Stone Mason and Farmer

Toni Debono has been a stone mason for over 40 years. He explained the various forms of well and water storage systems in private homes and those built for agriculture.

Advisor: Pumping station and groundwater

George Micallef, a 66-year-old advisor at the Water Services Corporation in Gozo, provided a detailed recount of his professional journey and the challenges faced in water management. He began his career as an electronic technician before joining the Water Services Corporation in the early ’90s. His expertise transitioned from electronics to water services, where he managed groundwater, boreholes, and reverse osmosis systems.

Micallef described the evolution of water quality and distribution in Gozo, emphasizing improvements through polishing plants and the integration of reverse osmosis. He highlighted the shift from reliance on boreholes to advanced treatment plants, detailing the technical processes and challenges, including the impact of farming and urban development on groundwater.

He also shared his experiences with water quality monitoring, leak detection, and the significant role of technology and electricity in water management. His contributions, particularly in developing a polishing plant, marked a career highlight, showcasing his dedication to improving Gozo’s water infrastructure.

Mechanical Engineer, Reverse Osmosis section

Ronald Pace, a mechanical engineer and manager at the Water Services Corporation, oversees the reverse osmosis (RO) plant and desalination activities in Malta. He discussed the crucial role of RO technology in providing the majority of Malta’s drinking water, given the island’s limited natural water resources. Pace explained the technical aspects of reverse osmosis, including the process of filtering seawater through sophisticated membranes to produce potable water, and the importance of energy efficiency in this process. He also touched on the challenges of maintaining the plant, the importance of teamwork, and the significance of planning and preparation to ensure a continuous water supply. Pace emphasized the need for public awareness about the complexities and efforts involved in delivering clean water to the island’s residents.

Regional Engineer

Charles Camilleri is a Regional Engineer with the Water Services Corporation in Gozo. He told us about the filtration process and distribution of water on the island. Charles emphasised the importance of rainwater collection and how the construction industry on the islands often neglects this vital resource.

Retired Civil Engineer and soil researcher

Imagine you arrive at a huge empty landscape without any buildings and only sand and some vegetation. What kind of city will you build in this space? With Bouwe we talk about the soil that is the base for the city of Almere and the work of a civil engineer. What is the role of water in de engineering of a new city?

Advisor Climate Adaption

Throughout the interview, Soesja sheds light on the positive transformation of Amsterdam’s canals, which have gone from being too polluted to swim in during their childhood to now attracting people for refreshing swims on sunny days. As a professional specializing in water and climate adaptation, she provides unique perspectives on the evolution of water management and the challenges faced by the Netherlands, particularly concerning dike maintenance and rising sea levels.

Project leader, Environment Management

Discovering Environmental Stewardship: In a recent interview, we explored the world’s largest sea lock project with Jan Rinstra, an esteemed environmental manager. Jan’s primary role revolves around water management, emphasising eco-conscious policies. Throughout the discussion, we learn about the IJmuiden Sea Lock’s significance in promoting sustainable practices and its vital function in enhancing water resources, countering the effects of climate change, and facilitating maritime traffic with its impressive engineering.

Informed Layman

With Ingrid, we spoke about the basics of water management in Amsterdam. She explains some terminology we will hear more often during these water talks. The talk is about love for and fear of water and the pros and cons of living in a delta.

Hydrologist

Being a Hydrologist, Maartje works at Waternet as a senior project manager and consultant. She knows all about the importance of securing the right water levels in the city and how to regulate them. When too much water is in the city, it needs to be pumped out. This happens at IJmuiden, where excessive water gets pumped into the sea. At times of drought on the other hand, large amounts of water are being pumped into Amsterdam from the IJsselmeer. How to regulate this well? Maartje Faasse tells us about her work.

Spokesperson

How to communicate water? An inteview with Jessica Winkelhorst, a spokesperson of Vitens.
Water sample: tap water.

Field Worker

Jan van der Bij is a forester at the Staatsbosbheer on West-Terschelling. He tells everything about the management of waterways, the recently completed water splendor project and what exactly seepage water is. Water sample: seepage water.

Trainee

Joke recently completed a thesis looking at the impacts of salinization on the farming culture of Terschelling. Jokes research paid particular attention to the farmers themselves and their affinities. We spoke about her findings and her current work as a trainee with the Dutch Water authorities. Water sample: tapwater from Noordwij Tool: a deck of sustainability cards.

Infrastructure Engineer

With Ward we spoke about the flow of water, electricity and internet in large scale festival set-up. Water sample: festival toilet flushing water Tool: Plumbing coupler.

2nd Deputy Major

With the second deputy major on Terschelling we had a conversation about various facets of water policy. It was striking how “listening” in this interview became a bridging theme between art and policymaking. Water sample: tap water from Gemeente Tool: iPad.

Cattle Farmer

We interviewed Gerard at our pop up radio station in Hoorn forest.
We spoke about how much water a cow drinks on a hot day, about intergenerational labour on the farm and Gerard’s progress in saline agriculture. Water sample: ground water from the farm Tool: trench shovel.

District and Dijk Manager

Rayon manager and dike keeper Albert Kiers, works for Wetterskp Fryslân. He tells us about the inner and outer dike area on Terschelling. The island is slightly tilted: part is above sea level and part is below. Kiers is constantly looking for the right water level for the whole area. A broadcast with a map, a salt meter and meticulous notes in an oldfashioned noteboook.

Rayonbeheerder en dijkwachter Albert Kiers, werkzaam voor Wetterskp Fryslân vertelt over het binnen- en buitendijks gebied op Terschelling. Het eiland ligt een beetje gekanteld: een deel ligt boven NAP en een deel eronder. Kiers zoekt voortdurend naar de juiste waterstand voor het hele gebied. Een uitzending met een kaart, zoutmeter en een succesagenda.
Water sample: ground water
Tool: conductivity meter