The Water Sifu

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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….

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Treatment Exam Prep
(click to listen in a new window)

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.  Please send your feedback on this show to tywhitman@hotmail.com

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Biological Contaminants and Disinfection
(click to listen in a new window)

Biological contaminants of the water supply have killed millions and millions of people through the years.  Today we are going to look at some of these contaminants and show how, through chlorination and disinfection, their threat has been drastically reduced.  We are also going to take a look at chlorine itself, talking about some of it’s properties and dangers along with it’s fantastic disinfective properties.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Implementation of Fluoride Programs
(click to listen in a new window)

Part 4 of a 4 Part series, this episode will take a look at how fluoride programs are implemented.  We will discuss the major players behind pushing fluoridation programs, how they work together, techniques used to implement fluoridation programs, and why they are successful. From the top levels of government on down to the smallest of cities, we discuss the entire process, using the Californian push as an example.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Fluoridation – Safe and Effective  ….Really???
(click to listen in a new window)

Part 3 of 4, This episode will focus on the “safe and effective” aspects of water fluoridation.  I ask the questions… “Is it safe?” and “Is it effective?” on the way to answering the ultimate question, “Is it worth it?”.   Among the evidence brought out is a chart graphing the decline of dental carries in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities around the world and an essay titled “Why I Changed My Mind About Fluoridation“, by Dr. John Colquhoun, a previous  Principal Dental Officer from  New Zealand.  We discuss fluoridation studies, covering information published by the CDC’s scientists, and further discuss ways that pro fluoride groups have perverted evidence to further their cause.  Also discussed are the side effects of fluoridation, including accidents as well as risks of exposure to infants, citing the ADA’s own manual which states that infants should not drink fluoridated water. Finally, several  individuals, groups, or countries which oppose water fluoridation are mentioned.

Ralph Nadar
Dr. Paul Connett:  50 reasons to oppose fluoridation
EPA’s Union of Scientists and Engineers (You Tube video)

This eye opening podcast is a must listen.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Sifu #7:  The History of Fluoridation (Part 2 of 4)
(click to listen in a new window)

The History of Fluoridation is the subject of this weeks episode.  In an attempt to fill in some huge gaps in the history of fluoridation, as told by promoting groups, I delved deep into this subject.  My research took me into some pretty creepy and unexpected places.  From the influence of big business in early research and promotion, to the selling of fluoridation to the public, to growing trends against fluoridation, this episode is an eye-opening, must-listen-to, podcast.

Some great links to view, along with this podcast are listed below:

The Fluoride Deception: This is a three part you tube video (this link will take you to part one)  which explains in depth the connection between fluoridation and big business from it’s very inception.

Although this article conveniently leaves out any reference to ALCOA, or any mention of Gerald Cox, who was the first to actually suggest fluoridation of the drinking water supply (see History, in the CDC Manual on fluoridation:  Link in show notes for part one), this is the best history statement I have found as told from a pro / neutral standpoint.

The following link, will take you to a statement by the EPA’s Scientists Union’s statement, as stated in the podcast, which came out publicly against fluoridation.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Sifu #6:  Water Fluoridation Part One
(click to listen in a new window)

Water fluoridation has long been a hotly debated topic.  This episode of The Water Sifu will discuss my initial thoughts about the fluoridation of drinking water, what I found when I first started looking into it that really shocked me, and how I’ve been completely pulled into researching this very intriguing topic.  This was originally intended to be a one week show, but I quickly found out that a one week show is just going to be impossible to do, if I am do do this subject any justice.  So, this will be the first of four shows which will chronicle my research into water fluoridation.

Below is a link to a CDC manual on fluoridation referenced in the show:
Water Fluoridation:  A Manual for Engineers and Technicians

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Sifu Episode 5:  Women in the Water Industry
(Click link to listen in a new window)

This episode of The Water Sifu is a discussion / interview, and will focus on women doing field work in the water industry.  Special thanks to Nanene, Brenda, Sheri, and Theresa for their help

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Sifu Episode 4: Distribution System Overview
(click here to listen in a new window)

This episode of The Water Sifu is going to talk about water distribution systems, giving you a brief overview of how the whole process works.  We’re going to talk about sources of supply, and how water gets from that source to your tap.  We’re also going to talk about different types of system designs, system storage, system pressure, and how water systems work in areas of different elevations.

As discussed during the show, while talking about asbestos-cement mains, I have provided a link to an EPA page concerning asbestos in drinking water here.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Sifu Episode 3 – Water Treatment Overview
(Click here to listen in a new window)

Water Treatment is the subject of this weeks episode, with an emphasis on Conventional Treatment.  We will follow water from the moment it enters the plant as it travels through pre-disinfection and into the flash mixer where coagulation occurs.  From there we follow it’s path through the flocculation basins, the sedimentation basin, the filter beds, and into the clear wells where it will be ready for consumption.  We will also briefly discuss direct filtration and micro filtration.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Water Sifu Episode 2 – Water Treatment / Distribution Operator Certification
(Click to open in new window)

In this episode of The Water Sifu, I concentrate our discussion on Operator Certification.  I will discuss why you want to get certified, how to get certified, how to keep your certification, and how to move up the certification ranks.  I focus on California because it is a little different in  every state.  Even still, people out of the state will get a good look into how the process works, which will set a good foundation of knowledge.  I also discuss water treatment and distribution training courses, exam testing, continuing education requirements, and reciprocity between states.  The information provided on my links page works closely with this podcast.