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—while 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 — Trace introduces ten questions submitted by Scaling UP! Nation members around the world, connecting earlier episodes to current field decisions.

04:40 — Upcoming industry events highlight opportunities for water professionals to plan ahead, network, and continue learning.

06:10 — August's focus on Legionella and waterborne pathogens prepares listeners for a month of specialized technical education.

07:00 — Industrial Water Week returns October 5–9 with daily episodes and new Detective H2O segments.

07:40 — Trace explains how to build a business case for chlorine dioxide by tracking operating costs, system performance, and total ownership value.

14:30 — A beginner's roadmap for AI shows technicians how to analyze trends while respecting company data policies and verifying results.

23:30 — Water quality, current costs, regulations, treatment compatibility, and stakeholder involvement frame an initial cooling tower reuse assessment.

29:30 — Laboratory testing, order of addition, stability checks, and field pilots reduce risk when evaluating maleic acid-based corrosion inhibitors.

34:10 — Trace connects Culture Index with turnover reduction, better hiring decisions, improved communication, and stronger job fit.

40:20 — Weekly accountability, visible goals, calendar blocks, and lead measures help route-based professionals execute a 12-week plan.

45:30 — Characterization, regulatory review, plant tolerance, and a limited pilot provide a practical path for reusing cooling tower blowdown.

49:00 — Episodes 441–445, discussion guides, transcripts, and team-led conversations can support structured technical training.

52:40 — Trace reflects on how his MBA and DBA studies influence systems thinking, leadership, scalability, and data-based decisions.

58:20 — AWT membership, CWT certification, committee participation, training, and professional relationships offer value to water treaters worldwide.

Quotes

"And then I would look at the total cost of owning this equipment, not just the cost of buying the equipment."

"AI can be incorrect. So, if it tells you something, the bottom line I want to tell you is fact check to verify."

"And 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."

"You'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."

"And also, I'm hoping that it creates a model where I just didn't stop learning at my CWT."

Connect with Scaling UP! H2O

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LinkedIn: in/traceblackmore/

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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 -