The WQA Podcast

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

In this podcast, we feature highlights from the keynote session at the 2026 Water Quality Association Convention in Miami Beach.

This special montage honors leadership, volunteerism, innovation, and the professionals helping shape the future of water quality. Featured segments include award recognitions, reflections on industry impact, and messages focused on service, expertise, and the importance of industry involvement.

Learn more about WQA's Convention at https://wqa.org/convention.

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

In this episode, WQA President Greg Reyneke joins Susan Keaton to discuss leadership, innovation, and the future of water quality. Recorded on the expo floor at the WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach, this episode captures the energy of the convention and the direction of the industry.

Topics include:

Reyneke’s journey from engineering to global water consulting

The importance of education and the WQA Code of Ethics

AI as “assistive intelligence” in water treatment

Opportunities in small systems and emerging technologies

WQA’s 2026 priorities: credibility, relevance, and influence

Learn more about becoming a WQA Member at https://wqa.org/grow/membership/

Corro-Protec, powered anode rods for water heaters trusted by water treatment professionals and WQA members across North America, and the only WQA Gold Seal-tested and -certified anode rods to NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for SKUs 96386, 96387, and 96388, brings you today’s episode.

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Corro-Protec presented a technical session at the WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach on how water softeners and anodes can affect water heater performance, including sulfur smell in hot water, corrosion, and warranty implications.

If you missed it, or if you’d like a colleague to watch it, you can schedule a replay on the Corro-Protec website: https://www.corroprotec.com/wqa-expo-2026-miami-beach/?utm_source=wqa-podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WQA-podcast-2026-05&utm_term=WQA&utm_content=episode-notes

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

The WQA Convention & Expo (Miami Beach - April 28-30, 2026) is the premier gathering for water treatment professionals—and preparation is key to making the most of it.

In this episode, WQA Events Director Angie Silberhorn shares practical insights to help attendees plan ahead, navigate the schedule, and maximize their experience in Miami Beach.

In this episode:

Why in-person interaction still matters—and what you can’t replicate online

How to plan your schedule for maximum ROI

What’s new this year, including expanded general sessions and roundtable discussions

How to use the Convention app to schedule meetings and map your Expo strategy

Tips for first-time attendees

Key “don’t miss” moments, including general sessions, Expo hours, and networking events

Key takeaway: The most successful attendees don’t just show up—they prepare in advance.

🔗 Learn more and plan your experience:

https://wqa.org/convention

This episode is brought to you by Corro-Protec, powered anode rods for water heaters trusted by water treatment professionals and WQA members across North America.

As Corro-Protec celebrates 20 years in the industry, they'll be presenting a must-attend technical session at next week's WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach: "The Effects of Water Softeners on Water Heater Performance: Managing Odor, Corrosion & Warranty Implications in Low to High TDS Environments" As Corro-Protec celebrates 20 years in the industry, they'll be presenting a must-attend technical session at next week's WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach: "The Effects of Water Softeners on Water Heater Performance: Managing Odor, Corrosion & Warranty Implications in Low to High TDS Environments." https://www.corroprotec.com/wqa-expo-2026-miami-beach/?utm_source=wqa-podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=WQA-podcast-2026-04&utm_term=WQA&utm_content=episode-notes

Day 2: April 29, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

What should you expect from the education program at this year’s WQA Convention?

In this episode of the Water Quality Association Podcast, Tanya Lubner and John McCartan of the Water Quality Association walk through the key sessions and learning opportunities available to attendees.

Topics include artificial intelligence, business strategy, technical training, roundtable discussions, and practical tips for building your schedule and earning continuing education credits.

If you're planning to attend, this conversation will help you make the most of your time. Learn more at http://wqa.org/convention.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association podcast. Https://wqa.org.

Small community water systems represent a major opportunity in water treatment—yet many professionals don’t realize they’re already part of it.

In this episode, DJ Shannahan, MWS, joins Wes Bleed to explain how systems serving schools, campgrounds, and mobile home parks create pathways for recurring revenue, long-term service contracts, and expanded business relationships.

The conversation covers licensing, real-world business examples, and the role of WQA in providing education, certification, and industry insight.

Also included: a preview of the upcoming WQA Convention in Miami Beach, where small system opportunities will be a key focus. https://wqa.org/convention.

Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/43Si0-GfCGs

How does the water treatment industry move with the broader economy—and what does that mean for planning ahead?

In this episode, Wes Bleed is joined by Bryanna Poczatek of the Water Quality Association and Keith Johnson of Ecowater Systems to discuss the WQA Cross-Correlation Report. They explain how industry data is correlated with external economic indicators, what the post-pandemic data reveals, and how members can use these insights to anticipate future trends. The discussion also covers 2026–2027 growth projections and how WQA members can access and apply the report.

The WQA Convention & Expo is coming up April 28-30, 2026 in Miami Beach. Learn more and register at https://wqa.org/convention.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast.

WQA Government Affairs Manager Paige O’Malley joins host Wes Bleed to discuss state-level legislative trends impacting the water treatment industry. Topics include private well legislation, school drinking water initiatives, PFAS mitigation, water softener regulation, and coalition advocacy efforts across more than 300 tracked state bills in 2025. Learn how WQA’s state engagement supports members and complements federal advocacy work.

Join us in Miami Beach for the WQA Convention & Expo April 28-30, 2026. Learn more at https://wqa.org/convention.

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

Caroline Kenney, WQA's Government Affairs Manager, and Ted Mondloch of Current Strategies join the podcast to discuss federal policy developments impacting the water treatment industry. Topics include the Healthy H2O Act, PFAS regulations, the Lead and Copper Rule, FIFRA reform efforts, and the importance of WQA’s advocacy work in Washington. This is Part One of WQA’s ongoing review of its Government Affairs Annual Report.

As he retires from his role as Chief Operating Officer of the Water Quality Association, Tom Bruursema reflects on more than 40 years in the water treatment industry.

In this conversation, Tom discusses:

How the industry has matured and gained credibility

The shift from “water softening” to health-focused treatment solutions

The role of science, standards, and collaboration in building trust

Leadership lessons learned through mentoring and industry service

Opportunities ahead for the next generation of water professionals

A thoughtful, forward-looking discussion with one of the industry’s most respected leaders.

Plan to attend the WQA Convention & Expo in Miami Beach April 28-30, 2026. Learn more at https://wqa.org/convention.

On The Water Quality Association Podcast, we’re joined by Richard Mest, who has stepped into a newly created role as WQA’s Strategic Affairs Officer.

Richard is no stranger to the association or the industry. He’s served WQA as President, Board member, volunteer, and advocate, and his leadership spans decades of involvement at both the association and manufacturer levels, including his time with A. O. Smith. He’s also been deeply involved in government affairs, helping establish WQA’s presence in Washington, D.C., and has led nationally through roles like president of the Water Systems Council.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about why he wanted to step into this new strategic role, what members can expect, including mentorship, how the association is positioned in today’s regulatory environment, and what success looks like in this new role.