The Silicon Valley of Water Is Being Built in Virginia

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The Silicon Valley of Water Is Being Built in Virginia

E305 • Apr 14, 2026 • 64 mins

In this episode, Jay Bernas discusses the innovative strides in water quality and environmental health in Hampton Roads. The conversation covers HRSD's history and its connection to the region's water systems, highlighting programs like Swift that tackle environmental challenges such as land subsidence and sea level rise. Jay elaborates on efforts to create a "Silicon Valley" for water technology, emphasizing innovation's role in affordability and economic development. The discussion touches on partnerships with Crew Carbon, AI integration, and public perception of clean water. The episode concludes with insights on the future of water jobs, public education, and the region's branding through water technology and experiences.

Key Points

Creating innovative solutions for water sustainability can significantly impact economic development and environmental health.
Highly treated wastewater is being purified to drinking water quality and pumped back into the aquifer, potentially reversing land subsidence in Eastern Virginia.
HRSD's research and development initiatives, including AI and partnerships with startups, aim to keep operating costs low and ensure affordable water services for ratepayers.

Speakers

Jay Bernas

Guest • 67%

Zack Miller

Host • 17%

Tim Ryan

Host • 16%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Jay Bernas on innovation, water quality, and bay health
2:12	Hampton Roads’ connection to water and HRSD history
5:04	Water quality, the Swift program, and addressing environmental challenges
7:17	Land subsidence, sea level rise, and economic impacts
9:10	Aquifer depletion and economic development
14:36	Swift beer, recycled water, and public acceptance
18:03	Creating the Silicon Valley of water technology
23:37	Innovation as the key to affordability
24:20	Crew Carbon partnership and emerging technology
26:19	AI team, Meta collaboration, and technology integration
29:03	Vision for partially attended operations and workforce impacts
31:13	Public perception and the importance of clean water
34:15	Future of water jobs and quality of life improvements
39:09	HRSD’s innovative culture and historical perspective
41:06	Adoption of AI in water utilities
42:38	The Potomac Aquifer: Overview and significance
44:26	Natural filtration, soil aquifer treatment, and sustainability
46:36	Public awareness and education on water treatment
49:19	Transition, growth, and regional development in Hampton Roads
50:53	Overcoming skepticism and building partnerships
54:22	Bottled water vs. tap water: Perceptions and facts
58:29	NASA collaboration and future prospects
1:00:07	Branding Hampton Roads: Food, experiences, and water identity
1:03:04	Growing the innovation ecosystem in water technology

Transcript

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