Words on Water

#271: 2026 Operations Challenge Kick-Off

The 2026 Operations Challenge qualifying season officially kicked off at the South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC), co-hosted by the Water Environment Association of South Carolina and the South Carolina Section of the American Water Works Association.  Held in March, the competition brought together 15 Operations Challenge teams from nine states and the District of Columbia—making it the largest South Carolina Operations Challenge in history. From the debut of the new safety event to the high-energy pipe cut relay, this episode features firsthand insights from the competing teams, along with SCEC Operations Challenge Event Coordinator Seth Duncan, as they reflect on the challenges, highlights, and overall success of the event.

#270: Challenge Accepted: The OC Forum Podcast

Operations Challenge at WEFTEC 2025 wrapped up with a historic Division I sweep by teams from the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association (RMWEA). In this episode of Challenge Accepted: The OC Forum, members of RMWEA’s Elevated Ops, Sewerside Squad, and Double Duty—joined by former competitor and mentor Orren West—reflect on the competition. They dive into how they prepared, what defines a winner’s mindset, and how collaboration across teams and utilities helps elevate performance throughout the wastewater profession.

#269: Aqualis Electronic Stormwater Record Retention Program

What's the best way to avoid stormwater compliance violations? Instead of relying on traditional hard-copy binders, Aqualis offers an electronic system to keep organized, well-maintained records. Listen to our conversation with Lisa Cratty, Director of Compliance with Aqualis [https://aqualisco.com/?adgroupname=brand&utm_campaign=YT-SCH-US-Branded&hsa_acc=452-944-4098&campaignid=20906067558&adgroupid=155744806205&creative=714260403553&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&keyword=aqualis%20stormwater%20management&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&hsa_cam=20906067558&hsa_grp=155744806205&hsa_ad=714260403553&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-927948424273&hsa_kw=aqualis%20stormwater%20management&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&ytgclid=EAIaIQobChMIrMfpvN_PkwMVSjCtBh27QAzAEAAYASAAEgI44vD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20906067558&gbraid=0AAAAAqnUp4Id_ukxNbymhw41DwAM50box&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrMfpvN_PkwMVSjCtBh27QAzAEAAYASAAEgI44vD_BwE], on the challenges and solutions for keeping up with regulatory requirements

#268: The David Jenkins $ 10,000 Operator Scholarship Award

Krishna Pagilla is the Chair of the David Jenkins Operator Scholarship. A former student and a Jenkins family friend, Dr. Pagilla talks about the life of Dr. Jenkins and why this $10,000 Operator Scholarship Award is a legacy of love.

# 267: Introducing the Ops Challenge Podcast, Challenge Accepted

Challenge Accepted: The OC Forum is a new podcast from the Water Environment Federation’s Words on Water, dedicated to all things Operations Challenge. Hosted by Operations Challenge legends, Steve Motley and Donnie Cagle, the show features conversations with the people who shape the competition—past, present, and future. Today, we dive into the new Safety Event debuting at WEFTEC 2026!