Water is one of our most precious resources, yet we waste billions of gallons every year—often without even realizing it. But what if the biggest solution wasn’t flashy new technology, but something as simple as the toilet, showerhead, or faucet in your home? In this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing Mechanical , host Christoph Lohr welcomes back Kerry Stackpole, CEO & Executive Director of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI), for a powerful conversation about how everyday pl...
Mar 12, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 23
In this episode, host Christoph Lohr speaks with Kurt Steenhoek , International Representative of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, to discuss a critical issue— water quality . 💧 How do we ensure safe drinking water in hospitals, nursing homes, and public buildings? 💧 What lessons can we learn from the Flint water crisis and the rise of Legionella outbreaks? 💧 Why are certified plumbing professionals essential in protecting public ...
Feb 27, 2025•17 min•Season 4Ep. 22
What if a simple shift in plumbing design could save thousands of dollars, deliver hot water faster, and make homes more affordable—all while conserving precious resources? In this must-listen episode, host Christoph Lohr sits down with industry trailblazers Robert Campbell Sr. and Amanda Johnson from Villara Corp. to reveal how they’re revolutionizing homebuilding with the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator. Villara Corp. has helped builders save up to $5,000 per home , reduce construction waste, an...
Feb 12, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 21
In this episode of The Authority Podcast: Plumbing & Mechanical , host Christoph Lohr welcomes Judaline Cassidy, a trailblazing plumber and founder of Tools & Tiaras Inc. Judaline shares her passion for the skilled trades and the importance of empowering women to pursue careers in plumbing. She discusses the evolving perceptions of the industry, the economic and personal benefits of becoming a plumber, and her collaboration with IAPMO on My Mom Is A Plumbing Superhero — a children’s colo...
Feb 04, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 20
In this episode, we discuss the General Services Administration (GSA) order to address the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in the water systems of GSA-controlled buildings. The GSA, which owns 1,600 federal buildings and leases space in over 6,500 buildings nationwide, was spurred to action after detecting elevated levels of Legionella bacteria at six GSA-controlled buildings in different regions since 2023. Our guest Dr. Abraham Cullom, a microbiologist with expertise in plumb...
Oct 29, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 19
In this powerful episode, we delve into the reconstruction journey of Paradise, California following the devastating 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed more than 18,000 structures and killed 85 people. Our guest, Tony Lindsey, Paradise Building Official and Fire Marshal, shares his unique perspective as both a building official and a resident who lost his home in the disaster. Lindsey offers exclusive insights into the challenges faced during evacuation, the complexities of rebuilding a town's water ...
Oct 22, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 18
Join IAPMO experts Dan Cole and Christoph Lohr for a technical exploration of storm drainage system design and the critical equations engineers need to calculate effect flow rates through piping. Among the key insights is the impact of pipe material on flow velocity. For instance, PVC and cast iron pipes of the same size can have vastly different flow capacities. Dan and Christoph discuss the key differences between the Manning and Darcy-Weisbach equations, why current plumbing code tables may n...
Oct 09, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 17
In this episode, we discuss challenges and opportunities in residential water use and efficiency. Our expert guest, Andrew D. Morris, Senior Manager of Policy & Programs with the Alliance For Water Efficiency, shares how water consumption in single-family and multi-family homes has evolved over the years, including a 15% decrease in indoor water use between 1999 and 2016 driven by state-level fixture standards and federal appliance regulations. Andrew provides a vision for future areas of im...
Oct 02, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode, Green Builder Media CEO Sara Gutterman delves into strategies and technologies that revolutionize water conservation in the built environment, from advanced irrigation systems to smart water management technologies. We explore the government policies and regulations in driving these initiatives and discuss the critical role of community engagement and education. Finally, we look ahead to future directions and emerging research areas that promise to shape the sustainability lands...
Sep 26, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode, Jonah Schein, Technical Coordinator for Homes and Buildings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense® program, demonstrates how water-efficiency measures also save energy and reduce carbon emissions, using data from 219 WaterSense-labeled homes in Menifee, California. Jonah describes how every gallon of water has an "energy signature" based on the processes required to extract, convey, treat, and distribute that water, noting the dramatic differences among ...
Sep 17, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this insightful episode, Mechanical Hub hosts Tim Ward and John Messenbrink discuss three major plumbing industry trends: the push towards electrification, artificial Intelligence (AI), and the skilled trade gap, especially as it relates to attracting a more diverse workforce. Regarding electrification, Tim and John note that while electrification is important for environmental reasons, they caution about the need for a measured approach and improved infrastructure to support this transition....
Sep 10, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this episode, we delve deep into the critical issue of backflow prevention, exploring the latest technologies and methodologies that are transforming the field. Join master plumber Sean Cleary, vice president of operations for the Backflow Prevention Institute (BPI), as we discuss the causes of backflow, the risks to water systems, regulatory compliance requirements and real-world case studies. Related Links: Backflow Prevention Institute Website: https://iapmobpi.org/ Beginner’s Guide to Bac...
Aug 13, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, guest Sal Aridi, a professional engineer and director of Special Projects at IAPMO, discusses water reuse. He elaborates on his 25-year career in water technologies and explains the different types of water reuse, such as greywater and blackwater. The conversation covers definitions, standards, and the practicalities of water recycling, emphasizing the importance of robust systems and the misconception that water reuse is inherently problematic.
Jun 18, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 11
In this episode host Christoph Lohr discusses structural and behavioral water waste with Jim Lutz, a retired researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Jim details his career, focusing on water heater efficiency and plumbing systems, and explains how his research has shown the significance of structural waste in residential plumbing, particularly in hot water distribution systems. He emphasizes the inefficacy of low-flow showerheads due to structural waste and advocates for compact plumbing...
Jun 11, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode, we welcome David Dexter, a professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in the plumbing trade. Dexter discusses his transition from a master plumber to a professional engineer and his active involvement in the ASPE Professional Engineering Working Group. They highlight the importance of a specialized plumbing engineering exam under the mechanical discipline to ensure the verification of expertise and enhance public safety. The conversation emphasizes the collaborative ...
Jun 04, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 9
On this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about how Seattle improved water savings and reduced new construction costs through accurate pipe sizing. Seattle recently mandated the use of the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator® for multifamily residences, also known as R2 occupancies. The inclusion of Appendix M in the city’s plumbing codes puts Seattle on the cutting edge of sustainability and resiliency by creating a pathway for significant reductions in potable water use, improving energy, as...
May 28, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode, host Christoph Lohr welcomes Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, to discuss the pressing issue of water sustainability in building practices. Sara emphasizes the importance of water conservation and quality, highlighting innovative solutions such as net-zero water impact plans, appropriate water pricing, and the adoption of smart water technologies like leak detection and smart irrigation systems. She stresses the need for municipalities to prioritize water management in...
May 20, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode Tony Marcello, IAPMO senior vice president of Training and Credential Services, returns to discuss the ASSE 12000 series, focusing on ASSE 12060, ASSE 12080 and Legionella prevention. The standard is crucial for those working in health care facilities to conduct risk assessments and develop water management plans to protect occupants. They delve into the certification process, emphasizing the importance of training and education. Additionally, they explore the broader implication...
May 13, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode we welcome guests Kelly Cunningham from PG&E and Steffi Becking from 2050 Partners to discuss the adoption of the Water Demand Calculator in California. They delve into the significance of this adoption, highlighting its potential to save water, energy, and construction costs while improving building efficiency and sustainability. Steffi and Kelly share insights into the adoption process, stakeholder engagement, and the importance of data validation in overcoming objections....
May 06, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode we welcome Tim Bartrand, executive director of ESPRI, and Gary Burlingame, senior scientist with ESPRI, to discuss water quality and construction practices for potable water. We’ll delve into bridging the gap between water utilities and building plumbing systems, emphasizing the significance of factors like pH, alkalinity, and disinfectants in maintaining safe and reliable water supply. Additionally, Bartrand and Burlingame will provide insights into the Manual of Water Quality f...
Apr 30, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Local jurisdictions and states have varying rules when it comes to water reuse. Join us for an insightful discussion with Stuart Bailin from Wahaso as we delve into the world of water reuse and purification. Learn about the process of harvesting water from rainwater, groundwater, stormwater condensate, and greywater, and the subsequent cleaning, sanitization, and repurposing for common applications such as site irrigation, cooling tower makeup, boiler makeup, and toilet flushing. One of the most...
Apr 23, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 3
On this episode, we talk with Steven Rodzinak, director of code enforcement for the borough of Bound Brook, New Jersey about if specific building codes hurt or help FEMA reimbursement. Bridgewater, New Jersey is situated on a floodplain of the Raritan River and has experienced devastating floods for decades from Hurricane Dora in 1971 to Hurricane Ida 50 years later. According to Riskfactor. com, 70% of all properties in the municipality have greater than a 25% chance of being severely affected ...
Apr 16, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 2
The EWTS provides a unique opportunity to meet well-known experts from across the globe. Participants are able to discover ideas and approaches about emerging technologies that benefit drinking water and wastewater systems, improve efficiency, and preserve public health. Of particular interest is how these new technologies help cope with drought, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to overall water sustainability. This year’s theme will focus on the nexus between sustainability and safety, a...
Apr 09, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Scaling UP! H2O podcast features weekly podcast episodes and daily digital content across social media platforms. With over 10,000 monthly downloads and a ranking in the top 3% of all podcasts globally by Listen Notes, Scaling UP! H2O serves as an invaluable, free educational resource for professionals in the water industry. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Trace Blackmore, CWT, LEED AP, esteemed CEO and founder of Blackmore Enterprises and host of the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, about how t...
Oct 17, 2023•18 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Water is facing alarming stress levels in the U. S. from drought and drinking water pollution, but outdated policies and inefficient use of water resources leave us vulnerable to a future where safe drinking water scarcity can no longer be ignored. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Pete Muñoz, EcoDistricts AP senior engineer and practice lead at Biohabitats, about how the state of Oregon successfully implemented water recycling policies to ensure sustainable water management for generation...
Oct 10, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Aaron Tartakovsky, co-founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, highlighted the newfound prominence of water during the renowned World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos this year. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Tartakovsky about the convergence of technology, regulations, and innovative business models aimed at tackling water-related climate issues. We also discuss how to market plumbing, like marketing recycled water for beer!
Sep 22, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 7
The high volume of wastewater generated by hospitals is a challenge for engineers that want to promote safety and sustainability. Not only that, but due to waterborne pathogen concerns, hospitals are set to flush even more water to drain in an effort to control water age. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Bob Salvatelli, director of Water Organization for NextEra Distributed Water, and Patricia Sinicropi, executive director of the WateReuse Association, about how hospital water reuse syste...
Sep 15, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 6
The city of Vancouver is consistently named among the world's most desirable places to live and the region is expected to add nearly 1 million more residents by 2050. Massive development leads to growing pains for any city, and for Vancouver, the dirty secret was insufficient sewer capacity. On this episode, we'll be speaking with Chris Radziminski, Development, Buildings & Licensing Building Policy Engineer for the city of Vancouver, BC, who will share how a water reuse system, along with c...
Sep 08, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 5
We usually think about the Legionella threat in terms of hospitals and buildings. But did you know the Legionella threat can impact home water systems too? Joining us for the second time, on this episode we'll be speaking with Dr. Janet Stout, executive vice president and founder of Special Pathogens Laboratory, who will discuss the threats of Legionella and what steps communities should consider in new home construction and remodeling. This episode is sponsored by QFlow B.V. (Netherlands) – off...
Aug 11, 2023•14 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Relief is finally coming for the more than 9 million homes and buildings still serviced by lead pipelines, as federal infrastructure funds are making replacements possible. But those projects take time, and lead in drinking water remains a threat right now, especially to children where even low levels of lead exposure can cause permanent cognitive deficits and behavioral difficulties. The good news is that some point-of-use water filters will actually reduce the amount of lead without a big infr...
Aug 04, 2023•10 min•Season 3Ep. 3
