The Latest Trends In Emergency Management For Water Utilities | feat. Jim Wollbrinck
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Release Date: 03/08/2023
Los Angeles Water Outage 2025: Granada Hills Pipeline Failure and Emergency Response Lessons
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Want to know what really happened during the Los Angeles Water Outage 2025? In this episode, Isaac Alatorre breaks down how a pipeline valve failure left 9,200 Granada Hills and Porter Ranch residents without water. From underground repair challenges to emergency response lessons, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how crews battled one of LA’s toughest utility crises. Highlights in this episode: On Aug 5, 2025, a valve failure cut water for 9,200 Los Angeles customers. Repairs were delayed by tangled underground pipelines and poor records. Isaac shares how portable hose...
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Real-Time Response: The Tools Transforming Public Safety in Schools and Cities
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Public safety is evolving—and technology is leading the way. In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Joe Abrams from the Alliance for Community Solutions (ACS) joins Isaac and Jim as he shares how smart, practical tools are making schools, polling sites, and communities safer and more prepared. From the Ballot Box Defender for election site security, to the Brown Box for school safety, and My Nexus for water conservation—Joe explains how technology is creating real change where it matters most. Tune in to learn how innovation is strengthening public safety, one community...
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Cutting-Edge Leak Detection Tech Every Water Utility Should Know About
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
What if AI-driven leak detection technology could spot issues before they surface? In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, hosts Isaac and Jim talk with Mike Simpson, CEO of M.E. Simpson Co. Inc., who brings over 40 years of experience in leak detection technology and asset management. Learn how his family-owned company transformed the industry by moving from reactive fixes to proactive solutions—using cutting-edge tools like Hydro V and AI-powered leak detection systems. Tune in as they explore the future of water management and how innovation and strategic partnerships...
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How Utilities Can Improve Wildfire Response: Key Strategies from the AWWA Cal Nevada Conference
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Are you a utility wanting to improve your wildfire response strategies? In this episode, Isaac Alatorre breaks down the biggest lessons from the AWWA Cal Nevada Section conference — all about strengthening wildfire response for utilities. Learn how smaller utilities can overcome big challenges, why local mutual aid matters, how to mobilize resources fast, and what new EV legislation could mean for the industry. Plus, find out why standardizing equipment and building local partnerships are key to success. If you’re in utilities and want practical wildfire strategies, this one's for you!...
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Revolutionizing Utility Emergency Response: Technology, Automation & Disaster Readiness with ACS
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac Alatorre is joined by Joe Abrams from ACS to explore the critical role of technology in utility emergency response and how it enhances disaster preparedness and crisis management. This episode places particular emphasis on how interlocal agreements and innovative technologies are utilized to streamline communication and disaster response strategies for utilities across Texas and California. Joe presents a detailed account of ACS's origin and evolution, revealing the significant impact of structured emergency communication systems...
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California on Fire: How Komodo Fire Systems is Fighting Back
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac Alatorre and co-host Jim Wollbrinck dive into a crucial conversation on fire mitigation technologies with Shawn Sahbari, founder of Komodo Fire Systems, and Rob Latham, their Business Development Manager. Together, they explore innovative solutions to wildfire prevention, highlighting the groundbreaking work of Komodo Fire Systems in the realms of technology, environment, and infrastructure protection. Throughout the episode, Shawn and Rob discuss the science and strategy behind Komodo’s fire mitigation products. Leveraging...
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Sustainable Energy Solutions for Water Utilities: The Rise of Flywheel Technology
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac and co-host Jim Walbrink introduce an innovative approach presented by guest Tripat Mangat, focusing on kinetic energy storage through advanced flywheel technology. This cutting-edge solution promises not just enhanced power resilience but also a leap towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness for utilities worldwide. In their conversation, Tripat elaborates on the practical applications and advantages of kinetic energy storage systems. With various systems currently in development and early testing phases, he illustrates how...
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Hands-On with Water Utility Innovations: Jim Wollbrinck’s Take from ACE 24
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac engages in a rich discussion with recurring guest Jim Wollbrinck, focusing on water utility innovations. Fresh from the ACE 24 conference in Anaheim, California, Jim reflects on the event's highlights and breakthroughs in the water utility industry. They dive into emergency response planning, emphasizing the advancements and networking achieved at the conference. Jim shares his insights on the modern technologies showcased and the significance of hands-on exhibits for better understanding and engagement. Also in this...
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The Power of Rubber Recycled Hose Ramps in Bypass Operations
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac delves into the crucial topic of emergency response for utilities, with a focus on the application and benefits of rubber recycled hose ramps. Isaac explores the challenges utilities face in infrastructure management, highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary digging and asphalt disruption. He talks on the practicalities and advantages of using hose ramps, with a special emphasis on the effectiveness of rubber recycled hose ramps. Also in this episode: Hose ramps play a critical role in maintaining...
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From Private to Public: Transitioning IT Services for Government Utilities with Baron Walt
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac delves into transitioning IT services for government utilities with Baron Wolt from TM Pros, addressing the critical role of emergency and disaster response for utility systems. They explore the complex landscape of IT managed services and their integration with utility management and infrastructure security. Baron discusses the unique challenges and differences that arise when shifting from private to government-tailored IT services. He emphasizes the necessity of complying with strict regulations and prioritizing cybersecurity....
info_outlineOn today's episode of Utility Emergency Response, Issac Alatorre welcomes Jim Wlbrnick to discuss the latest trends in emergency management for water utilities.
Jim Wollbrinck has worked in the water distribution industry for over 25 years as a San Jose Water Company security and is an emergency management expert. Jim's contributions to the water distribution industry have been significant and he has been awarded The “Lifetime Achievement Fuller Award” by the California-Nevada Section, American Water Works Association.
Also in this episode:
- How the housing crisis and rise of unhoused individuals have created a new problem for water utilities
- Latest innovation trends in emergency management
- The importance of coordinating emergency management issues with other utilities such as electrical and gas
- Jim's experience with CalWarn and why any state WARN is important
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About Isaac:
Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management.
A UC Irvine graduate and beginning his career in safety and emergency supplies. Isaac was trained by David Jackson on all things related to PPS. With the help of his predecessor, he has updated PPS in regard to technology and processes. He believes that PPS has just started to make an impact.
PPS has usually been a west coast company, but now Isaac believes that PPS can help utilities across the globe with PPS many applications. Not only with pipelines but with emergency response awareness as a whole. He enjoys sports, whiskey, and food.
About Portable Pipeline Systems:
We value preparation, trust, and integrity with our clients. We provide systems and solutions, not price-only products. We encourage our clients to prepare in advance for the worst, be it an earthquake, floods, fires, or just an aging infrastructure.
At PPS we do not claim to have every solution for every disaster, we encourage clients to be open about their solutions and include all possible vendors. When in a disaster situation, a city, county, state, or government must consider all options.