{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"485 Questions from the Nation Around the World with Trace Blackmore, CWT","description":" Ten questions from water professionals around the world become a practical decision-making session with Trace Blackmore, CWT. Drawing on earlier Scaling UP! H2O conversations, Trace explains how to evaluate treatment changes, use emerging tools responsibly, begin water reuse projects, strengthen teams, and continue growing professionally.    Evaluate the Entire System  A proposed treatment change should be evaluated by more than its purchase price. When comparing chlorine dioxide with traditional chlorine, Trace recommends examining biocide consumption, chemical storage, corrosion rates, biofilm control, heat-transfer efficiency, cleaning requirements, downtime, labor, equipment life, and Legionella risk. A documented pilot on one tower can provide evidence before a facility commits to a larger investment.  Water reuse decisions require the same discipline. Before introducing treated wastewater or cooling tower blowdown into another application, characterize the water, calculate current and projected costs, identify regulatory requirements, and determine compatibility with the existing treatment program. Starting with a blended approach or limited pilot can help a team test feasibility while managing operational risk.    Use New Tools Without Surrendering Professional Judgment  For technicians exploring AI, Trace recommends beginning with approved, nonrestricted data. Service reports and controller data can help an AI platform organize information, identify subtle trends, prepare meeting summaries, and improve the wording of recommendations.  However, AI output still requires verification. Company data policies must come first, and technical recommendations should be reviewed against field experience, trusted references, and knowledgeable mentors.  Product changes also demand controlled testing. When evaluating maleic acid-based corrosion inhibitors, Trace recommends laboratory compatibility testing, careful review of the order of addition, temperature and shelf-stability checks, and a low-risk field pilot. Corrosion coupons, system cleanliness, dosing performance, and historical results can then be compared before expanding the program.    Strengthen Teams, Goals, and Professional Growth  The listener questions also address turnover, accountability, education, and industry involvement. Trace explains how behavioral assessment can support job fit and team communication, while weekly accountability, visible goals, time blocking, and lead-measure tracking can make a 12-week plan more achievable.  He also reflects on how his MBA and DBA studies have influenced his strategic thinking, data-based decisions, leadership, and approach to scalable systems. The discussion closes with the value of continuing education, professional certification, trade association membership, committee participation, and relationships that provide support when difficult field problems arise.  These answers offer practical starting points for making better technical, operational, and professional decisions\u2014while knowing what evidence to gather before recommending change.  Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!     Timestamps 02:30 \u2014 Trace introduces ten questions submitted by Scaling UP! Nation members around the world, connecting earlier episodes to current field decisions. 04:40 \u2014 Upcoming industry events highlight opportunities for water professionals to plan ahead, network, and continue learning. 06:10 \u2014 August\u2019s focus on Legionella and waterborne pathogens prepares listeners for a month of specialized technical education. 07:00 \u2014 Industrial Water Week returns October 5\u20139 with daily episodes and new Detective H2O segments. 07:40 \u2014 Trace explains how to build a business case for chlorine dioxide by tracking operating costs, system performance, and total ownership value. 14:30 \u2014 A beginner\u2019s roadmap for AI shows technicians how to analyze trends while respecting company data policies and verifying results. 23:30 \u2014 Water quality, current costs, regulations, treatment compatibility, and stakeholder involvement frame an initial cooling tower reuse assessment. 29:30 \u2014 Laboratory testing, order of addition, stability checks, and field pilots reduce risk when evaluating maleic acid-based corrosion inhibitors. 34:10 \u2014 Trace connects Culture Index with turnover reduction, better hiring decisions, improved communication, and stronger job fit. 40:20 \u2014 Weekly accountability, visible goals, calendar blocks, and lead measures help route-based professionals execute a 12-week plan. 45:30 \u2014 Characterization, regulatory review, plant tolerance, and a limited pilot provide a practical path for reusing cooling tower blowdown. 49:00 \u2014 Episodes 441\u2013445, discussion guides, transcripts, and team-led conversations can support structured technical training. 52:40 \u2014 Trace reflects on how his MBA and DBA studies influence systems thinking, leadership, scalability, and data-based decisions. 58:20 \u2014 AWT membership, CWT certification, committee participation, training, and professional relationships offer value to water treaters worldwide. Quotes  \u201cAnd then I would look at the total cost of owning this equipment, not just the cost of buying the equipment.\u201d \u201cAI can be incorrect. So, if it tells you something, the bottom line I want to tell you is fact check to verify.\u201d \u201cAnd the last thing that comes to mind is maybe you start off with a pilot instead of the entire program. And maybe you start out with a blended approach instead of an all or nothing approach.\u201d \u201cYou'll be amazed at how having somebody that is interested and holding you accountable will make you make better decisions when you need to make decisions.\u201d \u201cAnd also, I'm hoping that it creates a model where I just didn't stop learning at my CWT.\u201d   Connect with Scaling UP! H2O Submit a show idea: Submit a Show Idea  LinkedIn: in\/traceblackmore\/  YouTube: @ScalingUpH2O    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  12 Week Year  AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea Ep 405 - Cooling Water Innovation: Harnessing Wastewater for Sustainability Ep 418 - Maleic Acid-Based Corrosion Inhibitors: Expanding the Water Treatment Toolbox with Mike Standish Ep 420 - Tapping Into Tech: How Ben Frieders Uses AI to Elevate Water Treatment Marketing Ep 422 - Inside the Association of Water Technologies with John Caloritis Ep 424 - Chlorine Dioxide Insights with Greg Simpson Ep 441 - Industrial Water Week 2025: Pretreatment Monday Ep 442 - Industrial Water Week 2025: Boiler Tuesday Ep 443 - Industrial Water Week 2025: Cooling Wednesday Ep 444 - Industrial Water Week 2025: Wastewater Thursday Ep 445 - Industrial Water Week 2025: Careers Friday Ep 446 - Leveraging the Culture Index for Business Success with Danielle Scimeca and Conor Parrish Ep 447 - Unlocking Team Potential with Culture Index with Randi Fargen Ep 456 - The 12 Days of Scaling UP! H2O 2025 Ep 457 - 2026: A New Year with New Intentions Ep 459 - From Wastewater to Resource: Water Reuse with Dr. Veronika Zhiteneva Ep 474 - Questions from the Scaling UP! Nation about Trace 2026 Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we\u2019ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.    This episode made possible through our valued partners at:    ","author_name":"Scaling UP! H2O","author_url":"http:\/\/scalinguph2o.com","html":"