The Water Quality Association is the leading voice of the water treatment industry. wqa.org. WQA Radio features experts and members of WQA who can comment on issues affecting water quality.
#437 - In Their Own Words: The Value of Being a WQA Member
Welcome to the Water Quality Association Podcast. Find us at https://wqa.org.
In this episode, eight WQA members share their unscripted perspectives on the benefits of belonging to the association. From professional certification and technical resources to government affairs, networking, and lasting friendships, they explain how WQA has helped them strengthen their businesses, serve their customers, and contribute to the water treatment industry.
You'll hear from longtime members and newer volunteers about the unexpected benefits of getting involved, the value of having trusted colleagues to call on, and why participation can make all the difference.
Featured members:
Mike Herman, MWS, Culligan Ultra Pure and Consolidated Water
Mike Urbans, MWS, Urbans Aqua
Steve Hamilton, Franklin Water Treatment
Tony Schindler, Aquatek Water Conditioning
Dave Nelson, Nelson Corporation
Jeffrey Gottlieb, ResinTech
Jeff Knedler, Hempy Water
Michael Heatwole, MWS, A. O. Smith North American Water Treatment
Become at member at https://wqa.org/memberhip
21 Oct 2026
#436 - What Consumers and Members are Asking WQA
What happens when consumers and members contact the Water Quality Association looking for answers about their drinking water, treatment systems or product certification?
In this episode of the WQA Podcast, host Wes Bleed welcomes Jillian Gasienica, WQA's Public Engagement and Communications Specialist, for a behind-the-scenes look at the questions coming into WQA and how the association helps connect people with trusted resources.
Jill discusses common consumer misconceptions about WQA's role, the importance of the Gold Seal Product Certification Program, and how WQA's online directories help consumers locate member companies, certified professionals and certified products.
She also explains how recurring inquiries contribute to WQA's Current Curiosities Report, providing insights into the water quality issues attracting public attention.
For WQA members, the conversation illustrates how the association's consumer engagement efforts can help connect potential customers with qualified water treatment professionals.
Resources:
WQA website: https://www.wqa.org
WQA membership: https://www.wqa.org/membership
Contact WQA: WQA@wqa.org | 630-505-0160
7 Oct 2026
#435 - Water Treatment Manufacturers - Cautious Optimism
Water treatment manufacturers see opportunities for growth, but labor shortages, cost pressures and economic uncertainty are tempering their outlook.
In this episode of the Water Quality Association Podcast, Sean Caughron, Sam Karge and Bob Maisner join host Wes Bleed to discuss the Q3 2026 WQA Manufacturer Confidence Report. They explore what’s supporting demand for point-of-use and point-of-entry products, why hiring challenges affect both manufacturers and dealers, and how companies are using capital investment and AI to improve their operations.
As members prepare their 2027 budgets, the guests offer a practical approach: use the report as an industry benchmark alongside your own business results, plan for growth, and maintain flexibility.
Listen to the conversation, then download the full report from https://wqa.org and look for Resources and Reports.
Who has been a guest on WQA Radio
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Matt Mutehart
Paige O’Malley
John Packard
Derek Packard
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
60
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
Host of WQA Radio?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
