Ben Miller and Jay Bernas discuss innovation, SWIFT, and how R&D helps water utilities reduce costs and improve sustainability.
Innovation in water utilities is no longer optional, it plays a direct role in affordability, sustainability, and long-term infrastructure planning. In this episode, Ben Miller speaks with Jay Bernas, General Manager and CEO of Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), about how his organization is approaching innovation in a practical and measurable way.
Jay shares how HRSD has built a culture that encourages experimentation, supports ideas from across the organization, and treats research and development as a core function. With over 30 active research projects, the team focuses on solving real operational challenges while delivering cost-effective outcomes for ratepayers.
The conversation also explores SWIFT (Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow), the largest water reuse project of its kind in the world. Jay explains how the initiative works, the regulatory and technical hurdles involved, and its broader impact on water sustainability, economic development, and environmental resilience in Eastern Virginia.
From building an innovation ecosystem to balancing risk with reliability, this episode highlights how forward-thinking utilities can turn ideas into scalable, real-world solutions.
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