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.

Building Skills and Confidence Through WQA Education

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.

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

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.

#431 - Building Trust for Your Water Treatment Business

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.

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

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.

#429 - Unlocking the Well Water Opportunity

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.

#428 - Using AI for Your Water Treatment Business

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.

#427 - The Impact of Kindness on Your Business

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.

#426 - Service, Innovation and Impact | 2026 WQA Convention Keynote Highlights

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

More than water - A Conversation with WQA's New President

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

#424 - What to Know Before You Go to the WQA Convention & Expo

Wes Bleed (@wesbleed) · Zencastr

Wes Bleed (@wesbleed)

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.