• What You Need To H2Know Episode #8 - Michelle Scott
    Dec 19 2025

    Welcome to the eighth episode of What You Need to H2Know, the podcast that highlights the people, places, and projects shaping Ontario’s water community. In this episode, host Michele Grenier, Executive Director of the Ontario Water Works Association, is joined by Michelle Scott, a Consulting Engineer at CIMA+ based in Kitchener, Ontario. With seven years of experience in the municipal water sector, Michelle specializes in hydraulic modelling of water distribution systems, helping communities plan for safe and reliable drinking water. Beyond her technical role, she currently serves as Chair of OWWA’s Water for People Committee, where she leads fundraising and awareness efforts that support access to clean water around the world.Michelle shares how she found her path in the water industry, what motivates her advocacy work, and how volunteering through OWWA has influenced her professional and personal growth. The conversation also explores the impact of the Water for People Committee, the value of getting involved, and what makes Ontario’s water community so unique.👉 Curious about the upcoming Water For People Ski Day? Click here to check when more information will be released: https://owwa.ca/events/Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends technical expertise, community leadership, and a passion for making a difference. 💧

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    25 mins
  • What You Need To H2Know Episode #7- Dillon Occleston
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode of What You Need to H2Know, we’re joined by Dillon Occleston, Chair of the OWWA Manufacturers and Associates Council (MAC) and Regional Market Lead at Greatario, where he supports municipal water infrastructure through custom tank and cover solutions. With over a decade of experience in the Canadian water sector, Dillon has developed a deep passion for building strong industry relationships and championing collaboration between service providers, utilities, and municipalities.We’ll dive into his career journey—from how he got into the water industry to the role that OWWA has played in his professional growth. Dillon shares insights on how he got involved with the MAC Committee, what it's like to serve as Chair, and why volunteering has been such a rewarding experience. Plus, he reveals his favourite OWWA event, the projects he’s most proud of, and the exciting initiatives coming up through MAC and Greatario.You'll also hear fun personal stories, unconventional advice, and a few rapid-fire questions to wrap things up with energy and personality. Whether you're new to the industry or a long-time OWWA member, this conversation is packed with inspiration, leadership insights, and a reminder of the power of community in Ontario’s water sector.📧 To connect with Dillon, reach out at: DOccleston@Greatario.com🔗 For more information on the NextWave program, visit: https://owwa.ca/event/ontarios-water-conference-trade-show-2026/

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    33 mins
  • What You Need To H2Know Episode #6- Carlos Alonzo Moya
    Sep 17 2025

    We’re back from summer break with a brand-new episode of What You Need to H2Know!In this episode, host Michele Grenier chats with Carlos Alonzo Moya, an Engineer with the City of Toronto’s Strategic Initiatives Planning team and current Chair of the OWWA Young Professionals Committee. From Mexico City to Toronto, Carlos takes us through his journey of studying, working, and growing in Ontario’s water sector. He opens up about the challenges of adapting to a new country, how volunteering with OWWA shaped his career, and why curiosity, cultural diversity, and collaboration are key to building Ontario’s water future.Carlos’ story is a reminder of the power of community and involvement in shaping the next wave of water leaders.🎙️ Whether you’re commuting, in the field, or grabbing your morning coffee—press play and get inspired by a leader who’s truly made waves in Ontario’s water world.

    📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to hear more voices making an impact across the sector!

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    29 mins
  • What You Need To H2Know Episode #5- Scott Tam
    Jun 16 2025

    Welcome to a new episode of What You Need to H2Know, where we dive into the stories and experiences shaping Ontario’s water industry.In this episode, we sit down with Scott Tam, Past President of OWWA and Director of Infrastructure and Growth for the City of Timmins. From his roots in municipal operations to his time leading the association, Scott shares what it means to serve the water sector from Northern Ontario—and how mentorship, community, and a steady vision have shaped his career.We also chat about his path through OWWA leadership, what’s next for the industry, and how regional perspectives play a vital role in provincial progress.🎙️ Whether you’re commuting, in the field, or grabbing your morning coffee—press play and get inspired by a leader who’s truly made waves in Ontario’s water world.

    📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to hear more voices making an impact across the sector!

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    14 mins
  • What You Need to H2Know Episode #4 - Courtney Offet
    Apr 4 2025

    Welcome to a new episode of What You Need to H2Know, where we dive into the stories and experiences shaping Ontario’s water industry.In this episode, we chat with Courtney Offet, a SCADA Technologist from the Town of Orangeville and a proud member of the OWWA Automation Committee. Courtney walks us through her journey from the classroom to the control room—sharing how she discovered her passion for automation, what prepared her for a career in SCADA technology, and why she chose to make a difference in water and wastewater management.We also round out the episode with a few fun questions so you can get to know Courtney beyond the console!🎙️ Whether you're commuting, in the field, or at your desk—hit play and enjoy this insightful conversation!📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from across the water industry.

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    36 mins
  • Flowing Into Leadership - Kathleen Farrow
    Apr 4 2025

    In this special series, we’re introducing you to the candidates running for election to the OWWA Board of Directors. Each episode shines a 15-minute spotlight on a different candidate, exploring their journey into the water sector, their vision for the future, and the impact they hope to make within the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA).In today’s episode, we’re featuring Kathleen Farrow, a passionate leader in the industry. Hear about what inspired her to pursue a career in water, her aspirations for the sector, and her goals if elected to the OWWA Board.📌 Topics covered in this episode:✅ Kathleen’s journey in the water industry✅ Her vision for OWWA and Ontario’s water community✅ What she hopes to achieve if elected to the board📢 Stay tuned for more candidate spotlights and get to know the future leaders of Ontario’s water industry!🔗 Learn more about OWWA: https://owwa.ca/📅 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates!

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    18 mins
  • Flowing into Leadership - Gillian Harris
    Apr 4 2025

    In this special series, we’re introducing you to the candidates running for election to the OWWA Board of Directors. Each episode shines a 15-minute spotlight on a different candidate, exploring their journey into the water sector, their vision for the future, and the impact they hope to make within the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA).In today’s episode, we’re featuring Gillian Harris, a passionate leader in the industry. Hear about what inspired her to pursue a career in water, her aspirations for the sector, and her goals if elected to the OWWA Board.📌 Topics covered in this episode:✅ Gillian’s journey in the water industry✅ Her vision for OWWA and Ontario’s water community✅ What she hopes to achieve if elected to the board📢 Stay tuned for more candidate spotlights and get to know the future leaders of Ontario’s water industry!🔗 Learn more about OWWA: https://owwa.ca/📅 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates!

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    24 mins
  • What You Need to H2Know Episode #3-Ujwal Zore
    Apr 4 2025
    • 🌊 Welcome to Episode 3 of the What You Need to H2Know Podcast!In this episode, host Michele Grenier, Executive Director of the Ontario Water Works Association, sits down with Ujwal Zore, a rising star in Ontario’s water community.Ujwal, a Water/Wastewater Process Engineer-in-Training at AECOM and a dedicated member of OWWA’s Diversity and Member Engagement Committee (DMEC), shares his journey from academia in India and Canada to the exciting world of water and wastewater engineering.


    🎙️ Highlights include:

    • Ujwal’s academic journey and mentorship at the University of Waterloo.
    • The challenges and opportunities of transitioning from academia to industry.
    • Key takeaways from attending his first OWWA Conference and Tradeshow.
    • The importance of diversity, networking, and professional engagement in the water sector.
    • Advice for young professionals looking to carve out impactful careers.
    • Whether you’re a seasoned water professional, a student exploring this essential field, or simply curious about Ontario’s water community, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice.

    💧 Let’s dive in together and celebrate the people, places, and projects shaping the future of water in Ontario!👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders and innovators in the water industry.

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    50 mins