Libsyn Directory

416 The SteriPen Revisited: Scaling UP! Your UV Digestion Knowledge

Release Date: 04/18/2025

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:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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. ...

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...

More Episodes

“Always test your tools before field use. Side-by-side comparisons ensure repeatability and accuracy.”

In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore 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 in the industrial water treatment industry. Originally designed for hikers, it’s now widely adopted for phosphate digestion and azole testing.

SteriPen Classic 3 vs. SteriPen Ultra: Which One Is Right for You?
Trace compares the Classic 3 and Ultra models, discussing their battery life, efficiency, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Get clarity on which device suits your testing needs best.

Testing Efficiency: Reducing Time While Maintaining Accuracy
Find out how the SteriPen reduces testing time by half while maintaining accuracy, making it a must-have tool for water professionals.

Best Practices for SteriPen Use
From choosing the right vials and batteries to ensuring consistent testing results, this segment walks you through practical applications and expert recommendations.

The Future of Water Testing
How innovations like the SteriPen and other portable UV tools are reshaping the way industrial water treatment professionals conduct daily testing.

With water testing advancements, efficiency is key. Whether you're new to SteriPen or looking to upgrade, this episode provides valuable insights to optimize your water testing process.

Water professionals deserve better tools. Upgrade your phosphate and azole testing with the right SteriPen for maximum efficiency and accuracy.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

02:28 – Trace Blackmore shares a recap of Episode 414

06:47 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

16:15 – Water You Know with James McDonald

20:45 – Deep dive into SteriPen device: it’s history and application

33:29 – Comparison between SteriPen Classic 3 and SteriPen Ultra

36:00 – Testing Procedures for organic and phosphate and azole tests

38:02 – Charging and battery life for both SteriPen models

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