The WQA Podcast

What happens when consumers and members contact the Water Quality Association looking for answers about their drinking water, treatment systems or product certification?

In this episode of the WQA Podcast, host Wes Bleed welcomes Jillian Gasienica, WQA's Public Engagement and Communications Specialist, for a behind-the-scenes look at the questions coming into WQA and how the association helps connect people with trusted resources.

Jill discusses common consumer misconceptions about WQA's role, the importance of the Gold Seal Product Certification Program, and how WQA's online directories help consumers locate member companies, certified professionals and certified products.

She also explains how recurring inquiries contribute to WQA's Current Curiosities Report, providing insights into the water quality issues attracting public attention.

For WQA members, the conversation illustrates how the association's consumer engagement efforts can help connect potential customers with qualified water treatment professionals.

Resources:

WQA website: https://www.wqa.org

WQA membership: https://www.wqa.org/membership

Contact WQA: [email protected] | 630-505-0160

Water treatment manufacturers see opportunities for growth, but labor shortages, cost pressures and economic uncertainty are tempering their outlook.

In this episode of the Water Quality Association Podcast, Sean Caughron, Sam Karge and Bob Maisner join host Wes Bleed to discuss the Q3 2026 WQA Manufacturer Confidence Report. They explore what’s supporting demand for point-of-use and point-of-entry products, why hiring challenges affect both manufacturers and dealers, and how companies are using capital investment and AI to improve their operations.

As members prepare their 2027 budgets, the guests offer a practical approach: use the report as an industry benchmark alongside your own business results, plan for growth, and maintain flexibility.

Listen to the conversation, then download the full report from https://wqa.org and look for Resources and Reports.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org. WQA President Greg Reyneke joins Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Susan Keaton for a midyear conversation about the association’s direction. Greg explains how WQA is reorganizing its volunteer sections around work with consumers, businesses, and government, and why he believes the change will help members share expertise and respond to issues more quickly.

They also discuss the connection between state and regional associations and WQA’s national work, Greg’s visits with members across the country, and what attendees can look forward to at the 2027 WQA Convention in Phoenix.

Join WQA at https://wqa.org/membership

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org.

Dr. Tanya Lubner, WQA’s Director of Professional Certification and Training, joins host Wes Bleed to discuss the education and professional-development opportunities available to water treatment professionals through WQA.

They explore WQA’s interactive instructor-led courses, topic-specific training, self-study options, webinars and certification programs. Lubner also explains why experienced professionals still benefit from structured training—and how certification can help reduce costly mistakes, strengthen customer confidence and give technicians greater confidence in the field.

Learn more about joining WQA at https://wqa.org/membership.

A water test may name the contaminant, but it does not always reveal the form in which that contaminant exists—and that distinction can affect both measurement and treatment.

In this episode of the Water Quality Association Podcast, Dr. Joshua Mertz, director of research and development at LaMotte Company, explains the hidden chemistry of lead, iron and manganese. Selected excerpts from a recent WQA webinar explore why detecting lead is only the beginning of the treatment question, and what the Flint water crisis demonstrates about changes in water chemistry.

Learn more about the Water Quality Association at

https://www.wqa.org.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org.

Ethics in the water treatment industry involves more than following rules. It is reflected in how professionals test water, explain results, recommend treatment and respond when something goes wrong.

Candice Wentling, MWS and director of Certified Action, joins the WQA Podcast to discuss the four A’s of professionalism. She explains the ethical gray areas that can arise in customer conversations, the difference between education and fear-based selling and how company leaders can create standards that hold up under pressure.

Learn more about the WQA Code of Ethics at http://wqa.org.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org. What does a Consumer Confidence Report really tell you about your community’s drinking water?

Chemical engineer, longtime water treatment consultant and WQA Hall of Fame educator Peter Cartwright, MWS, explains what these reports contain, how they relate to federal drinking water standards and why they may not answer every question a consumer has about water quality.

Peter also discusses regulated and emerging contaminants, including PFAS, and explains why water treatment dealers should understand the reports issued in the communities they serve. That knowledge can help professionals answer customer questions, provide useful context and build credibility without using fear as a sales tactic.

Learn more about WQA education and professional certification opportunities at https://wqa.org/education.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org.

Private well customers have different needs than homeowners served by municipal water systems—and that creates a significant opportunity for water treatment professionals.

In this episode, longtime Water Quality Association member, Lifetime Membership Award recipient, and WQA instructor Paul Friot (Master Water Specialist, Certified Installer, Certified Water Treatment Representative and Certified Service Technician) shares practical guidance on private well systems, water testing, inspections, maintenance, and treatment selection. He explains why well water requires a different technical approach, discusses common homeowner misconceptions, and offers advice for dealers looking to expand into this specialized market.

The conversation also explores ongoing service opportunities, the importance of proper training, and why becoming a trusted advisor—not simply an equipment supplier—can lead to stronger customer relationships and long-term business growth.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Learn more at https://wqa.org.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate—but what does that actually look like inside a water treatment company?

In this episode, host Wes Bleed talks with Mike Baird, CEO of Aquamor, about how his company is using AI agents to reduce friction, improve consistency, and support employees across multiple departments.

Topics include:

• What Mike means by "assisted intelligence"

• How AI agents differ from simply using ChatGPT

• Using AI to support customer service, operations, and reporting

• The role of SOPs in successful AI implementation

• Lessons learned from real-world AI deployment

• Potential applications for water treatment dealers and manufacturers

• Measuring ROI and organizational impact

• How business leaders can stay current in a rapidly changing AI landscape

Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or already experimenting with it in your business, this conversation offers practical insights from a water industry leader actively putting these tools to work.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org.

Kindness in business is often viewed as a “soft skill,” but longtime water treatment leader Doug Ramer argues it may be one of the strongest competitive advantages a company can have.

In this episode of The Water Quality Association Podcast, Doug joins host Wes Bleed to discuss how intentional, people-first service can strengthen customer trust, improve company culture, and help businesses stand out in an increasingly transactional world. Doug spoke on this topic at the recent WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach, FL.

The conversation explores:

The difference between politeness and true kindness

Why relationships still matter in customer service

How kindness impacts employee retention

Balancing efficiency with meaningful customer interaction

Building a culture that customers can actually feel

Doug also shares practical stories from decades in the water treatment industry and explains why empowering employees to care for people creates lasting impact.