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Showing posts with the label conservation

Every time you flush the toilet, you may be inadvertently contributing to a global environmental crisis: wastewater pollution. Eighty percent of the world's wastewater enters our waterways without adequate treatment — and the repercussions are critical for both human and ecological health.

Tune in to waste(d)water, a first-of-its-kind podcast from The Nature Conservancy, to hear from experts across disciplines and geographies, so we can unpack wastewater pollution and learn about the solutions to tackle it. From resource recovery to nature-based solutions, we can reshape how we perceive and manage wastewater.

Listen to the podcast on your favorite streaming platforms:

EPISODE FIVE: SHOW NOTES

  

Liquid assets: The rise of recycled water

 Featuring Kerry Kates, Lynn Spivey & Garrett Wallace


LISTEN ON:     Apple Podcasts    ◦    Spotify    ◦    YouTube



DESCRIPTION
Could wastewater become our most valuable water source? In this episode of The Nature Conservancy’s waste(d)water podcast, host Kassie Morton explores how Florida is leading the way in recycling wastewater to combat water scarcity, protect ecosystems, and support agriculture. Featuring insights from experts in utilities, conservation, and agriculture, guests Kerry Kates (Orange County Utilities), Lynn Spivey (City of Plant City, FL), and Garrett Wallace (The Nature Conservancy in Florida) dive into the science, safety, and public perception of water reuse —including potable applications. Discover how wastewater is being transformed from a problem into a resource, by reshaping infrastructure, policy, and community engagement and providing a key solution for climate resilience.


KEY WORDS
wastewater recycling, Florida, water management, sustainability, public health, environmental protection, potable reuse, water scarcity, conservation


AT A GLANCE

  • Wastewater can be treated and reused for various purposes.
  • Florida is a leader in wastewater recycling efforts.
  • Public perception is a significant barrier to acceptance.
  • Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support water reuse.
  • Education and outreach are crucial for public acceptance.
  • Economic considerations play a vital role in water management.
  • Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for success.
  • Innovative technologies can effectively treat wastewater.
  • Sustainable water management is critical for future generations.
  • Wastewater recycling can help alleviate water scarcity issues.

GUEST BIOS

Kerry Kates is the Deputy Director of Alternative Water Supply, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Solid Waste at Orange County Utilities. He received B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering and Geology from University of Florida. Kerry is a licensed civil engineer and LEED-accredited professional passionate about water-resource management, water stewardship, sustainability, and cross-sector collaborations. He has extensive experience in federal and Florida water law and environmental policy pertaining to water-supply planning, water-quality requirements, legislative rule-making, consumptive-use permitting, environmental-resource permitting, water and land conservation, and sustainability initiatives.

Lynn Spivey is the Director of Utilities for Plant City, Florida. She received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of South Florida and has extensive design experience related to the project management, design and permitting of water and wastewater treatment systems and plant startup. Lynn has extensive background in Florida regulatory requirements, with vast experience in water and wastewater permitting through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Water Management Districts, and local County and City Building Development Departments. 

Garrett Wallace is the Southern Division Government Relations Director with The Nature Conservancy. He holds an M.B.A. from University of Phoenix and a B.A. in Journalism from Southern Illinois University. Garrett works at the nexus of policy and conservation issues working with Federal, State, non-profits, and corporate entities. He has worked extensively with Federal interests throughout his career securing the funding to preserve over 40,000 acres of Florida Ranchland into the USDA Wetland Reserve Program, and served as the Director of Federal and Tribal Affairs for the South Florida Water Management District, representing Everglades Restoration in Washington D.C.


CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Wastewater and Its Potential

02:40 The Importance of Wastewater Recycling

05:38 Florida's Leadership in Wastewater Reclamation

08:26 The Process of Wastewater Treatment

11:29 Regulatory Framework and Public Perception

14:20 Public Engagement and Education

17:16 Economic Considerations of Water Reuse

20:10 Future of Water Management in Florida

23:28 Conclusion and Call to Action



EPISODE RESOURCES

Wastewater: Turning Problem to Solution 
United Nations Environment Programme, 2023 

UN World Water Development Report
United Nations, 2019 

Global Issues: Water United Nations 

Brief: Resource Recovery from Domestic Wastewater Ocean Sewage Alliance

Water Recovery 
Ocean Sewage Alliance - Knowledge Hub 

Sewage: The Most Urgent Threat to Oceans You’ve Never Heard Of 
The Nature Conservancy, 2019

Florida’s Reuse Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Potable Reuse FAQs
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Profiles in Reuse: Florida WateReuse Association, 2023 

National Water Reuse Action Plan
United States EPA, 2020 

History and Current Status of Reclaimed Water Use in Florida
Toor and Rainey, 2009 

Recycled Water: The Facts 
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2021
Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 

Verification of Irrigated Agricultural Land Acreage in 55 counties in Florida, 2013-21
Marella and Dixon, 2022 

California drought: San Jose's new high-tech water purification plant to expand recycled water use
The Mercury News, 2016 

Wastewater Irrigation: The State of Play 
Hamilton et al., 2007 

Water in Agriculture 
World Bank Group, 2023 


CREDITS
Post-production services for waste(d)water provided by Two Aspen Audio. A special thank you to The Nature Conservancy Coda Fellows Sydney Bezanson and Juan Sebastián Gómez Gutiérrez for their contributions.
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EPISODE TWO: SHOW NOTES

Dilution may not be the solution: The global footprint of wastewater pollution 

 Featuring Dr. Ben Halpern (UC Santa Barbara) and Dr. Cascade Tuholske (Montana State University)


LISTEN ON:     Apple Podcasts    ◦    Spotify    ◦    YouTube



DESCRIPTION
Where does our wastewater really go—and what is it doing to our oceans? In this episode of The Nature Conservancy’s waste(d)water podcast, host Kassie Morton speaks with Drs. Cascade Tuholske and Ben Halpern about their groundbreaking global model that maps nitrogen and pathogen pollution from human sewage for over 135,000 watersheds. Discover how 25 of these watersheds contribute nearly half of the world’s wastewater nitrogen, why even advanced treatment systems can harm ecosystems, and how our diets play a surprising role. This eye-opening conversation reveals the hidden scale of wastewater pollution and offers hope through data-driven solutions for healthier oceans and communities.


KEY WORDS
wastewater pollution, ecological health, nutrient pollution, marine ecosystems, wastewater management, public health, environmental health, global analysis, nitrogen inputs, conservation strategies


AT A GLANCE

  • Wastewater pollution has been largely underestimated.
  • 80% of the world's wastewater is discharged untreated.
  • 25 watersheds are responsible for nearly half of global nitrogen inputs.
  • Wastewater contributes significantly to coastal nutrient pollution.
  • Agricultural runoff is often prioritized over wastewater pollution.
  • Improving sanitation is essential for public health.
  • Dietary choices, especially protein consumption, impact wastewater pollution.
  • Understanding the sources of wastewater is crucial for effective solutions.
  • Communities can leverage research to address local wastewater issues.
  • Collaboration across sectors is key to solving wastewater challenges.


GUEST BIOS

Dr. Cascade Toholske is Assistant Professor at University of Montana where he teaches human-environment geography, climate change risks and impacts, and geospatial data science for sustainability. With a Ph.D. in geography, his research focuses on linkages between climate change, food security, and urbanization.

Dr. Ben Halpern is Professor of Marine Biology and Conservation Science at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UC Santa Barbara and Director of the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. With a Ph.D. in marine ecology, Dr. Halpern is a conservation scientist with broad, interdisciplinary expertise in climate change science, ecology and evolution and marine conservation, policy and education.


CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Wastewater Pollution's Ecological Impact
02:29 The Global Scope of Wastewater Pollution
05:10 Sources and Consequences of Nutrient Pollution
08:31 Wastewater Management Disparities
11:22 Key Contributors to Global Wastewater Nitrogen Inputs
14:18 Comparing Wastewater and Agricultural Runoff
17:27 Infrastructure and Its Role in Pollution
20:06 Future Research Directions
23:20 Balancing Public Health and Environmental Health
26:07 Community Solutions and Global Collaboration
29:16 Individual Actions and Dietary Considerations
31:40 Final Thoughts on Wastewater Management



EPISODE RESOURCES

Mapping Global Inputs and Impacts from Human Sewage in Coastal Ecosystems
Tuholske et al., PLOS One, 2021
Read the article

Wastewater Pollution: The Problem - Scale of Pollution
Ocean Sewage Alliance
Explore the resource

Wastewater Pollution Impacts on Estuarine and Marine Environments
Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science, 2nd Edition – Chapter 6.13
Access the chapter

Sewage pollution: mitigation is key for coral reef stewardship
Wear & Vega Thurber, 2015
Read the paper

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Health Care Facilities
UNICEF & WHO, 2020 – 2023 Data Update
View the report

Identifying Wastewater Management Tradeoffs in Kona, Hawai‘i
Wada et al., PLOS One, 2021
Read the article


CREDITS
Post-production services for waste(d)water provided by Two Aspen Audio. A special thank you to The Nature Conservancy Coda Fellows Sydney Bezanson and Juan Sebastián Gómez Gutiérrez for their contributions.
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EPISODE ONE: SHOW NOTES

Past the point of no return? Stories of impact & resilience

 Featuring Dr. Marcus Beck (Tampa Bay Estuary Program) and Dr. Amy Zimmer-Faust (The Nature Conservancy)


LISTEN ON:     Apple Podcasts    ◦    Spotify    ◦    YouTube


DESCRIPTION

Can ecosystems damaged from wastewater pollution bounce back? In this episode of The Nature Conservancy’s waste(d)water podcast, host Kassie Morton explores the ecological toll of untreated wastewater on coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and coastal habitats—and the inspiring stories of recovery. Featuring insights from Drs. Amy Zimmer-Faust and Marcus Beck, the episode highlights how science, community collaboration, and conservation leadership are turning the tide. From Tampa Bay’s seagrass revival to wastewater reforms in Hawai‘i and Honduras, this episode reveals that with the right tools and partnerships, nature can heal. Tune in to discover why sustainable wastewater management is key to climate resilience and biodiversity protection.


KEY WORDS

coral reefs, wastewater pollution, marine ecosystems, conservation, ecosystem recovery, community engagement, climate change, water quality, biodiversity, sustainable solutions


AT A GLANCE

  • Marine ecosystems are severely threatened by wastewater pollution.

  • Over 100 million gallons of wastewater flow into oceans every hour, impacting marine life.

  • Wastewater introduces excess nutrients and pathogens, leading to algal blooms and coral degradation.

  • Climate change exacerbates the effects of wastewater pollution on marine ecosystems.

  • Conservation practitioners are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing wastewater pollution.

  • Successful recovery stories, like those in Kaneohe Bay and Tampa Bay, demonstrate nature's resilience.

  • Collaboration among conservation organizations, scientists, and communities is essential for effective solutions.

  • Innovative technologies and treatment solutions are emerging to combat wastewater pollution.

  • The conservation community plays a critical role in policy advocacy for ecosystem protection from wastewater impacts.

  • Open science and accessible data are crucial for informed decision-making in wastewater management.


GUEST BIOS


Dr. Marcus Beck is a senior scientist at Tampa Bay Estuary Program with deep expertise in water quality data analysis, ecosystem monitoring, and recovery strategies. He currently leads technical assessments and statistical interpretation of environmental monitoring data to support restoration efforts across Tampa Bay. With a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Dr. Beck has a strong background in open science and data visualization, Dr. Beck facilitates collaborative scientific initiatives. Dr. Beck’s academic research at the University of Minnesota, led to development of bioassessment tools and hydrodynamic models to evaluate ecosystem health in coastal and freshwater systems.


Dr. Amy Zimmer-Faust is a water quality scientist with a passion for translating science into action to protect both ecosystems and public health. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering and a Master’s in Environmental Health Sciences, she brings interdisciplinary expertise to the development and leadership of impactful environmental programs. Her work spans federal, local government, and nonprofit sectors, where she’s successfully secured funding, built strategic collaborations, and advanced conservation strategies. Dr. Zimmer-Faust is committed to innovative, locally driven solutions that connect partners and resources to achieve collective impact.


CHAPTERS

00:00 The Vibrant World of Coral Reefs

03:06 The Impact of Wastewater on Marine Ecosystems

06:03 Understanding the Science of Wastewater Pollution

08:59 The Role of Conservation in Wastewater Management

11:50 Success Stories in Ecosystem Recovery

14:53 Building Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions

17:46 The Future of Wastewater Management

20:38 Conclusion and Call to Action


EPISODE RESOURCES

Wastewater Pollution Impacts on Estuarine and Marine Environments

Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science, 2nd Edition – Chapter 6.13

Access the chapter


Seagrass Assessment

Tampa Bay Estuary Program

View the assessment tool


Wastewater Pollution: The Problem

Ocean Sewage Alliance

Visit the Knowledge Hub


Wastewater: Turning Problem to Solution

UNEP Report, August 2023

Read the report


Wastewater Pollution Toolkit & Online Course

Reef Resilience Network

Toolkit and Online Course


Coral Reefs Benefit from Reduced Land–Sea Impacts Under Ocean Warming

Nature, 2023

Read the study


Coral Cover Indicator

Healthy Reefs for Healthy People

Explore the data


What Does a Healthy Coral Reef Look Like?

Wildlife in the Balance – Simon Mustoe

Read the blog post


Wastewater Pollution on Coral Reefs: Supporting science synthesis

UNEP, 2019

Read the report


How Wastewater is Harming Our Ocean

Ocean Sewage Alliance

Read the article


Sick Water? The central role of wastewater management in sustainable development

Corcoran et al., UNEP, 2010

View the book


Sewage pollution, declining ecosystem health, and cross-sector collaboration

Wear et al., 2021

Read the study


Mapping global inputs and impacts from of human sewage in coastal ecosystems

Tuholske et al., 2021

Read the study


Sewage pollution: mitigation is key for coral reef stewardship

Wear & Vega Thurber, 2015

Read the study


Human sewage identified as likely source of white pox disease of the threatened Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata

Sutherland et al., 2010

Read the study


Nutrient Enrichment and Coral Decline

Bruno et al., 2003

Read the study


Frequently asked questions in hypoxia research

Wenger et al., 2015

Read the study


The unnatural history of Kāne‘ohe Bay: coral reef resilience in the face of centuries of anthropogenic impacts

Bahr et al., 2015

Read the study


CREDITS

Post-production services for waste(d)water provided by Two Aspen Audio. A special thank you to The Nature Conservancy Coda Fellows Sydney Bezanson and Juan Sebastián Gómez Gutiérrez for their contributions.

Post a Comment
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