405 Cooling Water Innovation: Harnessing Wastewater for Sustainability
Release Date: 01/31/2025
424 Chlorine Dioxide Insights with Greg Simpson
Scaling UP! H2O
A Lifelong Exploration into Chlorine Dioxide In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, Trace Blackmore welcomes Greg D. Simpson, a recognized authority on chlorine dioxide and a long-time researcher, writer, and technologist in the industrial water treatment space. With decades of hands-on experience and a personal archive of thousands of technical papers, Greg brings unmatched depth to this essential conversation. From Field Trials to File Cabinets Greg takes us through his early career, from being tasked to explore chlorine dioxide as an alternative disinfectant on the...
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423 Pushing the Boundaries: Jacob Deak on Innovating Water Treatment Systems
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore interviews , Marketing & Inside Sales Director at , for a deep dive into how innovation is born—not in labs, but in the field. Jake shares the story of Pyxis Lab’s rapid evolution from a lean, hands-on team to an industry leader in developing smart, user-informed water treatment technology. Building Solutions from Real-World Problems Jake Deak's journey began during the pandemic, stepping into a role shaped by both legacy and urgency. Working closely with his father and the Pyxis team, he reveals how their approach...
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422 Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis
Scaling UP! H2O
In this milestone episode, host Trace Blackmore welcomes of and current President of the . Together, they explore the strategic evolution of AWT and announce an exciting new partnership that officially makes Scaling UP! H2O the association's podcast partner. This conversation is a rare behind-the-scenes look into how AWT operates, from board decisions to training initiatives, and what the future holds for water treatment professionals who want to lead, grow, and make an impact. Behind the Boardroom: How AWT Operates at the Top John Caloritis gives a full picture of how the...
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421 The Benefits of Tagged Polymers in Water Treatment with Gary Garcia
Scaling UP! H2O
“Keep it simple because the more complex things get, the less people will do it” - Gary Garcia For years, water treatment professionals have relied on PTSA tracers to estimate system performance, but emerging technologies are offering clearer, more direct answers. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcome once again returning guest Garret "Gary" S. Garcia of , now a business unit of to explore how fluorescent tagged polymers are revolutionizing the way water treaters monitor system health and chemical performance. With decades of expertise, Gary offers practical...
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420 Tapping Into Tech: How Ben Frieders Uses AI to Elevate Water Treatment Marketing
Scaling UP! H2O
"Continue to learn something new every day.” What happens when a Navy-trained water chemistry expert dives into AI-powered marketing? You get —Marketing and Business Development Manager at —who’s turning the tide on how water treatment professionals use tech. Whether you're still skeptical of AI or already exploring tools like ChatGPT, this episode offers a masterclass in practical, professional applications tailored for the water treatment world. From the Navy to Water Treatment: Ben’s Story Ben Frieders shares his journey from operating nuclear submarines to...
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419 Leading with Purpose: Culture, Customers, and Chemical Supply with Dave Fitzgerald
Scaling UP! H2O
In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore reconnects with returning guest , President of North Metal & Chemical Company. Known for his forward-thinking predictions, Dave returns to share valuable insights into supply chain forecasting, emotional intelligence in leadership, and how a strong culture can shape business longevity. Purpose-Driven Predictions Dave doesn’t just react—he predicts. Learn how he turns economic signals, freight trends, and material pricing into reliable forecasting tools to protect inventory and serve loyal customers. ...
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418 Maleic Acid-Based Corrosion Inhibitors: Expanding the Water Treatment Toolbox with Mike Standish
Scaling UP! H2O
Corrosion control is fundamental to the success of any water treatment program, but how often do we question the limitations of the tools we rely on? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes back returning guest , Vice President of Water Additives at , to explore the evolving role of maleic acid-based corrosion inhibitors in industrial water treatment. Drawing on decades of expertise, Mike shares practical insights into when — and when not — to use these innovative solutions to meet today's complex challenges. Understanding the Corrosion Control Toolbox Mike...
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417 How To Live a Life of Significance: Insights from Aaron Walker
Scaling UP! H2O
“ Don’t Just Be Successful – Be Significant” How do you define success? Is it about financial achievement, accolades, or influence? What if true fulfillment lies in significance rather than just success? In this episode of the Scaling Up H2O podcast, we welcome back a distinguished guest, . With over four decades of entrepreneurial experience, Aaron has not only built thriving businesses but has also dedicated his life to mentoring others, helping them navigate their paths with purpose. His belief that "Relationships Matter Most" is a guiding principle for those seeking deeper...
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416 The SteriPen Revisited: Scaling UP! Your UV Digestion Knowledge
Scaling UP! H2O
“Always test your tools before field use. Side-by-side comparisons ensure repeatability and accuracy.” In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host delivers an in-depth update on the SteriPen, a widely used tool for water treatment professionals. After overwhelming demand from listeners, we revisit the SteriPen, its capabilities, and its impact on testing organic phosphates and azoles. If you're looking for efficiency, precision, and portability in water testing, this episode is packed with actionable insights. The Evolution of the SteriPen Learn how the SteriPen became a game-changer...
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415 Green Building Updates: What You Need to Know
Scaling UP! H2O
“When there’s a will, there’s a way.” - Charlie Cichetti Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to a better future. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore sits down with , LEED Fellow + WELL AP, CEO + Co-Founder of a leading expert in green building to discuss the latest updates in sustainability and how they impact industries worldwide. From energy efficiency to new LEED requirements, Charlie breaks down what professionals need to know about the latest green building innovations. Whether you’re a facilities manager, an industrial...
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In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O podcast, host Trace Blackmore dives into a conversation with Juan Meneses, District Manager at Nalco Water, An Ecolab Company to explore a groundbreaking innovation in industrial water treatment. Discover how Juan and his team harnessed treated wastewater to transform cooling tower systems, achieving a remarkable $4 million reduction in operational costs while championing sustainability. This episode highlights the challenges, strategies, and ultimate success of using treated sewage effluent—a game-changer for industries navigating water scarcity and operational efficiency.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The Steps to Integrating Treated Wastewater into Cooling Tower Systems
Discover how Juan Meneses and his team approached the integration of treated sewage effluent into a refinery’s cooling tower system. Learn about the initial assessments of water quality, the detailed planning process, and the role of collaboration between industry experts and stakeholders in ensuring a seamless transition. From analyzing water chemistry to implementing treatment solutions, this episode walks you through every critical step.
How to Overcome Challenges Like Biofouling, Corrosion, and Scaling
Integrating wastewater into industrial systems is no easy task. Juan Meneses shares the real-world obstacles his team encountered, such as high organic content, ammonia levels, and variations in water quality. Hear about the innovative strategies they used to combat biofilm formation, prevent corrosion caused by harsh chemicals, and minimize scale buildup—all while maintaining system reliability and efficiency.
The Pivotal Role of Automation in Water Quality Management
Learn how advanced monitoring systems and real-time data collection were game changers in this project. Juan explains the importance of automated sensors in detecting water quality fluctuations, adjusting chemical dosages, and ensuring that all parameters remained within operational limits. This segment highlights how technology can simplify complex processes and prevent costly errors.
Real-World Examples of Achieving Sustainability Goals and Operational Excellence
This case study is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing both environmental and business challenges. Juan outlines how his team’s efforts not only reduced freshwater usage and wastewater discharge but also saved the refinery $4 million in operational costs. This section offers practical insights into balancing sustainability objectives with financial performance, showcasing what’s possible with a forward-thinking approach.
This episode demonstrates how innovative water reuse strategies can align cost savings, operational reliability, and environmental stewardship.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
05:07 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
09:23 - Interview with Juan Meneses, District Manager from NalCo Water
15:18 – About the case study: using treated wastewater in cooling towers
20:32 – Automation and Innovation in Water Treatment
33:05 – Lesson learned and reflections from the project
42:42 – Water You Know with James McDonald
Connect with Juan Meneses
Phone: 337.309.9619
Email: [email protected]
Website: Reinventing the Way Water is Managed | Nalco Water
LinkedIn: Juan A. Meneses | LinkedIn
Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
IWC (International Water Conference)
Freakonomics Radio Podcast
Today, Explained Podcast
CH 1979 Innovation Synergies Enable Reliable Wastewater Reuse in Cooling Towers At 4 million Lower TCO paper
Good Profit: How Creating Value for Others Built One Of The World’s Most Successful Company by Charles Koch
Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals by Sean Covey (Author), Chris McChesney (Author), Jim Huling (Author)
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
The Rising Tide Mastermind
The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months
164 The One With Chris McChesney
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What do you call sections in a water system with low or no flow due to system design and/or operation?
2025 Events for Water Professionals
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
