#435 - Water Treatment Manufacturers - Cautious Optimism

Water treatment manufacturers see opportunities for growth, but labor shortages, cost pressures and economic uncertainty are tempering their outlook.

In this episode of the Water Quality Association Podcast, Sean Caughron, Sam Karge and Bob Maisner join host Wes Bleed to discuss the Q3 2026 WQA Manufacturer Confidence Report. They explore what’s supporting demand for point-of-use and point-of-entry products, why hiring challenges affect both manufacturers and dealers, and how companies are using capital investment and AI to improve their operations.

As members prepare their 2027 budgets, the guests offer a practical approach: use the report as an industry benchmark alongside your own business results, plan for growth, and maintain flexibility.

Listen to the conversation, then download the full report from https://wqa.org and look for Resources and Reports.