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.

This episode of The Current discusses the work of Safe Water in Ecuador (SWIE), a partnership between the Michigan section of the American Waterworks Association (MiAWWA) and local organizations in Ecuador. Our hosts Jamie Fleming and Matt Lane talk with Colin McCorkle and Mark DeHaan, who are involved in SWE's efforts to provide clean, sustainable water systems to rural communities in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador.

In this episode of The Current, hosts Matt Lane and Jamie Fleming kick off the podcast by introducing themselves and sharing their unique journeys into the water industry. Matt, hailing from the east side of Michigan, transitioned from a career in local government to the Great Lakes Water Authority. Jamie, representing the west side, accidentally found her way into the field through a newspaper job listing and has since worked her way up to becoming a treatment plant superintendent.

Joining the conversation are executive producer Samarhia Giffel, communications coordinator Stacey Kukkonen, and technical producer Curtis Burris-White who provide behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the podcast. The group discusses their favorite catchphrases and philosophies, showcasing their diverse personalities and perspectives.

Looking ahead, the team previews upcoming episodes, which will delve into crucial topics such as affordability, lead and copper rule updates, the Water 2050 campaign, and compelling stories from the field. The podcast aims to educate listeners about the intricacies of water and wastewater processes while shining a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who keep the industry running.

With a mix of expertise, passion, and humor, The Current is poised to make a splash in the water industry, sparking conversations and inspiring change from the Great Lakes State and beyond.

Highlights:

1. Matt and Jamie come from different sides of Michigan, bringing diverse perspectives to the show.

2. The water industry is welcoming to people from various backgrounds and experiences.

3. Upcoming episodes will cover topics such as affordability, lead and copper rule updates, Water 2050 campaign, and stories from the field.

4. The podcast aims to educate listeners about water and wastewater processes, and highlight the dedicated individuals working in the industry.

The Sound Bites:

1. [00:02:50] Jamie: "I spent eight years as a lab technician, 12 years as a lab manager. And in the next couple of weeks, I will be moving on to superintendent of our treatment plant."

2. [00:06:27] Jamie: "The organization that I work for has a very long-standing history of being involved with the Michigan section, and I was there maybe 2 or 3 months and someone said, 'Hey, you should go connect with the lab practices Committee.'"

3. [00:17:21] Curtis: "A lot of times when we're like in meetings with a or our council meetings, great things come out of it. Like Jamie's catchphrase, a lot of the time is 'yes, and.'"

4. [00:30:19] Matt: "Have you heard of 'Freud and Freud'? It's the opposite of schadenfreude. Freud and Freud is when you take pleasure or celebrate when someone succeeds."

5. [00:44:39] Curtis: "I do really hope that Matt, Jeremy and this team kind of start something that kind of reverberate throughout the sector, right? East to west Coast, I mean, internationally, right. We're talking about something that is very important to human life."

Episode 0 Description:

This inaugural episode of The Current was recorded during the Michigan Section Annual Convention and Expo 2023 in Port Huron, MI. Jamie Fleming and Matt Lane talk to Gary Wozniak, incoming Chair of the MI-AWWA and Bonifer Ballard, Executive Director, about challenges and opportunities emerging in the water sector and their vision for the podcast.