"Just because you have a water management plan doesn’t mean it’s working." 

That’s the hard truth Matt Freije, founder and CEO of HC Info, delivers in this episode of Scaling UP! H2O. As the architect behind LAMPS — a leading cloud-based platform for water management programs — Matt joins Trace Blackmore to explore the critical evolution of water safety, compliance standards, and real-world implementation challenges facing facilities in 2025.

 

Beyond the Binder: Water Management Plans That Actually Work 

In an era of heightened awareness and shifting regulations, simply checking the compliance box is no longer enough. Matt walks us through the CDC data and ASHRAE findings that make a strong case for active, ongoing water management — not just documentation. Drawing from recent outbreak investigations, he explains why implementation, not content, is often the root failure. 

Trace and Matt discuss the widespread misconception that water management plans guarantee zero Legionella. They also address the real barriers preventing facilities from taking action — from budget limitations to internal roadblocks — and what water professionals can do to influence smarter, risk-based decisions.

Regulatory Pressure, AI Integration, and What’s Coming Next 

With ASHRAE 514, AAMI ST108, and ASSE 12080 gaining ground, the water industry is seeing increased scrutiny, especially in healthcare and hospitality facilities. Matt outlines how these evolving standards are transforming expectations and forcing a shift in accountability. 

The conversation takes a forward-looking turn as they explore the power of AI and aggregated analytics to optimize pathogen control. With 10,000 buildings in the LAMPS system, HC Info is preparing to offer data that could shape public health outcomes nationwide — a move that could redefine how we benchmark performance and interpret Legionella test data at scale.

Culture, Purpose, and Long-Term Vision 

As a mechanical engineer with an epidemiology background, Matt also reflects on the human side of leadership — from building a values-driven team to embracing his faith as a cornerstone of decision-making. His message for water treaters is clear: “Either do it well or don’t do it.” 

For facilities leaders, his advice is to stop fearing complexity and start leveraging the tools available — because water management done right can improve not just compliance, but health outcomes, asset longevity, and operational resilience.

Conclusion 

This episode is a masterclass in how to future-proof your water safety strategy. With actionable insights, emerging technologies, and a clear call to accountability, Matt Freije reminds us that smart water management is both a technical responsibility and a moral imperative. 

Listen to the full conversation to understand how new standards, digital tools, and intentional leadership are shaping the future of water safety.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! 

 

Timestamps  

04:50 – Trace reflects on feedback from listeners who learned the origins of Legionella and how re-telling important stories is essential in water treatment education 

06:49 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

12:44 – Water You Know with James McDonald 

14:14 – Introduction with Matt Freije returning guest  

15:46 – Biggest Challenges in Water Management Plans Today 

19:47 – Regulatory Evolution: ASHRAE 514, ASC 12080, and Joint Commission Inspections 

44:14 – The Document is Not the Plan: Why Systems Must Be Implemented 

48:08 – Impact and Adoption: Why Water Management Plans Truly Matter 

 

Quotes 

“Either do it well, or don’t do it. A half-hearted water management plan can do more harm than good.”  

“Most facilities still don’t have a water management plan — and many don’t even know what one is.” 

“Just because you had the conversation once doesn’t mean it stuck. With Legionella, repeating the important things is critical.” 

“Analytics should make the problem obvious — you shouldn’t need a PhD to interpret what your water data is telling you.” 

 

Connect with Matt Freije 

Email: [email protected]

Website: Legionella Water Management Plans 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattfreije 

 

Guest Resources Mentioned  

HC Info 

ASHRAE Standard 188 (Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems)  

ASSE 12080 Certification: Professional Qualifications for Legionella Water Safety and Management Personnel 

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means 

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown  

John Adams by David McCullough (Audiobook)  

John Adams by David McCullough (Paperback)   

Keep Your Love On: Connection Communication and Boundaries by Danny Silk (Paperback) 

The Bible (KJV)  

 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned 

AWT (Association of Water Technologies) 

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses 

Submit a Show Idea 

The Rising Tide Mastermind  

Legionella Resources Library 

ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 Water for the Processing of Medical Services  

ASSE 12080 Training & Certification, Get certified to the ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12080 Standard: Professional Qualifications Standard for Legionella Water Safety and Management Personnel 

CDC's  Key Findings: Outbreaks and Water Management Gaps (2015–2019 review of Legionnaires’ disease investigations  

083 The One About Water Management Plans  

431 Legionella Awareness Month Kickoff! 

 

Water You Know with James McDonald 

Question: What do we call the formation and subsequent collapse of vapor-filled bubbles in water due to rapid pressure changes? 

 

2025 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.