Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Learn more about WQA at https://wqa.org. In this episode, we feature a follow up to a presentation about innovation at the 2025 WQA Convention & Expo in Long Beach California. You’ll hear from Rory Sherman with WQA Member Company Clean Water Guys, high schooler Jaxton Gillette and WQA External Affairs Coordinator Jill Gasienica, who helped us bring this story to you. You’ll hear about the need for a new Quick Release Tool for water treatment professionals, how Rory developed a connection with Jaxton’s mother at a WQA Convention and ultimately how Rory and Jaxton co-designed the new Quick Release Tool. It's a great story!

#403 - Innovation in Action

Welcome to the WQA Podcast. Learn more at https://wqa.org. In this episode, we hear from Morton Salt's Senior Chemist Matt Mutehart, who walks us through the science of salt and water softening. Matt discusses what happens when salt “mushes” or “bridges” in a softener tank, what are the signs of potential trouble with a softener, and what changes there might be for salt in the coming years. This episode is sponsored by Corro-Protec powered anode rods for water heaters. With a 20-year warranty, Corro-Protec eliminates sulfur smell in hot water within 24 hours and prevents tank corrosion without any maintenance. A must-have for homes with softened water. Enjoy hassle-free hot water with Corro-Protec! Visit https://corroprotec.com/wqa/ to learn more. See this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U8--5wSUipw

#402 - Salt Smart: Engineering Better Water Quality

The latest episode of the WQA Podcast features a comprehensive update on government affairs with Paige O’Malley, WQA's Government Affairs Manager. O’Malley outlines WQA’s current advocacy priorities, ranging from the federal Healthy H2O Act to major regulatory developments at the state level, including licensing, water quality initiatives, and proposed water softener restrictions. She also recaps the recent WQA Congressional Fly-in in Washington, D.C. which saw strong bipartisan interest in water quality issues.

#401 - Top Federal & State Issues Affecting Water Industry

In this episode of the WQA Podcast, we present remarks from Lifetime Member Award recipient Bob Boerner and Hall of Fame award honoree DJ Shannahan. Both men were honored at the 2025 WQA Convention & Expo in Long Beach California. You’ll hear Bob and DJ introduced by WQA 2024-25 President Judd Larned along with a brief introductory video about their journey and career in the water treatment industry. Hear how Bob’s family legacy played a pivotal role in the water treatment industry and why DJ stressed mentorship during his time as WQA’s president. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. Learn more about WQA at https://wqa.org.

#400 - WQA Hall of Fame and Lifetime Member Awards

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Learn more at https://wqa.org. In this episode, WQA’s Associate Marketing & Communications Director Susan Keaton sits down with newly installed WQA President Mike Mitchell, director of Advanced Technology Home and Health Care at Helen of Troy. You’ll hear how Mike first got involved with WQA following the Flint, Michigan, water crisis, what makes him unique among past WQA Presidents, and what he feels is the single most important factor of WQA as it continues its pursuit of quality water in the year ahead. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. This episode is sponsored by Corro-Protec powered anode rods for water heaters. With a 20-year warranty, Corro-Protec eliminates sulfur smell in hot water within 24 hours and prevents tank corrosion without any maintenance. A must-have for homes with softened water. Enjoy hassle-free hot water with Corro-Protec! Visit corroprotec.com/wqa/ to learn more.

#399 - 2025-2026 WQA President Mike Mitchell

Welcome to the Water Quality Association podcast, promoting the betterment of Water Quality around the world. Find us at https://wqa.org. In this episode, our guest is WQA’s Susan Keaton. Hold on for an informative conversation about the important information attendees need to know and utilize to make the most of the Convention, including how to use the all-important WQA App, what’s new at this year’s event, important dates and times you’ll want to keep in mind, and why you need to register BEFORE you get to Long Beach. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. Learn more and register for the convention at https://wqa.org/convention.

#398 - Know Before You Go to the WQA Convention

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. In this episode we get an in-depth look at how to treat Iron in drinking water. Our guest is Richard Mest with AO Smith. Richard will be presenting at two education sessions about Iron Contamination Insights at the WQA Convention & Expo in Long Beach California April 22-24, 2025. We’ll talk about the variables when treating iron in water, why there is no one-size-fits-all solution and we’ll preview the two sessions at the Convention. We’ll ask Richard about long term water solutions and what concerns him the most when it comes to the water treatment industry. Learn more about the Convention and register at https://wqa.org/convention.

#397 - How to Treat Iron in Water

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. In this episode, we’ll talk about the Hydropitch Challenge at the upcoming 2025 WQA Convention & Expo, with WQAs Vice President for Innovation and Technology Jonathan Adams and Karen Frost, Vice President for Economic Development & Innovation at The Water Council. We’ll discuss the purpose of the Challenge, how the participants were selected, what will take place during the live event on stage at the WQA Convention, and what attendees can take away from this educational and inspiring event. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. Learn more about the WQA Convention at https://wqa.org/convention.

#396 - Hydropitch Challenge offers new Water Innovation

In this podcast we’ll talk about Education sessions at the WQA Convention & Expo with Dr. Tanya Lubner, WQA’s Professional Certification & Training Director, and Certified Water Specialist Jennifer Smith with Resintech Inc. We’ll discuss the many educational offerings available for attendees, including technical and business sessions. We’ll talk about which track or level to choose, and we'll have tips for maximizing your learning experience. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. Learn more about the Convention at https://wqa.org/convention.

#396 - WQA Convention Education

This episode provides an in-depth overview of the upcoming WQA convention in 2025, highlighting the new venue in Long Beach, California, and the innovative changes being implemented. Angie Silberhorn, WQA's events director, discusses the value of the convention for all levels of professionals in the water treatment industry, the vibrant new branding, and the educational content focused on innovation. The conversation also covers schedule changes, including multiple general sessions, a dealer deep dive, and a unique hydro pitch competition. Attendees are encouraged to register early for the best rates and to secure their accommodations. Learn more about convention and register at https://wqa.org/convention.

#394 - 2025 Convention Preview

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.