Water Talks

In this episode, Alison Penner from Reimagine Agriculture joins Els and dives into the hidden water crisis in our food system. With agriculture consuming 70% of global freshwater, Alison explores practical strategies like precision irrigation and reducing factory farming to cut water use. Discover how policy changes and consumer awareness can transform our approach to water in agriculture. Learn a...

Most cities have yet to realize that swimmable water is the ultimate key to healthier lakes, stronger communities, and a thriving environment. Dive into this eye-opening episode where Mark Mattson, environmental lawyer and founder of Swim Drink Fish Canada, reveals how swimmable waters are transforming city landscapes and health policies across North America. You’ll discover how early experiences...

Join us for another Water Talks episode, the first one of 2026! Host Els Vanbeckevoort is joined by Dr. Steven N Liss, Toronto Metropolitan University's Vice President, Head of Research and Innovation and Professor of Chemistry and Biology. In this episode, we explore the future of water management with a focus on sustainable systems. Dr. Liss shares insights into innovative disinfection strategie...

Join us for an exciting end-of-year episode of the Water Talks podcast! Host Els Vanbeckevoort welcomes Samantha Hathorn, Aquatics Maintenance Manager at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of one of Canada's largest indoor water parks, as Samantha shares insights into maintaining top-notch water quality and guest experiences. From thrilling water coasters to innov...

Join us for the latest episode on the transformative journey of water management and sustainability in aquatic systems. This time our host takes her turn in the hot seat being interviewed by co-host Scott. Special Guest: Els Vanbeckevoort - CEO of SanEcoTec Ltd. Hosted by Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: ✅ Els's inspiring journey from Belgium to Canada and her passion for water science ✅ The...

Join us for the latest episode on the importance of water safety and quality in swim schools.   Special Guest: Cassidy Caster - Facilities Manager at Russell Aquatics   Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort, tune in as we discuss: ✅ The journey from backyard beginnings to a leading swim school ✅ The critical role of individualized attention in swim lessons ✅ Embracing change and innovation in water quali...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Special Guest: Brent Hayden - Canadian Olympic Swimmer and World Champion Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: Bouncing back from Athens 2004 Winning his first medal at London 2012 Retirement and rediscovery of his love for swimming ---------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Special Guest: Brent Hayden - Canadian Olympic Swimmer and World Champion Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss:  Why Brent chose swimming Brent's journey to his first Olympics in Athens How Athens 2004 quickly changed from a dream come true to a nightmare...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Special Guest: Christel Broux, Sales Director at SEM Waterbehandeling Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort, tune in as we discuss: Understanding physical filtration Designing multi layered filters Why filtering pool water matters -----------------------------------------------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment.  Special Guest: Robert Bilott - Partner at Taft Law Firm & Author of  Exposure Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: How PFAS impact water systems - including in Canada The health risks associated with these toxic chemicals What's being done (and what...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss:  2 types of free chlorine: one that disinfects; one that is a weak oxidizer Optimal pH allows operators to reduce excessive chlorine waste Disinfection by-products -----------------------------------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss:  Els' visit to the largest pool in Western Europe, Tongelreep Pool design with Ludo Feyen, Gerben Op Den Buijs and Christel Broux How pool systems work together --------------------------------------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment.  Special Guest: Tiernan Murphy - First Wave Maker (Founder) at Making Waves Swim School Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: Why swim schools are important Fostering excellent water quality The Canadian Swim School Alliance ------------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment.  Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: Better Pools 2024 recap Real world applications of data in pool management  Optimizing pool operations                                                                                 ---------------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment.  Special Guest: Roy Vore Ph. D. - Senior Consultant at Vore & Associates Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: The Importance of Data in Wellness Aquatics  Wellness Aquatics (Hot Tubs, Float Tanks, Cold Plunges)  Bacterial Physiology                 ...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of digital adoption and putting water knowledge into practice. Special Guest: Tim McGinty - General Manager at North Creek Nurseries, Inc. and Ryan Butcher - Growing Coordinator at North Creek Nurseries, Inc. Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort tune in as we discuss: Native plant selection processes The triple bottom line in sustainable business Preventing water iss...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of digital adoption and putting water knowledge into practice. Special Guest: Ludo Feyen - CEO of Labo Derva Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron tune in as we discuss: Two major pathways for disinfection by-product formation Water chemistry and treatment increase/decrease DBP's An optimal pool handles disinfection responsibly -----------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of digital adoption and putting water knowledge into practice. Special Guest: Scott Bowron - CEO of Clear Aquatics Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort tune in as we discuss: Looking back at the first 10 episodes of the podcast Digital adoption Moving beyond regulations --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Special Guest: Michael Beach Ph. D. - former Associate Director for Healthy Water at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: Waterborne Diseases Optimizing Processes MAHC Deep Dive --------------------------...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of sustainability and pro tips to incorporate it in the pool environment. Special Guests: Brent Copeland, Senior Manager of Operations at the Town of Oakville and Darin Kubicki, Supervisor of Operations at the Town of Oakville. Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: Impressions of the PRO Expo Conference Overcoming barriers Opti...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of water metrics in the greenhouse and pro-active water management making a substantial difference. Special Guest: Chris Wood, Head Grower at Proplant Propagation Services Ltd. Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: The complexity of growing food Where water systems fit into the greenhouse systems The importance of water quality...

Join us for latest episode on the topic of pool pumps. Special Guest: Gerben Op Den Buijs, Electrical Engineer and director of SEM Waterbehandeling Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, tune in as we discuss: What makes for good process control in Pools All Pumps 101 How reliable pumps fit into process automation Your questions matter! If you have any questions you would like answered in f...

Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, this episode explores the best practices in Pool cleaning, in and around the pool. In this episode Els Vanbeckevoort visits Labo Derva to meet with a familiar face, Ludo Feyen, a very respected leader on the forefront of Water Innovation.   Tune in as we discuss: Contamination on pool decks Microbiological methods for testing pool floors Why it's impor...

Hosted by Els Vanbeckevoort and Scott Bowron, this episode uncovers Darin's fascinating journey and expertise in pool management. From the recent Better Pools Conference to practical insights on optimizing pool operations, Darin shares it all!   Tune in as we discuss: The challenges and triumphs in pool operations Insights gained and concrete steps taken for improved results Key takeaways from the...

We're back for our monthly episode of the Water Talks Podcast, the place where water health receives a fresh perspective.   In this episode Els and Scott sit down with THREE special guests. Ludo Feyen, the CEO of Labo Derva, Gerben Op Den Buijs, Managing Director at SEM and Christel Broux, Director of Technical Sales at SEM. In this episode: Small steps, big impact It takes a team Better Pools Wor...