by Kurt C. Peterson, Publisher
It’s that time of year again, when conference season goes into full swing and the opportunities each show brings can be beneficial to everyone. WQA Aquatech, being held in April this year, promises to be bigger, better and more informative than ever. And with the transition from the previous WQA certification process for water treatment specialists, it will be especially important for everyone to take advantage of the hands-on demonstrations of the Modular Education Program (MEP). The new title designations should be taking effect as the old certification program is wound down. Be sure to stop by the WQA booth to test-drive MEP and bring yourselves up to date.
WQA is offering a bit of a surprise this year, with the announcement that former Tonight Show host Jay Leno will be the Keynote Speaker. There’s much to be learned from the many offerings at WQA Aquatech and speakers have in past years provided invaluable advice on how to find success and stay at the top of the heap. We expect no less from Mr. Leno and hopefully, there will be a good bit of entertainment to make what he says all the more insightful.
As we move forward through our Editorial Calendar, we have added varied content to each issue, not just the primary topics that have been perennial favorites. In this issue, Peter Cartwright, PE and Tom Cartwright present a case study on a new technology for brine recovery in commercial softening systems. Greg Reyneke, CWS-VI, revisits the issue of hard water and its interaction with soap, one of the more defining aspects of water softening. C.F. ‘Chubb’ Michaud, CWS-VI, revisits and expands upon previous articles regarding arsenic and fluoride in our drinking water sources. And finally, Public Health Editor Kelly A. Reynolds, MSPH, PhD takes a look at 40 years of the Safe Water Drinking Act, how it has benefited and the challenges that yet remain.
As more reports of economic revival appear, our industry should be taking advantage of every opportunity that is presented, including cross-over and cross-platform markets. Expansion of business into these areas has been a business-saving choice for many companies and in the future, it may be the trend that ensures a measure of success for all who wish to be a part of the industry. An open mind, a broader view and a willingness to tackle new venues makes for a less disrupted business model. There is a lot to learn when taking on these new challenges and we’ll be right here, presenting as much relevant information as possible to help you, our readers, better your businesses and keep growing.
Please stop by our booths (#737 and 739) at WQA Aquatech, grab a copy of the magazine and share your thoughts on the industry and how you think it’s doing, post Great Recession. Consider writing a technical article, being featured in Executive Insight or Dealer Profile, or maybe explore the possibility of becoming a Technical Reviewer. We’ll be waiting for you!