Ever wonder what it's like to run a water system in Michigan's Upper Peninsula? This episode takes you straight to the source.

Eric VanLanen grabbed the mic at the UP Institute in Harris, Michigan, and sat down with some of the most experienced water operators in the region. These aren't your typical interviews - they're real conversations with the folks who keep the taps running in some pretty challenging conditions.

You'll meet Bill Anderson from Ishpeming, who's in the middle of replacing nearly 10 miles of water pipe while rolling out technology that can actually alert you when your toilet is running. There's Mark Ornea from Marquette, whose team just won best tasting water in the UP (and he's genuinely shocked about it). Plus Larry Sutling from Bay College, who's been training water operators for decades and has some great stories about his students.

Rob Spreitzer talks about running Gladstone's system with equipment that dates back to the 1930s, and Bob Turvin shares how Ironwood went from losing 70% of their water to leaks down to just 28% - a 30-year transformation that's pretty remarkable.

These conversations happened right on the show floor, so you get the real deal - complete with war stories, close calls, and the kind of practical wisdom that only comes from decades of hands-on experience. If you've ever been curious about what goes into getting clean water to your tap, especially in smaller communities, this episode pulls back the curtain.

It's part history lesson, part technical deep-dive, and part tribute to the people who do this essential work every day. Whether you're in the industry or just interested in how things actually work, you'll come away with a new appreciation for the complexity and dedication behind something we all take for granted.

The Current is the official podcast of the Michigan section of the American Water Works Association.

Cheryl Porter, Chief Operating Officer for Water and Field Services at the Great Lakes Water Authority, shared her journey into the water industry and her involvement with the American Water Works Association (AWWA). She discussed the challenges of shift work in operations, the importance of community connection, and the need for continuous personal and professional growth. Porter highlighted the collaborative and supportive nature of the water sector, as well as the efforts to engage and inspire the next generation of water professionals. She emphasized the critical role of the water industry in providing safe and reliable water to communities and the need to address future challenges, such as water scarcity and resilience, through innovation and creativity.

Join hosts Matt Lane and Jaime Fleming as they explore the world of water and wastewater management across Michigan. In this episode, they sit down with participants and mentors from "The Deep End" - an innovative professional development program designed to help newcomers navigate the water industry. Through candid conversations with water operators, engineers, and public works professionals, discover how this unique mentorship initiative is bridging the knowledge gap between seasoned experts and the next generation of water professionals.

From maintaining critical infrastructure and responding to water main breaks, to understanding complex treatment processes and regulatory frameworks, hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to keep Michigan's water systems running. The episode concludes with an interview with Rachel MacNamara, the program's creator, who shares her vision for addressing workforce development in the water sector.

Whether you're a veteran of the industry or curious about a career in water, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and human connections that make up Michigan's water workforce.

This episode is part of The Current, the official podcast of the Michigan section of the American Water Works Association.