waterloop

For the Coahuiltecan people, Texas’ Four Fountain Springs—Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Pedro Springs—are more than water sources. Before colonization, these springs surged skyward, connecting earth and sky in a breathtaking display of nature’s power. Maria Rocha of the Indigenous Cultures Institute shares how these sacred sites were places of blessings, pilgrimage, and life itself. Protecting them isn’t just about water—it’s about honoring the deep cultural and spiritual ties that have existed for thousands of years. Episode at https://lnkd.in/eF4AnX-t

Lessons From Catalyst: Building Trust Through Connection Shannon Kring, a documentary filmmaker specializing in Indigenous issues and water, shared a powerful message at Catalyst 2024: true partnerships with Native communities require time, trust, and respect. Her key insight? Slow down and build real relationships. Indigenous peoples have long been the guardians of water, viewing it as a living, nurturing force. Their perspective offers a shift in mindset—one that fosters reverence and responsibility in how we approach water stewardship. To earn trust, Kring advises taking the time to listen, connect, and serve before seeking collaboration. “Go in with humility and kindness,” she says. “Ask how you can help—and then really do it.” Content in collaboration with Rogue Water Lab Applications for Catalyst 2025 are now open. Join the Movement: https://catalysth2o.org/

Protecting Texas springs starts with education. In Wimberley, every student visits local water sources like Jacob’s Well to learn firsthand about aquifers and conservation. Even the schools reflect this deep connection—Jacob’s Well Elementary and Blue Hole Primary are named after iconic local springs. “The things we do today will impact generations to come,” says Marcus Gary, Ph.D., P.G. of the University of Texas. By fostering early awareness, the community is creating lifelong stewards of its water resources. Episode at https://lnkd.in/eF4AnX-t

?? H2O INTRO ?? Meet Terence Byrd of Jackson Water In 2022, the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis left tens of thousands without drinking water for weeks, exposing deep infrastructure challenges. Now, the city is taking bold steps to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Terence Byrd, Chief Water Operations Officer for Jackson Water, is leading improvements to optimize corrosion control, replace aging pipes, and assess critical valves. A key initiative is the Jackson Water Academy, a program designed to educate residents on utility operations and empower them with knowledge about the work behind water system repairs. By increasing transparency and community engagement, Jackson Water is not just fixing pipes—it’s rebuilding trust in the city’s water system and securing a more resilient future. Byrd is an alum of the Water Innovation Leadership Development program of Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Environment Plus. H2O INTRO is sponsored by Human Capital Solutions, Inc., an executive search and recruiting firm that solves your most critical people challenges today.

The key to saving Texas springs? Pumping limits and land conservation. Without sustainable groundwater management, iconic springs like Jacob’s Well will continue to decline. David Baker of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association explains how setting pumping caps and protecting aquifer recharge land are critical solutions. Cities like Austin and San Antonio are leading the way by preserving land over aquifers, and similar efforts are expanding across Texas to secure water for the future. Episode at https://lnkd.in/eF4AnX-t

Today is the deadline to nominate someone for the Hydro20! You have until midnight March 7 to submit an individual to be celebrated for advancing water sustainability in the United States. We're looking for people from every sector - advocacy, community outreach, conservation, education, engineering, environmental justice, finance, food and beverage, manufacturing, infrastructure, policy, recreation, sports, technology, utilities, and more. Nominate here: https://lnkd.in/gQnskdwS

Texas’ iconic springs are drying up at an alarming rate—three times as many have disappeared in the last 50 years. As groundwater pumping increases, spring flows decline, serving as a warning sign for unsustainable water use. "When a spring goes dry, that’s a clear signal we’re pumping too much," says Robert E. Mace of the The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Understanding these trends is key to protecting Texas’ water future. Episode at https://lnkd.in/eF4AnX-t

Beneath the surface of Texas, limestone aquifers act as natural filters and reservoirs, feeding the state’s iconic springs. These springs do more than offer a place to swim—they sustain ecosystems, provide drinking water, and keep rivers flowing. "Nearly half of Texas' water supply depends on spring flow," says Vanessa Puig-Williams of the Environmental Defense Fund. Protecting groundwater means protecting these vital water sources for both people and nature. Episode at https://lnkd.in/eF4AnX-t

??H2O Minute News ? Shawn Kerachsky of Community Infrastructure Partners: A Wisconsin city of 40,000 people needed a new approach to replacing lead service lines—and a public-private partnership made it happen. Faced with funding challenges, a small contractor base, and slow replacement rates, the city leveraged community partnerships with local health organizations and outreach groups to build trust and educate residents on lead risks. This effort secured a 96% consent rate, far exceeding expectations. The results? 605 lead lines replaced—12 times more than in any previous year—at $600,000 under budget. The model proves that tackling lead isn’t just about engineering; it’s a public health challenge that demands community-driven solutions. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eUwnh9AA

?? H2O INTRO ?? Meet Andrea Yang of Greater Cincinnati Water Works A trust gap in water quality perception is creating barriers to critical programs in Cincinnati. While trust in water quality is over 70% among white and high-income residents, it's in the mid-40s for Black and low-income communities. This gap prevents sign-ups for bill assistance and lead service line replacements—issues that disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities. Andrea Yang, interim Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works, is leading efforts to rebuild trust by prioritizing equitable investments in infrastructure and workforce development. A key example is the $20 million rehabilitation of the historic Mount Airy water tower, an iconic structure in a struggling community that has long awaited restoration. Beyond repairing the tower, the project includes a feasibility study to explore how the site can contribute to Mount Airy’s revitalization. Partnering with city planning, economic development, and recreation departments, Greater Cincinnati Water Works is bringing the community into the conversation—ensuring water utilities are not just service providers, but active partners in neighborhood transformation. Yang is an alum of the Water Innovation Leadership Development program of Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Environment Plus. H2O INTRO is sponsored by Human Capital Solutions, Inc., an executive search and recruiting firm that solves your most critical people challenges today.