100 Million Reasons

Convoy of Hope and Culligan Team Up to Bring Drinkable Water to Haiti

PR Newswire

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. and VERNON HILLS, Ill., Jan. 27

Three industrial-sized water purification systems being shipped to the earthquake zone

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. and VERNON HILLS, Ill., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Convoy of f Hope, the international relief organization, and Culligan, the industry leader in water treatment, will join forces again to deliver much needed drinking water to the survivors of the earthquake in Haiti.

Culligan is donating three Culligan model UF-P2 water purification systems, each capable of processing approximately 15,000 gallons of water a day for drinking and cooking. The systems come with their own gasoline-powered generators so they can operate even if electrical power may not be available. Accompanying each unit is a water storage tank that holds and dispenses 250 gallons of water. Culligan and Convoy of Hope have a long-standing partnership that helps provide aid in the wake of natural disasters.

"These water purification systems will help save lives," said Hal Donaldson, founder and president, Convoy of Hope. "There is an immediate need for clean water. These systems will help provide safe water for thousands affected by the earthquake. We're extremely thankful to Culligan for their generosity in providing these remarkable systems."

Culligan and Convoy of Hope have already sent 250,000 bottles of drinking water to Haiti, which were on the ground within days of the earthquake. Water has become even more important in the aftermath of the earthquake, since most Haitians are remaining outdoors in the heat and sun for fear of more structures collapsing from aftershocks. Sending bottled water was the quickest way to respond. Now, these water purification systems will address the longer-term needs of the country and its rebuilding efforts.

"We're honored to partner with Convoy of Hope," said Lance FitzGerald, director of product management, Culligan. "Our water purification systems were designed for the most remote locations and require very little training to operate. They're ideal for the challenging environment of the Haitian earthquake zone."

The units will be shipped from Culligan International's commercial assembly operations in Vernon Hills, IL to Convoy of Hope's staging center in Springfield, MO, where they'll be prepared to be airlifted to Port-au-Prince and quickly pressed into service to produce drinking water for the residents.

The water purification systems are expected to arrive in Haiti in early February.

About Convoy of Hope

Founded in 1994, Convoy of Hope exists to feed millions of people in need in the United States and around the world through children's nutrition initiatives, citywide outreaches and disaster response. To learn more, or to donate, go to www.convoyofhope.org.

Thinking About Water in New Ways

Culligan in Nova Scotia is more than just water coolers. Actually, most Culligan dealerships are.

While water stories have filled the country’s news cycles recently, not many people stop to consider the other side of water. In fact, most people in the business community would be fairly surprised to discover that the Halifax-area Culligan Water dealer Camren Fleck helps local industries use water for more than just drinking.

For example, Fleck and his team helped Cape Cod Wood Siding when hard water attacked boilers feeding their kiln oven. Using very sophisticated G2 Series Reverse Osmosis technology, Culligan installed two 1000-gallon tanks to help keep the company’s lines clean, and kept Cape Cod’s operation efficient ( and profitable). Moreover, Fleck is among a very few number of water consultants in North America to utilize this new industrial water technology. His experience is a testament to how seemingly unrelated markets and products converge in today’s business.

But this unique, and overlooked, water service does not stop with Cape Cod. Fleck’s Culligan services everything from area-hospitals to breweries – highlighting the breadth of businesses that benefit from a strong water industry.

Take another look at your water

First of all, everyone should take a moment to be thankful. Thankful, that to be able to read this Water Wise Guy post, you must have some electricity, or a battery – the same cannot be said for so many in places like Haiti. Thankful you even have water to drink – the same cannot be said for so many in places like Haiti.

Have you taken that moment? No, no…I can wait. (Humming) Done? Great.

So before we move on, I just want to let you know Culligan International has committed over 100,000 10 oz. specially-designed bottles for the people in Haiti – the water is on the way.

UPDATE:
· Culligan donated several self-contained water treatment systems that will produce safe drinking water from any source water

· Apparently there was footage of the Culligan bottles being distributed in Haiti on ABC news early last week

· The aid organization requested 10 oz bottles to fit in their pre-packaged meals. The small size also helps to limit sharing, larger bottles would be shared, and spread disease.

This tragedy got me thinking about the water we all drink and never take a moment to think about.

The thing is, even with water that looks clear, how can you be sure it is safe to drink? You honestly cannot rely on the appearance of water. Even in what many think is “filtered water,” there are so many microscopic nasties swimming around in water it’s unbelievable.

While you may think that you’re water pitcher filter catches all these little guys, think again. As I stated in my “What is the heck is reverse osmosis?" blog.

So take another look at your water, and make sure it is filtered to the level that YOU are happy with.

River of Support: Canadian Dealer Is Serious About Giving Back

In a time of economic uncertainty, some local businesses take it upon themselves to give back. When it comes to the local Culligan dealership, owner Paul Moorman sees charitable donations as vital to supporting our home community, on behalf of both the company and its employees.

“Above all else, the Culligan Man is a local resource, and we are always pleased to lend a hand to a variety of worthwhile causes,” says Moorman, who owns Culligan dealerships in Peterborough and Belleville, Ontario.

In 2009, Culligan donated 22,608 single-serve bottles of clean, potable water and 293 bottles of 18-litre Culligan water.

That’s more than 16,500 litres of water.

• Here’s just a few of the worthwhile organizations and events Moorman's Culligan dealership has supported during the past year.

o Rotary Club
o United Way Dragon Boat Festival
o Trump AIDS Walk
o Terry Fox Run
o Make-A-Wish Foundation
o ALS Walk
o Lung Association Pull for Kids
o AIDS Walk for Life
o PEC Marathon
o One to One Walk for Cancer
o United Way Casino Royale
o Relay for Life
o Lung Association Amazing Pace
o MS Walk
o Festival of Trees
o Children’ Water Festival – Peterborough
o Children’s Water Festival - Belleville
o Salvation Army
o Telus Walk to Cure Cancer
o Fiesta Buckhorn
o Easter Seals
o Canada Day Festival
o Alzheimers Society
o Walk to Cure Diabetes
o Rotary Loves Kids Golf Tournament
o YMCA Kids Reverse Triathlon
o Trenton Military Family Resource Centre

Rebuilding Bridges on an Island: Culligan Men Make a Pledge

WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA - If Whidbey Islanders have questions about their water, they have new Culligan Men to call. Michael J. Nesheim of Culligan in Snohomish, King, and Island Counties, and Eric Clarke of Culligan in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties, together will be servicing all islands in Island County – including the San Juan Islands.

After a previous Culligan dealer left the area, the Nesheim and Clarke dealerships wanted to work together to find solutions for the area’s water issues. Clarke’s dealership handles everything north of Coupeville, and Nesheim’s dealership is responsible for everything in and south of the town.

Both dealerships welcome all unresolved issues left by the previous dealer.

“Problem solving is our forte and an honor; it gives us an opportunity to help right a wrong and build new relationships,” states Nesheim. “Being available is the first step – good, old-fashioned communication is the next. Followed with expert service and a smile, those traits usually lead to jobs well done and clients who are eager to refer their friends and neighbors.”

Whidbey Island’s water treatment issues vary depending on the water source; city or well. Nesheim explains that most of the well water and municipal or ‘city’ water supplies deliver relatively ‘hard’ water to their customers. Additionally, most wells on the island have other water problems ranging from orange and brown staining (iron and manganese), to Coliform bacteria and hydrogen sulfide - usually the cause of a “rotten egg” smell in hot and/or cold water.

“Our solutions to these problems also range depending on the number of problems, and the clients interest in solving them. Our dealerships both offer a ‘Water Walk-Through™’ service, which includes accurate on-site testing, as well as reviews on plumbing, water-using appliances, fixtures and water heaters,” says Clarke. “Based on the water testing results, we offer appropriate, applicable recommendations for every client.”

The Culligan brand is synonymous with service, and we are eager to bring that quality back to the residents of Island County,” says Clarke. “This is our community too, and our company is committed to maintaining high levels of excellence. The Culligan Man is back, we’re not going anywhere, and we’re here to stay.

Less Hard Water Does Not Mean Soft Water

From the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana

In light of the article “Utility piping softer water” (Nov. 5) devoted to Aqua Indiana’s soft-water claims, the residents of the Fort Wayne area deserve to hear the entire discussion when it comes to the changes in their home water quality.

As a member of the local business community, as well as a Culligan dealer, I have been barraged with questions and have seen the misconceptions about Aqua Indiana’s water create confusion and frustration. Certain issues must be addressed head-on to give area citizens peace of mind when it comes to their water.

First and foremost, less hard water does not equal soft water. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, only water that tests at less than 1 grain per gallon (gpg) concentration of hard minerals is considered “soft water.” Both the U.S. Geological Survey and the Water Quality Association support this classification. Hard minerals can include calcium and magnesium and are often the culprits behind dishwasher film, bathroom sink stains, itchy and dry skin and the decreased efficiency of water-using appliances.

There is no doubt that everyone has been affected by the region’s hard-water history at some point, with some tests charting hardness as high as 25 gpg. While Aqua Indiana has made some progress reducing the hardness, the area’s water still routinely tests at about 10 gpg. That still leaves a lot of hardness and even more questions.

That level still threatens residents’ pipes, challenges their laundry machines and wreaks havoc on hair and skin during every shower.

While Aqua Indiana’s claims ran without such qualifications, people removed their water softeners only to be faced with the uncomfortable truth about their so-called soft water. Water softeners still provide the highest level of soft water available, and Aqua Indiana’s vague statements and half-truths should not be taken without asking the tough questions.

The next time Aqua Indiana calls softener a “throw away,” it needs to face the hard facts about Fort Wayne water.

BRIAN O’ROURKE Fort Wayne