In this episode, we continue the conversation on innovation, technology adoption, and the future of civil and water infrastructure. The discussion centers on how engineers, utilities, and public agencies can responsibly embrace new technologies, including AI, advanced treatment systems, and energy recovery, while still protecting public health, safety, and welfare. We explore how long-held “orthodox beliefs” within engineering and infrastructure can unintentionally slow progress and why expanding the definition of who belongs at the table is critical to advancing innovation. The conversation highlights the evolving role of professional organizations, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and how workforce shortages are accelerating the need for smarter, technology-driven solutions.
The episode dives deep into real-world challenges facing wastewater and water treatment systems, including landlocked facilities, aging infrastructure, PFAS treatment, oversized plants, and the growing demands of data centers. Through practical examples, we examine how modular systems, pilot testing, batch studies, and public-private partnerships can help utilities adapt without defaulting to “build it bigger” solutions.
We also discuss how cross-industry thinking, borrowing ideas from remediation, energy, and environmental restoration, has already delivered measurable results, from cleaner waterways to restored ecosystems. The episode closes with a call to action for engineers and industry leaders to move from “why we can’t” to “how we can,” using technology as a tool for resilience, sustainability, and long-term system optimization.
Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Ken Mika, PE
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Key Discussion Points:
- Responsible adoption of new technology in civil and water infrastructure
- Challenging orthodox beliefs within engineering and professional societies
- Expanding collaboration beyond traditional engineering roles
- Workforce shortages and the role of AI and automation
- Landlocked wastewater facilities and modular treatment solutions
- PFAS, treatability studies, and batch system innovation
- Infrastructure demands from data centers and energy constraints
- Cross-industry innovation and environmental restoration success stories
Key Takeaway:
Innovation in infrastructure is no longer optional. As technology advances and demands on water, energy, and treatment systems grow, the industry must rethink legacy approaches, collaborate across disciplines, and safely test new solutions. Progress happens when engineers stop asking whether change is possible and start asking how to make it work.
Connect With Ken Mika:
Tetra Tech
Email: ken.mika@tetratech.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethrmika/
Website:asce.org
🎯 Final Thoughts:
Innovation in water and civil infrastructure is no longer a future conversation. It is a present day responsibility. As technology accelerates and workforce challenges grow, the industry must move beyond legacy thinking and embrace collaboration, experimentation, and smarter system design. By expanding who has a seat at the table and learning from adjacent industries, engineers can protect public health and safety while still driving meaningful progress. The path forward is not about doing more of the same. It is about asking better questions, staying curious, and being willing to say, “How can we make this work?”
Conclusion:
The future of civil and water infrastructure depends on our ability to adapt, collaborate, and innovate without compromising public trust. As demands on our systems increase from emerging contaminants to data center growth and energy constraints traditional approaches alone will not be enough. By challenging long standing assumptions embracing interdisciplinary expertise and responsibly adopting new technologies the industry can build more resilient efficient and sustainable systems. Progress begins when we shift from resisting change to leading it.
Until next time—keep growing, and keep it flowing. 💧
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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:
Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/
Email: raven@creativeraven.com
Telephone: +1 760-217-8010
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