Happy Friday!

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Mandy Crispin speaks with Pranjali Kumar, associate vice president at Carollo and the firm’s Southeast Water Reuse Lead, about why the industry needs to look beyond treatment technologies and public perception when evaluating reuse projects.

Kumar explains how water reuse is increasingly being considered a resilience and sustainability tool rather than simply a drought response measure. She highlights the importance of systems thinking, organizational collaboration, and investment in human capital to ensure successful project implementation. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about potable reuse regulations, including the lengthy and collaborative process required to develop state-specific frameworks that protect public health while enabling innovation.

The discussion covers the factors that separate successful projects from those that stall, the economic realities of potable reuse compared to alternative water supply options, and the safeguards that make reuse a highly regulated and reliable source of drinking water. Looking ahead, Kumar shares insights on PFAS monitoring, artificial intelligence, advanced monitoring technologies, and how the next generation of water reuse leaders can build on lessons learned while remaining adaptable to change.

Engage with Pranjali Kumar, Carollo Engineers associate vice president and southeast water reuse lead.

In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen speaks with Krishna Prashanth, global product line manager for electromagnetic flow meters and global segment manager for water and wastewater instrumentation at ABB, about the promise and practicality of the circular water economy.

Prashanth explains how the concept shifts water management away from a linear take-treat-discharge model and toward a system focused on reducing losses, reusing water, recovering resources and extending the value of every drop. He outlines the “six Rs” — reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, recover and restore — and argues that utilities must evolve from operators of pipes and plants into stewards of local water loops.

The conversation also explores the critical role of data capture, monitoring and analysis in making circularity possible, from identifying leaks and managing demand to improving reuse decisions and predicting infrastructure issues. Prashanth and Crossen discuss how AI can strengthen these efforts when paired with trusted instrumentation, as well as the barriers standing in the way, including regulatory silos, misaligned incentives and aging infrastructure.

Together, they paint a picture of a more resilient, efficient and resource-aware future for water utilities.