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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org. In this episode of the WQA Podcast, host Wes Bleed sits down with Greg Reyneke, Vice President of WQA and Managing Director at Red Fox Advisors, to discuss the newly released 2025 Consumer Insights Report. Discover how consumer attitudes about tap water, contaminants, and water treatment systems are evolving — and what it means for the water treatment industry moving forward. 🔹 58% of households worry about tap water safety 🔹 91% of current users plan to keep using water treatment systems 🔹 Water treatment ownership up 35% since 2021 📊 Download the full report: https://insights.wqa.org Become a member to get the member version of the report by going to https://wqa.org/membership.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. https://wqa.org. In this episode of the WQA Podcast, we’ll hear from WQA and WQRF CEO Pauli Undesser as she describes her experience as a TEDx Folsom speaker. We'll dive into her topic of “smart water” vs. “dumb water,” and why she believes collaboration across the entire water industry is more important than ever. We also talk about what’s next for WQA following the WQA Mid-Year Leadership Conference. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get the world thinking differently about the water we drink, this episode is for you. Pauli's full TedX Folsom presentation can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNNgP8pET0Q Learn more about joining WQA at https://wqa.org/membership.

Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. https://wqa.org. In this episode, we’ll hear from WQA President Mike Mitchell at the recent WQA Mid-Year Leadership Conference. WQA’s Associate Director of Marketing & Communications handles the interview. Mike shares insights from the Mid-Year Leadership Conference and reflects on the first half of his presidency. A key theme of his term is influence—building trust, listening first, and creating meaningful connections to shape conversations across the water treatment industry. From connecting with regional associations like the Texas and Eastern WQAs, to meeting directly with lawmakers in Washington, Mike highlights the importance of grassroots engagement and national advocacy. 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. Learn more about becoming a WQA member at https://wqa.org/membership.

💡 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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 Engineering 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 https://corroprotec.com/wqa/ to learn more.

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.

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.