Episodios

  • 466 Stories, Math, and "Never Again" Moments: Inside AWT Technical Training with Dan Merritt (Part 2)

    466 Stories, Math, and "Never Again" Moments: Inside AWT Technical Training with Dan Merritt (Part 2)
    Mar 6 2026
    AWT's in‑person technical training is a keystone for developing competent water treaters. Yet classroom knowledge only matters when it survives the drive home and emerges later in the field. In this second conversation with Dan Merritt, CWT—National Sales Manager at CH2O Inc. and head of AWT's education committee—Trace Blackmore uncovers how stories, math, and memorable mistakes turn theory into intuition. Why training keeps evolving Dan explains that the Association of Water Technologies rewrites courses every year. Instructors refine content, delivery and demonstrations, not for novelty's sake, but because boilers and cooling towers rarely behave like textbook examples. Recognizing that multiple chemical reactions operate simultaneously helps prevent chasing the wrong problem. Updated program design and operations classes now bridge the gap between fundamentals and advanced topics. Specialized modules for sales, membrane/softener maintenance, ASSE 1280 compliance, and a two‑tier wastewater curriculum ensure that attendees can match coursework to their experience and role. Lessons from experience: paperwork, PPE and people Anecdotes ground the theory. Dan recounts losing his Certified Water Technologist status for five years after assuming an office manager filed his recertification paperwork. He re‑sat the exam in 2016 and now tells every candidate: verify your own paperwork. Another incident involved a sulfuric acid injection line that still held pressure; a line blew while he was replacing a fitting, covering his jeans in acid—his apron protected his torso, but he still had six‑inch holes in his pants. "Wear your PPE" is his first piece of advice to new technicians. Beyond safety, Dan highlights that water treatment careers demand communication and management skills. Technical strengths don't automatically translate into leadership; becoming a mentor and training others brings lasting fulfillment. Developing a growth mindset For new practitioners, Dan recommends learning from whoever will teach you and embracing the "nerdy" parts of the job—math, chemistry and calculations translate directly into customer value. After the first year it's easy to plateau, so he urges veterans to intentionally take on new technologies such as wastewater treatment or chlorine dioxide and to share knowledge with younger colleagues. This industry can't be automated or offshored; field troubleshooting will always require hands‑on expertise. Even in sales roles, success comes from offering solutions grounded in a deep technical foundation. Looking ahead The episode closes with a call to prepare for AWT's upcoming training seminars (March 10–13 and November 11–14). Attendees should bring system data and be ready to teach one takeaway to their teams when they return. Scaling Up! H2O encourages listeners to invest in their careers, meet peers and instructors, and approach each technical challenge as an opportunity to raise the bar for the entire industry. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 01:35 - Trace Blackmore shares a reminder for listeners about the AWT Technical Training on March 10-13 04:12 – Words of Water with James 09:20 - Transition to Interview Recap 11:24 - Second part Interview with Dan Merritt, CWT 12:40 - Losing CWT Certification 20:49 - ASSE 12080 Training 22:49 - Wastewater Training Expansion 38:22 - Sulfuric Acid Incident Quotes "Failure is not the failure. Quitting is the failure." "The water treatment industry is not something that you can do remotely. There is always going to be the need for people to troubleshoot water systems." "Being a mentor is a great way to take that experience that we have and translate it—to give it away to those in our company." "Don't worry about making mistakes. We all make mistakes, and that's how you learn." "I swore up and down that I would never be a salesman. Now I'm the sales manager because I realized that selling solutions grounded in technical knowledge isn't about pushing products—it's about helping people." Connect with Dan Merritt, CWT Email: dmerritt@ch2o.com Website: .https://www.ch2o.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-merritt-cwt-18413819/. Guest Resources Mentioned Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek (Paperback) The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods, AI Thought Leadership The Accidental Superpower: Ten Years On by Peter Zeihan (Narrator, Author) The Shattering Peace: Old Man's War, Book 7 by John Scalzi (Author), Tavia Gilbert (Narrator), Audible Studios (Publisher) Education Offerings – AWT Become Certified – AWT Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies)...
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    57 m
  • 465 From Classroom to Cooling Towers: Teaching Water Treatment with Dan Merritt (Part 1)

    465 From Classroom to Cooling Towers: Teaching Water Treatment with Dan Merritt (Part 1)
    Feb 27 2026
    Industrial water training only works when the knowledge transfers. That means the material lands with the audience, survives the drive home, and shows up later in the field when decisions get made. Dan Merritt, CWT, Sales Manager at CH2O, brings a rare perspective to that problem. He started as a teacher (chemistry, calculus, physics), entered industrial water treatment on February 5, 2002, and later became part of the AWT training team. This conversation follows the path from classroom instruction to boiler rooms and cooling towers, then uses that journey to examine what makes technical training "stick" for working professionals. From educator to water treater, then back to educator Dan shares how leaving graduate study, teaching high school and community college, and stepping into service work shaped his approach to explaining technical concepts. The throughline is simple: the instructor owns the clarity. When someone in the room does not understand, the response is not frustration. The response is translation. Bridging the knowledge gap without dumbing it down Trace and Dan describe a common failure mode in technical instruction: experts answering correctly, but not helpfully. They frame the goal as closing the gap between what the instructor knows and what the audience can realistically absorb in the moment, especially for attendees building competence over time. Stories and demonstrations as tools for retention The episode highlights why AWT trainers lean on stories and physical demonstrations, from an Archimedes fountain to static electricity experiments. Dan explains how the "light bulb moment" is the reward of teaching, and why trainers adapt when a method fails (including what humidity can do to a demo in a room full of people). Keeping the CWT exam in proper context The conversation also draws a firm boundary: training supports growth, but it does not replace the CWT experience requirement and recommendations. Dan and Trace emphasize accurate language around the credential and reinforce what the training can and cannot do. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 01:38 — Setup for a two-part series to help listeners prepare for AWT Technical Training 02:24 — AWT Technical Training logistics: March 10–13 in Frisco, Texas (near Dallas) 03:10 — Trace shares why AWT Technical Training matters personally (mentorship, community, support) 05:51 — "Desert Pete" story: why instructors "fill the bottle" by giving back through training 11:53 — Words of Water with James McDonald: definition + answer ("flow rate") 14:13 — Events mentioned for water professionals 18:42 — Trace introduces the guest: Dan Merritt (CH2O) and their history through AWT 19:39 — Dan's background: 24 years in water treatment; former teacher (chemistry, calculus, physics). 22:44 — Dan's entry into water treatment: Industrial Water Engineering ride-alongs + first field impressions 26:49 — Move to Pacific Northwest + start at CH2O (service tech) and why that timing mattered 31:40 — How Dan and Trace connected through AWT training; Dan begins teaching (service tech reporting). 34:17 — Dan's AWT involvement expands: education committee + Intro to Water Treatment online course task force 35:31 — Dan asked to teach the chemistry class; Trace frames "know your audience" and confidence gap 36:50 — Teaching tools and learning from misses: demos (Archimedes fountain, static electricity + humidity issue) 37:49 — The key teaching principle: "you're the instructor; it's your job to explain it clearly" (adult learners) 41:31 — Bridging the knowledge gap: why brilliance can miss the audience, and why training must translate 44:48 — Why a math/calculations class helps: making the "bang, there's your answer" steps teachable 50:19 — Troubleshooting reality: many forces in boilers/cooling towers; deeper understanding improves diagnosis 52:00 — Field story lesson: softener cleaning foam incident (why stories stick and prevent repeat mistakes) 56:19 — CWT clarification: training helps, but it cannot replace required experience and recommendations 58:31 — CWT wording matters: it's an "exam," not a "test" (Trace mentions Angela Pike's correction) Quotes "It's your job to explain the material in a way that we can understand it." "It's our responsibility to take this information, to package it in a way so you, not me, you can understand it." "Math is the only known axiom that we have. And it kind of quiets the chaos." "And again, it's not a test. Do not say that it's a test. It is an exam." Connect with Dan Merritt, CWT Email: dmerritt@ch2o.com Website: .https://www.ch2o.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-merritt-cwt-18413819/ CH2O, inc.: Overview | LinkedIn Guest Resources Mentioned Education Offerings – AWT ...
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    1 h y 4 m
  • 464 Corrosion Coupons, Brand Building, and Having Fun at Trade Shows with Will Ritter

    464 Corrosion Coupons, Brand Building, and Having Fun at Trade Shows with Will Ritter
    Feb 20 2026
    "Don't be afraid to say I don't know. - Will Ritter" Corrosion is expensive, relentless, and easy to underestimate—until a "lasagna battery" turns aluminum foil green and reminds you what electrochemistry can do in the real world. This conversation reframes corrosion coupons as what they actually are: a repeatable field test that can sharpen your decisions—if you treat the process with consistency. Respect the coupon, protect the data Trace breaks down why coupons became non-negotiable in his systems: they turn guesswork into usable corrosion-rate intelligence. Will Ritter of MetaSpec (formerly Pacific Sensor) explains the fundamentals—pre-weighed coupons, exposure time, cleaning, and calculating corrosion rate in MPY (mils per year). The point isn't that the coupon is your pipe; it's that the coupon becomes a reliable, relative gauge over time when variables are controlled. The "five things" that make results repeatable Will outlines practical failure points that quietly ruin comparisons quarter to quarter: alloy selection (and staying consistent), surface area (and what happens when hardware covers the coupon), surface finish (including why scratches and pits matter), weight accuracy (and why kitchen/postage scales don't belong in the workflow), and protective VCI packaging that prevents premature corrosion in storage and transit. Brand building, trade shows, and getting comfortable saying "I don't know" Will shares his path from Pacific Sensor to MetaSpec and what it looks like to merge brands intentionally heading into 2026. The discussion also moves into trade show presence and digital marketing, plus a simple confidence framework: get comfortable saying "I don't know, but I can find out," and build communication reps—he points to Toastmasters as a low-stakes way to do that. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:20 — Trace sets the stage: why corrosion coupons matter as diagnostic data 04:05 — What a coupon is (size, pre-weighed precision) and why tiny changes matter 06:14 — Trace's "four things" water treaters manage (and what microbial control is not) 07:07 — The "lasagna battery": anode/cathode/electrolyte/path in a real-life example 08:50 — Defining corrosion (ISO 8044 and NACE definitions referenced) 09:50 — Corrosion cost perspective: "2.5 trillion" and "3.5% of global GDP" (as cited) 10:53 – Words of Water with James 12:38 – Events for Water Professionals 14:56 — Will Ritter introduction and why the podcast helped him understand the industry 18:30 — How Will got into coupons: Pacific Sensor, mentors, and early AWT exposure 24:36 — Trade show mindset: don't be afraid to say "I don't know" 27:50 — Toastmasters as a practical system for better speaking and confidence 31:25 — Pacific Sensor → MetaSpec; co-branding and planned transition "starting in 2026" 34:06 — Coupon basics and MPY explained in clear operational terms 36:51 — The big misunderstanding: coupons as a relative gauge (not "the pipe") 40:06 — The "five key characteristics" behind usable coupon data 58:10 — Best-practice takeaway: treat coupons like a lab test brought into the field 01:06:35 — Close: why Trace "owes a lot" to that "little slip of metal" Quotes "Use the coupon as a relative gauge of the corrosivity of the system." - Will Ritter "Surface finish is critical… a change in surface finish is going to impact corrosion results." - Will "Treat your coupons… like you are taking a laboratory test and bringing it into the field." "It's not a piece of metal. It's very special. Treat it as such." "Digital marketing is free… small businesses need to take advantage of free resources." Connect with Will Ritter Phone: (713) 882- 1427 Email: williamrritter@gmail.com Website: Pacific Sensor - Buy Corrosion Coupons and Test Specimens LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamryanritter/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-sensor/about/ Guest Resources Mentioned Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization by Ed Conway (Audiobook) Steel Isn't Hard (To Learn) by Shane Turcott (Paperback) The Goal: 40th Anniversary Edition: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M Goldratt (Author), Jeff Cox (Author) Toastmasters International Pacific Sensor Corrosion Coupon Installation Guide Water Treatment Flyer- Pacific Sensor Metaspec Capabilities Presentation NACE SP0775-2023 Preparation, Installation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Corrosion Coupons in Hydrocarbon Operations ASTM-G1-25 Standard Practice for Preparing, Cleaning, and Evaluating Corrosion Test Specimens TP25-18 The Impact of Metal Surface Roughness on Corrosion Monitoring Water Treatment Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water ...
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    1 h y 12 m
  • 463 Mapping the Future of Water Innovation with Paul O'Callaghan

    463 Mapping the Future of Water Innovation with Paul O'Callaghan
    Feb 13 2026
    "If you say something over and over often and enough, it becomes true because perception is reality." Paul O'Callaghan has built a career at the intersection of water science, wastewater realities, and the practical question every operator and executive eventually faces; what actually moves innovation from idea to adoption. As Founder and CEO of BlueTech Research, Paul explains how his team helps decision-makers put capital to work more efficiently in water by reducing uncertainty and separating signal from noise. He describes patterns he's watched repeat across water entrepreneurs, pilots, and product market fit, and why "innovation" often breaks down simply because utilities, investors, and founders are using the same word to mean different things. Capital, fit, and the language gap Paul unpacks what it takes to align an investor's expectations with a technology's true pathway to scale. He contrasts different "types" of innovation and why matching the right investor, entrepreneur, market, and timeline matters as much as the technology itself. The conversation also highlights why solving a problem someone has today is often a safer starting point than betting everything on a problem that might arrive tomorrow. Regulations as a driver and a risk Regulation matters in water and wastewater, but Paul cautions against building an entire business on the hope that rules will create a market on schedule. He walks through timing risk, enforcement uncertainty, and why tracking policy momentum matters as much as tracking the text of the regulation itself. He also notes a shift toward more "aspirational" regulation focused on reuse, regeneration, and systems-level outcomes. Storytelling that changes adoption From Brave Blue World to Our Blue World, Paul shares what he learned about making water personal and compelling without reducing it to doom-and-gloom narratives. The stories he tells connect to a core professional challenge: technologies enable outcomes, but adoption accelerates when people can see and want the "better" future those outcomes create. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:33 - Trace's message on finding "your next love" through learning 09:25 - Words of Water with James McDonald 11:25 - AWT connection and the importance of being challenged by community 13:06 - Industrial Water Week dates for "this year" (Oct 5–9) 14:02 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 19:15 - Interview with Founder & CEO of BlueTech Research, author of The Dynamics of Water Innovation, Executive Producer of Brave Blue World and Our Blue World 22:20 - Pivot moment into water as a career (Malaysia, Edinburgh course, "living machines") 25:15 - What BlueTech Research does (reducing uncertainty, helping capital work efficiently) 27:50 - How startups connect with BlueTech and why storytelling matters 30:09 - Matching investors, entrepreneurs, and markets (alignment and "different languages") 33:00 - The role of regulations (timing risk and market realities) 35:15 - How BlueTech keeps up (themes, emerging areas, and using AI for tracking legislation) 36:30 - Paul's book: The Dynamics of Water Innovation (why he wrote it and who it's for) 40:49 - Documentary storytelling origin and Discovery Channel experience 44:22 - How celebrities got involved and why the outreach worked 45:30 - Why they made a second film and the goal of making water personal 48:03 - Viewer feedback, education impact, and grassroots screening stories 50:08 - "Water 2050" video game inspired by the films 51:21 - Additional ripple effects and "halo" projects (curriculum, photography competition, water walks) 53:06 - Where water innovation is going (desirability, storytelling, and "leaving water") 56:07- Advice for people with ideas (talk to people, generosity of the sector, ikigai, long-term view) 58:08 - Ostara / Crystal Green story (finding the operator's "today problem") 59:54 - One point Paul wants to leave: "It's a journey, enjoy it." Quotes "We do our best to help people put capital to work more efficiently to solve water challenges." "Try and find a problem that someone has today, ideally." Connect with Paul O'Callaghan Email: paul.ocallaghan@bluetechresearch.com Website: BlueTech Research – Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence braveblueworldstudios | Instagram | Linktree LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/o2environmental/ Guest Resources Mentioned The Dynamics of Water Innovation: A Guide to Water Technology Commercialization by Lakshmi M. Adapa (Author), Paul O'Callaghan (Author), Cees Buisman (Author) Watch Brave Blue World: Racing to Solve Our Water Crisis | Netflix Braveblueworldstudios | Instagram | Linktree "...
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    1 h y 8 m
  • 462 From Lab Chemist to Field Mentor: Water, Culture, and Representation

    462 From Lab Chemist to Field Mentor: Water, Culture, and Representation
    Feb 6 2026
    Industrial water work rewards people who can move between precision and practicality. Katie Holliday brings both. She started as a lab chemist, then transitioned into field service with Apex Water and Process, where much of her work supports healthcare facilities and high-accountability programs. Lab habits that protect your tools and your data Katie describes the first surprise of field work: a central plant is "very dirty," and the job demands good technique without chasing lab-level perfection. She shares a couple of simple practices that prevent expensive problems. Use proper lab wipes on glassware instead of shirts or paper towels, which can scratch surfaces and compromise readings. Keep pH probes wet with the correct storage solution, because once they dry out, they often stop working. Healthcare water: SPD work and Legionella prevention About 90% of Katie's accounts are healthcare. She defines SPD as the sterile processing department and explains why expectations shift compared to boilers and cooling towers. SPD work is cleaner, more controlled, and typically includes additional components such as endotoxin filtration and UV. It also involves more testing and stricter standards that tie directly to patient safety. Alongside SPD, she emphasizes Legionella prevention as a constant priority, from cooling towers (including secondary disinfection) to domestic water, because facilities want to reduce risk to patients. Water chemistry reality check: Phoenix versus "everywhere else" Katie explains how Arizona water changes the operating window. She notes high hardness and high chlorides, which can limit cycles of concentration and force conservative targets compared with places like Atlanta, where Trace describes running much higher cycles. The takeaway for experienced pros is familiar: operating limits are local, and "what good looks like" depends on the incoming water and the constraints that matter most at that site. Mentorship, representation, and field readiness systems Katie shares what it meant to be the first woman account manager hire in a long-running operation, and her advice is practical: recruit intentionally, then train people in the field, not from the sidelines. She credits her mentor, Bernie Peacock, for accelerating her learning curve, and she now passes that on by responding fast, following through, and providing steady backup to newer teammates. She also describes how she built mechanical confidence, using manuals, YouTube, phone video, and a OneNote playbook that captures account contacts, access details, sampling points, and "where things are" notes for clean coverage when someone else is on-site. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:14 - Trace Blackmore shares "first day" intimidation and learning curve in water treatment 08:55 - Words of Water with James McDonald 12:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 14:48 - Interview begins: Katie Holliday introduced (Apex Water and Process) 15:55 – Lab to Field transition and technique 20:27 – Representation and Mentorship 26:42 – Culture and Water Stewardship 33:31 – Healthcare work, SPD, and Legionella 35:56 – Mentoring and "give it back" 39:22 – Mechanical Confidence, Tools, and Documentation Systems Quotes and Key Takeaways "What do I not know that I don't know?" "Everyone needs a Bernie Peacock" "Field accuracy doesn't require lab perfection, but it does require clean technique." "The most effective mentoring is responsive and practical." "Documentation scales your value" Connect with Katie Holliday Email: k.nativeamericanbeadwork@gmail.com Website https://teamapex.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-holliday-9b6977246/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-water-process/ Guest Resources Mentioned The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey AAMI ST108 Compliance in Sterile Processing High hardness in Phoenix ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety certification Navajo Nation water access Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind Fearless Pricing: Ignite Your Team, Own Your Value, and Command What You Deserve by Casey Brown Words of Water with James McDonald Today's definition is the upward flow of water through a resin bed to clean, expand, and reclassify the bed. Can you guess the word? 2026 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
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    55 m
  • 461 Corrosion, Lead, and Algae: New Tools for Old Water Problems

    461 Corrosion, Lead, and Algae: New Tools for Old Water Problems
    Jan 30 2026
    Corrosion rarely announces itself as a "big water problem." It shows up as leaching at the tap, residual loss in the field, premature equipment replacement, and the slow, expensive erosion of decision-quality. Pat Rosenstiel (CEO) and Wolf Merker (chemist/Chief Science Officer) of Great Water Tech lay out a system-wide view of corrosion control—starting with what changed in Flint from a technical standpoint and moving into why many utilities still struggle to meet expectations when standards and risk assumptions shift. System-wide corrosion control starts with chemistry and consequences A source-water change can shift corrosivity fast. If corrosion control does not adjust proactively, the downstream effects show in metal release and public exposure. Wolf stresses the distinction between the technical problem and the political challenges, then points to corrosion control as a solvable technical matter when it is treated as a system condition—not a single asset issue. Why "phosphate-only" isn't the end of the story Trace frames what most operators recognize: many municipalities use phosphate inhibitors to form a tenacious film and reduce corrosion. Wolf argues phosphates are "a little bit of old news" in practice and explains the approach Great Water Tech discusses with their German partners—using phosphates and silicates together in the right amounts to create a tighter separation between water and metal. Barriers, biology, and the disinfection tradeoff Wolf breaks corrosion drivers into three sources: chemical, biological, and electrochemical (dissimilar metal corrosion). He also ties corrosion to cascading operational decisions—especially disinfectant strategy. If residual loss pushes a system from chlorine to chloramine, Wolf warns that corrosivity can increase dramatically, and that corrosion can amplify the formation of disinfection byproducts as chlorine reacts with what is in the water. What industrial water treaters should listen for Pat connects the same barrier logic to industrial priorities—CapEx, OpEx, and lifecycle extension in closed systems (cooling towers, closed chilled loops, boilers). Wolf clarifies that closed systems require different product "flavors," while keeping the core concept consistent: the combined silicate/phosphate approach remains the best path he is aware of. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:20 - Trace sets the tone for the episode: decision-quality improves when you "rethink the way that you think you know things," especially around tests and procedures 08:20 - Words of Water with James McDonald 11:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 18:22 - Interview with Pat Rosenstiel, CEO of Great Water Tech & Wolf Merker, Chief Science Officer of Great Water Tech 23:00 - Flint technical breakdown 27:30 - Corrosion control options 32:20 - Scale vs. Corrosion 43:40 – Algae Control Pivot Connect with Pat Rosenstiel Website: Great Water Tech | Water Treatment Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-rosenstiel-a148952/ Great Water Tech LLC: Overview | LinkedIn Connect with Wolf Merker Website: Great Water Tech | Water Treatment Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolf-merker-a1b95284/ Great Water Tech LLC: Overview | LinkedIn Guest Resources Mentioned NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 — Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals: Health Effect NSF — Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals Certification (NSF/ANSI/CAN 60) (how certification works) ANSI Webstore listing (official standard access/purchase) EPA — Lead and Copper Rule (regulation hub) EPA — Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) (final rule page) EPA fact sheet — Tap Monitoring Requirements (LCRI) (sampling protocol changes) Great Water Tech Folmar (Great Water Tech) — corrosion inhibitor (phosphate + silicate blend) Algae Armor (Great Water Tech) — nutrient-binding tool for ponds/lakes EPA Distribution System Toolbox — Pigging fact sheet (PDF) (removing biofilm/scale/sediment from mains) U.S. Bureau of Reclamation report page (chlorine vs chloramine impacts incl. corrosion/leaching discussion) AWWA Opflow article (main cleaning techniques incl. pigging): AWWA's utility-facing perspective on cleaning options Silicate corrosion inhibitors Historical context for silicate–phosphate combinations Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) AWT Technical Training (March 2026) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind Ep 422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis Hach Water Analysis Handbook Words of Water with James McDonald Today's definition is the smallest functional ...
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    55 m
  • 460 Building Boiler Talent: Fundamentals, Online Training, and Better Partnerships with Eric Johnson

    460 Building Boiler Talent: Fundamentals, Online Training, and Better Partnerships with Eric Johnson
    Jan 23 2026
    Boilers can feel intimidating the first time you step into a boiler room—the heat, the noise, the pressure gauge, and the weight of knowing that mistakes can be costly. Trace Blackmore opens with a reminder that boilers deserve respect, not fear—and that learning fundamentals is how you replace mystique with clarity. The talent gap behind the boiler room door Eric Johnson, Founder and CEO of Boilearn, explains why boiler expertise is becoming harder to replace. He points to the shrinking pipeline of boiler-trained technicians—historically strengthened by Navy steam training—and why companies can't rely on "tribal knowledge" and informal shadowing alone to develop the next generation. Training that scales past the 2–3 day class Eric shares what pushed him to build Boilearn: technicians and operators need structured, repeatable competency systems—not just scattered classes and a "shotgun approach" to on-the-job training. He lays out why fundamentals can be taught effectively online when it's done well, and why travel-heavy training models often spend a large share of the budget on logistics instead of learning. Troubleshooting that starts with fundamentals Troubleshooting is where boiler work can feel like a mystery—until you understand fundamentals and sequence of operations. Eric explains how technicians can isolate problems faster by knowing what should be moving (or not moving), testing one theory at a time, and using electrical diagrams as a practical roadmap when formal sequence documentation isn't available. Better partnerships between boiler techs and water treaters The conversation closes with practical steps that reduce friction and finger-pointing: take photos during inspections, package observations clearly in service reports, communicate directly when possible, and over-communicate inspection schedules so the water treater can prepare the program before the boiler is opened. Listen to the full conversation above. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 02:20 - Trace Blackmore sets the stage on boiler fear vs. Respect, learning boilers from a Navy-Trained mentor 09:20 - Words of Water with James 10:50 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 14:20 - Interview with Eric Johnson of Boilearn 16:30 – Eric's Path: HVAC school – Boiler Service Tech – Founder 19:10 – What Boilearn Does 22:10 – The lost "lifeline" problem 33:20 – Electrical Troubleshooting 44:20 – Coordinating Boiler Openings and Inspections Quotes "I've learned that boilers are something you definitely need to respect, but definitely not fear." "There's a career behind boilers. There's a career behind water treatment and not enough people talk about it." Connect with Eric Johnson Email: eric.johnson@boilearn.com Website: Boilearn I The Foundation of Boiler Training LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjohnson2020/ Boilearn: Overview | LinkedIn Guest Resources Mentioned Boilearn Boilearn mission and origins Boiler operator roles and skills Common steam‑boiler problems Safe boiler operation guide Boiler start‑up and maintenance Safer operation manual Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) AWT Technical Training Seminars Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea Words of Water with James McDonald Today's definition is water lost from a cooling tower as liquid droplets are entrained in the exhaust air. 2026 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • 459 From Wastewater to Resource: Water Reuse with Dr. Veronika Zhiteneva

    459 From Wastewater to Resource: Water Reuse with Dr. Veronika Zhiteneva
    Jan 16 2026
    Industrial water professionals are increasingly pulled into conversations about scarcity, resilience, and "where the next gallon comes from." Dr. Veronika Zhiteneva, CEO and Co-founder of Waterloop Solutions frames water reuse as an implementation challenge more than a technology gap—and explains where the practical starting points are when the scope feels overwhelming. Moving reuse forward when the technology already exists Waterloop Solutions was founded to accelerate implementation: clarifying end-use quality, identifying post-treatment needs on the back end of existing plants, and building risk management plans that fit real operational and regulatory expectations. The conversation stays grounded in what slows projects down (time, permitting, funding, and public acceptance) and where progress can be made without reinventing the toolbox. Centralized vs. decentralized: why "less regulated" can move faster Europe's agricultural reuse regulation (noted as coming into effect in June 2023) created shared minimum requirements, but also uncertainty around permitting and responsibility at the local level. In contrast, decentralized reuse is described as an "early adopter" space—often driven by innovative building projects (gray water separation, rooftop rain capture) and, in some cases, easier implementation from scratch than retrofits. What matters to industrial listeners: partnerships, autonomy, and distance For industrial teams, Dr. Veronika points out opportunities for synergistic partnerships with municipalities and agriculture—balanced against the realities of infrastructure distance and cost. She also makes the case for industrial autonomy: decoupling from conventional sources through internal reuse to protect future production when municipal needs take precedence. Communication and the "toilet to tap" problem Public perception remains a stubborn barrier. Dr. Veronika calls out the long-lasting impact of "toilet to tap" framing and why first impressions can derail technically sound reuse projects. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 03:58 - Trace Blackmore shares how "Pinks and Blues" questions get chosen—and where listeners can submit them 05:05 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 07:42 – Words of Water with James McDonald 11:47 – Meet Dr. Veronika Zhiteneva and why Trace invited her from LinkedIn insights 12:20 — Veronika's path: UMD → Colorado School of Mines → PhD at Technical University of Munich 15:40 — Why Waterloop Solutions started: progress is slow, but implementation support is missing 19:40 — Decentralized reuse: why interest is rising, and why it can be easier to implement in buildings 20:20 — EU agricultural reuse regulation (June 2023): minimum quality, crop types, and risk plan uncertainty 23:40 — Unique barriers by sector: municipal timelines, industrial ROI, and the difficulty of reaching farmers 33:20 — Lowest-hanging fruit: municipal reuse for street cleaning and parks; industrial autonomy via internal reuse 45:00 — Women and young professionals: visibility, role models, and why the sector's willingness to help matters 47:20 — Where to learn more: US EPA resources, EU work underway, and Australia as a reuse leader Quotes "It's okay to ask questions." "But actually, all the technology needed for it already exists." "What I think is awesome in the US, for example, that you guys are really pursuing this direct potable reuse now." "I think these are all valid options to have kind of in the water management portfolio on a local level and also on a regional level." Connect with Dr. Veronika Zhiteneva Email: vzhiteneva@gowaterloop.com Website: Home – Waterloop Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vzhiteneva/ Waterloop Solutions: Overview | LinkedIn Guest Resources Mentioned Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Paperback) European Commission's Water reuse: New EU rules to improve access to safe irrigation Intermezzo Paperback – by Sally Rooney (Author) Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott US EPA State Water Reuse Resources US EPA Water Reuse Information Library US EPA's "A Framework for Permitting Innovation in the Wastewater Sector Report" US Department of Energy's About the BuildingsNEXT Student Design Competition The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Water Reuse Europe Policy and Regulations Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) AWT Technical Training Seminars Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind Words of Water with James ...
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