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.

• 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

• 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

• SWS Top Projects Nominations
• WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
• Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations  

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 talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media. 

For 15 years, Dean Amhaus has led The Water Council in Milwaukee as CEO and president, but just earlier this year he announced his retirement. In this episode, co-Host Bob Crossen speaks with Amhaus about his career, how far the water industry has come, and where it's headed. Over his tenure, Amhaus has witnessed trends and shifts in businesses, and advancements in technology while helping The Water Council become a destination for water technology innovators and businesses seeking to make meaningful connections for their solutions.

•  Trump administration breaks silence on PFAS
• EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS
• Toxic Release Inventory
• [AWWA] Hazard Index for PFAS [Statement June 5, 2024]

• Intro and summary | 00:00
• Retirement congratulations and plans | 1:05
• Future work developments post-retirement | 2:40
• How small business face similar problems to small utilities | 4:43
• The importance of technical and financial assistance for small systems | 6:17
• How microplastics and PFAS have taken over headlines | 7:35
• How water scarcity isn't always about limited access to water supply | 10:10
• Surprises in the business in the past 15 years | 12:36
• How corporations are recognizing water's criticality to their businesses | 14:23
• The intersection of economic growth and water infrastructure needs | 17:20
• Most memorable moments in 15 years with The Water Council | 19:01
• The Water Council pioneered collaborative water hubs | 22:40
• Why community and culture are vital to business success | 25:16
• Words for Dean's successor as CEO | 26:52

• SWS Top Projects Nominations
• WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
• Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations

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 talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media. 

In this episode of Talking Under Water, the hosts discuss recent industry news, including President Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which amounts to $4.2 billion in a total funding reduction across the entire agency in 2026 compared to 2025 for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, the hosts discuss recent U.S. Geological Survey grants to 12 state agencies to support landslide risk reduction and hazard mitigation projects; and the EPA’s latest strategy update on addressing PFAS chemicals. Finally, the hosts share news on the EPA extending compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS and rescinding the Hazard Index.

• White House proposes $2.4B in SRF cuts for 2026
• California moves forward with Right to Clean Water Act bill
• USGS awards $1 Million in grants for landslide risk reduction projects
• Trump administration breaks silence on PFAS
• How PFAS regulations have changed in the Trump administration, so far
• EPA extends compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS, rescinds Hazard Index

• Host introduction & summary | 0:48
• White House proposes $2.4B cut to water SRF programs | 1:26
• USGS awards $1 million for landslide risk reduction | 5:01
• California committee passes Right to Clean Water Act | 5:40
• A concentrated month for PFAS regulatory changes | 6:35
• Housekeeping — nominate a top project | 15:45

• SWS Top Projects Nominations
• WaterWorld Top Projects Nominations
• Wastewater Digest Top Projects Nominations

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 talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on Twitter @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.