With over 50 years in water, Brent is a cornerstone of the industry. As General Manager of the Bistone Municipal Water Supply District in Texas, he ensures reliable, high-quality water delivery through surface and groundwater treatment facility management.

Brent's water journey began as a Boy Scout touring a treatment plant—a moment that sparked a lifelong commitment. From installing utility lines to leadership in public works, his career showcases hands-on expertise and unwavering dedication. For the past 33 years, he has led Bistone with a focus on operational excellence and community engagement.

Beyond his work at Bistone, Brent mentors the next generation of water professionals, championing workforce development through programs like the AWWA Management and Leadership Institutes.

This week on Rural Ripples, we realized we can’t dive into rural water without also exploring the critical role large systems play in shaping the future of rural water systems. We do that in Episode 9 with Tad Bohannon, CEO of Central Arkansas Water (CAW).

As the leader of the largest drinking water utility in Arkansas — serving 500,000 people — Tad has a unique perspective on regional collaboration and innovation in the water sector. Under his leadership, CAW has increased its service territory through traditional consolidations and also has advanced rural water quality and service through non-traditional collaboration means such as peer guidance, court-ordered recievership, and business partnerships.

In Episode 9, Tad shares his views on:

🔹 The public service of water and wastewater work

🔹 Drivers behind successful partnerships with rural systems

🔹 What it takes to build resilient and sustainable water systems for the future and what’s standing in the way

In this episode, we’re sitting down with David Baird, someone who’s been at the heart of water and utility management for more than 20 years. David’s a former National Rural Water Association President, now leading the Sussex Conservation District and serving on the Delaware Rural Water Association board. He’s been instrumental in connecting small towns and rural communities to the resources they need to tackle big challenges like workforce shortages, regulatory pressures, and improving water quality.

We talk about his career managing small towns, his passion for conservation, and how collaboration between small and large systems can create stronger, more resilient communities. From navigating rural utility challenges to securing millions in funding for agricultural water quality projects, David’s approach is all about making a real, measurable impact.