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
87 episodes
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 ...
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Episode 95
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22:46
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...
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Episode 94
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10:46
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 ...
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Episode 92
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18:42
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...
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Episode 93
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17:55
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. ...
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Episode 90
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12:57
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...
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Episode 86
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22:00
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 ...
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Episode 89
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24:27
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...
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Episode 88
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21:58
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...
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Episode 87
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39:16
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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Episode 83
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21:16
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...
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Episode 82
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29:45
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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Episode 85
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23:36
Of Leadership and Legacy: Saying Farewell to Jeff Ball
In this heartfelt podcast episode, Angela and Jeff reflect on Jeff's long career at Orenco, discussing the changes brought about by the company's ownership transition and Jeff's impending retirement. They share memorable experiences, the challe...
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Episode 84
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23:20
PFAS Is a Real Concern: An Interview with Adam Link
In this conversation with Adam Link of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA), we discuss the ongoing issues surrounding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in California, the role of CASA, and the importance of public ...
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Episode 81
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17:56
Discussing a Holistic Approach to Water and Wastewater with Dr. Bob Rubin
In this conversation, Dr. Bob Rubin discusses the importance of a holistic approach to water management, emphasizing the need to consider all sources of water and the significance of (and innovative solutions for) contaminants like PFAS. He hig...
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Episode 79
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20:38
Distributed Water Infrastructure: An Interview with Tristian Bounds, Part 1
In this episode, Angela and Shawn talk with Tristian Bounds, a cochair of WEF's Distributed Water Infrastructure Task Force, who recently presented a paper on the subject at WEFTEC. The conversation covers the goals of the task force, the impor...
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Episode 80
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17:50
Funding Innovative Solutions: An Interview with Dr. Reshmina William
In this conversation, Dr. Reshmina William of ISLE Utilities discusses the Trial Reservoir Program, a unique initiative designed to de-risk piloting and trials for water and wastewater innovation technologies. The program supports vendors and e...
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Episode 77
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13:41
Talking About Blackwater and Greywater
In this conversation, Angela and Shawn discuss the differences between blackwater and greywater. They explain that blackwater comes from toilets, sinks with garbage disposals, and dishwashers, while greywater comes from sinks, showers, and wash...
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Episode 72
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14:41
The WEFTEC Interviews #3 - Adam Link and Alex Gamota
During our time at WEFTEC, we had the privilege of talking with several thought leaders and influencers in our industry. In this series, you'll hear from six individuals who sat down with us to share their insights into emerging industry trends...
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Episode 76
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9:45
The WEFTEC Interviews #2 - Dr. Bob Rubin and Dr. Reshmina William
During our time at WEFTEC, we had the privilege of talking with several thought leaders and influencers in our industry. In this series, you'll hear from six individuals who sat down with us to share their insights into emerging industry trends...
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Episode 75
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10:22
The WEFTEC Interviews #1 - Stuart Coleman and Dr. Peter Fiske
During our time at WEFTEC, we had the privilege of talking with several thought leaders and influencers in our industry. In this series, you'll hear from six individuals who sat down with us to share their insights into emerging industry trends...
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Episode 74
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17:47
The Dealer Spotlight: Dialynas
In this episode, Angela talks with Manolis Dialynas, our Orenco dealer and distributor in Greece, as he discusses his company's focus on water and wastewater engineering. He shares how he got into the wastewater industry and emphasizes the impo...
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Episode 73
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12:07
Wastewater in Hawaii
Hawaii is facing a major wastewater challenge, with 83,000 cesspools discharging 52 million gallons of raw wastewater into the ocean every day. This is causing significant damage to the marine environment, including coral reefs. The state has s...
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Episode 72
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29:55
The Impact of Failing Septic Systems
In this conversation, Angela and Shawn discuss the true impacts of failing on-site septic systems. We explore the reasons why septic systems may fail, including excessive water use, poor maintenance, and poor design and installation. We also hi...
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Episode 70
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15:17