Scaling UP! H2O

A boiler failure can create pressure quickly: production is down, emotions are high, and the water treater may be the first person blamed. Cheryl Heiser of TGWT Clean Technologies Inc. joins Trace Blackmore, CWT, to walk through a more disciplined way to evaluate boiler issues by looking beyond chemistry alone.

Why Boiler Failures Need a Broader Lens

Cheryl brings field experience from the OEM boiler side, conventional water treatment, and purified tannin boiler treatment. Her perspective is rooted in the idea that no two boilers are the same. Design, operating conditions, fuel, history, circulation, steam separation, and customer practices all influence how a boiler behaves.

She explains the premise of her AWT paper: helping water treaters avoid being immediately blamed when boiler tube failures occur. In her case study, two twin HRSG units were producing 100,000 pounds per hour of steam each, with superheaters operating at 600 PSI and 750 degrees Fahrenheit. The failures did not point to a simple water treatment explanation. Instead, the investigation involved steam drum internals, carryover, tube geometry, circulation concerns, and normal operating water level.

What to Look for Inside the Boiler

Cheryl emphasizes inspection discipline. Take photos, use a borescope when available, enter the boiler when safe and possible, and look for patterns in deposits, discoloration, distortion, turbulence, uneven circulation, and steam drum staining. She also explains why orientation matters. A photo that makes sense during the inspection may be difficult to interpret later unless the location and direction are clearly identified.

Deposit analysis and metallurgical analysis can also help determine whether a failure is connected to deposits, material factors, overheating, combustion-side issues, or other mechanical contributors. The key is to understand the boiler as a system, not as a black box.

Trust, Documentation, and Customer Communication

When a boiler is down, the relationship with the customer matters as much as the technical investigation. Cheryl encourages water professionals to guide customers toward an investigative approach instead of a defensive reaction. That means asking better questions, understanding what relies on the steam, knowing the customer's priorities, and reassuring them that the goal is to find the root cause.

Trace closes the conversation by reinforcing the importance of documentation. Service reports protect the customer, the boiler, and the water treater. When recommendations are made, they need to be written down, repeated when necessary, and tied back to the operational risks they are meant to prevent.

Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:31 — Trace Blackmore shares guidance for Certified Water Technologists on staying ahead of CEU requirements, preparing through CWT Prep, using AWT technical training for verified CEUs, taking the first step toward certification, and creating accountability around professional goals

08:01 — Trace introduces the episode's boiler troubleshooting theme, explaining that no two boilers are the same because design, operating conditions, fuel, history, and system "personality" can all affect how problems show up

08:38 — Words of Water with James McDonald

10:13 — Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

12:04 — Interview with Cheryl Heiser, International Business Development Manager, Tannin Guys Network, TGWT: Trace welcomes Cheryl and references her recent AWT conference paper on boiler failures.

12:38 — Cheryl shares her career path from field work with Babcock and Wilcox to conventional water treatment and purified tannin boiler treatment.

13:43 — Cheryl explains how her boiler background led naturally into water treatment through her interest in fireside conditions, water-side chemistry, and boiler metallurgy.

14:32 — Cheryl describes starting in boilers during an engineering internship in northern Alberta, where she worked around major boiler inspections, shutdowns, NDE inspectors, and boiler specialists.

16:46 — Cheryl explains why she wrote and presented an AWT paper: to help water treaters understand boiler failures from a physical and mechanical perspective, not only from a water treatment perspective.

17:38 — Cheryl outlines the premise of her paper: boiler tube failures may involve operating conditions, operator practices, design issues, circulation problems, overheating, or carryover, not only water chemistry.

19:32 — Cheryl explains why distinguishing between water-cooled tubes and steam-cooled tubes matters when evaluating boiler operating conditions and failure locations.

19:57 — Cheryl discusses superheater tube failures in the case study and explains how carryover from the steam drum contributed to deposits on the hottest part of the superheater.

20:52 — Cheryl describes generating bank tube failures related to tube geometry, low slope, flow stalling, repeated wetting and drying, magnetite behavior, and thinning.

22:17 — Cheryl explains how the normal operating water level in the steam drum made the generating bank issue worse because the top row of tubes was not fully flooded.

23:06 — Cheryl shares how to begin a boiler failure investigation by asking detailed questions about operation, combustion, water treatment, controls, mechanical conditions, leaks, and the customer's immediate priorities.

24:40 — Cheryl emphasizes inspection tools and practices, including photos, borescopes, entering the boiler, when possible, deposit analysis, and metallurgical analysis

27:16 — Cheryl explains how to keep inspection photos useful by labeling locations and capturing orientation, such as fire end, cold end, right side, left side, north end, or south end

29:27 — Cheryl identifies specific inspection clues in a steam drum, including water line stains, turbulence, uneven circulation, leaking internals, deposits, and deposit patterns

33:20 — Cheryl discusses how stress, downtime, and customer trust affect boiler failure investigations and why water treaters should guide an investigative approach rather than a reaction

37:40 — Cheryl discusses her AWT committee involvement, including Women on Water and the Boiler Committee, and how those roles support networking, confidence-building, technical contribution, and industry learning

41:40 — Cheryl recommends practical ways to learn boiler systems: trace lines, understand steam use, observe furnace viewports, note sight glass levels, and ask new questions during service visits

43:02 — Cheryl recommends the Babcock and Wilcox Steam book as a major boiler reference and encourages water professionals to understand combustion-side factors that can affect water-side problems

49:17 — Trace closes the episode by reinforcing better troubleshooting through structured questions, careful documentation, service reports, and a willingness to work with customers on root cause rather than defaulting to blame

Quotes

"And if you know enough about your boiler, you can help the customer find other reasons for failures other than just saying, well, it must be the water chemistry, it must be the water treatment."

"You have to ask a lot of questions."

"That's really the basis of a good investigative process."

"First and foremost, always take lots of photos."

"The more you can inspect, the better, even if at first it doesn't seem like that area might be related to the failure or the issue."

"This is where you can help them keep an open mind, guide an investigative approach rather than a reaction."

"But just knowing your customer's system and their priorities is really key."

"I wish more people understood how critical steam boilers are in manufacturing, food production, power generation, heating, and so many other things."

"So, whenever you mention something to a customer, get in the habit of writing that down in the service report."

Connect with Cheryl Heiser

Phone: (613) 277-7804

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.tgwt.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-heiser-02529373/

Guest Resources Mentioned

Gravitas: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence by Lisa Sun

She Thinks Like a Boss: Leadership: 9 Essential Skills for New Female Leaders in Business and the Workplace by Jemma Roedel

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

STEAM/its generation and use (42nd Edition)

Mechanical vs Chemical Reasons for Water Tube Boiler Failures's Technical Paper

Bobcock & Wilcox's Finding the Root Cause of Boiler Tube Failures

Bobcock & Wilcox's The Importance of Boiler Water and Steam Chemistry

Chapter 14 - Boiler System Failures

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is an expression that describes the terminal settling velocity of small, spherical particles falling through a fluid under laminar-flow conditions, based on the balance of gravitational, buoyant, and viscous drag forces. Can you guess the word or phrase?

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.

Every career in industrial water treatment is shaped by decisions, mentors, credentials, systems, and the willingness to keep learning. In this special mailbag-style episode, Trace Blackmore, CWT, answers questions from the Scaling UP! Nation about how he entered water treatment, why he started the podcast, what professional credentials have meant to him, and what he is still working to improve.

This conversation gives water professionals a practical look at the habits behind a long career in the industry: getting involved early, documenting customer conversations, building strong teams, using repeatable processes, and staying open to new tools like AI.

From Family Influence to a Career in Water Treatment

Trace shares that his start in water treatment came through his father, who brought him along to accounts after school. His early memories include watching test results change color, learning around hospital accounts, and seeing how water treatment decisions were made in the field.

Before entering water treatment full-time, Trace worked in financial services and received strong sales training. However, he realized he was not enjoying the work. His father invited him to become a service technician, which led to a career path that combined technical problem-solving, customer service, sales, and a deep appreciation for the industrial water community.

Why Credentials, Associations, and Documentation Matter

Trace explains why the Certified Water Technologist credential remains one of the professional accomplishments he values most. He also discusses his LEED GA and LEED AP credentials, his time as a former president of the Association of Water Technologies, and his training as a master facilitator.

For professionals building their own careers, the larger lesson is clear: credentials, online presence, and association involvement can shape how customers and peers understand your expertise. Trace also emphasizes the importance of documenting conversations, decisions, and recommendations so teams and customers have a clear record when issues arise.

The Podcast, Rising Tide Mastermind, and Raising the Industry Bar

Trace reflects on launching the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast in 2017 after encouragement from Charlie Cicchetti and Conor Parrish. What began as a monthly podcast eventually became a weekly resource with structured processes, procedures, and a growing audience of water professionals.

He also discusses the honor of having Scaling UP! H2O recognized as the official podcast of the Association of Water Technologies, as well as the creation of Rising Tide Mastermind, which now includes 76 members across 7 groups. Both platforms reflect the same goal: creating spaces where industrial water professionals can learn, connect, and improve together.

Technology, AI, and the Next Phase of Learning

When asked about the biggest change in the industry, Trace points to data collection, remote monitoring, the Internet of Things, and AI. He remembers a time when system information required an on-site visit. Today, water professionals can review controller data, reports, and trends before arriving in the field.

Trace also shares how his Doctor of Business Administration program is changing the way he thinks about research, learning, and long-term growth. His 2026 goals include continuing that academic work, strengthening the podcast's educational value, and giving family and personal commitments proper space on the calendar.

This episode is not only a personal reflection. It is a reminder that long-term success in water treatment depends on learning, relationships, systems, and the willingness to keep improving.

Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:35 — Trace opens the episode with a May update and connects the season to a practical cooling tower challenge: pollen in Southern systems.

04:30 — Trace explains why this episode is different: Scaling UP! Nation asked for more personal stories and career reflections from him.

06:50 — Trace highlights the 6th Annual Oilfield Water Markets Conference and shares the Scaling UP! H2O listener discount code.

08:00 — Trace mentions the International Water Association Leading Edge Conference on Water and Wastewater Technologies in Houston.

08:50 — Trace points healthcare-focused water professionals toward ASHE's Healthcare Facilities Innovation Conference in Minneapolis.

09:50 — James McDonald presents a new Words of Water definition focused on wet bulb temperature and cooling tower performance.

11:20 — Trace explains why receiving compliments used to be difficult and how mentorship helped him respond with more respect and gratitude.

13:50 — Trace answers how he got started in water treatment through his father, field visits, testing, and early exposure to accounts.

15:50 — Trace describes leaving financial services, joining his father's company as a service technician, and finding work he genuinely enjoyed.

18:20 — Trace explains the credentials behind his name, beginning with the Certified Water Technologist designation.

20:25 — Trace discusses LEED GA and LEED AP credentials and how they helped him communicate with commercial building owners.

23:00 — Trace shares why his AWT leadership experience and master facilitator training matter to his professional identity.

24:55 — Trace explains how Charlie Cicchetti introduced him to podcasts and encouraged him to start what became Scaling UP! H2O.

27:30 — Trace describes the podcast's early cadence, moving from monthly to biweekly and then weekly episodes.

32:30 — Trace identifies AWT naming Scaling UP! H2O its official podcast as a crowning moment for the show.

33:45 — Trace shares personal and professional achievements, including adopting his son, building the podcast, and launching Rising Tide Mastermind.

35:30 — Trace explains how he balances podcasting, business, and other responsibilities through team support, time blocking, procedures, and the 12 Week Year.

41:05 — Trace shares advice to his younger self: join an association early, get involved, document everything, and build relationships in the industry.

44:40 — Trace identifies data, remote monitoring, IoT, AI, Legionella, PFAS, and water management plans as major changes in the industry.

48:10 — Trace shares scuba diving as his favorite non-water-treatment hobby and reflects on teaching more than 1,000 people to dive.

50:00 — Trace explains how pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration is teaching him research, academic discipline, and new ways to learn.

54:05 — Trace shares his 2026 goals, including progressing through his DBA program, expanding podcast resources, and prioritizing family on his calendar

Connect with Scaling UP! H2O

Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea

LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/

YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT

Audible

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

12 Week Year Plan

The Rising Tide Mastermind

420 Tapping Into Tech: How Ben Frieders Uses AI to Elevate Water Treatment Marketing

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is the lowest temperature that can be achieved through evaporation alone and is used to evaluate cooling tower performance. Do you know the word or phrase?

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.

Industrial water professionals often think about water in terms of treatment, compliance, reuse, and operational risk. John Durand brings a different but closely connected view: water as infrastructure, water as a managed resource, and water as a strategic part of energy development.

John Durand, one of the early pioneers of the water midstream sector and CEO of Magnificent Desolation, LLC, joins Trace Blackmore to explain how produced water moved from a disposal challenge to a large-scale infrastructure opportunity.

From Disposal Model to Managed Resource

John describes how the growth of horizontal drilling changed the scale of water management in the Permian Basin. A vertical well once used a fraction of the water required for today's horizontal wells, creating a need for pipelines, reuse systems, recycling strategies, and long-term infrastructure planning.

He explains that the water midstream sector emerged because the old approach—trucking water or simply sending it to disposal—could not keep pace with the volume. Today, the conversation has shifted toward produced water reuse, recycling, and the search for beneficial uses outside of oil and gas.

Produced Water, Salinity, and Future Use

John notes that produced water can carry very high salinity, sometimes many times higher than seawater. That creates treatment challenges, especially when thinking beyond oilfield reuse and toward broader industrial applications.

He also points to future opportunities for produced water in data centers, electric generation, cooling applications, and possibly other beneficial reuse pathways. The key message is clear: water once treated as waste may become an important resource if the industry continues to innovate responsibly.

Infrastructure, Trust, and Public-Private Partnerships

Beyond pipelines and treatment, John emphasizes the role of relationships. He shares examples from Midland and Odessa, where long-term water supply arrangements and wastewater treatment infrastructure created value for both communities and industry.

For water professionals, the lesson extends beyond oilfield water. Large infrastructure projects require technical expertise, capital, public trust, and long-term credibility. John's experience shows that durable solutions depend as much on trust and collaboration as they do on engineering.

Staying Curious in a Changing Industry

John closes with a practical leadership reminder: stay curious, ask better questions, and keep learning. Whether the topic is produced water, AI, energy independence, or infrastructure, he encourages professionals to dig deeper and continue expanding their understanding.

Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:50 — Trace introduces the episode's central topic: the water midstream sector and how produced water is becoming a true asset instead of only a waste stream

06:31 — John Durand joins the conversation as one of the early pioneers of the water midstream sector and CEO of Magnificent Desolation

07:01 — John introduces his 41-year career in the energy business, his Louisiana roots, and his lifelong connection to oil and gas

08:08 — John explains the origin of the name Magnificent Desolation and its connection to Buzz Aldrin's words after walking on the moon

10:15 — John shares how lifelong curiosity, including reading an entire set of encyclopedias at age 12, shaped his career and learning mindset

11:28 — John walks through his energy career, from upstream oil and gas to natural gas marketing, power generation, conventional midstream, and eventually water midstream

14:22 — John explains how a call about water being "a big deal in the future" led him into Pioneer Natural Resources and large-scale water infrastructure

15:29 — John describes how the water midstream sector emerged as Pioneer built infrastructure to move water across a large acreage position

16:21 — John explains why horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing changed the scale of water demand and produced water management in the Permian Basin

17:39 — Trace asks John to define the water midstream sector, setting up a practical explanation of acquisition, movement, reuse, recycling, and disposal

19:57 — John addresses a common misconception about water midstream: the industry is moving beyond disposal toward reuse, recycling, and beneficial use

23:08 — John explains how the industry learned to manage massive water volumes through infrastructure, collaboration, and private capital investment

25:25 — John discusses produced water treatment considerations, including heavy metals, high salinity, desalination, and waste-product management

27:56 — John defines upstream, midstream, and downstream so listeners can understand how water midstream fits into the broader energy sector

30:09 — John explains why relationships matter in water midstream, especially when developing long-term projects and public-private partnerships

31:24 — John shares examples from Midland and Odessa, where municipal wastewater arrangements created long-term value for both communities and industry

34:31 — John explains why trust is the foundation of lasting relationships and how completed projects can create credibility for future opportunities

38:26 — John reflects on when he realized the water midstream sector was becoming durable and strategically important as private capital entered the space

40:03 — John looks ahead to the future of water midstream, including beneficial reuse, data centers, electric generation, and regional water infrastructure.

44:15 — John discusses how the geopolitical environment affects energy, water management, infrastructure, and U.S. energy independence.

01:04:02 — Words of Water with James McDonald

Quotes

"I have always been a very curious individual."

"It was produced water and freshwater."

"The misconception is oil-filled water, and the midstream water industry is just handling waste."

"It's really relationships and how you create and develop those relationships."

"Once you develop that trust over time, that's what it comes down to."

"The future really is into that term that you're going to hear a lot more of, and that's beneficial reuse."

"Be curious, stay curious, ask the right questions, be bold."

Connect with John Durand

Phone: (214) 232-4953

Email: [email protected]

Website: 6th Annual Oilfield Water Markets Conference - Oilfield Water Connection

News & Events for Oilfield Water Management - Oilfield Water Connection

LinkedIn: John Durand | LinkedIn

Guest Resources Mentioned

Oilfield Water Connection

6th Annual Oilfield Water Markets Conference - Oilfield Water Connection

Texas Alliance of Energy Producers

Produced Water Society Inc

When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi by David Maraniss

The Shadow of War: A Novel of the Cuban Missile Crisis by Jeff Shaara

Britannica's Permian Basin

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles that scatter light. Do you know the word or phrase?

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.

"Document everything."

Spring startup season exposes more than operational stress. It also reveals what happened months earlier when systems were laid up poorly, maintenance steps were skipped, or warning signs were documented but not acted on. In this episode, Trace Blackmore connects that reality to a broader infrastructure problem: hidden damage inside pressure piping systems that operators often cannot see until a leak, rupture, or budget crisis forces action.

Why hidden pressure pipe problems are so expensive

Chris McDonald, CEO and President of CPM Pipelines, explains why pressure pipe inspection and rehabilitation deserve more attention from utilities and industrial facilities. His core point is practical: many owners are still making repair or replacement decisions without first getting a high-resolution look at the pipe's actual condition.

That creates two risks. First, teams may spend too late, after a failure creates public, operational, or safety consequences. Second, they may spend too much, replacing long stretches of pipe when only a targeted section actually needs rehabilitation. Chris argues that better inspection narrows uncertainty and helps owners avoid both extremes.

Inspection first, then the right rehabilitation scope

A major theme in the conversation is that CPM Pipelines works across both inspection and rehab, which changes how projects are evaluated. Chris notes that many inspection firms inspect, and many rehab firms rehabilitate, but few do both. That difference matters because the best answer is not always the biggest project.

He shares an example of a recent force main inspection that showed half the line was in bad condition and half was in very bad condition, yet the data still allowed the agency to target the rehab scope precisely. According to Chris, that approach saved a small utility of almost $10 million. He also explains why trenchless rehab can often reduce project schedules from months to weeks and save roughly 50% compared with traditional dig-and-replace work.

Leadership, documentation, and building the right team

The conversation also moves beyond pipelines into business leadership. Chris reflects on entrepreneurship, the value of solution-driven work over commodity selling, and the importance of documenting systems early if a company intends to scale.

He also emphasizes team alignment, core values, and recognizing quickly when someone is in the wrong seat. For owners and managers, that part of the episode is as useful as the technical discussion. The takeaway is clear: strong execution depends on both sound field data and disciplined internal systems.

Pressure pipe problems are often invisible until they become urgent. This conversation shows why better inspection, better decision timing, and better documentation can improve both infrastructure outcomes and business results.

Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

01:18 — A call to action for the Global 6K for Water on May 16, 2026

02:20 — Trace introduces the podcast, notes that spring startup season is underway and warns that cooling and irrigation systems laid up poorly can produce rusty water and decayed piping, often leading clients to blame the water treater.

05:23 — "Words of Water" game show, James McDonald

06:48 — Trace highlights upcoming events, encouraging listeners to use the Scaling UP! events page to plan their professional development

09:59 — Guest Chris McDonald shares his 25‑year journey through US Pipe, distribution and finally entrepreneurship; he credits his wife's support and explains how she joined the company without reporting directly to him

14:30 — Chris recalls that working in manufacturing and distribution taught him that value comes from solving problems rather than selling the same products as competitors, which prompted him to launch CPM Pipelines

16:16 — CPM Pipelines now focuses exclusively on pressure‑pipe inspection and rehabilitation. Chris describes how combining contracting and representation allows his team to inspect, assess and rehabilitate pipelines using high‑resolution inspection technologies and exclusive trenchless lining systems

18:44 — He argues that trenchless rehabilitation can cut costs by roughly 50 percent and reduce a six‑month dig‑and‑replace project to six weeks, noting that pressure‑pipe adoption has lagged due to access and bypass challenges but is beginning to change

21:14 — A recent force‑main inspection exemplifies their approach: high‑resolution data pinpointed a failing section, enabling targeted rehabilitation that saved a small utility nearly $10 million compared with wholesale replacement

22:40 — Chris and Trace discuss infrastructure sprawl and water billing; Chris observes that development patterns spread systems ever outward, straining budgets, yet people still balk at paying $20 for water while spending far more on cell phones

25:21 — CPM insists on inspecting pressure pipes before rehabilitation; Chris explains that many leaking pipes remain structurally sound and that sometimes replacing a short force main is cheaper than an inspection, whereas longer mains justify data‑driven decisions

32:08 — To find clients, the team monitors news for main failures, uses AI to scan meeting notes and leverages LinkedIn and ZoomInfo; Chris notes that industrial clients often have funds to act quickly while municipal agencies defer action until failures become public

34:49 — Many early pipe failures stem from random construction defects rather than gradual wear; detecting a dent hidden beneath coating may require high‑resolution tools because conventional models cannot predict these anomalies

40:49 — Chris emphasizes the importance of putting the right people in the right seats, recognizing bad fits quickly and hiring high‑level talent. CPM grows organically without borrowing money and values of alignment among employees, contractor partners and clients

Quotes

"If there's nobody else that sees value in what I do, whether or not I see value in it is irrelevant."

"You don't want to invest too early. You don't want to invest too late. And you don't want to invest too much, right?"

"Don't let any good conduit go unused, right?"

"You can't do this by yourself. It takes a team."

"Document everything."

"Always be a student."

Connect with Chris MacDonald

Phone: (760) 809-5391

Email: [email protected]

Website: CPM Pipelines

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-macdonald-95805b13/

CPM Pipelines LinkedIn

BulletLiner System LinkedIn

Guest Resources Mentioned

The Future is Faster Than You Think: Chris MacDonald Of CPM Pipelines On How Leaders Are Preparing for The Innovations, Disruptions, and Strategies That Will Define Tomorrow

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

Global 6k

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is an expression for calculating the solubility of a gas in a fluid based on temperature and partial pressure. Do you know the word or phrase?

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.

This episode is made possible through our valued partners at:

Biofilm is not a fringe issue in cooling systems. As Dr. Jeff Kramer explains, it is a given. That matters because biofilm affects heat transfer, contributes to corrosion, and can serve as a reservoir for Legionella in treated systems. In this conversation, Trace Blackmore and Dr. Kramer examine what experienced water treaters should be looking for when choosing and evaluating a microbiological control program.

Biofilm as an operating problem

Dr. Jeff defines biofilm as a community of microorganisms attached to a surface and held together by an external polymeric matrix. From there, the discussion moves quickly into why these matter in the field. He points to research showing that biofilms can be more insulating than mineral scale, then explains how microbial activity and patchy film formation can intensify corrosion risk. He also notes that Legionella can be harbored within biofilm, making clean-looking bulk water an incomplete picture of system condition.

Choosing the right biocide program

A strong oxidizing biocide foundation remains central, whether based on chlorine or bromine. However, Dr. Jeff makes a practical distinction that matters to service professionals: some non-oxidizing biocides kill biofilm organisms without removing the film, while others both kill and remove. He also explains why shock dosing often outperforms smaller, more frequent additions, and why biocide timing should be evaluated in the context of oxidizer compatibility, halogen demand, and actual system feedback rather than habit or opinion.

Surfactants, TTPC, and field realities

The conversation also covers how surfactants and quaternary compounds can disrupt microbial membranes and improve biocide penetration. Dr. Jeff shares lab and field insight on TTPC, including its strong performance in kill-and-removal testing and its known interference with PTSA fluorescence programs. The discussion closes with practical monitoring advice: inspect the basin, feel below the waterline, trend dip slides, watch approach temperatures, and pay attention to residence time when selecting products for different system volumes and turnover rates.

Better microbiological control is not about one product or one rule of thumb. It is about understanding the system, interpreting feedback, and matching chemistry to operating reality so performance can be maintained over time.

Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Quotes

"You need to understand; listen to the feedback you're getting from the system and then adjust your program appropriately. "

"Don't be afraid to ask for help because you don't know you don't know everything "

Connect with Dr Jeff Kramer

Phone: (404)-386-0518

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.radicalpolymers.com/

LinkedIn: Jeff Kramer | LinkedIn

Guest Resources Mentioned

CTI's New Biocide Options For Biofouling Control by Jeffrey Kramer

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

253 The One About Biofilms

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition refers to the exact chemical amount required for a reaction to proceed to completion with no excess of any reactant. It describes the quantitative relationships between reactants and products. Can you guess the word or phrase?

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.

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!

Connect with Shawn Powell

Phone: (530) 859-2787

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-powell-792020197/

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is a flexible, one‑way item installed on the feed end of a spiral‑wound reverse osmosis membrane element. Its job is to force all incoming feedwater to flow through the membrane feed channel rather than bypassing around the outside of the element. Can you guess the word or phrase?

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.

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 innovate."

"We love our members. We love our operators. We love our water treaters."

Guest Resources Mentioned

ABMA – BOILER EXPO 2026

ABMA – BOILER EXPO 2026

The Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE)

The ABMA Boiler Expo Registration

ABMA – Technical Papers

ABMA – Technical Resources

ABMA – Free Boiler Maintenance Schedule

AWT Technical Papers

ABMA Boiler Expo 2026 Pre Conference (Boiler Water Treatment Workshops)

ABMA - Boiler Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (BILT)

Women in the Boiler Industry (WIBI) Professional Community

ABMA – Ladies of Steam

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is a salt solution, generally sodium chloride, used during the regeneration process in ion exchange. 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.

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

Titanic Thompson: The Man Who Bet on Everything by Kevin Cook

A.J. Foyt - Volume 1: Survivor, Champion, Legend Hardcover by Art Garner

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

AWT – Become Certified

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Fearless Pricing by Casey Brown

410 Unleash Your Pricing Power: Casey Brown's 'Fearless Pricing' Revolutionizes Business Value

154 The One With AWT President, Tom Brandvold, CWT

426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change

127 The One With Tom Hutchison

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is a thin barrier that only permits passage of certain particulates or compounds to pass through but inhibits others. It is a semi-permeable skin of which the pass-through is determined by the size or special nature of the particles or compounds. 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.

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 really the perfect package, definitely for me and for people like me."

Connect with Jake Elliott, PhD

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://hydroflow.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hydro-flow/

Jake Elliott | LinkedIn

Guest Resources Mentioned

AS / NZS 3666 Air-Handling and Water Systems of Buildings - Western Australia

Legislation and guidelines for cooling towers and water systems - Government of Western Australia (Department of Health)

ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12080

Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Audible audiobook)

Dropbear (Paperback) by Evelyn Araluen (Author)

The Winner's Mindset Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Shane Watson (Author, Narrator)

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

AWT - Become Certified

Google Earth

Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is the curved upper surface of a liquid in a tube, such as a graduated cylinder. 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.

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

Words of Water with James McDonald

Today's definition is a quantitative chemical analysis method to find the unknown concentration of a substance by gradually adding a solution with a known concentration until the reaction is complete, often signaled by an indicator's color change. 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.