By SHAUNICA JAYSON, Interim President, American Boiler Manufacturers Association

In recent years, one of ABMA's most rewarding initiatives has been renewing its longstanding relationship with the water treatment community, which figures to be an increasingly important partner in the decades to come.

An open dialogue between ABMA and the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) has now blossomed into an actual partnership that promises to be lasting, productive and undeniably essential. Real progress happens when we replace assumptions with collaboration-and nobody has been a bigger champion of that effort than Steve Jobin, M.Sc., MBA, a water chemist at TGWT Ocean Technologies and ABMA's dedicated liaison with AWT.  

Tobin has been instrumental in building a bridge between our two associations, best exemplified now by the major work currently underway on the updated ABMA Boiler Water Treatment Guidelines.

Explains Tobin, "Anyone who has worked around boilers has experienced it: a boiler problem occurs, and before long, the conversation shifts toward determining whether the equipment or the water treatment is to blame. More often than not, the issue isn't a lack of expertise -- it's a lack of communication between the people involved. Recognizing this opportunity became the starting point of the growing partnership between the AWT and ABMA."

For AWT members, Jobin adds, this collaboration provides something especially valuable: a direct connection with the people who design, manufacture, and support the equipment they treat every day. "Understanding the OEM perspective helps water treatment professionals better appreciate equipment design, operating limitations, warranty considerations, and emerging technologies," he says.

In turn, boiler manufacturers gain a greater appreciation for the critical role water treatment plays in protecting their equipment throughout its lifecycle.

Last updated in 2012, the ABMA Boiler Water Treatment Guidelines are now being reviewed jointly. Combining the expertise of both organizations will help ensure the revised document reflects today's technologies,
operating practices, and industry expectations while providing greater technical consistency for manufacturers, water treaters, and end users alike.

"Ultimately, the greatest value for AWT members is having a seat at the table," says Jobin. "By collaborating directly with boiler manufacturers, AWT members can help shape industry best practices, strengthen the credibility of professional water treatment, and build relationships that benefit the entire industry. When both organizations work together instead of in parallel, everyone wins."

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