Could 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.

Water 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.

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 could mean for our future water security.

It’s time to face to face the heat, and make a difference—together.

We’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.

This 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.

This month, you asked the questions, and our cohosts delivered! Join our hosts, Carrie and Robert, as they tackle listener-submitted questions, debunk common climate myths, and share highlights from season two. With producers Anna and Sarah along for the ride, it’s an episode packed with insights, surprises, and even a first-ever Pop Quiz that puts our experts to the test!

Up first, Carrie and Robert unpack season two of Fahrenheit 140, dishing on their favorite season highs and lows. Then, the quiz begins—will they rise to the occasion or get stumped by Anna and Sarah’s trickiest questions? (06:08, 12:02)

Listen along as Robert and Carrie answer your questions about…

• The Greenhouse Gas Effect: Robert explains how certain gasses trap heat. (17:15)

• Resiliency planning: Do you have to believe in climate change to plan ahead? (18:25)

• Can we slow it down? Is halting climate change possible, or are we just slowing the inevitable? (19:30)

• Can Earth heal itself? Carrie discusses the Gaia Hypothesis and the problems our planet faces. (22:04)

• Hurricanes and…toilets? Robert demystifies the Coriolis Effect. (24:36)

• Glaciers and Pathogens on Doomsday: Which will affect us first: ancient pathogens or major sea-level rise? (25:38)

• Responsible Cat Management: If cats are liquids, how do we plan for cat resiliency? (27:44)

…and bust these myths:

• Is it the Sun’s fault? Carrie and Robert tackle the real cause of rising temperatures. (030:02)

• What’s the deal with Chemtrails? Could jet planes actually help cool the planet? (31:00)

• Natural Variability: Carrie and Robert unpack the data. (32:50)

• The dreaded “Tipping Point:” Are we nearing this often-mentioned threshold? (34:25)

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 more content, so make sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned! (And don’t forget to vote!)

Episode Links and Resources:

• Global Warming is Not Part of Natural Climate Variability (Scientific American)

• Climate Variability vs. Climate Change (University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership)

• Yes, Cats are Liquids Only in One Dimension (Science.Org)

• How would sea level change if all glaciers melted? (USGS)

• 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.