Scaling UP! H2O scalinguph2o.com

Visualization helps water professionals better understand equipment, processes, and problem-solving techniques
Often, as water professionals, we breeze past the intricate inner workings of the equipment we handle, missing out on valuable insights that could enhance our understanding and effectiveness.
But what if we took a moment to visualize what's happening inside that cooling tower? Through the simple act of visualization, we can unlock a whole new perspective on the systems we work with, gaining profound insights into their operation.
Step into the fascinating world of industrial water treatment with host Trace Blackmore and special lab partner, James McDonald as they embark on a remarkable journey through the heart of a cooling tower. Shrinking down into water molecules, they vividly visualize the processes at play, offering a captivating glimpse into the complex world of water treatment.
James McDonald, Director of Technology & Marketing at Chem-Aqua, founder of Industrial Water Week, and weekly contributor to the Scaling UP! H2O podcast, shares his profound insights into the importance of creativity and visualization in engineering. By harnessing these tools, water professionals can deepen their understanding, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and foster better communication within the industry.
Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how visualization techniques can revolutionize your approach to industrial water treatment. Let's unlock the full potential of our creativity and imagination, together shaping a brighter future for water professionals everywhere.
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore shares fun facts about the IRS during this tax return season
05:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
13:30 - Interview with James McDonald, CWT, about the importance of visualizing systems
33:09 - Shrinking down and going inside a cooling tower
01:06:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
01:08:00 - The power of visualization 
 
Quotes
“I like doing visual exercises because it teaches me the gaps in my knowledge so I can learn about those ideas.” - James McDonald
"It serves as an excellent learning tool, offering a dynamic approach to problem-solving by providing a visual representation of the situation." - James McDonald
 
Connect with Scaling UP! H2O
Email Producer: corrine@blackmore-enterprises.com
Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea
LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/
YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O
 
Connect with James McDonald
Website: www.chemaqua.com 
Industrial Water Week: www.industrialwaterscience.com
Read James’ Industrial Water Week Jokes and Comics at www.industrialwaterscience.com/fun
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-mcdonald-pe
www.linkedin.com/company/chem-aqua 
Read or Download James McDonald’s Press Release HERE
 
Links Mentioned
How Cooling Towers Operate
Water Softener Regeneration Process
Understanding Cycles of Concentration
Global 6K for water 
Episode 21 The One with James McDonald
Episode 49 The One with James McDonald, Again
Episode 113 Pinks and Blues (with James McDonald)
Episode 290 The One About Making Time For What Matters Most (with James McDonald)
Episode 291 The One About Nitrite (with James McDonald)
Episode 31 The One with Mark Lewis
Episode 34 The Other One With Mark Lewis, CWT
Episode 112 The One Where Trace Is Interviewed By Mark Lewis
Industrial Water Week Resources
Water Cake Recipe 
Episode 161 Trace shared a story about the koi fish in the cooling tower
Sharknado Series
Die Hard Series
Criminal Minds
The Rising Tide Mastermind
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
 
Drop By Drop with James 
Today we’re thinking about safety.  Working around steam, hot water, high pressures, moving parts, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, pathogenic organisms, extreme environments, deep water, and even people, there are hundreds of ways we could get hurt or worse every single day.  Of c

Did you know that integrating safety practices into your organization's culture can lead to significant improvements in employee engagement and overall performance?
Step into the world of safety excellence alongside two industry leaders, Michael Highum and Reid Hutchison, in this enriching episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast. As seasoned experts in their respective fields, Michael and Reid bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of safety practices in the water treatment industry.
With over two decades of experience in insurance, Michael Highum is no stranger to the intricacies of risk management. As a partner at McGowan Insurance Group, he has played a pivotal role in providing businesses with tailored insurance solutions and strategic risk management advice. His insights into the importance of leading by example and fostering a culture of safety within organizations are invaluable.
Reid Hutchison, the COO of HOH Water Technology, Inc., carries on a proud family legacy in the water treatment sector. With a lineage that spans three generations, Reid brings a deep understanding of the industry's nuances and challenges. His emphasis on proactive safety measures, team engagement, and the integration of safety practices into organizational culture resonates throughout the episode.
In this educational and uplifting discussion, Michael and Reid share practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and actionable strategies for enhancing safety practices in water treatment facilities. From the significance of starting small and being proactive to the crucial role of continual improvement, listeners will gain valuable insights into building a robust safety culture that safeguards businesses and empowers teams.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the industry, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you scale up your safety game. Join Michael Highum and Reid Hutchison on this enlightening journey towards safety excellence and discover how you can create a safer, more resilient future for your organization.
Tune in now to Scaling UP! H2O Podcast and embark on your path to safety success with insights from two industry expert guides!
 
Timestamps
00:01 - Trace Blackmore shares what it means to be a CWT and where to find FREE Industrial Water Week and Legionella Resources
04:00-  Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
08:00 - Introducing returning guests Michael Highum and Reid Hutchison 
14:40 -  Interview with Michael Highum and Reid Hutchison on the Water Treater’s Blindspot, Safety
59:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
 
Quotes
“Safety isn’t compliance, an afterthought, or a box you check, you need to find ways to make it relevant to the team to get the attention and engagement it deserves.” - Reid Hutchison   
“If you're excited about growing your business, begin to put some thought into how you're going to grow the culture around safety in your company. As you grow and scale whatever vulnerabilities, weaknesses, or issues grow as well.” - Reid Hutchison   
“Talk about the WHY - it’s about truly developing a team where you care about each other. Employees watch leadership and when they see leaders take initiative on wanting to protect the team, it shows what the leadership cares about - safety. Safely for each and every person and ensuring they go home safely as possible.” - Michael Highum
“Safety. It takes time and effort, but you’ve got to start somewhere. The need is not going away. There's no better time than today to start the safety process. It’s not just employee safety, it's customer site issues, employee injury, vehicles - it's up to leadership to enable and empower people.” - Michael Highum
“Lead by example. No matter where you are in the organization, you are responsible and accountable to each other.”

How does a high school dropout go on to earn a Ph.D. from the University Of Iowa and become the host of one of Apple Podcast’s Top 15 shows on Management? Dr. Andrew Temte's mission is to Teach, Coach, Mentor, and Inspire, and today, the Scaling UP! H2O podcast is honored to feature him.
In this transformative interview, Andrew discusses the foundational elements of building company culture, emphasizing that it starts with leadership. He shares valuable insights on why companies should prioritize defining their purpose before diving into marketing strategies. Additionally, Andrew explores the concept of leadership as stewardship and offers guidance on identifying core values while ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Discover the Value of People in Business: Emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering employees, the conversation delves into how people are the most valuable asset in any organization. The need for leaders to embrace diversity of thought and opinion to create a culture where every voice is valued is highlighted.
Explore Leadership Mindset: The transition from directive to non-directive leadership styles is discussed, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and respected.
Embrace a Stewardship Mindset: Advocating for adopting a stewardship mindset as a leader, the discussion focuses on the long-term success of both the business and its people, rather than personal power or ego.
Learn about Compassionate Leadership: The concept of compassionate leadership is explored, which involves empathizing with employees and taking proactive steps to address their needs and concerns.
Key Takeaway: Discover the importance of purpose and adopting a stewardship mindset, especially in cross-generational leadership, as highlighted in this insightful conversation.
Everyone knows what it’s like to work for a horrible boss, but what could your life look like if you had a great boss - one who viewed you as the greatest asset in the company, ensured everyone's voice was heard, and lived out the company values in their daily lives. A leader with empathy is what every team wants.
If you're eager to enhance your leadership skills and empower yourself and your team in the water industry, join us to uncover essential insights on making your team flourish, regardless of the challenges you may face.
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore welcomes you to the second quarter of 2024, a good time to review your goals and make a plan for the next quarter 
07:00 - The Hang is coming up April 11, 2024 and Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
12:30 - Interview with Dr. Andrew Temte 
48:00 - Lightning round questions
59:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
 
Quotes
“Values and behaviors go together like peanut butter and jelly. Values are the nouns that you are creating for the overall structure of what you want your business to be. Behaviors are the verbs, they are the actions, they are the ‘how’ we should show up each day in the business. Don’t shy away from that work, engage in that work, and pay it the attention that it's due.” - Dr. Andrew Temte 
“Far too many leaders leave the business world and take all of their accumulated knowledge with them; maybe it gets disseminated to a small group of folks, maybe they do a little teaching and coaching on the side. I wanted to do something much bigger than that. I wanted to reach a much larger potential audience.” - Dr. Andrew Temte 
“Go to the Gemba - where the work happens and how teams interact. Listen to the people who interact with your customers. Set your ego aside and go to where the work happens, and listen to where the work is going on.” - Dr. Andrew Temte 
“As a leader, you need to create clarity. Clarity for everybody involved: your customers, your vendors, your people, your investors, your stakeholders.” - Dr. Andrew Temte 
“As a compassi

Collaborate strategically, embrace AI innovations, and champion data access, and scale up your knowledge to conquer industry challenges. - Dragan Savić FREng
On this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, we're diving into the future of water management with our distinguished guest, Dragan Savić FREng, the CEO of and Professor of Hydroinformatics at the  KWR Water Research Institute. With over 30 years of experience in numerical optimization and AI tools, Dragan Savić has been a driving force in reshaping the water sector. As an engineer and the leader of KWR, he's at the forefront of collaborative efforts, bringing together computer scientists, water technologists, and PhD students to tackle real-world water challenges.
 
What you’ll learn:
Collaborative Mastery:
In this episode, learn the first secret of successful water professionals – collaboration. Dragan Savić shares how collaborating with diverse experts, including computer scientists and environmentalists, can unleash your collaborative superpower. Be the hero who bridges gaps and solves water industry challenges through the strength of working on challenging problems together.
AI Innovations:
Explore how numerical optimization and AI tools like evolutionary computing and genetic algorithms can be your allies in designing resilient water systems for the future. As a Professor of Hydroinformatics, Dragan unveils his in-depth knowledge of AI tools, including numerical optimization, evolutionary computing, and genetic algorithms. Learn how these technologies have been harnessed to solve real-world challenges, offering practical insights for professionals navigating the complexities of water infrastructure.
Championing Data Access:
Having access to all the data, not part of it, leads to better decisions. It’s time to advance data democratization, and remove data silos that so frequently exist within water utilities. Gain insights into the digital transformation of data, empowering professionals to access and utilize information efficiently. The future of water is data platforms to house all the data to make things better and avoid duplication which decreases costs and gives everyone involved with the water the  ability to analyze and utilize the data.
 
Tune in to Scaling UP! H2O and embark on a transformative adventure with Dragan Savić. Remember, water heroes collaborate strategically, embrace AI innovations, and champion data access and scale up your knowledge to conquer industry challenges.
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore invites you to submit a show idea
03:45 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
14:30 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald
19:00 - Interview with Dragan Savić FREng
 
Quotes
“Data needs to be accessible and understandable to everyone in the same company. With data platforms to host, the data you avoid duplication, doing the same work or collecting the same data, so you get cost efficiency and also the ability to analyze and utilize more of that data.” - Dragan Savić
“The water industry is conscious about cyber security. Water engineers are looking at what could go wrong.” - Dragan Savić
“We have to work with younger generations because those are the ones that will grow through the ranks and become the next experts, professors, or people who are implementing the new scheme.” Dragan Savić
 
Connect with Dragan Savić
Email: directiesecretariaatkwr@kwrwater.nl
Website: www.kwrwater.nl/en/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dragansavic/
www.linkedin.com/company/kwr-water-research-institute/

Read or Download Dragan Savić FREng’s Press Release HERE
 
Links Mentioned
KWI’s “Stop It” program
Gwinnett County Georgia, The Environmental and Heritage Center 
NAP Visitorcentre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Rising Tide Mastermind
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
 
Drop By Drop with James 
In this week’s

“Why is the water weirdly blue? Why does it smell bad? Why does it taste bad? The culprit is frequently Backflow.” - Kalpna Solanki
Delve into the mysteries behind strange-tinted water, unpleasant odors, and off-putting tastes – all signs pointing to an all too common culprit: Backflow. Uncover the shocking narrative of over 50,000 residents enduring weeks without water due to industrial chemicals infiltrating their drinking supply in Ontario, Canada. Join Kalpna Solanki, President and CEO of the Environmental Operators Certification Program, on a mission to safeguard our drinking water.
In this episode, Kalpna Solanki delves into the concealed dangers of Backflow, the inadvertent reverse flow of harmful substances into water systems. Through gripping case studies, she paints a vivid picture of the potential consequences of backflow incidents, emphasizing the critical need for proactive prevention measures. Kalpna shares insights on emergency response teams, navigating legislative challenges, and the ongoing commitment to professional development in ensuring water safety.
Immerse yourself in the latest Scaling UP! H2O episode, where Kalpna Solanki, as a water quality advocate, exposes the unseen threat jeopardizing our drinking water – Backflow. As the dynamic leader of the Environmental Operators Certification Program, Kalpna narrates real stories from the front lines of water treatment, underscoring the paramount importance of backflow prevention.
 
Episode Highlights:
Backflow Unveiled:
Kalpna guides listeners through the unexpected dangers of Backflow, shedding light on instances where the safety of our water supply teeters on the brink. Explore the indispensable role of Backflow prevention devices and the unsung heroes, Environmental Operators, dedicated to ensuring these guardians of clean water fulfill their duty.
Importance of Emergency Response Teams:
Kalpna discusses the need for emergency response teams to address issues related to extreme weather events and climate change. Highlighting the importance of contingency plans and teams in industrial water treatment facilities, she provides insights on working with legislators to formulate a plan before disaster strikes.
In the Trenches: Real Backflow Incidents:
Listeners will be captivated by narratives of actual Backflow incidents, where the absence of prevention measures led to contamination crises – stories that underscore the urgency of our collective responsibility.
A Path Forward:
Kalpna and her team have developed resources to help water professionals learn about Backflow, partner with local legislation to improve public drinking water, and enhance safety through education, maintenance, and laws.
Kalpna's passion for water quality and preventing water disasters is contagious, and these stories resonate with the heart of every water professional and concerned citizen. Join the episode to become part of the solution, unveiling the hidden threats to our most precious resource. Tune in now to Scaling UP! H2O and stand as a defender of clean water!
 
Timestamps
01:00-  Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
09:00- Interview with Kalpna Solanki
46:10 - Lightning Round Questions
56:00 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
 
Quotes
“This industry is recession-proof. There will always be a need for environmental operators. It's a career with lots of opportunities. You can work anywhere because everyone needs people to take care of drinking water and wastewater management.” - Kalpna Solanki
“Knowledge is never wasted.” - Kalpna Solanki
“You are putting the public’s health at risk when you don’t have the proper systems in place.” - Kalpna Solanki
“I would love people to find out about Backflow, what exactly it is, why it's important, and why lawmakers should be paying more attention to this so that we don't have these incidents of people accidentally, literally, being poisoned via their drinking water b

“Don’t shortcut boiler safety. Do it once, do it right, and don’t put your life or someone else's life at risk.” - Barry Higgins
Happy days are here again! Dive deeper into the realm of steam boilers with Part 2 of our exclusive interview with the brilliant Barry Higgins from AquaChem. If you enjoyed last Friday's episode, get ready for an even more profound exploration into the intricacies of boiler management.
In this episode, Barry takes us on a journey through advanced topics crucial for every water treater and industry enthusiast. Discover the significance of pH management, from its intricate relation to alkalinity to the cautionary notes on caustic demand above pH 11. Barry emphasizes the importance of precise pH meter calibration, advocating for separate probes in high pH ranges and the use of single-use cells for calibration.
Explore the nuances of the blowdown system as Barry stresses the effectiveness of short, pulsating blowdowns for optimal sludge removal. Uncover the distinctions between bottom and top blowdowns and the potential pitfalls of leaving the blowdown open for extended periods. Safety measures take center stage as Barry shares a personal account, highlighting the critical importance of regular checks on low and high-level probes, weekly boiler checks, and alarm tests.
Water level monitoring becomes a fascinating topic, discussing variations due to steam density, the significance of steady levels, and the importance of checking sight glasses for signs of corrosion. Barry wraps it up with insights into boiler water sampling, offering guidance on ideal sampling locations and considerations when a sample cooler is unavailable.
Join host Trace Blackmore as he continues his conversation with Barry Higgins, unraveling advanced boiler checks and sharing invaluable wisdom. Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode that elevates your expertise in industrial water treatment. Happy days, indeed!
 
Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore reminds you to share your water resources with others
03:40 -  Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
08:30 - Interview with Barry Higgins, Boilers Part 2
34:30 - Lightning round questions
40:00 - Closing thoughts with Trace
48:15 - Drop by Drop With James McDonald 
 
Quotes
“Do it once, do it right, and don’t put your life or someone else's life at risk.
It’s not worth your life. Don’t shortcut boiler safety. Get the steam properly in one hour, not two minutes.” - Barry Higgins
“You have to check all your levels and check all your probes and make sure all these alarms are working.” - Barry Higgins

“Jump in, you’ll love working with water. If you like to solve problems this is a job for life. You will never have two days that are exactly the same.” - Barry Higgins
“I'm a water treater, I'm not a Magician.” - Barry Higgins 
“Advice for water treaters on day one: Be bold. Make hard decisions that come your way, don't be scared of them. It’s gonna be a roller coaster. It's gonna be up. It's gonna be down, but just go with the flow and learn. If you get a knock get back up again and and learn learn from why you failed and just keep going” - Barry Higgins 
 
Connect with Barry Higgins
Phone: +353 87 987 8606
Email: bhiggins@aquachem.ie
Website: www.aquachem.ie 
LinkedIn: in/barry-higgins-bagrsc-59030225
company/aquachem-dac
Read or Download Barry Higgins’ Press Release HERE
 
Links Mentioned
Ep 340 Alkalinity and pH
Ep 281 The One About The Power of Kindness with Kathleen Edelman
Ep 117 The One With Temperament Expert, Kathleen Edelman
Ep 179 Another One that Teaches Us to Communicate Better with Others
Robert Boyle, Boyle’s Law
The Rising Tide Mastermind
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
 
Books Mentioned
Drive by Daniel Pink
Traction by Gino Wickman
I Said This, You Heard That by Kathleen Edelman
I Said This, You Heard That, Workbook by Kathleen Edelman

I Said This, You He