💡 Where does the water treatment industry stand today? In this episode, we break down the WQA Manufacturer Confidence Report — revealing key trends, surprising insights, and the biggest challenge every manufacturer must prepare for. The latest survey reflects cautious optimism among water treatment manufacturers. We discuss what it really means, how capital expenditure trends reveal a strong push toward innovation and efficiency, and what may be the single greatest challenge facing manufacturers today. 👉 Be sure to follow along for more insights at the upcoming Mid-Year Leadership Conference, where fresh data and perspectives will be shared. Learn more at https://wqa.org/mylc.

#408 - Cautious Optimism: Inside the WQA Manufacturer Confidence Report

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Learn more about WQA at https://wqa.org. In this episode of the WQA Podcast, we’re talking contract law made simple with Mike Sennett, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at WQA. You’ll learn why it’s critical to understand pricing and payment terms, how contract length and renewal clauses can impact your bottom line, and why a clear return policy can prevent the biggest headaches. Practical advice every dealer can use.” Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. Learn more about becoming a WQA Member at https://wqa.org/membership.

#407 - Contract Law 101: What Every Dealer Needs to Know

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Learn more at https://wqa.org. WQA is the leading voice of the residential, commercial and industrial water treatment industry. In this episode, we’ll explore key takeaways from ACE25, the annual conference and expo of the American Water Works Association. Joining us are WQA CEO Pauli Undesser and Technical Affairs Director Eric Yeggy. We’ll discuss the latest on PFAS regulations, lead line replacements, and the powerful momentum behind the Water 2050 initiative. In addition, we'll discuss how WQA continues to build deeper collaboration with AWWA and why point-of-use and point-of-entry solutions are more relevant than ever to municipal treatment operators.. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. Join WQA today. Reach out to membership@wqa.org.

#406 - Partnering with Public Water Systems

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. WQA is the leading voice of the residential, commercial and industrial water treatment industry. Find us at https://wqa.org. 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. In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of business insights with the WQA Business Operations Report. This powerful tool is transforming how water quality dealers understand and enhance their business performance. We’ll talk with Ryan Shanahan from Sharpwater Culligan and WQA’s Bryanna Poczatek, who manages the program. Compare your business with others for things like revenue and expenses, operations and sales as well as employee beneifts. Whether you're a seasoned dealer or new to the industry, this episode is packed with valuable information. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip. You can watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/pWoEVenOyRs

#405 - Benchmark and Grow Your Water Treatment Business

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Learn more about WQA at https://wqa.org. In this episode, we talk with Jill Gasienica, WQA's External Affairs Coordinator, about the WQA Mentorship Program. We’’ hear about the program's evolution, structure, and the benefits it offers to both mentees and mentors. We also highlight the importance of networking, personal and professional development, and the reciprocal learning environment fostered by the program. Jill shares insights on how participants can get involved and the outcomes they can expect from their experience in the program. Plus, we’ll have our WQA Tip: The PFAS Portal. Learn about joining WQA at https://wqa.org/membership

WQA Podcast - Mentorship Program

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

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.