Welcome to “Rural Ripples,” the podcast where we dive into the unique challenges and innovative solutions of small water systems from coast to coast. Hosts Chelsea Boozer of Rogue Water Lab and Jeff Biberdorf of Fontus Blue amplify the voices of those who keep our rural communities flowing. Each episode, they bring you insightful interviews with general managers, nonprofit leaders, and association experts dedicated to supporting small systems. So, join along as we explore the ripples of chan ...
…
continue reading
Rogue Water Lab Podcasts

1
EP010 | Valuing Water: Brent Locke on the Critical Need for Public Awareness
40:31
40:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:31With over 50 years in water, Brent is a cornerstone of the industry. As General Manager of the Bistone Municipal Water Supply District in Texas, he ensures reliable, high-quality water delivery through surface and groundwater treatment facility management. Brent's water journey began as a Boy Scout touring a treatment plant—a moment that sparked a …
…
continue reading

1
EP009 | Navigating the Future: Tad Bohannon on Regional Collaboration
56:49
56:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:49This week on Rural Ripples, we realized we can’t dive into rural water without also exploring the critical role large systems play in shaping the future of rural water systems. We do that in Episode 9 with Tad Bohannon, CEO of Central Arkansas Water (CAW). As the leader of the largest drinking water utility in Arkansas — serving 500,000 people — Ta…
…
continue reading

1
EP008 | Small Town Roots, Big Impact: David Baird On community and economic resilience
43:29
43:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:29In this episode, we’re sitting down with David Baird, someone who’s been at the heart of water and utility management for more than 20 years. David’s a former National Rural Water Association President, now leading the Sussex Conservation District and serving on the Delaware Rural Water Association board. He’s been instrumental in connecting small …
…
continue reading

1
EP007 | Empowering Rural Systems: Dr. Sophia Oberton on Workforce and Mindset
42:29
42:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:29In this episode, we welcomed Dr. Sophia Oberton, a true powerhouse in the world of rural water management. Dr. Oberton, the Water Superintendent and Special Projects Coordinator for the unique border town of Delmar, Delaware/Maryland, brings a wealth of knowledge and a refreshing perspective on the pressing issues facing small water systems today. …
…
continue reading

1
EP006 | Rooted in Water: Juanita Reyher-Colon On Community-Driven Stewardship and Small System Innovation
44:05
44:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:05Aloha! 🌺 Today, we are honored to welcome our good friend Juanita Reyher-Colon. Jeff and I have known Juanita for quite a while now, and we're excited to share her stories with the listeners of Rural Ripples. Hailing from the island of Molokai, where her family has lived for 14 generations, Juanita has deep roots in her community and a profound cul…
…
continue reading

1
EP005 | Voices from the Frontlines: Shannon Kring on Water Activism, Community Relations, and Indigenous Leadership
54:11
54:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:11🎥 Shannon Kring is a renowned filmmaker and human rights advocate who has spent years capturing the stories of marginalized communities around the world, often with a focus on the vital role of water. As a writer, director and producer, Shannon works with the White House, the Administration for Children and Families, the State Department, the Unite…
…
continue reading

1
EP004 | The Future is Now: Matt McDougald on the Evolution of Small Water Systems
42:58
42:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:58🤖 Today we have a thought-provoking conversation with Matt McDougald from the Opelika Water Board. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge on the importance of communicating the value of water, the future integration of AI in water management, and the necessity of adapting to evolving technologies. In this episode, Matt shares his insights on how small s…
…
continue reading

1
EP003 | Moonshots and Milestones: George Hawkins on Transforming Water Utilities
55:45
55:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:45🌔 Today, we spoke with George Hawkins from Moonshot Missions about his experiences overcoming governance challenges, which we all know can sometimes hold up impactful work for utilities. He also discusses the importance of community engagement and shares some forward-thinking ideas on sustainable water management.…
…
continue reading

1
EP002 | Cultivating Talent: Greg Venette on Building a Strong Water Workforce
41:33
41:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:33🛠️ This episode explores the remarkable journey of Greg Venette, the Utilities Superintendent for the City of Louisville, Colorado. With nearly two decades of experience in Water and Wastewater Treatment Operations, Greg’s leadership and resilience have made a lasting impact on the water industry. Honored with the 2022 American Water Works Associat…
…
continue reading

1
EP001 | Building Resilient Communities: Olga Morales-Pate on Sustainable Water Solutions
52:57
52:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:57🧱 Olga Morales Pate is a dynamic leader and advocate for rural communities. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face from all of her experience in the field, and now in her current leadership as head of RCAP, Rural Communities Assistance Partnership. In this episode, Olga shares her story growing up as a child with…
…
continue reading