Make It Clear: Why You Can't Just Flush and Forget
Every two weeks, we'll bring you new episodes of “Make It Clear” that cover timely and relevant topics in the water and wastewater industries. Our guests will also provide their unique insights as we discuss the world’s most precious resource.
While our content is mainly geared toward water and wastewater professionals, we welcome everyone who’d like to listen.
Episodes
100 episodes
Tools on the Truck
Join us as we talk about the “tools on the truck” — basically the must-haves for anyone working on septic systems. We get into everything from PPE and safety basics to the everyday tools and diagnostic gear that can save you a trip back to the ...
Control Panels: Getting the Right Panel for the Job
In this episode, we dive into control panels—the “brains” of septic systems—and explain what they do, how they work, and why choosing the right one matters. We break down the differences between alarm panels and control panels, including timers...
Avoid Hidden Costs by Selecting the Right System
Drawing on Orenco’s decades of experience, we explain why “cheap” wastewater treatment is almost always expensive in the long run. Talking through the pitfalls—wrong technologies, undersized systems, poor‑quality components, and ignored alarms—...
Of Memories and Friendships: Saying Farewell to Angela Bounds
We open this episode with full hearts for a conversation that’s emotional and deeply meaningful—because this time, we aren’t interviewing a guest, we’re talking about Angela’s retirement. With our longtime friend Jeff Ball stepping in as guest ...
Treatment on Small Lots
As homes are built on smaller and smaller lots, wastewater design can get complicated fast. In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Hensley, Senior Systems Engineer at Orenco, to talk through the realities of designing treatment systems fo...
When the Power Goes Out
In this episode, we break down what really happens to on-site wastewater systems when the power goes out and why some setups are more vulnerable than others. We explore the differences between gravity systems, pumped systems, and grinder system...
Inside the Tank
In this episode, we dig into one of our favorite (and most important) topics: septic tanks. We’re joined by Jessy Tucker, Senior System Engineer at Orenco, to break down why septic tanks matter, how they work, and what really happens ins...
Wastewater in the News
In this timely webinar, we break down what’s been making waves in the wastewater world: AI showing up at treatment plants, wastewater data being used to track public health trends, and sewage spills hitting the headlines. We also dig into emerg...
History of the Toilet
In this engaging episode, we take a surprisingly fun journey through the history of the toilet—from chamber pots and royal inventions to modern low-flush and smart technology. We explore the innovations, myths, and public health milestones that...
100 Episodes! Taking a Look Back
We’re celebrating a major milestone—our 100th episode! In this special installment, we look back on the moments and conversations that have meant the most to us over the past four years. From paradigm-shifting ideas to memorable interviews, we ...
From Alarms to Answers: Working with Orenco Support
In this episode, we chat with Darren Mendenhall, Customer Service Manager at Orenco, about the real-world aspects of helping various people with wastewater systems. We hear how the customer service team supports homeowners, installers, and engi...
A Brief History of Wastewater - Pt 2
In this episode, we pick up our historical deep dive and explore how wastewater treatment was transformed between the 1800s and the present day. From cholera-prevention breakthroughs to modern filtration, AI, and reuse strategies, we trace the ...
A Brief History of Wastewater - Pt 1
In this episode, we journey through ancient civilizations to uncover how humanity first tackled wastewater and sanitation. From the advanced sewers of the Indus Valley to Rome’s engineering marvels, we explore brilliant innovations, surprising ...
Top Internet Questions About Septic Systems - Answered!
We’re diving into all the most common septic system questions—how they work, what not to flush, and how to spot trouble before it starts. With real stories, expert advice, and plenty of laughs, we’re breaking down what everyone’s been Googling ...
Stronger Systems, Stronger Support: An Interview with Carl Thompson
In this episode, we sit down with Carl Thompson, VP of Sales and Business Development at Infiltrator, to reflect on the first year since the Orenco acquisition. We talk through the benefits of bringing two industry leaders together, the excitin...
Navigating Change: An Interview with Jim Bransfield
In this episode, we sit down with Jim Bransfield of Infiltrator Water Technologies to discuss the acquisition of Orenco Systems and how it’s driving collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose across the wastewater industry. The conversation ...
Wastewater in the News
In this episode, we discuss recent developments in wastewater management and the implications for public health and safety. We cover California's efforts to limit forever chemicals, Eugene's exemplary water quality compliance, Tennessee's innov...
Septic Smart Week
In this conversation, we discuss the US EPA's Septic Smart Week and the importance of inspecting and maintaining septic systems. We also review previous podcasts covering what to flush, septic do's and don'ts, and the signs of failing systems. ...
Looking to the Future: Craig Taylor
Transitions are never easy but change often leads to growth both for individuals as well as organizations. Our guest, Craig Taylor, president of Infiltrator Water Technologies, talks with us about the purchase of Orenco Systems and what that me...
Reflections on the Journey: Saying Farewell to Tristian Bounds
In this heartfelt farewell podcast, Angela and Shawn sit down with Tristan Bounds to reflect on his journey at Orenco. They discuss his most enjoyable experiences, the challenges he faced, and the memories he cherishes. Tristan shares insights ...
Composite Materials in Infrastructure
Traditional infrastructure materials like concrete and steel were once the construction materials of choice. But their disadvantages include weight, high life-cycle costs, and long build times. Using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites ca...
Starting the Next Chapter: Saying Farewell to Terry Bounds
In this heartwarming episode, Angela talks with her father, Terry Bounds, about his impending retirement. As one of the cofounders of Orenco Systems, Terry shares his memories of growing the company going back more than 40 years. They reminisce...
A Third-Party Solution to Infrastructure Obstacles: An Interview with Alex Gamota
Sometimes, old solutions can be used in new ways to solve problems. Population growth and expanding infrastructure can be big problems for many small communities. In this episode, we talk with Alex Gamota, cofounder and CEO of 3PO Networks, a c...
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Sustainability and Solutions: An Interview with Lynn Broaddus
In this conversation, Lynn Broaddus discusses her extensive experience in the water industry, focusing on the critical connections between water, energy, and climate change. She emphasizes the importance of water sustainability and the need for...
Distributed Water Infrastructure: An Interview with Tristian Bounds, Part 2
In this conversation, Angela and her brother, Tristan Bounds, discuss distributed water infrastructure (DWI) and the focus of WEF's Distributed Water Infrastructure Task Force on improving water management systems. They explore the definitions ...
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