Libsyn Directory

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

Release Date: 04/18/2025

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...

428 Innovations in Water Treatment with Dr. Jasbir Gill

Scaling UP! H2O

What happens when a nuclear chemist pivots into industrial water treatment? In this episode, host Trace Blackmore is joined by , President at Water Energy Solutions Inc, whose career spans five decades of breakthrough innovations in water chemistry and sustainability. From developing predictive modeling systems to creating new polymer standards, Dr. Gill shares how scientific rigor and practical experience came together to shape tools still used today. “We were not just saving water—we were calculating the true cost of energy and environmental impact.” From Nuclear Chemistry to...

427 July 4th! Entrepreneurship, Water Wells, and the Spirit of Liberty

Scaling UP! H2O

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” - Patrick Henry Honoring Innovation, Freedom, and Small Business on the 4th of July In this special Independence Day episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore brings you a rich blend of patriotism, professional insight, and entrepreneurial spirit. Opening with reflections on July 4th traditions—from fireworks to parades—Trace sets the stage for a compelling conversation with Jack Clark, Owner and Founder of 180 Water. As the water industry faces growing demand and generational turnover, Jack offers a bold solution: a replicable...

426 Sustaining Success: Tom Hutchison on Leading Through Generational Change

Scaling UP! H2O

In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back , Chairman of the Board, , to reflect on what it really takes to step out of day-to-day leadership—and do it well. As a multi-decade leader in water treatment, Tom shares the personal, professional, and organizational insights that shaped his transition from CEO to chairman and what it means to lead a business into its next generation. From early succession conversations to the unspoken anxieties of staff, Hutch offers a rare look behind the curtain of legacy-building in industrial water treatment. And as private equity plays a growing...

425 Smart Technology in Water Treatment with Kevin Kuhne

Scaling UP! H2O

“You don't have to transition your entire business. You just need to start. Small beginnings are okay.” Revolutionizing Water Treatment Through Smart Tech In this episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore welcomes , Founder and President of , for a deep-dive conversation on the emerging role of smart technology and artificial intelligence in water treatment. With decades of experience leading tech-driven innovation, Kevin unpacks how intelligent systems, edge computing, and real-time data processing are reshaping operations in the field—from cooling towers to...

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...

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...

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...

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