It's Your Water

This summer we're revisiting some of the most popular and educational episodes from the It's Your Water Podcast archive. In this episode, Mike and Denise discuss the "Troublesome Trio"—iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide—and the treatment technologies commonly used to address these challenging water quality issues. Show Notes Troublesome Trio 2026

What is freeboard? How much media should really go into a tank? Mike Urbans explains freeboard, minimum bed depth, backwash expansion, upper screens, and common dealer mistakes that can damage control valves and reduce treatment performance. Trust the Frog™ 

Most water treatment professionals use chlorine, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide—but how do you know how effective those oxidizers will actually be in the water you're treating? In this Quick Tips episode, Mike and Denise Urbans explain ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) and why it can be one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for iron, manganese, sulfur, and disinfection applications. Learn how contaminants lower ORP, why oxidizer demand matters, and how a simple ORP meter can help you troubleshoot systems and optimize treatment performance. Trust the Frog™ 🐸 Show Notes ORP Oxidation Reduction Potential

Not all catalytic carbon is the same—and choosing the wrong one can lead to early failure, poor performance, and unhappy customers. In this Quick Tips episode of It’s Your Water, Mike and Denise Urbans break down the real differences between catalytic carbons and how to apply them correctly in the field. Learn when to use coconut vs. coal-based catalytic carbon, why oxygen is the key to performance, and how TOC, contact time, and system design impact results. If you're dealing with chloramine, hydrogen sulfide, or underperforming carbon systems—this episode will help you get it right.   Show Notes Quick Tips Catalytic Carbon Explained   catalytic carbon, chloramine removal, hydrogen sulfide, water treatment, activated carbon, RO pretreatment, dealers, water filtration, TOC, ozone, peroxide

Distribution systems inside softeners and filters may be hidden—but they’re critical to performance. In this Quick Tip, Mike and Denise Urbans explain distributor baskets, hub & laterals, diffusers, and how design impacts flow, efficiency, and media retention. Show Notes Distribution Systems Explained   water treatment, water filtration, water softener, distribution systems, hub and lateral, distributor basket, water system design, Urbans Aqua, Its Your Water, Quick Tips

In this episode of It’s Your Water, Mike Urbans and Derek French (Wateropolis) explain why Cerapure AC is a smart alternative to traditional GAC and KDF—especially for RO pretreatment, whole-house RO, and systems where biofouling and backwash limits matter. A practical, dealer-focused discussion on cleaner carbon, tighter filtration, and smarter pretreatment design. Trust the Frog! Link to Specifications Show Notes water treatment, dealer education, RO pretreatment, filtration media, activated carbon, ceramic media, copper zinc alloy, biofouling, whole house RO, commercial water treatment

Can you mix filtration media or resins in the same tank? In this Quick Tips episode of It’s Your Water, Mike and Denise explain when mixing media can work — and when it leads to serious problems. While it may look like a space-saving shortcut, mixing media often creates backwashing issues, calcification, drain clogging, and contaminant leakage when system design limits are pushed. Learn why cation and anion resins shouldn’t be mixed on hard water, when mixing is especially risky for health-related contaminants, and why chambered (plated) tanks are usually the safer, modern approach.  Show Notes Quick Tips Mixing Media

Mike and Denise explain zeolite filter media — what it is, how it works, and when to use it. Learn why zeolite delivers true 5-micron deep-bed filtration and longer filter runs — plus its limits. A fast field-smart guide for dealers. Trust the Frog. Show Notes Quick Tips Zeolite zeolite media, clinoptilolite, Filter-Ag Plus, Turbidex, Next-Sand, RO pretreatment, water filtration, dealer education

Is it time to repair the water softener—or replace it entirely? Not sure whether to repair or replace the customer's water softener? This Quick Tip breaks down the key signs of aging resin, chlorine damage, iron fouling, and when a simple rebuild makes sense. We also cover why high-efficiency softeners outperform older units and why “no-salt softeners” don’t actually soften water. water softener repair, water softener replacement, resin rebed, chlorine damage, Clack valve rebuild, high-efficiency softeners, iron fouling, no-salt softener Show Notes: Quick Tips - Repair or Replace the Softener  

A fast field guide for dealers and service techs.  In this Quick Tip from It’s Your Water, we cover the top reasons a softener stops softening — resin fouling, salt bridging, injector and brine-draw problems, and programming mistakes — plus quick ways to diagnose hardness leakage before the callbacks start. Show Notes - Why Isn't the Softener Softening One short page with the tips listed.  

In Part 2 Mike and Greg discuss today’s sales challenges, shifting demographics, CRM habits, rising contaminant concerns, and how younger homeowners are reshaping water treatment. Keeping it Young Part 2  

Mike and Greg Shannon of Westfair Water, Bedford, NY discuss "intrapreneurship" - someone who joins a business and grows it like he owns it! They discuss their mutual passion for the water treatment industry and how important it is to encourage young people to join. Keeping It Young Part 1

Mike and a dealer troubleshoot an unsuccessful install of a newly introduced RO. 

Microplastics & Nanoplastics -Listen to this short update for the latest industry news. Show Notes - Microplastics Update

Host, Mike Urbans & Justin Mest of AO Smith discuss HomeShield™, the latest point of entry PFAS reduction system, All in One Tank! HomeShield  

This is a replay of one of our most popular podcasts. Give a listen in preparation for the brand new microplastics podcast.   Michael Urbans and Justin Mest of AO Smith, discuss the basics of ultrafiltration - what it is, how it works, and when and where to apply it.     Ultrafilter Show Notes Updated 2025-07  

In this episode of It’s Your Water, Michael Urbans and Justin Mest of Master Water Conditioning, share their expertise on pH and treatment methods for correction of low pH water. Together they discuss the topics of pH, corrosion and alkalinity, and the importance of proper testing; the pros and cons of treatment using calcite (calcium carbonate) and soda ash (sodium carbonate) in well water applications; high pH and alkaline water. Show Notes: https://www.urbansaqua.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/www.urbansaqua.com-ph-show-notes.pdf

Mike and Denise discuss oxidation with manganese dioxide treated media - Pyrolox Advantage. The "rules of engagement" for its use, the properties, advantages, benefits and specifications. It is used for the removal of Iron, Manganese & Sulfur.   Link to Urbans Aqua Pyrolox Advantage Webpage Show Notes: It's Not Your Dad's Manganese Dioxide Anymore!

Learn why Calgon Carbon's Filtrasorb brand carbon is a leader in PFAS reduction.    Transcription - Calgon Carbon PFAS

Mike talks with Scott Trafas who left his Dad's business to start up his own - Water Doctor. They get along better than ever.   Transcript - Next Generation Scott Trafas

Mike talks with Stephen Evangelista of HQ Water Solutions in Manheim, Pennsylvania about his experience starting up and growing a new residential water treatment company - from scratch! Transcript Next Gen Businesses Webpage HQ Water Solutions 

Mike and Dave Smith of AqMatic discuss the new AquaMatic Ultrasonic Meter. Show Notes Meter Magic Transcript Meter Magic  

Mike and Denise discuss the latest contaminant - Chloronitramides, along with PFAS & Microplastics.. Best treatment options & practices and a look back at 2024 marketing. Show Notes Emerging Urgency  

Listen to Mike Urbans & Mike Heatwole of AO Smith discuss the challenges of treating iron, manganese & hydrogen sulfide.  Show Notes - The Troublesome Trio

Take a look in the toilet and learn the power of visually showing customers tangible evidence of contaminants.   Show Notes Toilet Talk Transcript Toilet Talk

Inversand, the manufacturer of GreenSandPlus turns 100 years old in 1925. Learn a little bit about its history and how GreenSandPlus works. Show Notes Inversand GreenSandPlus  Transcript GreensandPlus

Listen to this entertaining podcast with Mike & Brian Oram, PG. Brian recently published the 5th edition of "Our Drinking Water", a book for professionals and consumers. This book is a great handout for customers and technicians who have just entered the business.     Show Notes - Know Your H2O

Microparticles were found downstream of the arsenic treatment systems in 70% of homes tested. For more details, listen to Mike & Steve Spayd PhD discuss Steve's recent research publication.    Steve Spayd Company Link - Diagnosis Water Free Read Only copy of Microparticles of arsenic water treatment media and water softener resin observed in treated water at private wells Show Notes Microparticles  

Michael and Tate Burckhardt of Better Water Industries discuss the aeration/chlorination process for problem waterShow Notes - When in Doubt Air It Out.

Mike and Denise discuss the value of resin traps tool for commercial/industrial applications. Show Notes

In this humorous podcast, Mike and Denise discuss residential and commercial brine tanks - proper sizing, function, trouble shooting. Show Notes - Residential Brine Tanks Shoe Notes - Commercial Brine Tanks Brine Capacity and Area Chart

Mike Urbans  and Allan Horner, of Impact Water, discuss best practices when specifying and installing whole house RO systems.   Show Notes Whole House RO

Listen to Michael and Anthony Marchei of Sharp Water Culligan discuss firing the boss and hiring the coach! Transcript Well Managed

Still using a softener ahead of the RO? Mike Urbans and Allan Horner of Impact Water Products discuss how and when to use anti-scalant chemical feed in place of water softeners.  Show Notes Stenner Special Antiscalant Math

Michael and Bill Koebel continue the conversation about anion resin.  How specialty resins for tannin, nitrate, PFAS, perchlorate work. Cleaning anion resin and the problem with silica removal. Transcription Episode 50 Show Notes Episode 50 Resin Refresher Part 2 Anion

Mike and Denise provide an update to the latest on PFAS_PFOA, GenX, etc. Are you doing PFAS tank exchanges? Show Notes: The Forever Chemical Treatment Revisited  

Mike and Bill Koebel of ResinTech discuss some basics of ion exchange resin: Does color matter? How long does it last? The effects of contaminants such as iron. Show Notes - Resin Refresher

Mike Urbans & Jesse Rodriguez continue their deep dive into UV light and systems.   Show Notes Do It Right With UV Light Part Two

Mike and Jesse Rodreguez of ATS fo a deep dive into UV - what it is & how it works. So deep we had to break it in two!    Show Notes Do It Right With UV Light Part One

What's the difference between string wound and melt blown and carbon block and pleated filter cartridges? Listen to Mike and Brandon of Filtration Parts discuss this topic. Show Notes Filter Cartridges

Mike and Bill Jefferis, owner of Freeman Water, discuss the challenges of operating a service business with a territory that encompasses 5 states. Located in Jackson Mississippi, Bill explains how he adapts to water shortages caused by poor infrastructure.

Mike interviews Dave Roenning of American Water Conditioning.  Dave has been using Ozone Generator Systems for many years.  He shares his background and knowledge using these chemical free systems to successfully reduce iron, sulfur, manganese, and kill bacteria.   Show Notes - Ozone Go Zone

Mike interviews Serina Casey of Aqua Science in Rhode Island. Serina started in the family business and learned from the bottom up. She can specify, install and troubleshoot well pumps and water treatment systems.  Aqua Science is a thriving local and regional business.  aquascience.net is the internet business she pioneered.  Give a listen!

Mike introduces the newest member to the team, his niece, Rachel.  As part of her water education, Rachel has been checking out the social media groups on Facebook. In this episode she and Uncle Mike discuss questions and topics trending on Water Treatment Pros Facebook group. Show Notes Trolling Social Media

Mike chats with soon to be retired Dave Rishell of ATS (Aqua Treatment Service).  Dave mentored Mike back in the 80's. (Mike asked all the dumb questions back then.)  They discuss the mentoring process, what has and hasn't changed in the industry and the upside of having a career in the water treatment industry.

Michael & Bob discuss a situation where a cross connection could have had serious ramifications for the homeowners. Show Notes Don't Get Crossed Up  

Michael Urbans and Marianne Metzger of Resin Tech Inc. discuss the importance of a water test prior to treatment and the correct methodology for collecting a water sample.  Show Notes Test to Impress

Mike Urbans and Ted Begg of Purolite take a deep dive into SST resins - Shallow Shell Technology or Salt Savings Technology.  Yes, it costs more but the payback is fast and it's a way to distinguish your company against the competition.  The show notes and transcript are available for this podcast. Transcript - Upgrade Your Resin Show Notes Upgrade Your Resin

Mike and Denise discuss product substitutions to consider when you don't have or can't find the product you need for a job. Show Notes Substitution Solutions

Listen to Mike and Bryon Maze of Harvey Salt and learn about the most important ingredient for a water softener.  We have solar salt, salt pellets, cube salt, the list goes on and on.  What are you offering your customers? Show Notes Is Salt Really Just Salt?