Blog Archives - BWTL

Episode 23 - Alternative Water Sources

3/10/2017

Episode Highlights:

[3:25] Brent mixes up the Birthday Game - How old is Papa Smurf? Play along:
- Chuck Norris
- George Allen - Virginia politician
- Lester Holt
[8:58] Alternative Water Resources - This came up this week during John's meeting with a member of Congress.
[11:30] What are these sources - Include rainwater and graywater.
- What makes it alternate? It is alternate to what is potable - so what you can drink.
- Graywater - water that has already been used in your home or business but it is not black water. Typically water from tub or shower. Can also be clothes washer.
- Blackwater - water flushed in the toilet is black water. Any water with organics in it, is considered black. So dishwasher or toilet water.
[15:15] Graywater is a very reliable source - since we are always using water, this is a reliable source. Some appliances even clean that water up to make it safer to use.
[15:43] What can alternative water sources be used for?
- Rainwater: can become potable water supply if treated. Must be stored a certain way though.
- Graywater: reliable source of water for irrigation.
[20:55] Reclaimed water - water that has been used and then it has been treated to a certain standard by an entity. Can use it safely but still not drinkable.
- Florida uses a lot of reclaimed water.
- Opportunity for infrastructure investments.
- San Francisco does a great job with recycled water.
[27:15] Defining alternative water sources - there is not a standardized definition, but here is Brent's:

[28:10] Fun Fact - If rainwater hits the ground, it becomes stormwater.
[31:38] EPA WaterSense - one of the best sources when working to define alternative water sources. Check out the WaterSense at Work document!
- We need to push the idea that plants don't need potable water. However, need to think about what kind of alternative water plants do need - some plants are more sensitive.
[35:39] Brent's Tip of the Week - He shares a quote about being optimistic: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Winston Churchill

Episode 22 - Irrigation Industry News, Water Wars & Budget Battles

3/2/2017

The Irrigation Association acquired Irrigation & Green Industry Magazine

Episode Highlights:

[3:30] The Birthday game - Brent and Elizabeth compete in this week's game.
[5:28] Irrigation & Green Industry Magazine - The Irrigation Association recently acquired Irrigation & Green Industry Magazine.
[7:30] Interior Secretary Confirmed - Representative Zinke was confirmed as the Secretary of Interior.
[8:40] The Georgia-Florida Water War - According to many headlines, Florida lost this battle. However, this is not over.
[12:10] Clean Water Rule - President Trump issued an executive order to roll back the controversial "Waters of the United States" rule.
[16:40] Flint, Michigan, is still in the news - However, now Flint residents will now pay for their water again - even though many still cannot drink it.
- Interesting fact: Flint has one of the highest water bills in the country.
[20:15] President Trump's Budget Proposal - We are hearing that Trump is calling for a 37% decrease to the state department's budget.
- USAID is one of the agencies in the state department - seen as an effort to provide other countries with funding for much-needed services, including water.
- Water is a big focus of USAID.
- USAID Water and Development Strategy from 2013 - 2018.
[28:45] Brent's Tip of the Week - "Be grateful for what you've got."