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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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outline"Scaling is like debt—it’s always better to prevent it than to clean it up later."
Phosphate plays a crucial role in Industrial Water Treatment, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood chemicals. In this Pinks and Blues episode, Trace Blackmore revisits phosphate chemistry and its application in cooling systems, corrosion prevention, and scale inhibition.
Breaking Down Phosphate Chemistry
Phosphate exists in different forms, each with specific applications in water treatment.
- Orthophosphate (PO4³⁻): The simplest and most reactive form, used for corrosion inhibition.
- Polyphosphate: A longer chain of phosphate molecules that can hydrolyze into orthophosphate.
- Organic Phosphates: Phosphate compounds bonded with organic molecules, often used in scale inhibition.
- Total Phosphate: A combination of all phosphate types in a system.
Phosphate Testing – What Every Water Pro Should Know
Phosphate levels must be carefully monitored to maintain system integrity. Trace explains:
- Why the orthophosphate test is the most reliable for phosphate analysis.
- How to convert different phosphate forms to orthophosphate for testing.
- The difference between the Molybdate Vanadate Method (yellow test) and the Ascorbic Acid Method (blue test).
- The importance of accurate dilution and testing procedures to prevent measurement errors.
Challenges and Considerations in Phosphate Treatment
- Biological Growth: Phosphate serves as a nutrient, promoting microbial growth if not controlled properly.
- Environmental Regulations: Certain facilities may have phosphate discharge limits.
- Calcium Phosphate Scaling: High temperatures and improper phosphate dosages can cause severe scaling issues.
Best Practices for Phosphate Management
- Monitor carbon and alkalinity levels to determine the best phosphate formulation.
- Use stability indices (e.g., Ryzner Stability Index, Langelier Saturation Index) to predict scale formation.
- Adjust treatment strategies based on pH levels and system conditions to avoid unintended scale buildup.
- Always verify environmental discharge limits when using phosphate-based treatments.
Mastering phosphate chemistry and testing techniques ensures better system performance, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This episode empowers water professionals to optimize their approach to phosphate-based treatments. Tune in to learn practical strategies for optimizing phosphate levels, preventing scale, and ensuring system efficiency.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
03:16 – Trace Blackmore shares the importance of Quarterly Planning for Business and Personal Goals
06:30 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
08:20 – Water You Know with James McDonald
12:03 – Introduction to Phosphate and Its Role in Water Treatment
18:31 – Understanding Phosphate Forms: Orthophosphate, Polyphosphate, Organic Phosphate
21:32 – Phosphate as a Corrosion & Scale Inhibitor in Cooling Systems
34:33 – Testing Phosphate: Why the Orthophosphate Test is Key
51:37 – The Importance of Understanding Water Chemistry Before Selecting Treatment Plans
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
Ep 046 The One About Phosphate Testing
Ep 024 The One With All the Questions
Taylor Technologies Test Procedures: Phosphonate, Azole
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What is the process called to evaluate the performance and efficiency of a water softener by taking regeneration water samples, measuring their salinity, and interpreting their results?
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.
