Podcast
Come Heck or Hot Water: Resilient Solutions for a Changing World
Hosted by The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment · EN
Welcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution.
In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising solution could mean for our future water security.
It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Oil to Water: What Can Be Done About Produced Water?
Yesterday00:30:00Tap to summarizeWhat happens when water is produced at the same time as oil is produced? In this episode, we explore how desalination applies to water pumped from oil wells. Join our hosts, Robert and Sarah, as they discuss the details about produced water with Texas Produced Water Consortium experts Shane Walker and Wrye Mauldiin. Today’s Guests: Shane Walker, Director of the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech, and Wrye Mauldiin, Project Manager for the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech Robert introduces Shane Walker (04:53) Sarah Introduces Wrye Mauldiin (05:43) First Up, Let’s Get into Some Q&A with Shane and Wrye!Sarah kicks off with the most simple and complex question, “What is produced water?” (06:42) Robert asks on the behalf of peers, “How much produced water is there in the state of Texas?” (08:04) Sarah wants to know “Why are people concerned about produced water?” (10:15) Robert shares his technical term crunchy water, so he asks, “what are we talking about in terms of saltiness?” (12:17) Roberts wonders if “earthquakes are a threat if there’s no place to put the water?” (12:52) Robert asks “[what is the objective] of the produced consortium?” (13:50) Shane and Wrye Give Us the Dish on All Things Produced Water:Sea Water Salinity vs. Produced Water Salinity: Shane confirms to Robert the statistics of the range of drinkable water in Texas. (17:10) The Aftermath of Purification: Shane breaks down the possibilities for municipal uses of produced water. (18:41) Producing Water in a Surface Stream...oh, What Could Go Wrong?: Shane points out the potential issues in produced water operations in Texas. (21:30) The Future of the Consortium: Shane shares the upcoming plans that the consortium teams and the TCEQ have in store. (25:06) Wrye’s Hot Take: Wrye expresses her goal for water reuse from an agricultural point of view. (27:19) Episode Links and Resources: Texas Produced Water Consortium Texas Commission of Enviornmental Quality Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →The Start of a Solution: Funding, Policy, and the Future of Desalination
Yesterday00:54:22Tap to summarizeWhat will be put in place concerning the Texas water fund this year? In this episode, we explore existing memberships, conversations, and funding related to the Texas water supply. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they discuss current legislation regarding the water districts in Texas with Sarah Kirkle of the Texas Water Association. First up, a little Q&A (01:55) Carol Peters wants to know, is it true that local data centers will be using a lot of water as well as electricity? (02:03) Richard Lendly wonders how the current wave of deep budget cuts will impact “innovation and water supplies,” and [this] show which gets money from “NOAA” also concerned about schemes for moving large quantities of water across regions and even between states. (05:55) Today’s Guest: Sarah Kirkle, Director of policy and legislative affairs at Texas Water Association (11:35) Carrie Thompson introduces our guest (12:40) Sarah Kirkle shares water initiatives happening in Texas this year: The Big Ten: Sarah outlines various types of members of the Texas Water Association (TWA) and those who support their work. (14:13) Desalination in the HOUSE: Find out why investment in water infrastructure became TWA’s main priority. (16:58) The Big Splash: Sarah spills about how the 89th Legislative Session was the biggest water session in Texas history, 30 years in the making. (20:20) Signaling Around Water Transport: Conversations about the need for strategic pipelining and its impact. (32:37) The Real Work of River Authority: Sarah sets the record straight on the real role of water entities and how they fit into disaster response and emergency management for natural disasters in Texas. (36:35) The Dish on House Bill 1400: Sarah breaks down the budget and improvements for groundwater conservation districts outlined in HB 1400. (38:14) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! Next Season: Join Robert and Carrie for a new season of Come Heck or Hot Water, focusing on factors, futures, and fundamentals of flooding in Texas. Episode Links and Resources: Texas Water Association The 89th Texas legislature HB 1400 Texas Desalination Association Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →Liquid Gold: Economic Impacts of Desalination in the Lone Star State
Yesterday00:29:48Tap to summarizeIs desalination the wave of the future in the Texas economy? In this episode, we dive into the challenges, benefits, and potential place for desalination in the Texas economy. Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the economic considerations in relation to desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University. Today’s Guest: Gabe Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute. Gabe Collins explores the economic considerations of desalination in Texas: A Natural Commodity: Gabe outlines his entry into water law, economics, and desalination. (05:00) “Whoa! That’s expensive!” this first-blush response is correct but evolving. (06:28) An emerging global player: Desalination is a small contender in the global economy, but “poised for significant growth.” (08:18) Tapped Out or Tapping In? Desalination as a means of supply diversification for communities with dwindling water resources (10:27) The Cutting Edge: Gabe offers a two-part timeline for the water outlook for Texas water infrastructure. (12:25) At the wellhead: Gabe and Robert discuss cost and infrastructure challenges of desalination. (16:10) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a season review and discussion on the outlook for desalination in Texas. Episode Links and Resources: Prospective Costs and Consequences of Insufficient Water Infrastructure Investment in Texas Texas 2036 Texas Desalination Association Submit a question to the pod! Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →Salt to Sanctuary: Desalination and Ecology of Bays and Estuaries
Jul 300:50:45Tap to summarizeCould desalination actually help or hurt coastal environments? In this episode, we uncover the secret life of bays, estuaries, and the critters that call them home. Plus — what could desalination mean for our salty ecosystems? Join our hosts Robert and Carrie as they discuss the ecology of bays and estuaries in relation to desalination with Paul Montagna of Harte Research Institute. Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show! First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:10) Last episode, Bill Norris and I coined the “Hydro-illogical cycle;” what did we mean by that? A) Constructing desalination facilities is most expensive in times of drought vs times of ample water B) Heavy rains and flooding do not necessarily end drought C) More rain can mean more runoff, resulting in increased pollution of our waterways Today’s Keywords: (04:34) Discharge Point: the pipe where the wastewater (brine concentrate) from desalination is released into surrounding water bodies (such as bays or estuaries) Non-point Source Pollution: pollutants that enter water bodies from diffuse sources rather than singular identifiable sources (fertilizer runoff, litter, etc.) Benthic/Benthos: describes anything associated with or occurring on the bottom of a body of water. Today’s Guest: Paul Montagna, Endowed Chair for HydroEcology at Harte Research Institute at TAMU-CC Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:44) Paul Montagna explores the ecological impacts of desalination: Waving the Book: Paul discusses his latest written work, Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries (GO READ IT!!!). (09:27) River Systems Breakdown: What is considered a bay vs estuary, and how do they connect inland water bodies to the coast? (11:50) Nutrient-Rich Nursery Grounds: How coastal regions contribute to safe breeding grounds. (13:50) Bay-stuary Stressors: Paul outlines several integrated factors threatening the health of coastal habitats. (17:45) Combined Priorities: "They care as much as we do,” learn how desalination plant designs often align with environmental priorities. (24:50) Environmental Benefits of Desal: Can desalination replenish other environmental flows? (32:04) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about economic considerations of desalination with Gabe Collins of Rice University. Episode Links and Resources: Freshwater Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries Texas Desalination Association Submit a question to the pod! Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →From Policy to Pipes: Legislative Considerations for Desalination
May 8, 202500:47:37Tap to summarizeWhat if the future of Texas’ water supply came from the ocean? In this episode, join hosts Carrie and Robert as they sit down with Bill Norris, President of the Texas Desalination Association, to explore how desalination could change the game for the Texas water supply. From the significance of Senate Bill 7 to the potential of seawater plants, we unpack the big moves happening behind the scenes. Don’t miss this fascinating dive into Texas’ water future. Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show! First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (02:47) In the last episode, Lihy Teuerstein mentioned that IDE Technologies is able to recover up to what percentage of water during the desalination process? a) 85-87% b) 90-94% c) 95-98% Today’s Keywords: (04:20) TDS: Total Dissolved Solids (total concentration of dissolved “stuff” in water) Blended Cost: When a water supply comes from several different sources, and the price reflects the combined price points of the separate sources. Texas Legislative Session: The Texas Legislature meets every two years. Today’s Guest: Bill Norris of Norris Water LLC and president of the Texas Desalination Association Robert Mace introduces our guest (07:13) Bill Norris explores the viability of desalination as a new water source for Texans: From “Square” to “Flare:” Bill shares the history and overview of the Texas Desalination Association and how current bills are shaping up. (08:40) Funding the Future: Understand the Texas Water Fund’s role in water planning and the future of desalination. (14:20) The “Hydro-Illogical” Cycle: Explore the shifts in attitudes about desalination in the Lone Star State. (17:58) Cost/Benefit Analysis: What is a blended cost, and how can this reduce sticker shock for communities looking to implement desalination? (22:40) Better Late than Never: Despite decades of delay, Bill has a positive outlook for implementation. (25:27) Taking Notes: How can Texas learn from other countries about managing desalination? (28:58) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about the ecological considerations of desalination with Paul Montagna. Episode Links and Resources: lege+water Texas Legislature Bill Search Norris Water LLC Texas Desalination Association Submit a question to the pod! Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →Shoring Up Potable Sources: Bringing Israeli Technology to Texas
Mar 27, 202500:34:52Tap to summarizeWater scarcity is no joke—especially in Texas. But what if the Lone Star State could take a page from Israel’s playbook? Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, as they sit down with Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison of IDE Technologies. Lihy and Mark break down the similarities and differences between Israeli and Texan desalination operations and introduce us to the environmental benefits of desalination. Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here—we might answer it on the show! First up, it’s the Pop Quiz (01:45) In the last episode, Robert mentioned that Texas has one of the longest-running desalination plants in the United States. Which Texas city is it located in? A) Corpus Christi B) Muleshoe C) El Paso D) South Padre E) Dell City Today’s Keywords: (03:11) Water Supply: the process of providing water to communities Water Security: the ability of a community to access safe, affordable, and reliable water for its needs Drought: a lack of precipitation or water over an extended period of time, resulting in a water shortage Today’s Guests: Lihy Teuerstein and Mark Ellison from IDE Technologies Carrie Thompson introduces our guests (04:06) Lihy and Mark explore the benefits of bringing Israeli technology to Texas: Israel’s Leading Innovations: Lihy explains groundbreaking tech that gives Israeli desalination its edge. (05:44) Toward the Texas Miracle (Responsibly): Mark outlines how desalination can help the state meet growing water demands (10:57) Putting the Water Where Our Mouths Are: What goes into selecting a desalination site? (13:33) Herding the Cats: Lihy explains the Israeli water grid in comparison to Texas water policy (16:53) From Sea to Shining Stream: How seawater desalination can replenish resources. (20:43) The Recovery Ratio: Explore the exciting new technologies making desalination more sustainable. (23:03) From Drying to Thriving: Mark shares a vision of Texas water security, and the role desalination could play. (25:27) And Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next!Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion about policy and desalination in Texas. Episode Links and Resources: IDE Technologies Texas Desalination Association NaCl (Sodium Chloride) Submit a question to the pod! Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. Learn more about the Meadows Center at meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →Gearing Up for a Resilient Future: Seawater Desalination 101
Feb 28, 202500:32:40Tap to summarizeWelcome to season three of Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140)! As changes in climate put strains on our natural resources, we’ve decided to take a deep dive into one possible solution for resilience and long-term sustainability. Join our hosts, Robert and Carrie, for an overview of seawater desalination. In this episode, Dr. Robert E. Mace explains the ins and outs of this agent of resilience. Got a question for Robert and Carrie? Submit it here! First up, we have a big announcement: New name, slightly different format, same great content (00:29) Season 3 Overview (03:28) Today’s Guest: Dr. Robert E. Mace Carrie Thompson re-introduces Dr. Robert E. Mace (04:35) Today’s Keywords: (06:37) Desalination: The process of removing “stuff” dissolved in water. Brine Concentrate: The salty waste byproduct of desalination. Brackish Groundwater: Water in aquifers that is not fresh. PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, aka “forever chemicals” Freshwater: Generally defined as water with less than 1,000 parts per million of “stuff” dissolved in it. Today’s Pop Quiz: Where can our listeners submit a question to the podcast? A) the link at the bottom of the e-newsletter B) the link in our show notes C) email us directly at meadowscenter@txstate.edu D) All of the above Dr. Robert Mace takes us inside seawater desalination: The State of Freshwater: Dig into the factors impacting freshwater resources around the globe. (11:13) Resilience and Reliability: We need to find “a lot more water,” so where can we find it? (14:46) De-STUFF-ication: The history, process, and methods of seawater desalination. (16:53) What’s the whine about the brine? Explore the issues around the waste byproduct of the desalination process at home and at scale. (19:33) Powering the Process: The energy and economic realities of seawater desalination. (24:12) Who gets the water? If there’s no or low water...does it go to people or the environment? (27:43) And... DON’T MISS OUT! Next Episode: Join Robert and Carrie for a discussion with IDE Technologies about desalination efforts underway in Israel and Texas. (30:24) Episode Links and Resources: Texas Desalination Association Submit a question to the pod! Theme song: Come Heck or Hot Water by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. For more information about the Meadows Center, visit meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →Trailer: Come Heck or Hot Water - Season 3
Feb 24, 202500:01:29Tap to summarizeWelcome to Come Heck or Hot Water (formerly Fahrenheit 140) - where we dive into the science, and solutions shaping climate resilience efforts. In every episode, we’ll explore the science driving change, and the innovations reshaping how we live, work, and sustain our planet. We’ll break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of the solution.In Season 3, we’re diving into the ins and outs of seawater desalination. We’ll uncover what this promising could mean for our future water security.It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.
Transcribe →Balancing Priorities: Water Conservation vs. Climate Effect Mitigation
Dec 19, 202400:43:07Tap to summarizeWe’re back with more bonus content to get you through the holidays! Join season two, episode 5 guest, Dr. Soe Myint, as he explores his research on remote water sensing issues and solutions in his Blue Bag Lunch and Learn presentation from March 2023. As the climate becomes more unpredictable, Dr. Myint explores behaviors and strategies for building climate resilience. Listen along as Dr. Myint shares his findings... Introducing the Research: Dr. Myint outlines his presentation on several key research areas. (04:17) Examining Ecosystem Health and Sustainability of Coastal Environments: How mangrove forestation declines affect carbon sequestration in coastal regions. (05:21) Ground and Surface Water Changes: Explore the dynamics influencing water changes in Canada. (10:23) Social Inequity and Environmental Justice: Dr. Myint’s studies reveal socioeconomic disparities in climate effect alleviation. (17:33) Water Use and Drought in the Lower Mekong Basin: Explore annual water use variations across several climates and elevations in the region. (26:53) Agriculture vs. Water Conservation: Which crops are most susceptible to drought, and what practices can be used to mitigate water consumption in agriculture? (30:45) Spatial Optimization Model to Confront the Trade-off Between Water Conservation and Heat Alleviation: This NASA funded project explores the relationship between heat alleviation and green infrastructure in relation to water consumption. (35:35) Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with fresh content, so follow us on social media and stay tuned! Episode Links and Resources: Full Presentation Recording Blue Bag Lunch & Learn Playlist Dr. Myint’s Texas State University Faculty Profile Join our newsletter for updates, bonus content, and audience polls! Theme song: Syzygy by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects.
Transcribe →Rediscovering Resources: Reliable Rainwater is Just a Roof Away
Nov 26, 202400:52:08Tap to summarizeThis month, we’re delivering the bonus content you deserve! Join our host, Dr. Robert Mace, as he explores his research on how rainwater harvesting can be a viable alternative to conventional water sources. As our water sources are increasingly strained, you can rely on Fahrenheit 140 for creative ideas to keep your taps running! Listen along as Robert shares his findings... Introducing the Research: Robert outlines his study and introduces the RAINFAL spreadsheet tool along with his co-researcher, Ricardo Briones. (01:00) What is Rainwater Harvesting? Man-made catchments provide potable volumes. (03:35) Is Rainwater Reliable? How is reliability defined, and how can rainwater enter strategic water planning? (06:55) Uses and Losses: What differences exist between reservoirs and tanks? (10:36) If it quacks like conservation... Robert explores water supplies in times of drought. (12:31) Sizing it Up: Tank calculation for gauging appropriate storage needs (16:50) Revisiting Firm Yields: Robert makes his data dreams come true by revisiting the research and minimizing “tankziety.” (19:32) Step #1 Find a Grad Student: Calculating firm yield with an extra set of brains. (22:25) RAINFAL: Firm yield calculations made easy with this spreadsheet tool. (23:10) Size Matters: Robert and Ricardo use RAINFAL to find the roof and tank size ratio needed in your area. (35:28) Different Droughts for Different Spouts: How areas respond to drought differently, affecting storage and catchment needs for firm yield. (41:51) Stealing or Storing? Robert debunks a common rainwater harvesting myth. (43:51) Conclusions: Can Rainwater Harvesting work for you, your city, and your state? (45:47) Sign up for our newsletter and look for more bonus content as we take a brief season hiatus! We’ll be back in February with fresh content, so follow us on social media and stay tuned! Episode Links and Resources: Full Presentation Recording Blue Bag Lunch & Learn Playlist The Firm Yield of Rainwater Harvesting in Texas (Meadows Center) From Sky to Supply: The Hidden Potential of Rainwater Harvesting for Texas’ Water Future (Meadows Center Annual Report) Hotter than a Habanero Climate Blog Join our newsletter for updates, bonus content, and audience polls! Theme song: Syzygy by Robert E. Mace We want to thank pixabay.com for providing the sound effects. For more information about the Meadows Center, visit meadowscenter.txst.edu.
Transcribe →