Rural Ripples

With 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 lifelong commitment. From installing utility lines to leadership in public works, his career showcases hands-on expertise and unwavering dedication. For the past 33 years, he has led Bistone with a focus on operational excellence and community engagement.Beyond his work at Bistone, Brent mentors the next generation of water professionals, championing workforce development through programs like the AWWA Management and Leadership Institutes.

This 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 — Tad has a unique perspective on regional collaboration and innovation in the water sector. Under his leadership, CAW has increased its service territory through traditional consolidations and also has advanced rural water quality and service through non-traditional collaboration means such as peer guidance, court-ordered recievership, and business partnerships.In Episode 9, Tad shares his views on:🔹 The public service of water and wastewater work🔹 Drivers behind successful partnerships with rural systems🔹 What it takes to build resilient and sustainable water systems for the future and what’s standing in the way

In 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 towns and rural communities to the resources they need to tackle big challenges like workforce shortages, regulatory pressures, and improving water quality.We talk about his career managing small towns, his passion for conservation, and how collaboration between small and large systems can create stronger, more resilient communities. From navigating rural utility challenges to securing millions in funding for agricultural water quality projects, David’s approach is all about making a real, measurable impact.

In 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. She has a fascinating journey into the water industry and a deep commitment to empowering her community and her employees.Dr. Oberton sheds light on workforce development and retention, aging infrastructure, and navigating the complexities of funding. She shares insights on fostering a growth mindset within her team, the role of innovative solutions like SCADA in optimizing operations, and how she’s working with the next generation through pre-apprenticeship programs to inspire future water professionals.Whether you’re in the industry or just passionate about the water that flows into your community, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, actionable insights, and Dr. Oberton’s unshakable dedication to making a difference. Grab your headphones and tune in for a conversation that’s as engaging as it is empowering.

Aloha! 🌺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 cultural connection to water.You may know her from her previous role as vice president of the American Water Works Association or her leadership on the Maui County Board of Water Supply. She currently serves as the executive director of the Hawai'i Rural Water Association. In this episode, Juanita shares her insights on the importance of community-driven water stewardship, how her native Hawaiian heritage influences her approach to water management and innovative strategies for addressing the challenges faced by small systems.

🎥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 United Nations, and other national and global groups concerning Indigenous and marginalized members of society. She’s a UN World Tourism Organization Liaison and serves as Honduras’ Official Goodwill Ambassador. She’s lived in what was at the time named the Murder Capital of the World – San Pedro Sula, Honduras - and has been back in the US telling stories here since 2016. Shannon was the first US director and only third woman to ever be awarded backing by the Finnish Film Foundation in its then 69-year history back in 2018. She’s won countless other awards in film over the years, and is currently in production on a feature documentary called NINE LITTLE INDIANS, co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Tony Robbins.In this episode, Shannon shares her powerful journey behind the award-winning documentary End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock, and the untold stories of water activism, women’s leadership, and the fight for Indigenous water rights.

🤖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 systems can thrive by embracing change and fostering a deeper understanding of water’s value. Let’s dive into this enlightening discussion with Matt McDougald.

🌔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.

🛠️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 Association Heroism Award, Greg and his team exemplify excellence in overcoming the unique challenges faced by small water systems.Greg shares his insights on managing smaller systems with limited resources, turning challenges into opportunities, and the critical role of embracing technology. We also discuss the advantages of working in ‘schmedium’ systems like Louisville’s and the vital support provided by rural water associations.Whether you’re in the industry or simply curious about the work behind the scenes, this episode offers a blueprint for success in the evolving landscape of water utilities. Tune in for an insightful conversation highlighting the dedication and forward-thinking that define small water systems today.

🧱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 without water in her home. She also shares her vision for a sustainable future, the importance of intentional investment in infrastructure, and the need for flexible funding to support the unique needs of each community.