Scaling UP! H2O

Shawn Powell has built a following by doing something wastewater operators have needed for a long time: making practical technical education easier to access. In Episode 470, he explains why that matters, how he built The Wastewater Enthusiast, and what the industry still gets wrong about training, certification, and knowledge transfer. From test prep to true understanding A major thread in this conversation is the gap between passing an exam and actually understanding plant operations. Shawn reflects on his own early experience with certification prep, where classes helped him recognize test questions but did not always help him understand what was happening inside a real activated sludge system. That gap became the foundation for his channel. He makes the case that operators need more than memorization. They need visuals, process context, and practical explanations that help concepts stick. For professionals responsible for training staff, succession planning, or improving plant performance, that distinction matters. What real operations look like on the ground Shawn also brings credibility from the plant floor. He describes his work as chief plant operator in Avila Beach, California, where a small facility still demands close attention because of its biological complexity, membrane bioreactor operation, and chemical dosing requirements. A story about foam erupting from an aeration basin becomes more than a war story. It shows how biology resists quick fixes and why operators have to think in time horizons measured in MCRT cycles, not minutes. The conversation also touches on shock loads, public misuse of sewer systems, and the daily balance between observation, testing, automation, and operator instinct. That practical perspective keeps the discussion grounded for listeners who live with process variability every day. Why free knowledge matters One of the strongest sections centers on Shawn's idea of the "democratization of knowledge." He argues that critical wastewater education should not be locked behind paywalls or trapped in the heads of reluctant gatekeepers. That point expands into a broader discussion about generational turnover, operator shortages, and the risk of losing hard-earned plant knowledge as experienced professionals retire. Shawn also explains how monetization entered the picture without changing the mission. Training workshops, webinars, YouTube revenue, and memberships have started to support the project, while his core educational content remains open to everyone. Exam strategy, content strategy, and long-term value The episode closes with practical advice for certification candidates. Shawn stresses long preparation windows, disciplined use of official study materials, and a simple but critical reminder: read the question completely. He also shares how he chooses content, responds to viewer needs, and uses real plant events to teach beyond the textbook. For leaders, trainers, and operators alike, this is a useful conversation about how technical knowledge gets shared, preserved, and improved. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Boiler performance rarely depends on a single decision. It depends on design, controls, maintenance, workforce capability, and, as this conversation makes clear, the quality of water treatment. Scott Lynch and Shaunica Jayson explain how American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) is addressing those realities by connecting manufacturers, representatives, suppliers, and field stakeholders around education and practical guidance. Why ABMA still matters in a changing boiler market ABMA has been in place since 1888, but this discussion is not about preserving old structures for their own sake. Scott and Shaunica describe an association that has expanded beyond traditional manufacturer membership into a broader supply-chain view of the boiler room. That includes boiler, burner, deaerator, and economizer manufacturers, component suppliers, service providers, consultants, and manufacturer representatives. That broader view matters because boiler performance does not begin and end with the vessel itself. Decisions made across installation, controls, service, and water treatment shape efficiency, reliability, and long-term asset life. Education that reaches the people actually running boiler rooms A strong theme throughout the conversation is education. ABMA is reaching beyond its own meetings to speak with healthcare engineers, food processors, facility engineers, and other sectors that rely on boilers every day. Scott outlines the practical angle of that work: what operators should be doing on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to keep boiler rooms safe and efficient. Shaunica adds that ABMA is building toward a larger resource center, on-demand materials, and expanded access to white papers and best-practice guidance. They also discuss partnerships with trade schools and Maritime Academies as part of a larger workforce strategy. For water professionals, that matters because better-informed boiler operators create better conditions for treatment programs to succeed. Water treatment is not a side issue One of the clearest takeaways is that water treatment remains central to boiler performance. ABMA's work with the Association of Water Technologies is helping align deaeration and chemical treatment perspectives into a single, co-branded guidance document. That effort is meant to reduce finger-pointing, improve technical clarity, and give end users a more unified message. Scott is direct about the operational stakes: poor water treatment drives scaling, damages equipment, and undermines efficiency. The discussion also pushes back on outdated assumptions about boiler rooms, highlighting gains in efficiency, modern controls, remote monitoring, retrofit options, and emerging technologies such as hydrogen, dual-fuel, and hybrid systems. Boiler systems may be longstanding infrastructure, but the thinking around them cannot stay static. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 01:18 - Trace introduces ABMA, explains its relevance to water treaters, and previews the upcoming ABMA Expo 03:11 - Trace gives a concise history of boilers, from early steam vessels to modern high-efficiency systems 07:36 - Scott Lynch and Shaunica Jayson join the show and introduce themselves and their roles at ABMA 08:18 - Scott explains how ABMA has evolved from a manufacturer-focused association into a broader industry organization spanning the full boiler supply chain 10:27 - Shaunica outlines ABMA's four membership categories, including manufacturers, associate members, consultants, and manufacturer reps 33:18 - The discussion shifts to the ABMA–AWT partnership and the co-branded water treatment guideline 34:58 - Scott explains why deaeration and water treatment need to be addressed together to produce useful technical guidance 36:31 - Shaunica shares what ABMA learned from attending the AWT conference and why the partnership helps reduce finger-pointing between disciplines 38:19 - The conversation moves to Boiler Expo, including why ABMA launched it and how it is designed to serve the full boiler community 40:49 - Shaunica explains the co-location with the Biomass Conference & Expo and highlights ABMA's BUILT and WIBI communities 45:18 - Scott and Shaunica close with their key takeaways: the boiler industry is evolving, and ABMA is a resource for the field 53:50 - Words of Water with James Connect with Shaunica Jayson Email: [email protected] Website: American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) LinkedIn: Shaunica Jayson | LinkedIn Connect with Scott Lynch Email: [email protected] Website: American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) LinkedIn: Scott Lynch, CAE | LinkedIn Quotes "Our official mission is to lead, advance and provide solutions to the boiler industry." "Our vision is boilers are recognized for advancing energy sustainability and powering people's lives." "The boiler industry continues to evolve and inn

Tom Brandvold, CWT, has lived industrial water treatment from the inside out. In this conversation, he traces that path from sweeping floors and running sample bottles as a kid to leading Premier Water and Energy Technology and serving as a former president of Association of Water Technologies (AWT). The result is not just a career story. It is a useful look at how credibility, collaboration, and standards are built over time in this industry. How Association of Water Technologies (AWT) was formed One of the most valuable parts of this discussion is Tom's explanation of how Association of Water Technologies (AWT) began. The association did not start primarily as a training platform or networking group. It grew out of a business crisis in the 1980s, when independent water treaters were struggling to secure product liability and pollution coverage at prices that would not put them out of business. Tom explains how that pressure led a small group to create an insurance-focused structure that eventually required an association. From there, the collaborative side of AWT expanded into education, technical papers, meetings, and broader support for the independent water treater. Why Association of Water Technologies (AWT)'s culture feels different Tom also gives language to something many professionals have experienced but may not have fully defined: AWT members often compete in the same field while still sharing technical knowledge freely. He points to relationships as the reason. Trust, geography, and the practical reality of how accounts are won reduce the sense of technical knowledge as a threat. That helps explain why AWT has become a place where mistakes, lessons learned, and operating insight can be shared in ways that genuinely help other professionals improve. Why the CWT is changing A major focus of the episode is the next chapter of the Certified Water Technologist designation. Tom explains that AWT is pursuing ISO-aligned process work and ANSI recognition so the CWT carries stronger independent, third-party credibility. He walks through why that matters, what the CWT commission is doing, how the current process may change, and why he believes ANSI recognition will help the credential gain broader acceptance with customers, spec writers, government authorities, and technical institutions. What this means for professionals now This conversation lands on a practical point: the CWT is meant to distinguish serious professionals without making the credential feel inaccessible. Tom is clear that those already preparing should not wait. He also underscores that AWT technical training supports the body of knowledge, but it does not teach to the exam. For leaders, owners, and technical professionals, this episode is a strong reminder that industry standards matter most when they improve confidence, sharpen judgment, and strengthen trust in the field. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 00:46 — Trace explains why AWT matters so much to industrial water treatment professionals. 03:37 — Trace shares the story behind the "magic button" and how it helps people connect at industry events. 07:20 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 11:05 - Words of Water with James McDonald 13:20 - Interview with Tom Brandvold, CWT, President at Premier Water and Energy Technologies and former president of the Association of the Water Technologies 18:18 - Tom explains the origin story of AWT 24:05 - Tom talks about volunteering within AWT over the years 34:14 - The conversation shifts to the CWT designation 37:01 - Tom explains why AWT is pursuing ANSI recognition for the CWT 48:11 - Tom and Trace discuss how ANSI-recognized CWTs could matter in legislation and water safety language 49:00 - Tom talks about the biggest challenge in the accreditation process: ISO 17024 conformance 53:35 - Tom makes an important distinction: AWT training does not teach to the exam 55:03 - Tom explains why professionals should pursue the CWT Quotes "The association ah was founded so that those who joined could have access to this captive insurance market where we were self-insuring so that all of us could stay in business." "The veil of threat is removed, and you share very freely." "We are committed as a trade association to add prominence to the CWT certification." "If you want to distinguish yourself from everyone else out there, this is the way to do it." "My magic wand would ensure that everybody has safe drinking water" Connect with Tom Brandvold, CWT Email: [email protected] Website: CRB Water | Safe, Sustainable & Data-Driven Water Treatment Solutions LinkedIn: CRB Water: Overview | LinkedIn Guest Resources Mentioned ANSI / ANAB Personnel Certification Accreditation ISO/IEC 17024:2012 AWT Technical Reference & Training Manual AWT CWT Exam Candidate Handbook Kelly: More Than My Share of It All by Clarence L. Johnson

What happens when a water chemist leaves the lab and heads to the pump room? Dr. Jake Elliott knows firsthand. A former PhD researcher who studied resource recovery from trade‑waste customers, Jake now manages accounts at Hydro flow in Melbourne, working with cooling towers, boilers, chemical dosing rigs and wastewater treatment systems. He joins host Trace Blackmore to discuss how rigorous research, regulatory compliance and process automation translate into practical field work for industrial water treatment professionals. From PhD Research to Industrial Practice Jake's academic background informs the way he approaches operations. While completing his PhD he investigated how to recover resources from wastewater permits, synthesizing municipal data with bench‑scale testing. Today he draws on that experience to design treatment systems and advise customers on cooling‑tower and boiler chemistry. He emphasizes long‑term efficiency: spending a little extra time or money now can save much more later. This mentality helps him balance the competing demands of design, installation, sales and service, and underscores Hydro flow's support for continuing education. Balancing Service, Sales and Efficiency No two days look alike for Jake. One week he is calibrating pH probes, inspecting cooling towers and designing dosing skids; the next he is troubleshooting filtration systems or negotiating wastewater discharge limits. To stay ahead of his schedule, he deliberately "drags things as early as possible" and completes visits well before month‑end. Jake uses the iPhone Reminders app to tag tasks by site, service type and system; location triggers ensure he never forgets critical parts. He advocates automating routine reports and allowing generative AI to massage field notes into professional correspondence, provided every line is double‑checked for accuracy. Even at the end of a long day, tools such as ChatGPT help him strike the right tone in customer emails. Regulation, Training and Risk Management Jake contrasts cooling‑tower regulation in Australia with the more fragmented approach in the United States. In Victoria every tower must be registered, documented and sampled on a schedule; non‑compliance leads to fines. The risk management plan – the term used in Australia for what many Americans call a water management plan – is a comprehensive document containing details of the cooling tower, associated chillers and a unique registration number. Australian practitioners follow the AS/NZS 3666 standard, and third‑party RMP reviews and audits are annual requirements. Jake notes that an equivalent certification does not yet exist for international candidates seeking the Certified Water Technologist designation, although metric‑based exams may be under consideration. Sales, Communication and Mentorship Serving existing customers often means identifying the real decision drivers. Jake categorizes site priorities – cost reduction, profit increase, ease of use and product quality – and tailors proposals accordingly. He maintains open communication with influencers while gently probing approval limits, sometimes splitting quotes so that local managers can sign off without escalating requests. Mentorship is both a given and a goal: Hydro flow holds monthly meetings where technicians, account managers and production staff share problems and solutions, allowing juniors to benefit from seasoned expertise. Jake encourages newcomers to simply "do it" – the blend of hands‑on work, autonomy and flexibility makes industrial water treatment a rewarding career. In his lightning‑round advice he urges his younger self to be selective about commitments and to automate early. Dr. Jake Elliott demonstrates that a rigorous scientific background and a passion for efficiency translate into better service, improved compliance and happier customers. His tips on process automation, risk management and sales communication help water professionals navigate a complex landscape while maintaining work–life balance. Listen to the full conversation above. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 01:14 - Trace Blackmore notes the conclusion of the 2026 AWT Technical Training (Session 1) and then shares his doctor's office story 09:15 - Words of Water with James McDonald 11:45 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 15:32 - Introduction with Jake Elliott, PhD, Senior Account Manager at Hydro Flow 18:47 - Jake's Advice for those taking a Doctorate Degree 23:19 - How Jake came to work at Hydro Flow 44:24 - Tips from Jake Quotes "Very happy to spend a little bit of extra time or money now to save a lot of time or money later." "If you can get some of your thoughts down and then let ChatGPT massage that into something that is good communication, again, double check it before you send it." "I would tell myself to be selective in what you say yes to … automate hard, automate early." "Autonomy, flexibility. It's real

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: [email protected] 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) AWT Technical Training - Registration 2026 AWT Technical Training Schedule Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind Wor

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: [email protected] 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 Become Certified – AWT I Said This, You Heard That 2nd Edition by Kathleen Edelman Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Associat

"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: [email protected] 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 Technologies) Submit a Show Idea Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses The Rising Tide Mastermind 304 Pinks and Blues: Corrosion Coupons 075 The One that's All About Corrosion Coupons AWT Guidel

"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: [email protected] 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 "Dynamics of water innovation: Insights into the rate of adoption, diffusion and success of emerging water technologies globally" – Wageningen University & Research "Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: The Livi

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: [email protected] 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.

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 unit of a cooling tower that contains its own heat exchange section, fan or air-moving system, water distribution system, and drift eliminators. 2026 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've

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: [email protected] 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.