The Water Sifu

Chemicals in Water Treatment (Click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) In this episode I answer a couple of common questions I often receive pertaining to searching for jobs in the water industry.  I discuss a speech I recently gave about this podcast, and then we hop into the meat of the show covering chemicals we use in treatment.  We discuss ferric chloride and alum as coagulants, lime and carbon dioxide for alkalininty, hardness, and pH control, and gas chlorine, liquid chlorine, and chloramines as disinfectants.  We also discuss perchorate and, wrapping up the show, I ask you to do me a favor. As discussed in the show, below are some chemical equations for subjects which we covered: Adding gas chlorine to water drops pH by formation of two acids: Cl2 + H2O = HOCL (Hypochlorous) + HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) Hypochlorous acid breaking into the hypochlorite ion at higher pH: OH (Hydroxyl) + HOCL (Hypochlorous) = H2O (Water) + OCL (Hypochlorite) Adding liquid chlorine to water raises pH by forming caustic soda: NaOCL (Sodium Hypochlorite) + H2O = HOCL + NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide / Caustic Soda) The combination of hypochlorous acid and ammonia forms chloramines: NH3 + HOCl = NH2Cl + H2O

Membrane Filtration (Click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) Membrane Filtration is the wave of the future in the water treatment field.  This month I spend a little time talking about my new job and the last State Treatment Exam, and then get into talking about membrane filtration in depth. Membrane plants are totally different from plant to plant, so we talk about the different types of plants first and then jump into the items they all have in common.  In this show we cover the difference between pressure systems and submersible, suction systems.  We discuss the difference between microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis.  We then discuss several methods of cleaning membrane systems and judging membrane performance common to most plants…  flux or flow, trans-membrane pressure, permeability, membrane integrity testing, backwashing, or CIP’s and recovery cleans.

Advanced Treatment Audio Flash Cards (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) I’m back for three more monthly shows, starting with another audio flash cards show.  This is one I initially made for myself, but decided to release because I think some of you could find it very helpful.  I found it very helpful myself, many people have been asking me to do more audio flash cards shows, and it was on my hard drive, so here it is.  It focuses on treatment techniques, government regulations, types of contaminants, MCL’s, and even gets a little into chemicals and chemistry.  Hope you like it!

Hello and Goodbye (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) I haven’t stopped teaching! … still going strong and still loving it! However,  this episode of The Water Sifu is the last in this podcast series.  With that in mind, this show is my way of saying goodbye to those who have been listening and hello to new listeners.  I wrap up some topics from last week, throw in a few small rants, talk about what my plans are going forward, and sign off. Show Update:  The Montana Water Center’s free online continuing education courses, which I discuss in this show, have been removed from their website.  As such, I have removed my link and my comments about the courses from my links page.

Hello and Goodbye (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) I haven’t stopped teaching! … still going strong and still loving it! However,  this episode of The Water Sifu is the last in this podcast series.  With that in mind, this show is my way of saying goodbye to those who have been listening and hello to new listeners.  I wrap up some topics from last week, throw in a few small rants, talk about what my plans are going forward, and sign off. Show Update:  The Montana Water Center’s free online continuing education courses, which I discuss in this show, have been removed from their website.  As such, I have removed my link and my comments about the courses from my links page.

Your Questions about Certification and Hiring (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) This month I let you produce the show, answering some of the most common questions I have received pertaining to certification and getting hired in the water industry.   We discuss the California (and nations) job market with respect to water jobs, which level of certification to start at, the best way to “get your foot in the door”, practical skills exams involved in the hiring process, the best way to search for water jobs online, and how to search for jobs in other states. Job search website links, as discussed in show: bcwaterjobs utilitiesjobs wikipedia water company list Anther good site which has popped up since this podcast: simplyhired

Your Questions about Certification and Hiring (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) This month I let you produce the show, answering some of the most common questions I have received pertaining to certification and getting hired in the water industry.   We discuss the California (and nations) job market with respect to water jobs, which level of certification to start at, the best way to “get your foot in the door”, practical skills exams involved in the hiring process, the best way to search for water jobs online, and how to search for jobs in other states. Job search website links, as discussed in show: bcwaterjobs utilitiesjobs wikipedia water company list Anther good site which has popped up since this podcast: simplyhired

Pumps and Motors (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) This packed full episode deals entirely with pumps and motors.  Discussing pumps, we specifically focus on volute and turbine centrifugal pumps, since they are by far the most common used in the water industry.  We discuss the workings of each and different types of each in detail.  We also discuss parts of a pump / motor assembly, and causes of pump failure, focusing in depth on pump cavitation.  This episode is a must listen for anyone taking any type of distribution system focused exam.

Treatment Techniques, Part 2 (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) Part 2 of 2 in a series on water quality problems and treatment techniques…  I begin this show by talking about my recent meetings with Leo Laporte, “The Tech Guy”, and Cliff Ravenscraft, “The Podcast Answerman”.  I then spend a brief time discussing my latest project “The Other Water Math DVD you’ve been looking for”, which works as a Part 2 to my existing Math DVD, and takes the subject to the next level. Hopping into the meat of the show, we continue right where we last left off, covering tastes and odor problems in detail, including adsorption with granulated or powdered activated carbons, oxidation, and air stripping.  After that, we move on to cover iron and manganese problems and trihalomethanes.  If you are planning on testing anytime soon, the two shows in this series are critical information, and a true “must listen and learn”.  Please share with any friends in the water industry.

Treatment Techniques, Part 1 (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) This episode is the first part of a two part show concentrating on material you need to know for your state exams concerning different harmful or undesirable issues which can occur in water and the techniques we can use to remedy them.  Items covered on this show include Waterborne Pathogens (virus, bacteria, protozoans), Turbidity, Corrosive Water (problems associated with, types of corrosion, testing, and prevention), and Excessive Hardness. At the beginning of this show I also spend some time discussing some you tube videos which I will be producing going forward, as well as different ways to contact me via social media.

Mic Playing Scientist Water Chemistry (click to listen in a non flash format, in a new window) The meat of this episode focuses on some water chemistry subjects which can initially be difficult to grasp, specifically the subjects of pH, alkalinity, and calcium carbonate saturation.  We will discuss them in detail, explaining how they interact and affect each other.  We will also get into discussing calcium carbonate saturation, and talk about how controlling this, through marble testing or use of the Langelier saturation index, can help control corrosive water or deposition of scale in water systems.

Meters and Valves (Click to Listen in a New Window) In this episode of The Water Sifu, I spend a brief time discussing some things going on in my life, as well as upcoming episodes, and then jump into the meat of the show, discussing the types of meters and valves you will find in a distribution system.  Items covered under meters include types of positive displacement meters and velocity meters.  Types of valves discussed include ball, plug, diaphragm, gate, butterfly, pressure reducing, surge control, check, foot, pressure relief, altitude, air, and float.

Distribution Review – Audio Flash Cards (Click to Listen in a New Window) With the popularity of the last “Water Treatment” audio flash cards episode, I have had many people request I do another with an emphasis on “Water Distribution System” exam preparation.  This week we will do just that….

Because sometimes you just can’t get a shutdown. Trenching Shoring and Water Main Construction (click to listen in a new window) This week focuses on everything having to do with main construction and installation… pipe types, joints, soil types, competent person, trenching and shoring, excavations, pipe laying, back-filling, and flushing / bac-t procedures.

Drinking Water Supply (click to listen in a new window) The format of this show will be switching to a monthly format, with the episodes primarily focusing on treatment and distribution exam preparation.  This week we spend a little time discussing the direction I will be taking the show in the future, and why. Then, I jump right into the meat of the show, discussing drinking water supplies:  surface water, ground water, and wells.  This info is essential for anyone planning to take an upcoming exam, either treatment or distribution.

Water Treatment Exam Prep (click to listen in a new window) I think that creating and using flash cards is an incredible tool for ingraining the knowledge when studying for your water treatment or distribution exams.  A major stray from my normal show type, this week will basically be a “study guide on the go” for people testing for a Treatment Exam.  Think of this weeks show as audio flash cards… which is essentially what it is.

Passing your Water Treatment or Water Distribution Exam (click to listen in a new window) This podcast will give my advice on what people should do to improve their chances of success on their water treatment or water distribution exams, and succeed the first time they take it.  From exam prep, to what to study and where to find the best study materials, to how to study and how to test, this podcast has it all. The following link will take you to the site of the Minnesota Rural Water Assn., referenced in the podcast.

Water Math (click to listen in a new window) Knowing your water math is a huge step in passing any distribution, treatment, or waste water state exam. Those that know it have a huge step up and those that don’t are often doomed to fail. Unfortunately, finding information to teach water math in a clear and easy way can be difficult. This podcast will discuss my views on water math.  It will also introduce my new DVD, The Water Math DVD You’ve Been Looking For, and explain why it will be a very helpful tool for those looking to learn water math the simplest easiest way.

Government Regulation of the Drinking Water Industry (click to listen in a new window) In this episode of The Water Sifu, I spend a brief time discussing issues which have gotten in my way of putting out regular weekly content, and then get into the meat of the show, which discusses government regulation of the drinking water industry.  This is a must listen show for anyone studying for a state exam.

Hard / Soft Water, Iron and Manganese, Nitrification (click to listen in a new window) This week I focus on some random, undesirable, issues which may arise in the system and affect water quality… specifically  hard or soft water problems, staining as a result of iron or manganese, and nitrification.