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 Brianna 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.

#421 - Tracking the Water Treatment Industry's Growth Through 2027

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.

#420 - WQA  State Gov Affairs

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.

WQA's Government Affairs Federal 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.

#418 - Legacy & Leadership -- A Career in Water

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.

#417 - WQA's New Strategic Affairs Officer

Welcome to the Water Quality Association podcast. Eric Yeggy, MWS, WQA’s Technical Affairs Director, joins the podcast for one of our most popular annual episodes: top contaminant concerns and technical priorities for the year ahead. Eric begins with a recap of WQA technical affairs work in advocacy and education, standards engagement, and member-facing research tools. He explains why overlapping or poorly validated standards create confusion for regulators and inspectors, can drive duplicate testing, and may increase costs that ultimately reach end users. He then reviews last year’s contaminant predictions—lead and PFAS remaining in the spotlight, ongoing arsenic concerns, and growing attention on disinfection byproducts, including new research into unregulated compounds. Looking ahead to 2026, Eric addresses the question many members are asking: whether EPA will drop proposed drinking water regulation for PFOA and PFOS, and why he believes that is unlikely. He also highlights key issues to watch in Lead and Copper Rule implementation (including how “disturbance” is interpreted) and flags lithium as an emerging topic worth monitoring. The episode closes with actionable steps for members: education programs, technical support requests, webinars, and WQA Convention (April, Miami Beach -- https://wqa.org/convention).

#416 - Contaminant Predictions for 2026

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast, the podcast from WQA, the leading voice of the water treatment industry. Find us at https://wqa.org. In this episode of the WQA Podcast, we rewind the tape and look back at some of the highlights from 2025. We’ll hear thoughts and reflections from the Mid-Year Leadership Conference, the Consumer Insights report, the Manufacturers Survey, WQA CEO Pauli Undesser’s TedX Folsom speech, we’ll hear about the science of salt and water treatment, innovation involving a high school student, and water treatment for agriculture. Happy Holidays from WQA! Interested in becoming a member? Learn more at https://wqa.org/membership.

WQA Podcast - Rewind 2025

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org. Education and professional certification take center stage in this episode, as host Wes Bleed welcomes Dr. Tanya Lubner, WQA’s Director of Professional Certification and Training, and Membership Director Danny Lysouvakon. They discuss why education is one of the most valuable benefits of WQA membership, how instructor-led classes are giving even seasoned professionals new insights, and why certification is so closely tied to credibility and confidence in front of customers. The conversation also previews a major new member benefit coming in Q1 of 2026: complimentary access for all WQA members to a menu of online courses, available on demand and eligible for CPD credit. You’ll hear examples of specific course topics, how they help both new and experienced professionals, and how education fits into WQA’s broader mission of connections, credibility, and continuous growth. Learn more at wqa.org/education and wqa.org/membership.

#414 - Education, Confidence and Credibility

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. https://wqa.org. What did 2025 mean for water-quality policy, and what’s next in Washington during an election year? Our guest is Ted Mondloch, Vice President at Current Strategies, WQA’s lobbying and public-affairs partner in D.C. Ted recaps a year marked by shifting regulatory priorities, the bipartisan progress of the Healthy H2O Act, and renewed optimism for advancing water-infrastructure initiatives. 👉 Topics include: PFAS and lead-service-line rules under the new EPA Why the Healthy H2O Act is gaining traction in Congress How election-year dynamics shape what still gets done Practical ways WQA members can make their voices heard 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and learn how advocacy today shapes the future of quality water for all.

#413 - Inside Washington: 2025 Water Policy Recap

In this episode of the WQA Podcast, host Wes Bleed talks with Mike Heatwole, MWS, Regional Sales Manager for the Mid-Atlantic with Water-Right/A. O. Smith Corporation and a past recipient of WQA’s Regents Award. Mike shares how water treatment systems serve the agriculture industry and the unique challenges farmers face in maintaining water quality. Plus, don’t miss our WQA Tip of the Week.

#412 - Water Treatment for Agriculture

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.