Steve Suau on Soil, Water, and the Future of Sustainability

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Suau, a registered professional engineer with over 40 years of experience in watershed, stormwater, nutrient, and water demand management across southwest Florida. A hydrologist and soil biologist, Steve has dedicated his career to helping communities understand and protect their water resources, working with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Sarasota Audubon Society, and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. He co-authored the Community Playbook for Healthy Waterways and was recently recognized with the 2022 Certificate of Commendation for his decades of water quality solutions in Sarasota.

Steve brings a unique perspective that connects water, soil, and sustainability. Together, we explore:

• Why wastewater management matters and how different types of wastewater impact the environment.
• The shift from chemical management to building soil biology in lawns, green spaces, and agriculture—especially as suburban land use grows beyond farmland.
• A pilot project (running since 2020) that uses reclaimed water for irrigation, and the challenges of balancing surface and groundwater use.
• How organic waste and bacteria can reduce nitrates in water by completing the nitrogen cycle.
• The potential of biochar and compost as soil amendments and wastewater filtration tools.
• How natural biological and chemical treatments—when balanced correctly—can restore ecosystems.
• Regenerative vs. organic farming: why consumer perception is confusing, how certification plays a role, and what these systems mean for food quality, taste, and nutrition.
• The growing recognition that regenerative and organic farming may hold the key to feeding humanity long-term, while conventional ag is focused on short-term yield.
• The documentary Organic Rising and what it reveals about the future of food and farming.
• The deep connection between water and soil—and why what happens underground is just as fascinating as what grows above it.

Steve’s insights challenge traditional approaches and open the door to practical, biology-based solutions for the way we grow food, manage water, and care for our environment. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, policymaker, or simply curious about how soil and water are linked, this episode will leave you rethinking the future of sustainability.