#48 | The Sewage Recycling Revolution: Peter Annin & the Promise of Endless Fresh Water
My guest this week is Peter Annin, an author, environmental journalist, and freshwater innovator who excels as a communicator & translator between the scientific community and the general public. His background as a veteran journalist includes a decade of reporting on environmental and conflict-related issues for Newsweek Magazine.
Over the past twenty years, Peter has focused primarily on water issues. Annin is the author of the award-winning book 'Great Lakes Water Wars' and frequently contributes op-eds on water topics to prominent outlets like The Washington Post and The New York Times. He currently serves as the director of the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation at Northland College.
In our conversation, Peter discussed his latest book, Purified: How Recycled Sewage Is Transforming Our Water, in which he argues that drinking recycled sewage is a crucial solution for combating water scarcity in the United States and, potentially, the world. He confronts the common aversion to this idea by pointing out that many people might already be consuming such water unknowingly. He also highlights Los Angeles' commitment to sourcing 100% of its drinking water from recycled sewage for its nearly four million residents by 2035.
Peter is deeply passionate about changing public perceptions of drinking recycled sewage and promoting proactive engagement with environmental issues. He addresses psychological barriers, including what he terms the “yuck factor,” to dispel fear and misinformation surrounding recycled water. His approach leaves readers more open to this sustainable method of ensuring safe, tasty water for future generations.
In Purified, Peter combines drama, humor, and engaging storytelling, akin to many novels, to narrate the history of water recycling in the United States. From early missteps to recent successes, he illustrates the lengthy and valuable journey of water recycling. His work underscores the importance of this technology in securing a water-abundant future.
Peter's work is pivotal in bringing this vital message to a broader audience, effectively translating the importance of water recycling for everyday understanding and appreciation.
In this episode, we discuss:
Peter’s role as the director of the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation
His transition from a journalism major and international relations master's graduate to a career in environmental journalism, including his early days at Newsweek
The growing importance of water literacy in the U.S. and globally due to escalating water issues
Insights into why Peter wrote 'Purified,' addressing the necessity, safety, and increasing reliance on recycled sewage for drinking water
The ongoing water supply crisis in the Southwest, despite temporary relief from atmospheric rivers
Peter’s approach to breaking down communication barriers about water recycling and his commitment to telling the complete story
The severity of current water scarcity issues and the urgency of finding sustainable solutions
Success Stories in Water Recycling programs including their effectiveness and public acceptance
The Economic Viability of Water Recycling
Contact & Social Media
