The Salty Water Podcast

The $Water Moonshot: XPRIZE Takes on Global Water Scarcity | Salty Water Podcast

The $Water Moonshot: XPRIZE Takes on Global Water Scarcity | Salty Water Podcast
What if the next major breakthrough in desalination comes from a global competition designed to spark a technological moonshot?In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast, host Eric Jankel sits down with Lauren Greenlee, Executive Vice President for Food, Water, and Waste at XPRIZE, to explore one of the most ambitious innovation challenges in the water industry today: the global race to reinvent desalination.
Backed by the Mohammed Bin Zayed Water Initiative, the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition is challenging innovators around the world to create desalination technologies that are more reliable, affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable at scale.The discussion explores:Why desalination still remains inaccessible to much of the worldThe hidden barriers preventing wider adoptionWhy incremental innovation may no longer be enoughThe history of major desalination breakthroughsHow XPRIZE structures technology moonshotsThe difference between Track A and Track B teamsWhy cost metrics in innovation competitions are so difficultThe future of membranes, materials, and system-level innovationWhether desalination is approaching another transformational leap forward
Eric also connects the competition to historic innovation prizes that changed industries forever, including the Orteig Prize that helped inspire Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight and the original Ansari XPRIZE that helped launch the private space industry.
With hundreds of teams from dozens of countries competing, this episode offers a rare inside look at how global innovation ecosystems are being mobilized to tackle one of humanity’s biggest challenges: water scarcity.If you work in desalination, water reuse, infrastructure, climate technology, sustainability, industrial innovation, or water policy, this episode provides important insight into where the industry may be heading next.
 
🌊 About the Salty Water PodcastThe Salty Water Podcast explores the people, technologies, policies, and global trends shaping the future of desalination, water reuse, and water security.Hosted by Eric Jankel, the show features conversations with engineers, innovators, policymakers, researchers, investors, and industry leaders working at the forefront of global water challenges.🌐 Website: Salty Water Podcasthttps://SaltyWaterPodcast.com
📌 Topics covered in this episode:Desalination • XPRIZE • Water Scarcity • Water Innovation • Reverse Osmosis • Membrane Technology • Water Infrastructure • Sustainability • Climate Technology • Water Security • Energy Recovery • Global Water Crisis • Future of Water • Engineering Innovation • Moonshot Technology#SaltyWaterPodcast #Desalination #WaterScarcity #XPRIZE #WaterInnovation #ClimateTech #WaterSecurity #ReverseOsmosis #Sustainability #Engineering #WaterReuse #Infrastructure #FutureOfWater

The MIT Startup That’s Reinventing Water Treatment | Salty Water Podcast

Water is one of the most critical resources on the planet. But what happens when the water is so contaminated, so saline, so difficult to treat that most technologies simply can’t handle it?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast, host Eric Jankel sits down with Anurag Bajpayee, co-founder and CEO of Gradiant, one of the fastest-growing companies in the global water industry.
What started as research at MIT has turned into a company generating hundreds of millions in revenue, solving some of the toughest water challenges in the world, and growing at an extraordinary pace.
This conversation goes far beyond desalination. It explores how breakthrough technologies are developed, how they actually get commercialized in the real world, and what it takes to build a company that can scale without losing its culture.
If you are interested in water, infrastructure, innovation, or building something meaningful from the ground up, this episode of the Salty Water Podcast delivers insights you will not hear anywhere else.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to Gradiant and the water industry1:00 Anurag Bajpayee’s journey from India to MIT2:30 The cultural perspective on water and its deeper meaning5:00 How MIT shaped the entrepreneurial mindset7:30 The origins of Gradiant and early innovation9:30 Discovering the produced water problem in the Permian Basin11:00 From lab technology to real-world commercialization13:00 Why customer needs matter more than “perfect” technology15:00 Scaling beyond a single product in water17:00 Building an end-to-end water solutions company19:00 The philosophy of solving real customer problems20:30 Growth, profitability, and scaling the business22:00 Maintaining culture while growing to 1,400+ employees24:00 Leadership challenges in high-growth companies25:00 Final thoughts and reflections
💡 Key Takeaways
Why some water problems are considered “impossible” and how Gradiant approaches them
How carrier gas extraction technology mimics the natural water cycle
The critical mistake most engineers and founders make when commercializing technology
Why being a “one-trick pony” doesn’t work in the water industry
How Gradiant scaled from a lab concept to a global company
The importance of customer-first thinking in building successful infrastructure solutions
What it takes to grow rapidly while staying profitable
How company culture becomes the biggest challenge at scale
🌍 About the Salty Water Podcast
The Salty Water Podcast explores the people, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of water. From desalination and reuse to infrastructure, policy, and innovation, each episode dives deep into the forces driving one of the most important industries in the world.
Hosted by Eric Jankel, the show features leaders who are solving real-world water challenges and building the systems that will define the future.
If you care about water, sustainability, infrastructure, or global innovation, the Salty Water Podcast is a must-listen.
🎯 Why This Episode Matters
Water is not just an environmental issue. It is an economic issue, a geopolitical issue, and a business opportunity.
Companies like Gradiant are proving that innovation in water is not only possible, but scalable, profitable, and essential.
This episode of the Salty Water Podcast gives you a front-row seat to how that transformation is happening.
🔔 Subscribe for More
New episodes of the Salty Water Podcast feature conversations with global leaders in water, desalination, reuse, and infrastructure.
Subscribe to stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of water.
🔎 Keywords (for search optimization)
water treatment, desalination, water reuse, produced water, MIT startups, Gradiant water company, Anurag Bajpayee, water technology innovation, industrial water treatment, infrastructure innovation, clean water technology, water business, water startups, environmental technology, scaling startups, deep tech commercialization, Permian Basin water, wastewater treatment

California Needs Desalination — So What’s Holding It Back? | Salty Water Podcast

Salty Water Podcast | California Needs Desalination — So What’s Holding It Back?
California has 840 miles of coastline, a growing population of 40 million people, and increasing pressure on traditional water sources like the Colorado River.
So why isn’t seawater desalination scaling faster?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast, host Eric Jankel sits down with Mark Donovan, one of the leading experts in desalination and water reuse in North America, to break down what’s really happening behind the scenes in California’s water strategy.
Mark is a Principal at GHD, leads desalination and water reuse efforts across North America, and serves as Chairman of CalDesal. With more than 30 years in the industry, he brings a rare insider perspective on the technical, political, and regulatory realities shaping the future of water.
This conversation goes beyond headlines and digs into the real challenges, including regulatory barriers, public perception, environmental concerns, and the surprising truth about public support for desalination projects.
If you care about water infrastructure, climate resilience, or the future of cities, this is a must-watch episode.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and why desalination matters now01:00 California’s water system and growing supply challenges02:00 Mark Donovan’s origin story and early work in desalination04:00 What CalDesal does and its role in policy and advocacy05:00 Public perception vs reality, why most people actually support desalination06:30 The regulatory challenges slowing down projects07:30 Offshore desalination and new innovations08:00 Carlsbad desalination plant success and lessons learned09:00 The Colorado River problem and why it changes everything10:00 Water exchange programs and new collaboration models11:00 Current projects including Doheny and Monterey12:00 How policymakers are thinking about desalination today13:00 The future of desalination in California14:00 Final thoughts and outlook
💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS
Desalination is one of the few drought-proof water supply solutions available today
A silent majority of Californians support desalination, but opposition often dominates the conversation
Regulatory complexity, not technology, is one of the biggest barriers
Large-scale projects like Carlsbad prove desalination can work at scale
New models like water exchange programs could reshape how water is distributed across the state
Innovation in offshore and subsurface desalination could address environmental concerns
The Colorado River can no longer meet demand, forcing new solutions
🌊 ABOUT THE SALTY WATER PODCAST
The Salty Water Podcast explores the people, projects, and technologies shaping the future of water. From desalination and reuse to infrastructure and policy, we bring you conversations with the leaders solving one of the world’s most critical challenges.
New episodes feature experts from across the global water industry, sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
🔗 CONNECT & LEARN MORE
🌐 Website: https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com
📣 CALL TO ACTION
If you found this episode valuable:👍 Like the video💬 Comment with your thoughts on desalination in California🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on water, infrastructure, and innovation
🔎 Keywords
salty water podcast, desalination, california water crisis, water reuse, seawater desalination, water infrastructure, colorado river water shortage, water scarcity solutions, desalination plants, carlsbad desalination, caldesal, water policy california, drought solutions, water innovation, water industry leaders

How AI and Global Conflict Are Reshaping Water

In Part 2 of this conversation on the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, Christopher Gasson, owner and publisher of Global Water Intelligence, returns to explore how artificial intelligence, infrastructure demand, and geopolitical conflict are reshaping the global water industry.
Building on Part 1, this episode goes deeper into the forces driving change across desalination, water reuse, and large-scale infrastructure projects. With more than two decades of experience tracking capital flows, policy decisions, and technology trends, Christopher provides a clear and grounded perspective on how the industry is evolving.
A major focus of this episode is the growing role of AI. While data centers themselves may not use as much water as expected, their need for speed, power, and rapid deployment is reshaping where infrastructure is built. In many cases, water is not a primary factor in site selection, which can create long-term challenges for utilities and regions already facing constraints.
The conversation also explores semiconductor manufacturing and the increasing demand for ultra-pure water. As chip complexity increases, so does the water intensity required to produce them. With tens of billions of dollars being invested in new facilities, often in water-constrained areas, this raises important questions about long-term sustainability.
Christopher also shares how AI is transforming the water industry itself. Through tools that analyze project pipelines, council meetings, and real-time data, new forms of intelligence are emerging that help investors, utilities, and operators better understand risk and opportunity.
Another key theme is the significant difference in project costs across regions. In some cases, water infrastructure projects in the United States can cost dramatically more than comparable projects elsewhere, even when using similar technology. Understanding these cost differences is critical for planning and investment decisions.
The episode concludes with a discussion on geopolitical risk, particularly in the Middle East. With reports of desalination plants being impacted by regional conflict, Christopher offers insight into what this means for long-term water strategy and global infrastructure planning.
This is Part 2 of a two-part episode. Be sure to listen to Part 1 for a deeper look at the hidden forces shaping the global water industry.
🔑 Topics Covered
AI and water demand
Data centers and infrastructure pressure
Semiconductor fabs and ultra-pure water
Real-time intelligence and decision-making
Regional cost differences in water projects
Middle East conflict and water infrastructure
Future trends in desalination and reuse
🌊 Salty Water Podcast
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel explores the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of water, desalination, reuse, and infrastructure worldwide.

The Hidden Forces Behind the Global Water Industry | Salty Water Podcast (Part 1)

The Hidden Forces Behind the Global Water Industry | Salty Water Podcast (Part 1)
What’s really driving the global water industry behind the scenes?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, we sit down with Christopher Gasson, owner and publisher of Global Water Intelligence, to unpack the forces shaping water, desalination, and reuse around the world.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.
Christopher brings more than two decades of experience tracking how capital, policy, and technology influence the most important water projects globally. In this first half, we explore how the industry actually works, what most people misunderstand about water infrastructure, and where the biggest shifts are happening today.
If you work in water, infrastructure, utilities, or investment, this episode gives you a clearer lens into how decisions are made and where the industry is heading.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Christopher Gasson01:15 Background and early career03:40 How Global Water Intelligence was built06:10 How the global water market really operates09:30 The role of capital, policy, and technology12:45 Desalination and reuse trends15:50 Key shifts shaping the industry16:45 End of Part 1
🔑 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How the global water industry actually functions behind the scenes
The role of capital, policy, and technology in major water projects
Why desalination and reuse are gaining momentum
Where the biggest opportunities and challenges exist today
How better intelligence drives better decisions in water
📌 ABOUT THE GUEST
Christopher Gasson is the owner and publisher of Global Water Intelligence, the leading information platform on global water and desalination markets. Since acquiring GWI in 2002, he has built an ecosystem that includes Water Desalination Report, DesalData, and the Global Water Summit. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in global water, finance, and infrastructure.
🌊 ABOUT THE SHOW
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel explores the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future of water, desalination, reuse, and infrastructure around the world.
🔗 WATCH / LISTEN
Website: https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio
📢 CALL TO ACTION
If you’re in the water industry or want to better understand where global infrastructure is heading, subscribe and follow the Salty Water Podcast.
New episodes drop every Friday.
🏷️ HASHTAGS
#WaterIndustry #Desalination #WaterReuse #Infrastructure #GlobalWater #WaterInvestment #WaterPolicy #Podcast #WaterLeadership

Why Industrial Water Reuse Is America’s Untapped Solution | Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel

Is America overlooking its most scalable water solution?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, we explore why industrial water reuse may be the most under-leveraged strategy for strengthening U.S. water resilience.
Industry in the United States uses nearly four times more water than municipalities. Yet most federal incentives focus on municipal reuse. What would happen if policy shifted to encourage industrial water recycling at scale?
Eric sits down with Jon Freedman, Global Head of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Veralto and President of the International Desalination and Reuse Association, to unpack the policy, economics, and innovation shaping the future of water.
This episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel dives deep into federal water policy, industrial reuse incentives, desalination cost trends, climate resilience, and how Washington decisions impact the global water industry.
If you work in water, infrastructure, utilities, desalination, reuse, or environmental policy, this conversation matters.
Visit: https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Jon Freedman’s background02:15 – From law and finance to the global water industry05:40 – The current U.S. water policy landscape08:10 – Why water remains a bipartisan issue09:45 – Industrial water use vs municipal water use11:20 – The case for investment tax credits for industrial reuse13:00 – U.S. policy vs Singapore and Israel15:05 – Desalination cost declines and innovation trends17:10 – Climate change, resilience, and water scarcity18:45 – Corporate consolidation and water industry evolution19:40 – Career advice and the future of water leadership
Key Topics Covered
Industrial water reuseFederal water policyInfrastructure investmentDesalination innovationWater resilience strategiesClimate change adaptationWater incentives vs mandatesColorado River basin pressuresGlobal water governanceCorporate strategy in the water sector
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel spotlights leaders shaping the future of desalination, water reuse, policy, and infrastructure. Each episode delivers insight for water professionals, engineers, investors, regulators, and executives navigating the evolving water landscape.
New episodes drop on Fridays.
Subscribe for conversations on water policy, desalination, reuse technology, climate resilience, infrastructure finance, and global water leadership.
Visit https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com to explore episodes and connect on social media.

The Hidden Trillion-Dollar Secret in Seawater | Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel

The Hidden Trillion-Dollar Secret in Seawater | Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel
Is seawater just a source of drinking water… or is it one of the largest untapped mineral resources on Earth?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, internationally recognized desalination expert Nikolay Voutchkov explains why brine — long considered waste — may actually hold a trillion-dollar opportunity.
For decades, desalination plants have discharged concentrated brine back into the ocean. But what if that “waste” stream contains commercially valuable minerals like sodium chloride, magnesium, and even rubidium? What if desalination plants could become mining operations? And what if the economics have finally shifted enough to make it viable?
This episode explores the breakthrough technologies that may turn brine into a profitable resource — and why the timing may be perfect.
We discuss:
Membrane-based brine concentration
Energy reductions compared to thermal crystallization
Nature-inspired membrane innovation
The economics of salt markets in the Middle East
Global warming’s impact on solar salt production
Zero liquid discharge pressures
The future of renewables in desalination
And a provocative conversation about emerging energy concepts tied to seawater
If you work in desalination, water reuse, water policy, or infrastructure finance, this conversation will change how you think about brine.
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Salty Water Podcast01:10 – The origin of brine valorization and the Oman challenge03:45 – Why mineral recovery was not commercially viable before05:30 – The evolution of reverse osmosis membranes07:20 – The breakthrough toward multifunctional membranes09:00 – Membrane concentration vs. thermal crystallization11:30 – Energy demand comparison: 8 kWh vs 75 kWh14:00 – Nature’s osmotic regulation and magnesium chloride draw solutions17:00 – Zero liquid discharge vs. economic drivers18:00 – Why salt markets are changing globally19:30 – Indian solar salt disruption and climate impacts20:30 – Producing salt at $18 per ton21:30 – Renewable energy challenges in desalination22:45 – Rubidium, emerging energy concepts, and future potential26:00 – Final thoughts: where desalination stands today
Key Takeaways
• Brine is not waste. It is a resource stream.• Membrane crystallization dramatically lowers energy requirements.• Salt production economics are shifting globally.• Climate impacts are affecting traditional salt sources.• Desalination plants could evolve into mineral recovery hubs.• The future of desalination may look very different from today’s plants.
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel highlights leaders shaping the future of desalination, water reuse, and water infrastructure. Each episode dives deep into innovation, policy, financing, and emerging technologies that will define how the world secures fresh water.
New episodes drop on Fridays.
🌊 Learn more and find all episodes at:https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com
If you’re in the desalination industry, water reuse, environmental engineering, or infrastructure investment, subscribe and join the conversation.
#Desalination #BrineMining #WaterInnovation #ReverseOsmosis #MembraneTechnology #WaterReuse #ZeroLiquidDischarge #SaltEconomics #WaterInfrastructure #SaltyWaterPodcast

Building Water Independence and the Future of Water | Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel

What does it really take to build water independence?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, we sit down with Lisa Henthorn, a chemical engineer whose career spans Chevron, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, global desalination leadership at CH2M Hill, and executive roles in produced water and circular water innovation.
From early research and development to large-scale seawater desalination plants around the world, Lisa has helped shape the modern desalination industry. She has led global engineering teams, served in leadership roles within the International Desalination and Reuse Association, chaired the board of H2O Innovation, and pioneered new approaches to produced water reuse in oil and gas.
This conversation goes beyond technology. We explore the real drivers behind water security, the importance of public trust, and how innovation only succeeds when communities support it.
If you care about desalination, water reuse, water security, infrastructure, circular water systems, or the future of engineering leadership, this episode of the Salty Water Podcast is for you.
New episodes of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel drop every Friday.
Visit https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com to find us on your favorite podcast platform.
Timestamps (21:43)
00:00 – Rising to the challenge: The theme of Lisa’s career01:00 – Early career at Chevron and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation02:00 – The moment desalination became her life’s work03:00 – Research, innovation, and finding purpose in water science04:00 – Transition from government R&D to global consulting05:00 – Leading desalination at CH2M Hill06:00 – Career turning points and global leadership08:00 – Working across the Middle East, Asia, and Australia09:00 – What it feels like when a community gains reliable water11:00 – Singapore’s strategic move toward water independence12:00 – Why public support matters as much as technology13:00 – Produced water, circular water systems, and oil & gas15:00 – Technical challenges of high salinity streams16:00 – Is there success at the end of the rainbow?17:00 – Leadership legacy and mentoring the next generation19:00 – Women in engineering: Then and now21:00 – Final reflections on impact and the future of water
Key Takeaways
• Technology alone does not create water independence. Public trust and political support are essential.• Desalination has evolved from niche research to global infrastructure strategy.• Produced water reuse is one of the most complex and promising frontiers in water innovation.• Circular water thinking is reshaping oil and gas operations.• Leadership in water requires technical depth and global perspective.• Women in engineering today have greater opportunity than ever, but mentorship remains critical.
Why This Episode Matters
Water independence is not just about desalination plants. It is about:
Water securityStrategic infrastructureGeopolitical stabilitySustainable engineeringCircular water reuseProduced water managementDesalination technologyGlobal engineering leadership
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel highlights the leaders shaping the future of water. This episode is a masterclass in how one career can influence an entire industry.
About the Podcast
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel spotlights industry leaders in desalination, water reuse, infrastructure, and global water strategy. Through long-form podcasting conversations, we explore careers, innovation, and the technologies shaping the future of water.
If you are an engineer, policymaker, water executive, or infrastructure professional, this podcast was created for you.
New episodes drop every Friday.
Subscribe on YouTube.Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit: https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com

How Seven Seas Water Doubled in Value to $1B in Just 4 Years | Salty Water Podcast

What does it take to double the value of a water company in less than four years?
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, Eric sits down with Henry Charrabé, CEO of Seven Seas Water, to unpack one of the most compelling growth and value creation stories in the global water sector.
When Henry stepped into the CEO role, Seven Seas Water was valued at approximately $500 million. In under four years, the company more than doubled in value and was acquired by EQT for over $1 billion. This conversation explores how that happened, why the strategy worked, and what it signals about the future of water and wastewater infrastructure.
Rather than focusing only on technology, this episode dives deep into leadership, delivery models, and capital strategy. Henry explains why Water as a Service has become a powerful alternative to traditional EPC and build-own-operate approaches, particularly for decentralized water and wastewater systems serving fast-growing communities.
The discussion covers how long-term operating agreements align incentives between operators, investors, and customers, and why decentralized infrastructure can reduce energy use, manage risk, and scale more effectively than large centralized plants. Eric and Henry also compare leadership under private equity ownership versus public markets, including how incentives shift, how planning horizons change, and why clarity around exit strategy matters.
The conversation explores key growth markets including Texas, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and why fast-growing regions require new approaches to water supply and wastewater treatment. Henry shares insights on Texas water policy, infrastructure funding gaps, municipal utility districts, and why Water as a Service models are particularly well suited for both municipal and industrial clients.
Listeners will also hear Henry’s perspective on the future of desalination and wastewater treatment, including energy efficiency, regulatory considerations, and the expanding role of industrial Water as a Service. The episode concludes with a look ahead at what’s next for Seven Seas Water under EQT ownership and the leadership lessons that apply across the broader infrastructure sector.
This episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel is essential listening for water professionals, utility leaders, engineers, infrastructure investors, and policymakers interested in how smart business models and leadership decisions can unlock rapid, sustainable growth in critical infrastructure.
 
Visit ⁠https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com⁠ for socials.
 
Episode timestamps: 
00:00 Welcome and why this growth story matters
01:45 Seven Seas Water origins and early desalination roots
03:30 Becoming CEO and resetting strategy
06:00 Private equity ownership vs public markets
08:30 Water as a Service explained
11:15 Decentralized water and wastewater systems
14:20 Texas, Caribbean, and global growth markets
17:10 Future outlook under EQT
19:30 Final thoughts and wrap-up
 
 
About the Salty Water Podcast
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel explores the technologies, policies, business models, and leadership shaping the future of water. Through long-form podcast conversations with industry leaders, the show examines desalination, wastewater treatment, infrastructure investment, and innovation across global water markets.
Podcasting allows these complex topics to be explored in depth, with context and nuance that short-form content cannot provide.
🎧 Subscribe to the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel 🌍 Visit ⁠https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com⁠ Desalination business, wastewater infrastructure, decentralized water systems, private equity water investment, Texas water infrastructure, infrastructure finance, water industry leadership, water podcast, desalination podcast, wastewater podcast

What Do People Still Get Wrong About Desalination Technology? | Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel

What Do People Still Get Wrong About Desalination Technology?
Lessons from 40 Years Inside Desalination and Membrane Technology
Desalination is often misunderstood. It is called too expensive, too energy intensive, or unrealistic at scale. But much of what people believe about desalination technology is outdated, incomplete, or based on early failures rather than decades of real-world progress.
In this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel, Eric sits down with John Tonner, Executive Director of the American Membrane Technology Association and an XPRIZE Water Scarcity Judge, for a wide-ranging, career-spanning conversation about what people still get wrong about desalination technology and why those misconceptions persist.
With more than 40 years in the industry, John Tonner has worked across thermal desalination, seawater reverse osmosis, energy recovery systems, international water consulting, and large-scale project development. His career spans early, risky desalination plants, the evolution of membrane technology, major breakthroughs in energy recovery, and today’s global push to address water scarcity through innovation and smarter delivery models.
This episode goes beyond theory. It explores what actually worked, what failed, and what lessons engineers, policymakers, utilities, and the public still need to understand about desalination technology today.
If you care about water security, infrastructure, energy use, public health, or the future of clean drinking water, this episode of the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel offers rare, experience-driven insight you will not find in academic papers alone.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
(Approximate, topic-based)
00:00 – Welcome to the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel02:30 – John Tonner’s unconventional entry into desalination07:15 – Early desalination plants and what went wrong13:40 – Thermal vs reverse osmosis, lessons learned21:10 – Energy recovery myths and real-world breakthroughs30:45 – Why desalination is still misunderstood today38:20 – Cross-border water projects and regulatory challenges47:30 – XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition and future innovation56:10 – What the next generation of water professionals should know01:02:30 – Final reflections on desalination, water scarcity, and progress
🔑 Key Takeaways
Why desalination’s reputation does not match its real-world performance
How early technical and operational mistakes shaped public perception
The role of membrane technology in water reuse and potable supply
Why energy costs are often misunderstood in desalination discussions
What needs to change in project delivery, regulation, and communication
🔍 Search Terms & Topics
desalination technology, desalination myths, water scarcity solutions, membrane technology, reverse osmosis, thermal desalination, water innovation, water infrastructure, potable reuse, water energy nexus, global water supply, water security, public health water systems, desalination costs, desalination energy use, podcast about water, water technology podcast
Parents, communities, and policymakers often ask how water quality affects health, long-term sustainability, and family well-being. Conversations about water access intersect with broader public concerns about infrastructure reliability, environmental safety, and future resilience, topics increasingly discussed alongside issues like sleep, health outcomes, and public trust in science.
🎧 About the Podcast
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel is a long-form podcast focused on desalination, water reuse, infrastructure, and the people shaping the future of water. Each episode brings real-world experience and honest conversations to the forefront of global water challenges.
The Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
👉 Listen, Subscribe, and Learn More
🎙️ Subscribe to the Salty Water Podcast with Eric Jankel for in-depth conversations about water, technology, and innovation🌊 Visit: https://SaltyWaterPodcast.com💬 Share this episode with colleagues, students, and anyone interested in the future of water