The WQA Podcast

Hosted by Water Quality Association

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454

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Nov 2026

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About the show

The Water Quality Association is the leading voice of the water treatment industry. wqa.org. WQA Radio features experts and members of WQA who can comment on issues affecting water quality.

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60 recent

November 4, 202619 min

#437 - In Their Own Words: The Value of Being a WQA Member

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org. In this episode, eight WQA members share their unscripted perspectives on the benefits of belonging to the association. From professional certification and technical resources to government affairs, networking, and lasting friendships, they explain how WQA has helped them strengthen their businesses, serve their customers, and contribute to the water treatment industry. You'll hear from longtime members and newer volunteers about the unexpected benefits of getting involved, the value of having trusted colleagues to call on, and why participation can make all the difference. Featured members: Mike Herman, MWS, Culligan Ultra Pure and Consolidated Water Mike Urbans, MWS, Urbans Aqua Steve Hamilton, Franklin Water Treatment Tony Schindler, Aquatek Water Conditioning Dave Nelson, Nelson Corporation Jeffrey Gottlieb, ResinTech Jeff Knedler, Hempy Water Michael Heatwole, MWS, A. O. Smith North American Water Treatment Become at member at https://wqa.org/memberhip

October 21, 202618 min

#436 - What Consumers and Members are Asking WQA

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: WQA@wqa.org | 630-505-0160

October 7, 202626 min

#435 - Water Treatment Manufacturers - Cautious Optimism

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.

September 23, 202619 min

#434 A New Way for WQA Members to Work Together

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

September 9, 202625 min

#433 Building Skills and Confidence Through WQA Education

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.

August 26, 202610 min

#432 - What’s Really in the Water? Unmasking Hidden Chemistry

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.

August 12, 202627 min

#431 - Building Trust for Your Water Treatment Business

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.

July 29, 202623 min

#430 - Using Your Local Water Quality Report to Serve Your Customers

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.

July 8, 202615 min

#429 - Unlocking the Well Water Opportunity

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.

June 17, 202630 min

#428 - Using AI for Your Water Treatment Business

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.