Measuring What Matters in Stormwater with Phillip Taylor, CPSWQ

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Key Topics 

Introduction and Background
Ty introduces Philip Taylor and outlines his global career.

Differences Between International and US Stormwater Approaches
Discussion on how US regulation, freshwater resources, and public awareness changed the way stormwater is managed.

Proprietary Stormwater Systems and Regulatory Evolution
How early distrust of proprietary systems shifted toward standardized testing and approvals.

Site Level Regulation vs Watershed Scale Reality
A candid discussion on regulatory fragmentation and why cumulative impacts are often misunderstood.

Instrumentation, Data, and Active Management
Why real time data, monitoring, and smarter flow control are essential.

Launching Streamline LLC
Phil explains his transition into consulting and focusing on strategic innovation, modeling, and advisory work.

Active Flow Control and Digital Infrastructure
Partnerships, retrofitting existing infrastructure, and why active systems offer high impact with lower capital investment.

Artificial Intelligence in Stormwater and Engineering
A deep dive into AI as a watershed moment, including design optimization, risks of over reliance, and how experience still matters.

Advice for the Next Generation
Career guidance focused on broad experience, mobility, curiosity, and learning across disciplines and geographies.

Closing Thoughts

Change as opportunity and a teaser for future conference presentations and research.

Quotes

• “Fresh water is really an asset that a country needs. It’s almost a national security issue.” Philip Taylor

• “Passive management of stormwater just won’t get us where we want to go.” Philip Taylor

• “AI is a watershed moment in human history. I don’t think people fully comprehend just how big it is yet.” Philip Taylor

• “Change is opportunity. Opportunity is out there.” Philip Taylor

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon talks with Philip Taylor about his more than 30 years of experience in stormwater management, from early fieldwork in New Zealand and engineering roles in the UK to helping shape the proprietary stormwater market in the United States. Phil shares how stormwater regulation evolved from a flood focused mindset to one centered on water quality, transparency, and performance driven design, while also highlighting ongoing challenges with fragmented regulations and site level approaches that fail to reflect watershed scale realities. The conversation explores the growing importance of real time data, active flow control, and instrumentation, as well as how artificial intelligence is beginning to influence stormwater modeling, design, and decision making. Phil also reflects on launching his consulting practice, Streamline LLC, and closes with advice for younger professionals to seek broad experience, stay adaptable, and view change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

 

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Phillip Taylor:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-taylor/

Email: pxtaylor@gmail.com

Website: https://stline.us/

 

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP: 

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

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