The Authority Podcast: Plumbing and Mechanical

In this episode host Christoph Lohr discusses structural and behavioral water waste with Jim Lutz, a retired researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Jim details his career, focusing on water heater efficiency and plumbing systems, and explains how his research has shown the significance of structural waste in residential plumbing, particularly in hot water distribution systems. He emphasizes the inefficacy of low-flow showe...

In this episode, we welcome David Dexter, a professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in the plumbing trade. Dexter discusses his transition from a master plumber to a professional engineer and his active involvement in the ASPE Professional Engineering Working Group. They highlight the importance of a specialized plumbing engineering exam under the mechanical discipline to ensure the verification of expertise and enha...

On this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about how Seattle improved water savings and reduced new construction costs through accurate pipe sizing. Seattle recently mandated the use of the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator® for multifamily residences, also known as R2 occupancies. The inclusion of Appendix M in the city’s plumbing codes puts Seattle on the cutting edge of sustainability and resiliency by creating a pathway for ...

In this episode, host Christoph Lohr welcomes Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, to discuss the pressing issue of water sustainability in building practices. Sara emphasizes the importance of water conservation and quality, highlighting innovative solutions such as net-zero water impact plans, appropriate water pricing, and the adoption of smart water technologies like leak detection and smart irrigation systems. She stres...

In this episode Tony Marcello, IAPMO senior vice president of Training and Credential Services, returns to discuss the ASSE 12000 series, focusing on ASSE 12080 and Legionella prevention. The standard is crucial for those working in health care facilities to conduct risk assessments and develop water management plans to protect occupants. They delve into the certification process, emphasizing the importance of training and educatio...

In this episode we welcome guests Kelly Cunningham from PG&E and Steffi Becking from 2050 Partners to discuss the adoption of the Water Demand Calculator in California. They delve into the significance of this adoption, highlighting its potential to save water, energy, and construction costs while improving building efficiency and sustainability. Steffi and Kelly share insights into the adoption process, stakeholder engagement,...

In this episode we welcome Tim Bartrand, executive director of ESPRI, and Gary Burlingame, senior scientist with ESPRI, to discuss water quality and construction practices for potable water. 

We’ll delve into bridging the gap between water utilities and building plumbing systems, emphasizing the significance of factors like pH, alkalinity, and disinfectants in maintaining safe and reliable water supply.

Additionally, Bartra...

Local jurisdictions and states have varying rules when it comes to water reuse. Join us for an insightful discussion with Stuart Bailin from Wahaso as we delve into the world of water reuse and purification. Learn about the process of harvesting water from rainwater, groundwater, stormwater condensate, and greywater, and the subsequent cleaning, sanitization, and repurposing for common applications such as site irrigation, cooling ...

On this episode, we talk with Steven Rodzinak, director of code enforcement for the borough of Bound Brook, New Jersey about if specific building codes hurt or help FEMA reimbursement.  Bridgewater, New Jersey is situated on a floodplain of the Raritan River and has experienced devastating floods for decades from Hurricane Dora in 1971 to Hurricane Ida 50 years later. According to Riskfactor. com, 70% of all properties in the munic...

The EWTS provides a unique opportunity to meet well-known experts from across the globe. Participants are able to discover ideas and approaches about emerging technologies that benefit drinking water and wastewater systems, improve efficiency, and preserve public health. Of particular interest is how these new technologies help cope with drought, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to overall water sustainability.

 This year’s t...

Scaling UP! H2O podcast features weekly podcast episodes and daily digital content across social media platforms. With over 10,000 monthly downloads and a ranking in the top 3% of all podcasts globally by Listen Notes, Scaling UP! H2O serves as an invaluable, free educational resource for professionals in the water industry. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP, esteemed CEO and founder of Blac...

Water is facing alarming stress levels in the U. S. from drought and drinking water pollution, but outdated policies and inefficient use of water resources leave us vulnerable to a future where safe drinking water scarcity can no longer be ignored. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Pete Muñoz, EcoDistricts AP senior engineer and practice lead at Biohabitats, about how the state of Oregon successfully implemented water re...

Aaron Tartakovsky, co-founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, highlighted the newfound prominence of water during the renowned World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos this year. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Tartakovsky about the convergence of technology, regulations, and innovative business models aimed at tackling water-related climate issues. We also discuss how to market plumbing, like marketing recycled water ...

The high volume of wastewater generated by hospitals is a challenge for engineers that want to promote safety and sustainability. Not only that, but due to waterborne pathogen concerns, hospitals are set to flush even more water to drain in an effort to control water age. 

On this episode, we'll be speaking with Bob Salvatelli, director of Water Organization for NextEra Distributed Water, and Patricia Sinicropi, execu...

The city of Vancouver is consistently named among the world's most desirable places to live and the region is expected to add nearly 1 million more residents by 2050. Massive development leads to growing pains for any city, and for Vancouver, the dirty secret was insufficient sewer capacity.

On this episode, we'll be speaking with Chris Radziminski, Development, Buildings & Licensing Building Policy Engineer ...

We usually think about the Legionella threat in terms of hospitals and buildings. But did you know the Legionella threat can impact home water systems too?

Joining us for the second time, on this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Janet Stout, executive vice president and founder of Special Pathogens Laboratory, who will discuss the threats of Legionella and what steps communities should consider in new home construct...

Relief is finally coming for the more than 9 million homes and buildings still serviced by lead pipelines, as federal infrastructure funds are making replacements possible. But those projects take time, and lead in drinking water remains a threat right now, especially to children where even low levels of lead exposure can cause permanent cognitive deficits and behavioral difficulties. The good news is that some point-of-use water f...

Did you know that water filters can mitigate lead, PFAs, and legionella threats? But not all of them. Many people are familiar with water filters — such as those built into refrigerators and pitchers inside the refrigerator. Water filters to improve drinking water quality and mitigate legionella bacteria in the shower are quite different, however, and must pass stringent performance requirements.

On this episode, we'l...

The U.S. Geological Survey has found that at least 45% of the nation's tap water is estimated to have one or more types of chemicals known as per or polyfluorinated alcohol substances, otherwise known as PFAS.

PFAs are harmful chemicals that contaminate our drinking water. Fixing water systems to reduce the risk to human health is a priority, but treatment solutions can be costly to communities and taxpayers. The goo...