21st Century Water

The 21st Century Water is a free knowledge sharing podcast series featuring insightful discussions and solutions on the most pressing issues facing America’s 50,000+ utilities. The monthly podcast will feature water leaders who are working to meet both existing and emerging challenges and dive deep into novel solutions and new models that are producing tangible results. The goal of this podcast is to increase the likelihood that success stories can be replicated by leaders, operators and executives across the country. The podcast is also designed to motivate and create a vibrant 21st century water systems and the innovative workforce required to lead and operate them.

21st Century Water is a government podcast hosted by Mahesh Lunani, with 48 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Mahesh Lunani hosts 21st Century Water, a government show with 48 episodes published.

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  Episode #47

  Leading a 1.2 Million-Person Water System: Vision, Culture, and Strategic Planning with Jeffrey Szabo

  Nov 19, 202535 minS0

  <p>In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Jeffrey Szabo, CEO of the Suffolk County Water Authority, to explore how strong leadership and strategic planning are transforming one of the largest water utilities in New York. Szabo shares his path from public administration into the water sector, emphasizing that a technical background isn’t a prerequisite for impactful leadership. His administrative expertise and focus on culture, innovation, and accountability have positioned the organization as an industry leader.</p><p>We begin with Szabo’s early days in government and how he unexpectedly transitioned into water utility mana...

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  Episode #46

  Leading Two Utilities, One Vision: How Pieter Van Ry Rebuilt Trust, Talent, and Technology

  Nov 5, 202542 minS0

  <p>Over the course of this conversation, we dive into the journey and leadership philosophy of Pieter Van Ry, who leads both South Platte Renew and the City of Englewood’s water utility. Pieter shares how he transitioned from a consultant in stormwater management to a dual-role leader overseeing drinking water and wastewater services for over 300,000 people. His story is one of transformation—both personal and organizational.</p><p>We explore how he manages the two distinct utilities, which are legally and operationally separate. South Platte Renew serves a regional area through a joint venture between Englewood and Littleton, while the...

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  Episode #45

  Turning Contamination into Innovation: The Cape Fear Story

  Oct 8, 202540 minS0

  <p>In this episode of 21st Century Water, we speak with Ken Waldroup, Executive Director at Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA), about his career journey, the challenges of coastal utility management, and the proactive steps taken by his team to lead in water quality and infrastructure modernization. Ken brings a unique perspective as a nuclear engineer turned water utility leader, and we explore how that technical foundation combined with public administration and business training has shaped his approach to utility leadership.</p><p>We begin with Ken’s transition from nuclear engineering to water, driven by a passion for cl...

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  Episode #44

  "Water Found Me" - with AWWA President Heather Collins

  Aug 26, 202542 minS0

  <p>In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Heather Collins, president of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and operations leader at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. We trace Heather’s path from engineering intern to managing water treatment for 19 million people, hearing how she was drawn into the water industry by chance and has stayed ever since. Her career journey is rooted in a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and public service, and it shapes her priorities as AWWA president today.</p><p>We discuss the scale and complexity of running one of the na...

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  Episode #43

  How Cooperatives Offer a Future Business Model for Utilities- Del-Co Water's Success Story

  Aug 6, 202539 minS0

  <p>In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Glenn Marzluf, CEO and General Manager of Del-Co Water, to explore the growth, innovation, and strategic leadership shaping one of Ohio's fastest-growing water utilities. With roots in civil engineering and a unique journey through municipal roles in Florida and Ohio, Glenn shares how intentional career steps and a deep sense of purpose led him to his current role.</p><p>We trace Del-Co's origins from a rural cooperative founded in the 1970s to an expansive utility covering 830 square miles across eight counties. Glenn explains how Del-Co’s growth ha...

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