438 Innovative Water Treatment Chemistry with Matheus Paschoalino
Scaling UP! H2O
Can a carbon-negative, bio-based molecule replace legacy phosphonates and help you use less azole—without sacrificing corrosion performance? In this episode, host , welcomes Senior Business Development Manager and Microbial Control SME of , to unpack polyhydroxycarboxylic acids (PHCs) and how they’re changing cooling-water programs from the field up. We cover HEDP replacement in light-duty systems, azole enhancement in copper-challenged waters, a second-generation cut for heavy-duty heat flux, and PHC behavior with oxidizers and non-oxidizer biocides. From Bioforge to Basin:...
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437 Redefining HR: The Key to Talent & Culture in Water Treatment
Scaling UP! H2O
What if HR wasn’t the department you dreaded — but the partner that helped your team thrive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , HR Director at , to explore how human resources can be a strategic driver of talent, culture, and profitability in the water treatment industry. Redefining HR’s Role Tia shares her journey into water treatment and how she built HOH’s HR department from the ground up. Instead of treating HR as a compliance function, she reframed it as a leadership partner—focused on employee connections, transparent...
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436 Raising the Bar: Legionella Management & Industry Standards
Scaling UP! H2O
With those words, Jemma Tennant highlights one of the most profound differences between Legionella management in Europe and the United States. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , Chair of the Water Management Society (WMSoc), to explore how legislation, enforcement, and professional training shape the fight against Legionella. Proactive Regulation and Duty of Care The UK treats Legionella as a foreseeable and preventable risk. Jemma explains how laws like the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH Regulations require mandatory Legionella risk...
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435 Optimizing Legionella Control Strategies with Dr. Vincenzo Romano Spica
Scaling UP! H2O
Legionella remains one of the most complex challenges for water professionals worldwide. How do we balance effective monitoring with realistic costs—and which strategies deliver true public health impact? In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes Head Public Health University of Rome "Foro Italico to explore new insights from his comparative research on Legionella control. Reframing Legionella Risk Dr. Spica explains why public health data increasingly points to Legionella pneumophila—not all Legionella species—as the primary concern for human health. He shares how...
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434 Encore Interview with Patsy Root
Scaling UP! H2O
“Rules written in a panic rarely stand the test of time.” In this encore episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , Senior Manager of Government Affairs at IDEXX Water and active member of the AWT Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Patsy brings global data, case studies, and clear recommendations for smarter Legionella regulation — and why a targeted focus on Legionella pneumophila can save both lives and resources. From Outbreaks to Proactive Policies Patsy unpacks a central truth: most regulations emerge reactively, often after a high-profile outbreak. Drawing on...
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433 Legionella Investigations and LIDO Technology
Scaling UP! H2O
What if preventing Legionella outbreaks wasn’t about adding more chemicals, but removing what the bacteria needs to survive? In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore talks with Dr. David Krause, Certified Industrial Hygienist, toxicologist, and founder of HC3, about his groundbreaking approach — LIDO (Legionella Inhibition by Deoxygenation). Legionella on the Rise Dr. Krause has investigated high-profile Legionella outbreaks and seen firsthand how current prevention strategies often fall short. Despite ASHRAE 188 standards, CMS requirements, and increasing water...
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432 Water Management Plans: Evolving Standards and Best Practices with Matt Freije
Scaling UP! H2O
"Just because you have a water management plan doesn’t mean it’s working." That’s the hard truth Matt Freije, founder and CEO of HC Info, delivers in this episode of Scaling UP! H2O. As the architect behind LAMPS — a leading cloud-based platform for water management programs — Matt joins Trace Blackmore to explore the critical evolution of water safety, compliance standards, and real-world implementation challenges facing facilities in 2025. Beyond the Binder: Water Management Plans That Actually Work In an era of heightened awareness and shifting regulations,...
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431 Legionella Awareness Month Kickoff!
Scaling UP! H2O
Are You Ready to Talk About Legionella? Every August, we dedicate an entire month to a topic that touches public health, liability, and the core of what water treaters do — yet it’s still misunderstood by many: Legionella. In this episode, Trace Blackmore kicks off Legionella Awareness Month by returning to the basics. Where did Legionella get its name? What makes it dangerous? And why is there still confusion between a water treatment program and a water management plan? Tracing It Back: History, Misconceptions, and Missed Conversations Trace opens with the 1976...
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430 PFAS Regulations and Technologies with Brian Liotta
Scaling UP! H2O
“The winning combination will include not just removal—but real destruction of PFAS.” - Brian Liotta PFAS: The Invisible Challenge Reshaping Water Treatment PFAS chemicals are everywhere—from consumer products to our bloodstream. But as regulations tighten, water treatment professionals must now evolve faster than ever. In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore speaks with , Director of Marketing and Product Development at , about the shifting regulatory landscape and the advanced technologies being developed to monitor, remove, and destroy PFAS compounds. ...
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429 The Life and Career of Jim Lukanich
Scaling UP! H2O
“You can’t learn it all in one year. You can’t even learn it all in ten.” That single statement from Jim Lukanich captures the spirit of this unforgettable episode. Returning to the for the first time since Episode 10, joins host to reflect on a remarkable 44-year career in the water treatment industry. From his early days at U.S. Steel to leading technical innovation at Buckman Laboratories, ChemCal, U.S. Water, and Kurita, Jim has been a force for mentorship, learning, and raising the bar in technical excellence. Building a Career, One Problem at a Time Jim...
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"Be the iron fist that keeps your water flowing clean and clear." - Trace Blackmore
Welcome back to another insightful Pinks & Blues episode of Scaling UP! H2O! In this episode, host Trace Blackmore dives into the fascinating world of iron in water treatment systems. While iron is essential for life, it can be a major problem in industrial water systems, leading to corrosion, equipment damage, and inefficiencies. This episode unpacks the science behind iron, testing methods, and practical strategies for managing its impact.
Understanding the Iron Triangle
To effectively manage iron in water systems, it’s important to understand its different forms. Trace explains the Iron Triangle, breaking down the differences between elemental iron (Fe), ferrous iron (Fe2+), and ferric iron (Fe3+). He discusses how iron moves through water systems and why recognizing these distinctions is critical for water treatment professionals.
How to Test for Iron Accurately
Proper testing is key to managing iron levels. Trace details the phenanthroline method, a common technique used to measure iron concentrations in water. He provides best practices for accurate testing, discusses common interferences like molybdates and nitrites, and explains how to adjust testing methods to ensure reliable results.
Corrosion and Iron’s Impact on System Longevity
Iron is a major contributor to corrosion in water systems, and Trace explains why steel corrodes so easily. He covers the role of corrosion inhibitors and the importance of filtration systems in preventing excessive iron buildup. By managing iron effectively, professionals can protect equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and improve system efficiency.
Math in Action: Calculating Total Iron in a System
For those who love applying real-world math, Trace walks through the process of calculating total iron in pounds within a system. He explains how this calculation can help justify maintenance decisions and provide a compelling reason for clients to invest in proper water treatment solutions.
Takeaways: Why Iron Management Matters
This episode is packed with valuable insights for water professionals looking to improve their approach to iron management. From understanding the science behind iron to implementing better testing and corrosion prevention strategies, this discussion is designed to help you stay ahead in your field.
Have a water treatment question? Want to hear a topic covered in a future Pinks & Blues episode? Submit your ideas at ScalingUpH2O.com/showideas —your input helps shape future episodes! And remember, iron might be essential for our bodies, but in water systems, it’s a force to be reckoned with. Mastering iron control is key to maintaining system efficiency and preventing costly damage. Be the iron fist that keeps your water flowing clean and clear!
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
03:20 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
06:44– Water You Know with James McDonald
09:35 – Trace talks about Iron Historical Figure
15:28 – Iron that’s in Water Systems
17:39 – Understanding Corrosion & How It Impacts Your System
18:24 – The Iron Triangle
19:58 – The Phenanthroline Method
Quotes
“Steel is the most recycled material on this planet.”
“If you’re treating your tests like a task, you’re missing the magic of this industry.”
“Iron might be essential for our bodies, but it can be a real troublemaker when it's dissolved in the water in our systems, so don't let iron catch you off guard.”
Connect with Scaling UP! H2O
Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea
LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/
YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O
Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
How its Made Steel by How it’s Made Show
400 Celebrating 2024 and 400 Episodes!
399 Pinks and Blues: The Science of Serial Dilution
397 Pinks and Blues: How to look at your tests
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What is a plastic or rubber device that seals the outside of a reverse osmosis membrane against the inside wall of the pressure vessel to prevent feedwater from bypassing around the membrane element?
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.
