?

This episode focuses on the technologies used to treat PFAS. Dr. Li discusses the science behind granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and nanofiltration, comparing their performance, operational requirements, and cost considerations. The conversation also explores PFAS disposal after treatment, emerging remediation approaches, and key factors small water systems should consider when planning for PFAS treatment.

Listen to Parts 1 and 2 of the PFAS Podcast Series Here:
PFAS Series, Part 1
PFAS Series, Part 2

Additional Resources:
EFCN Blog | PFAS Monitoring: What Small Systems Need to Know
EFCN Blog | A Guide for Water Operators Preparing for PFAs Sampling and Regulations
EFCN Animation | The PFAS Problem

In this episode, join Dawn, AJ, and Mike of the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) to discuss the main types of wastewater treatment plants including their benefits, downsides, and best use cases for each plant type. The three main types of WWTPs discussed are:
Lagoons 
- Facultative Lagoons
- Aerated Lagoons
- Anaerobic Lagoons
- Polishing Ponds
- Evaporative Lagoons
Fixed-Film Plants 
- Trickling Filters
- Rotating Biological Contactors (RBCs)
Suspended Growth Plants
- Activated Sludge

At the heart of each of these plant types is the kind of biological treatment used. Whether you are totally new to wastewater treatment or a seasoned operator or plant manager considering upgrades to your plant given evolving regulations and discharge permit requirements this episode is for you! 

Additional Resources:
EFCN Podcast | Small Wastewater Systems: How Lagoons Treat Wastewater
EFCN Blog | Seasonal Challenges, Smart Solutions: Summer Operation of Wastewater Lagoons

We know you are passionate about water, but is there something else you love to do? If so, how can you tap into that to reach your community? Meet Marissa! She invites us to think "outside the tank" and make connections with everyone!

Additional Information:
Oscoda Citizens For Clean Water | Pirates and Mermaids Festival
EFCN Blog | Understanding Public Notice Requirements and Communicating Water Issues to Your Community
EFCN Blog | Building Community Support for Wastewater Projects