TT071 – Build Trust Before a Crisis: Communication Basics for Water Systems

About this episode

Mike McGill discusses the challenges of communication in the water sector amidst crises.

We're concluding Tap Talk Season 6 with another two-part series! Today, we release the first episode of the set: "Build Trust Before a Crisis: Communication Basics for Water Systems." Mike McGill, founder and president of water utility communications & PR firm WaterPIO , joins Jennifer and Steve to discuss the shifting landscape of communicating in the water sector. Between the longstanding issue of lead pipes, the evergrowing threat of PFAS contamination, and looming possibilities of natural disasters and other crises, the task of communicating with the public is harder than ever for utilities to avoid. Visit drinkingwaterpodcast.org to learn more and find the full show notes for this episode.

People in this episode

Guest: Mike McGill

Topics covered

• communication
• water systems
• crisis management
• public trust

Keywords

• lead pipes
• PFAS contamination
• natural disasters

Mentioned in this episode

Products: WaterPIO

Books & works: Build Trust Before a Crisis, Tap Talk Season, Build Trust Before a Crisis: Communication Basics for Water Systems

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• TT072 – Build Trust Before a Crisis: Communication Basics for Water Systems (Part 2) · December 4, 2025 · 34 min
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