“It’s my nature, I want to help people and solve their problems.” - Barry Higgins Happy days! We're excited to welcome industry expert Barry Higgins of AquaChem to Scaling UP! H2O for a special two-part series unraveling the complexities of boilers. In Part 1, Barry meticulously explores the essential checklist for professionals engaged in boiler treatment. Gain profound insights into water treatment as Barry discusses pretreatment, feed water samples, condensate samples, and the crucial role played by steam traps. Delve into a comprehensive comparison of boiler standards between the US and the UK, offering a global perspective on industry best practices and regulations. Barry generously shares solutions for common issues like softener malfunctions, steam trap leaks, and optimal boiler maintenance during low periods and sudden demand spikes. This episode is an invaluable source of knowledge. Join us on this enlightening journey into the world of boiler water management, where you'll acquire practical insights to elevate your understanding of industrial water treatment. Barry's expertise, shared generously, ensures that our listeners gain actionable takeaways applicable to their daily operations. Prepare for an episode packed with knowledge, exploring the intricacies of boilers and delivering valuable lessons for water treaters and industry professionals. Happy days, indeed!   Timestamps 00:01 - Trace Blackmore reminds you to think about your next step and to follow your passion 04:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  10:00 - Interview with Barry Higgins, Boilers Part 1 53:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald    Boiler Joke:  Q: How do you stop a runaway steam boiler? A: With a steam trap 

353 Steam Boilers: Essential Checks, Part 1

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Get ready to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of Produced Water as we kick off our inaugural episode dedicated to this captivating topic on the Scaling UP! H2O podcast. Join us on this thrilling expedition as we journey alongside our esteemed guest, Ivan Morales—a seasoned expert in water treatment and a beacon of innovation. With a passion for practical solutions and a knack for making complex concepts relatable, Ivan is here to guide us through the ins and outs of Produced Water management, making it accessible to all. In this groundbreaking episode, Ivan Morales, known for his contributions to Nalco Water, the International Water Conference (IWC), and the Produced Water Society, takes center stage to share his knowledge about Produced Water with a global audience of water professionals. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and a natural intuition for problem-solving, Ivan breaks down the barriers to understanding, offering practical insights and real-world examples. From navigating EPA regulations to tackling challenges in coal mining and fracking, we're in for an engaging and enlightening ride through the fascinating landscape of water treatment.   What You'll Discover: Navigating EPA Regulations and Produced Water: Dive into the intricate realm of EPA guidelines governing the measurement and treatment of Produced Water. By understanding these regulations, we empower ourselves to ensure compliance and uphold environmental stewardship. Confronting Challenges in Coal Mines: Explore the unique hurdles faced by water professionals in coal mines, where the recycling and treatment of water are pivotal for maintaining safety standards and safeguarding downstream communities. Ivan underscores the imperative of returning water to the environment in an improved state. Embracing Innovation and Technological Advancements: Embark on a journey of discovery as we uncover cutting-edge technologies and collaborative initiatives revolutionizing Produced Water treatment. Ivan sheds light on the promising prospects of element extraction, such as lithium, and the ongoing innovations propelling our industry toward greater efficiency and sustainability.   Episode Highlights: Empowerment through EPA Compliance: Gain actionable insights into navigating EPA regulations, fostering compliance, and contributing to environmental preservation through responsible water management practices. Community-Centric Water Stewardship: Learn how our efforts in coal mines directly impact downstream communities, and discover strategies for enhancing water quality to create a ripple effect of positive change. Innovative Solutions Driving Sustainability: Embark on a journey of innovation as we explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies and collaborative endeavors, propelling us toward a future of sustainable water management practices. Ivan delves into crucial topics such as managing PFAS contaminants, harnessing the potential of recycled water for sustainable practices, and the imperative of accurate measurement in water discharge. His insights into the challenges of treating water from fracking operations and the avenues for technological innovation are both enlightening and empowering. Join us as we embark on this enlightening exploration of Produced Water management, where knowledge is our compass, innovation is our vehicle, and positive change is our destination. Tune in to the latest episode of Scaling UP! H2O now, and let's journey together toward a future of sustainable water stewardship!   Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore thanks you for participating in the Global 6K For Water this year. Thank you for helping to solve the global water crisis.  6:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  8:30 - Interview with Ivan Morales about Produced Water  48:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald  49:30 - Please leave a review of this podcast on your favorite podcast player   Quotes "Produced Water can range anywhere from 1,000 to 380,000 ppm TDS, presenting a vast range of challenges and opportunities to navigate." - Ivan Morales "Whenever we attempt to return water to the ground, the EPA provides the essential framework for doing so responsibly." - Ivan Morales "In the coal mining industry, it's crucial to ensure that all the water we extract is returned in better condition because downstream communities rely on it." - Ivan Morales "Go to the source to understand what is out there. Many people are working together to create a better world, and there is a lot of good news in the Produced Water industry!" - Ivan Morales   Connect with Ivan Morales Website: www.ecolab.com/nalco-water/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ivan-morales-mba-06793b5/ linkedin.com/company/nalco/ linkedin.com/company/produced-water-society-inc/  linkedin.com/showcase/intlwaterconf/  Affiliations:   International Water Conference (IWC), Executive Board Member Produced Water Society, Board of Directors Read or Download Ivan Morales’ Press Release HERE   Links Mentioned Team World Vision’s Global 6K For Water International Water Conference (IWC) Groundwater Protection Council - Produced Water Report New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium Texas Produced Water Consortium The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea   Books Mentioned Produced Water Volume 1 by John Walsh Produced Water Volume 2 by John Walsh Hidden Potential by Adam Grant Atomic Habits by James Clear It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Captain Abrashoff   Drop By Drop with James  In today’s segment, I have a challenge for you. I challenge you to test the free chlorine in a cooling tower system IMMEDIATELY after sampling, let the sample sit OPEN for an HOUR, and then test again.  Was there a difference between your two readings? If so, how do you explain this?  If not, how do you explain it? Why is the timing of both the sampling and the testing important when analyzing for free chlorine? Would this apply to testing for TOTAL chlorine, too? How about when testing for bromine, chlorine dioxide, etc.? Why does any of this matter?    2024 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.   

366 Produced Water: Expert Perspectives and Practical Tips

AI won't take your job but knowing how to use it will give you an edge over others who don't.  - Beth Ziesenis Hello Scaling UP! H2O community! We have a treat for you in this episode! Our favorite nerdy friend, Beth Ziesenis (a.k.a. Your Nerdy Best Friend), is back on the podcast to sprinkle her magic tech dust on all things AI! 

365 AI Essentials: Beth Ziesenis Shares Must-Know Tips

We have the technology to treat any type of water, so instead of focusing on 'water scarcity,' let's talk about 'water abundance'. - Walid Khoury In the latest episode of the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, we explore how to shift the narrative from "Water Scarcity" to "Water Abundance" with returning guest Walid Khoury, President and CEO of Desalytics. Walid’s global perspective on water technology and treatment options provides invaluable insights for water professionals, industry owners, policymakers, and anyone interested in addressing global water challenges. Here are five strategies Walid provides to guide your thinking from the challenges of water scarcity toward the possibilities of water abundance:    Embrace Long-Term Thinking and Planning: When addressing water issues or exploring new opportunities, consider both the mid- and long-term impacts. This approach is especially crucial in developing markets where sustainable growth and solutions are essential. Collaborate with Private Industry, Politicians, and Individuals to Achieve SDG 6: While one person cannot change the world, thousands working toward a shared goal can. Walid discusses the vital role these groups play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. Integrate Innovative Technologies: Embrace the innovative aspects of the water industry by implementing modern technologies and techniques. For instance, Hong Kong began using saltwater in toilets in the 1950s due to a scarcity of freshwater. Today, around 80% of toilets in Hong Kong use saltwater for flushing, which conserves fresh drinking water. Industrial water treaters can harness these advancements to enhance their practices and assist clients in achieving a "water positive" status, surpassing the goal of being "water-neutral." Advocate and Communicate Effectively: Promote water positivity by using language that raises awareness of the options available. Building connections and collaborating with local partners can help address local water challenges more effectively. Expand Your Global Understanding: Walid encourages industrial water treaters to expand their knowledge and experience beyond familiar markets by attending international water conferences and exploring global opportunities.    By tuning in to this one-hour episode, you will gain actionable insights and practical knowledge on how to contribute to water abundance, reshape water management strategies, and make a positive impact on both local and global scales. Walid’s involvement in the Water Positive Think Tank and his dedication to SDG 6 offers a roadmap for those looking to advance their careers and make a meaningful difference in the water industry. Listen to "364 Water Abundance: A Global Perspective on Water Technology and Treatment Options" and discover how you can be part of the change toward a more sustainable and water-efficient future. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the industry's most innovative and influential voices!   Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to participate in the Global 6K for Water 05:00 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  7:30 - Get to know Walid Khoury of Desalytics 22:00 - Interview with Walid Khoury on Water Abundance 57:40 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald    Quotes with interview timestamps: “My biggest frustration in our industry is that we use the word ‘water scarcity’, but in today's age we have the technology to treat any type of water, so instead of water scarcity we should be talking about ‘water abundance’.” - Walid Khoury "We need to shift the narrative: We have an abundance of water. The question is, how can we effectively use and consume it locally rather than sourcing it from afar?" - Walid Khoury "We have access to a wealth of technologies; the key is in applying them effectively. This makes it an exceptional time to be in the water industry." - Walid Khoury   Connect with Walid Khoury: Phone: +971 56 5362147  Email: walid.khoury@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/walidkhoury linkedin.com/company/desalytics Think Tank: https://www.linkedin.com/company/water_positive/ Vlog: walidkhoury.com     Links Mentioned Scaling UP! H2O’s Free Legionella Resources Page Upcoming Events for Water Professionals  May 18, 2024 The Global 6K for water Episode 230 with Walid Khoury 2024 WEFTEC conference The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses   Tools Mentioned NALCO Water Handbook ChatGPT Complexity.AI   Drop By Drop with James  Do you know what I like to do sometimes? Do you? I like to read the summary of methods and the interferences for water testing. I do! You should hang out at parties with me, I’m a real riot.  Anyway, there is a LOT to be learned by just reading these two sections of a test procedure. For example, did you know the FerroVer method for Total Iron “converts all soluble iron and most insoluble forms of iron in the sample to soluble ferrous iron?” Then the soluble ferrous iron reacts with 1-10 phenanthroline indicator to form an orange color in proportion to the concentration of iron in the sample? The summary said it converts “most insoluble forms of iron,” so right away, I could imagine exceptions to this caveat. Reading the interferences for the Total Iron test, I see that insoluble iron oxides in the sample may require a digestion to make them soluble. I also notice that molybdate at 50 mg/L has no effect on results, but what about over 50 mg/L? That’s where the FerroMo Method for Total Iron comes in. I learned all of that by just reading those two little sections of the test procedure. What else is out there waiting to be learned?   2024 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.    

364 Water Abundance: A Global Perspective on Water Technology and Treatment Options

 “Dogs and prospects can smell fear.” - Casey Brown Are you struggling with pricing your products and services confidently? Do you fear presenting proposals to clients and dealing with objections? Are you unsure how to have effective conversations around price increases? If these questions sound familiar, you’re going to love today’s episode featuring Casey Brown, founder of Boost Pricing. Boost Pricing has the singular goal of helping organizations get paid well for their excellence, and in this informative conversation, Casey shares invaluable insights on how to elevate your pricing game and communicate your value effectively to your customers. Sales is challenging, and as someone who’s been in the industry, you know how tough it can be. There’s pressure to be personable, negotiate well, and ask the right questions, yet proposals still get rejected. So, how do you get paid well for your company's superior products and services? In this episode, Casey provides practical tips, strategies, and tactics to boost your pricing confidence and navigate price negotiations successfully. Learn how to deal with customers who focus solely on price and how to differentiate your value proposition effectively. Casey emphasizes the importance of handling client objections well, sharing “The best answer to an objection isn't an answer at all, it's a question. I think questions are a salesperson's superpower and they are largely underused in the price portion and the negotiation process.” She goes on to say “The root of confidence is value. You need to truly understand how your products and service are of value to your customer.”  By tuning in, you'll gain insights on:      Approaching conversations about pricing with confidence and clarity. Understanding when and how to offer tiered packages to customers. Communicating the value of your offerings to clients to justify your prices. Navigating tricky situations like price match requests and objections.      Casey’s wisdom on pricing and negotiation will empower you to become more confident in your sales approach. Don’t miss out on this educational discussion!   Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to participate in the Global 6K 07:00 - Interview with Casey Brown founder of Pricing Boost 1:01:30 - Lightning round questions 1:10:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald    Key Quotes from Casey Brown “I think sales is the hardest job in a company. Selling is an incredibly hard profession.” - Casey Brown “Dogs and prospects can smell fear.” - Casey Brown “The root of confidence is value. You need to truly understand how your products and services are of value to your customer.” - Casey Brown “‘No’ is the most powerful word in a sales person's vocabulary, and often the most underused.” -  Casey Brown “A price match request is an objective statement of preference from the customer for your company.” - Casey Brown   Connect with Casey Brown Phone: 614.679.7999 Email: casey@boostpricing.com Website: boostpricing.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caseybrownboost/ linkedin.com/company/boostpricing/ Read or Download Casey Brown’s Press Release HERE   Links Mentioned The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea AWT (Association of Water Technologies)   Books Mentioned Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia MD Make The Noise Go Away: The Power Of An Effective Second-In-Command by Larry G. Linne 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan    Drop By Drop with James  In today’s segment, we’re thinking about a line I read in an article called “AWT Recommendations and Guidelines for Corrosion Coupons in Cooling Systems” found under Resources in the Members-Only section of the Association of Water Technologies website.  This section of the article was discussing the proper order of installation for corrosion coupons.  The line said, “In reality, if an appropriate water treatment program is in place, the actual coupon order will make little or no difference to the results.”  That line made my brain stop for a minute.  The actual order will make little or no difference to results if an appropriate water treatment program is in place?  Hold up!  I’ve had the galvanic series drilled into my head for corrosion coupons!  The most active or least noble metal or alloy must be placed first…the farthest upstream.  What kind of crazy talk is this?  Of course, in a perfect world, we wouldn’t do a lot of things.  The article goes on to explain further, though.  It says, “There is an argument for limiting the number of factors to be considered when analyzing results, and if the coupons are installed according to the galvanic series, any high loss rates will not be blamed on or associated with galvanic differences (regardless of whether these could our could not impact results).”  So to keep things logical and free of noise that may only confuse the issue, we should continue to install corrosion coupons according to the galvanic series, regardless of how good our water treatment program is.  Where else do we apply this logic in our day-to-day industrial water lives?  Where else do we try to eliminate variables so we can see the true problems?  Do we mix and match our sample bottles or do we reserve select ones for higher-purity samples and others for higher-conductivity samples?  Do we test for conductivities from low to high, vice versa, or a random mix?  That’s some food for thought, right there.  Eliminating variables.   2024 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.    

363 Pricing Boost: Get Paid Well For Your Excellence

 “Achieving a well with reliable water quality and supply requires a significant amount of effort and work” - Mike Taraszki In this engaging episode of Scaling UP! H2O, hydrogeologist Mike Taraszki delves into California's Process Memo 97-005, a key resource for direct potable water use from extremely impaired sources. If you’re eager to learn about the criteria and steps outlined in Process Memo 97-005 and how to keep your water permits current, this episode provides all the details you need. Mike examines the nationwide impact of 97-005 on potable water and shares his expertise in hydrogeologic principles for environmental investigation and remediation projects. He also highlights trends in potable groundwater, including managing PFAS, water recycling, desalination, and the removal of contaminants and microplastics. Offering practical guidance on the evolving landscape of water treatment technologies, Mike emphasizes the importance of consistent monitoring and adapting treatment trends to address emerging contaminants. His insights equip listeners with a comprehensive understanding of today’s water challenges. "Putting a well in the ground and getting as much water as you want anywhere is just not reasonable, whether it's from a water supply or quality standpoint," Mike notes. He stresses, "We keep discovering new contaminants, and our water supply options are becoming more limited and constrained." Join Trace and Mike for a captivating discussion that will deepen your understanding of the complexities and potential of groundwater management. Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge and stay ahead in the dynamic world of water treatment in under an hour!   Timestamps 01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to solve the Global Water Crisis by joining the Global 6K for Water this year. Learn more at ScalingUpH2O.com/6K 04:10 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals  10:00 - Interview with Mike Taraszki, passionate hydrogeologist about Process Memo 97-005 45:00 - You never know the ripple effect when you share about your water career with others 52:00- Drop by Drop With James McDonald    Connect with Mike Taraszki Phone: 510.368.4549 Email: michael.taraszki@wsp.com Website: www.wsp.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaeltaraszki/ linkedin.com/company/wsp/   Proces Memo 97-005 Policy Resources Process Memo 97-005-R2020 Process Memo 97-005-R2020 User Guide Applicability of Process Memorandum 97-005 Examples of Checklists   Links Mentioned Global 6K For Water 347 Ripple Effect: How Utah's Water Strategies Impact Us All 356 Unlocking the Future: Collaborative Water Management National Groundwater Association California’s Groundwater Resources Association (CLU-IN) Contaminated Site Clean-Up Information (ITRC) Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council Audible The Rising Tide Mastermind Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea   Drop By Drop with James  In today’s segment, I have a “what if” for you. What if the cooling tower’s blowdown stopped flowing? There is no more blowdown going down the drain. Period. First, what could cause this to happen? What could cause a valve to fail closed? What could block the blowdown line? What setting could have been changed in the controller? Second, what would be the impact upon the cooling tower system next? Would the impact be quick or slow? What would the water start to look like? What data in the cooling water system would start to change and in what direction? How could you have detected this problem early and been alerted that action was required?      2024 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 or using the dropdown menu.    

353 Steam Boilers: Essential Checks, Part 1

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