Tiffin Talk – Episode 7: Behind the Scenes of Tiffin’s Water & Wastewater Systems

What really happens after you flush the toilet or turn on your faucet? 💧🚽

In this episode of Tiffin Talk, Mayor Tim Kasparek and Mayor Pro Tem Tim Orris sit down with Brett Mehmen, Tiffin’s Water & Wastewater Superintendent, who has spent more than 30 years helping keep Tiffin’s water and wastewater systems running.

Brett takes us behind the scenes to talk about everything from Tiffin’s wells, water treatment and water quality to the surprisingly complex biological process that happens at the wastewater treatment plant. He also shares how Tiffin’s rapid growth has impacted the system, what challenges come with planning for the future, and what residents can expect from the City’s new water treatment facility.

The conversation also covers the science behind water hardness, chlorides, nanofiltration, water softeners, the future expansion of the wastewater system, and why the new water treatment plant is such an important investment for Tiffin’s future.

And, of course, there are plenty of lighter moments—including the strangest things Brett has found in the wastewater system, the infamous “flushable” wipes, unusual calls from residents, and a few stories that prove working in water and wastewater is never quite as boring as it sounds!

Most importantly, Brett talks about what he finds most rewarding about his job: providing Tiffin residents with safe, clean drinking water and helping build a system that can serve the community for generations to come.

Tune in for a fascinating look at the people, science, technology and infrastructure working behind the scenes to keep Tiffin flowing.

Hosts:

Tim Kasparek, Mayor – ⁠⁠⁠tkasparek@tiffin-iowa.org⁠⁠

Tim Orris, Council Member & Mayor Pro Tem – ⁠⁠⁠torris@tiffin-iowa.org⁠ ⁠⁠

Producer: Ashley Platz, Assistant City Administrator – ⁠⁠⁠aplatz@tiffin-iowa.org⁠

Guest: Doug Boldt, Tiffin City Administrator

Summary:

In this episode, city administrator Doug Boldt shares insights into the role of city administration, ongoing projects in Tiffin, and how community growth is managed responsibly. Discover how leadership, infrastructure, and development shape the future of Tiffin.

Keywords: City administration, Tiffin projects, community growth, infrastructure, leadership, urban development.

Key Topics:

• Role of city administration in community growth
• Major projects in Tiffin: North Park Road, Rec Center, Water Treatment Facility
• Balancing growth with community character
• Leadership and decision-making in city governance
• Development incentives and attracting new businesses

• Inside Tiffin's Growth: An Interview with City Administrator Doug Boldt
• Managing Community Growth: Tiffin's Future Unveiled

• "It starts with leadership at the mayor and council level."
• "Growth is managed through organized, controlled processes."
• "Good leadership keeps the city moving forward."

Titles

• Inside Tiffin's Growth: An Interview with City Administrator Doug Boldt
• Managing Community Growth: Tiffin's Future Unveiled

Sound Bites

"It starts with leadership at the mayor and council level."

"Growth is managed through organized, controlled processes."

"Good leadership keeps the city moving forward."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of Tiffin's growth

01:52 Background of Doug Boldt and his career path

07:11 Understanding the role of city administration

20:00 Major current projects in Tiffin: North Park Road, Rec Center, Water Facility

40:02 Balancing growth with community character

45:14 The importance of leadership in city planning

47:04 Community involvement and how to stay informed

49:12 Closing remarks and future outlook

Hey Tiffin! Ready to stay in the loop? Welcome to Tiffin Talk—the podcast that brings you behind the scenes of our growing city. We’ll cover everything from new developments to community events and feature interviews with the people shaping Tiffin’s future. Don’t miss out—subscribe today and catch our new episode soon! Host Mayor Tim Kasparek & Co-Host Tim Orris, City Council Member (Mayor Pro Tem)