The debate over bottled water versus tap water has recently found new life due to consumer curiosity on how the industry is regulated and enforced. While the argument is not concentrated on the purity of the water itself, the conversation challenges the current rules governing the sourcing and nutritional information bottled-water producers are required to let their customers know. Simply stated, this is a question of consumer choice when it comes to their drinking water.
But when municipal and city water utilities make the claim that their water is safer due to the perception of stronger oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they are strongly misleading the public. There are many variables to consider when it comes to water quality throughout the country, especially where the tap water suppliers are concerned.
Wherever the product comes from, the filtration process of the bottled water should not be dismissed or discounted. For example, Culligan dealers are independently owned and operated, and the individual franchisees are responsible for their own product. All of their water goes through the reverse osmosis filtration process, which eliminates up to 99.9% of impurities and contaminants despite the source. In terms of labeling and disclosure, the term “reverse osmosis” and “purified” meet all the standards approved and enforced by the Food and Drug Administration.
Before you ban the bottle and run to the tap, keep a few things in mind.
• The AP reported earlier this year there are 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals throughout the country’s municipal water systems. These are unregulated compounds. Quite simply, modern chemistry is outrunning the utilities’ technology.
• The health limits and legal limits provided by the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act are often different, with the legal limit at a much higher threshold than the health limit.
• Water utilities don’t have to include every contaminant in their water. Places like Chicago, for example, are mum on the pesticides and sex hormones in its system.
• Check how your tap water stacked up in one of the most intensive tap water studies ever done by the third-party Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database. According to their research, 140 million contaminants with no enforceable regulation are attacking your tap. Residents cannot pick which utility serves their home, but they can choose a consumer water supplier that can ensure its quality.
Culligan constantly develops technologies devoted to sustainable high water quality such as whole-house filtration systems and bottle-less water coolers. Culligan dealers are also quick to point out bottled water is crucial for disaster relief, since it is safely packaged and potable.In fact, an EPA study counted 433,947 documented illnesses and 73 deaths between 1991 and 2002 stemming from tap water. Bottled water has never been cited as a source for a large-scale outbreak.
There are many sides to the bottled water issue, keep the ‘source’ in mind.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Highlights from the Oral Testimony and Question Responses
Deputy Principal Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein
Food and Drug Administration
At the Hearing on the Regulation of Bottled Water
July 8, 2009
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
FDA on Bottled Water Safety:
“In general, FDA’s oversight of bottled water I think can be described as successful. The agency is aware of no major outbreaks of illness or serious safety concerns associated with bottled water in the past decade. “
Later, answering Rep. Greg Waldren’s question on lead in water, FDA stated:
“In fact, I advised the school superintendent to turn-off all the drinking fountains in the Baltimore city public schools because of the problems they were having with lead. And to go with bottled water across the system. In turned out to be cheaper also, given the expense that they had of testing the municipal water because of old buildings and the problems they had with the pipes in the school. So, as a health commissioner, I think there are certain scenarios where, for example, after certain types of disruption of the water supply, the water can unsafe for a period of time, you recommend a switch to bottled water or boil it.”
In a Comparison with Soft Drinks, FDA stated:
“A cola is a food product that is not subject to the Good Manufacturing Practices that exist specifically for bottled water. I would say there is definitely more regulations on bottled water… Bottled water has a whole set of regulations that are really just for bottled water.”
FDA On Interstate Sales of Bottled Water:
“If the bottle comes from outside the state or the cap comes from outside the state, even if it’s just sold within the state, it counts as interstate. And there’s a presumption, I understand, it would be interstate. But in theory, there may be products that could challenge our authority over them although I’m not aware for water they we’ve heard about a problem that we haven’t get able to get to, either directly or through the states.”
FDA On the Use of Recycled Plastic Bottles:
“I’m not aware of any special concerns for recycled plastic. I think if there are concerns people have, they should share them with the agency.”
FDA’s Overview of Bottled Water Regulations:
“FDA has established specific regulations for bottled water in the code of Federal regulations. These regulations include standard of identity regulations that define different types of bottled water, such as spring water verses mineral water and standard of quality regulations that establish allowable levels for chemical, physical, microbial and radiological contaminants. FDA has established Good Manufacturing Practice regulations for the process and bottling of bottled drinking water.
Labeling and GMP regulations for foods in general also apply to bottled water.
"Federal law requires FDA to set similar standards for bottled water as exist for municipal water or explain why they should not apply. FDA has established such standards for over 90 contaminants and in some cases, such as for lead or copper, the FDA limits are stricter for bottled water than for municipal water.
And another point to make in this regard is the way the testing is done is different. For example, take the lead standard. Any test that is high is violative, that is done on FDA-regulated bottled water. For the municipal water, if only a percentage of the samples is above a certain level does the municipal water supply fail that. They’re allowed to have certain failures and not have it as a failure for the municipal water supply. It just illustrates there’s a different approach that’s taken into context.”
FDA Monitoring and Testing of Bottled Water:
“FDA monitors and inspects bottled water products and processing plants as part of its general food safety program. Inspections occur approximately once every one to three years. The Agency inspects violative firms more frequently depending on the number of significance and occurrence of violations. FDA field offices follow-up on consumer and trade complaints and other leads on potentially violative bottled water products. As for other types of food, FDA periodically collects and analyzes samples of bottled water. Samples of foreign bottled water offered for entry may be collected and tested to determine if they are in compliance with the laws and regulations. And last, we test the water for microbial, radiological or chemical contamination.”
FDA and the new e-Coli standard:
“Most recently, on May 29, 2009, FDA published a final rule to require that bottled water manufacturers test source water and finished bottled water products for total coliform organisms and to prohibit distribution of products containing any E.coli indicator of fecal contamination. FDA is also requiring that before a bottler can use source water from a source that tested positive for E.coli, the bottler must take appropriate measures to rectify or eliminate the cause of the problem. And the bottler must keep records of such actions.”
Later, answering Rep. Greg Waldren’s question on E.c oli issues, he stated:
“My understanding is that public water systems are required to collect monthly total coliform samples throughout their distribution systems and that, if they are positive, they must be tested for E.coli. For systems collecting more than 40 samples per month, if more than 5% are positive, that triggers a violation. If it’s less than 40 samples per month, than one positive test triggers a violation. For FDA, bottled water, if there’s any violation, that kicks in. For municipal, if its a lots of tests, then there has to be a certain percentage of the tests filed to trigger a violation.”
FDA On DEHP, he stated:
“We don’t believe it is being used in water bottles or water caps.”
Food and Drug Administration
At the Hearing on the Regulation of Bottled Water
July 8, 2009
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation
Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House of Representatives
FDA on Bottled Water Safety:
“In general, FDA’s oversight of bottled water I think can be described as successful. The agency is aware of no major outbreaks of illness or serious safety concerns associated with bottled water in the past decade. “
Later, answering Rep. Greg Waldren’s question on lead in water, FDA stated:
“In fact, I advised the school superintendent to turn-off all the drinking fountains in the Baltimore city public schools because of the problems they were having with lead. And to go with bottled water across the system. In turned out to be cheaper also, given the expense that they had of testing the municipal water because of old buildings and the problems they had with the pipes in the school. So, as a health commissioner, I think there are certain scenarios where, for example, after certain types of disruption of the water supply, the water can unsafe for a period of time, you recommend a switch to bottled water or boil it.”
In a Comparison with Soft Drinks, FDA stated:
“A cola is a food product that is not subject to the Good Manufacturing Practices that exist specifically for bottled water. I would say there is definitely more regulations on bottled water… Bottled water has a whole set of regulations that are really just for bottled water.”
FDA On Interstate Sales of Bottled Water:
“If the bottle comes from outside the state or the cap comes from outside the state, even if it’s just sold within the state, it counts as interstate. And there’s a presumption, I understand, it would be interstate. But in theory, there may be products that could challenge our authority over them although I’m not aware for water they we’ve heard about a problem that we haven’t get able to get to, either directly or through the states.”
FDA On the Use of Recycled Plastic Bottles:
“I’m not aware of any special concerns for recycled plastic. I think if there are concerns people have, they should share them with the agency.”
FDA’s Overview of Bottled Water Regulations:
“FDA has established specific regulations for bottled water in the code of Federal regulations. These regulations include standard of identity regulations that define different types of bottled water, such as spring water verses mineral water and standard of quality regulations that establish allowable levels for chemical, physical, microbial and radiological contaminants. FDA has established Good Manufacturing Practice regulations for the process and bottling of bottled drinking water.
Labeling and GMP regulations for foods in general also apply to bottled water.
"Federal law requires FDA to set similar standards for bottled water as exist for municipal water or explain why they should not apply. FDA has established such standards for over 90 contaminants and in some cases, such as for lead or copper, the FDA limits are stricter for bottled water than for municipal water.
And another point to make in this regard is the way the testing is done is different. For example, take the lead standard. Any test that is high is violative, that is done on FDA-regulated bottled water. For the municipal water, if only a percentage of the samples is above a certain level does the municipal water supply fail that. They’re allowed to have certain failures and not have it as a failure for the municipal water supply. It just illustrates there’s a different approach that’s taken into context.”
FDA Monitoring and Testing of Bottled Water:
“FDA monitors and inspects bottled water products and processing plants as part of its general food safety program. Inspections occur approximately once every one to three years. The Agency inspects violative firms more frequently depending on the number of significance and occurrence of violations. FDA field offices follow-up on consumer and trade complaints and other leads on potentially violative bottled water products. As for other types of food, FDA periodically collects and analyzes samples of bottled water. Samples of foreign bottled water offered for entry may be collected and tested to determine if they are in compliance with the laws and regulations. And last, we test the water for microbial, radiological or chemical contamination.”
FDA and the new e-Coli standard:
“Most recently, on May 29, 2009, FDA published a final rule to require that bottled water manufacturers test source water and finished bottled water products for total coliform organisms and to prohibit distribution of products containing any E.coli indicator of fecal contamination. FDA is also requiring that before a bottler can use source water from a source that tested positive for E.coli, the bottler must take appropriate measures to rectify or eliminate the cause of the problem. And the bottler must keep records of such actions.”
Later, answering Rep. Greg Waldren’s question on E.c oli issues, he stated:
“My understanding is that public water systems are required to collect monthly total coliform samples throughout their distribution systems and that, if they are positive, they must be tested for E.coli. For systems collecting more than 40 samples per month, if more than 5% are positive, that triggers a violation. If it’s less than 40 samples per month, than one positive test triggers a violation. For FDA, bottled water, if there’s any violation, that kicks in. For municipal, if its a lots of tests, then there has to be a certain percentage of the tests filed to trigger a violation.”
FDA On DEHP, he stated:
“We don’t believe it is being used in water bottles or water caps.”
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
What the heck is hard water?
You have probably heard the term, heard your mom complain about it and your dad curse it like a bad golf swing. Hard water is actually responsible for a huge amount of waste and destruction in your home and on your body, and it should be cursed.
Down-and-really dirty
Hard water is considered water with a high volume of hard minerals, usually calcium and magnesium.(Sounds like a bad 80s singing duo) Anything with more than 1 grain of hard minerals per gallon is considered hard water. Anything above 3 gpg, run, don’t walk, to get a water softener. Believe me, you will thank me and may even send me a present.(I need new sweaters by the way.)
What Hard Water Does
These two nasty elements then run amuck on your skin, hair and household appliances. Ever get out of the shower and feel like, how do I say, gunky? That’s because soap and other products can’t rinse properly and subsequently dry out your skin and hair. Remember in old Acme cartoons, the fleas used to build whole cities on the family dog? It’s like that, in mineral form.
Appliances are not spared from hard water’s wrath. A recent study shower showerheads can get clogged and rendered inoperable within 18 months. Ever pull out dishes from the dishwasher to be greeted by filth spots? You can thank hard water. If your sink looks like a frat house just used it during its latest social, hard water is probably to blame. (Disclaimer: If you actually did just have a frat party, that’s also the reason the toilet is in the front yard.)
Time Goes By So Slowwwlllyyy
I know the Righteous Brothers did not have hard water in mind when they came up with that line. But who says they didn't? Moving on.
So look around your house and in the mirror and ask: Is hard water costing me money and time? If the answer is yes, yell “Hey Culligan Man!”
Down-and-really dirty
Hard water is considered water with a high volume of hard minerals, usually calcium and magnesium.(Sounds like a bad 80s singing duo) Anything with more than 1 grain of hard minerals per gallon is considered hard water. Anything above 3 gpg, run, don’t walk, to get a water softener. Believe me, you will thank me and may even send me a present.(I need new sweaters by the way.)
What Hard Water Does
These two nasty elements then run amuck on your skin, hair and household appliances. Ever get out of the shower and feel like, how do I say, gunky? That’s because soap and other products can’t rinse properly and subsequently dry out your skin and hair. Remember in old Acme cartoons, the fleas used to build whole cities on the family dog? It’s like that, in mineral form.
Appliances are not spared from hard water’s wrath. A recent study shower showerheads can get clogged and rendered inoperable within 18 months. Ever pull out dishes from the dishwasher to be greeted by filth spots? You can thank hard water. If your sink looks like a frat house just used it during its latest social, hard water is probably to blame. (Disclaimer: If you actually did just have a frat party, that’s also the reason the toilet is in the front yard.)
Time Goes By So Slowwwlllyyy
I know the Righteous Brothers did not have hard water in mind when they came up with that line. But who says they didn't? Moving on.
A study by Ohio State University indicated that time required for typical cleaning taskes was increased by 50 percent.
So look around your house and in the mirror and ask: Is hard water costing me money and time? If the answer is yes, yell “Hey Culligan Man!”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Water Temperature and Absorption
From the New York Times 7/20
Q. Does the temperature of drinking water matter? I have heard that lukewarm water is absorbed more quickly and that cold water helps burn calories. Is that true?
Skip to next paragraph
Victoria Roberts
A. Volume appears to matter more than temperature. A review of hydration during exercise from the American College of Sports Medicine says that the rate at which fluid leaves the stomach to be absorbed from the intestine into the blood depends on a complex interaction of factors. The biggest factor is sufficient fluid volume in the stomach, the study says, and a big factor in ingesting enough fluid is palatability. Therefore, the study recommends that fluids “be cooler than ambient temperature” — 59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit — “and flavored to enhance palatability and promote fluid replacement.”
A 2006 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism casts doubt on the idea that cooler water helps burn calories. In the study, done in Switzerland, resting energy expenditure after drinking cooled, distilled water was measured in healthy young volunteers and compared with the results after drinking room-temperature liquids.
The study found a very small difference, “well below the theoretical energy cost of warming the water to body temperature,” and the results “cast doubt on water as a thermogenic agent for the management of obesity.”
Q. Does the temperature of drinking water matter? I have heard that lukewarm water is absorbed more quickly and that cold water helps burn calories. Is that true?
Skip to next paragraph
Victoria Roberts
A. Volume appears to matter more than temperature. A review of hydration during exercise from the American College of Sports Medicine says that the rate at which fluid leaves the stomach to be absorbed from the intestine into the blood depends on a complex interaction of factors. The biggest factor is sufficient fluid volume in the stomach, the study says, and a big factor in ingesting enough fluid is palatability. Therefore, the study recommends that fluids “be cooler than ambient temperature” — 59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit — “and flavored to enhance palatability and promote fluid replacement.”
A 2006 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism casts doubt on the idea that cooler water helps burn calories. In the study, done in Switzerland, resting energy expenditure after drinking cooled, distilled water was measured in healthy young volunteers and compared with the results after drinking room-temperature liquids.
The study found a very small difference, “well below the theoretical energy cost of warming the water to body temperature,” and the results “cast doubt on water as a thermogenic agent for the management of obesity.”
Monday, July 20, 2009
My Travels in this Slippery World
For the last 6 weeks,I have been on a perpetual journey throughout a generous chunk of the US and Canada visiting Culligan dealers. Through all of the bad hotel coffee and fast food in the car, I got to know a group of businessmen and women as well as you could given two hours in a conference room. We talked about business, about customers, about legacy, about family and about the future. This is a dedicated group of people who have already taught me more than a few lessons.
1. They know everything about water. Everything. They can also pronounce chemicals that I am fairly sure are phonetically impossible.
2. They are extremely family-oriented as a group. Almost every meeting had a mother-son, father-son,father-daughter or sibling pair.
3. They genuinely want to help you find a solution to any problem you may have.
More lessons to come as the Water Wise Guy/Culligan Man continue to spread the good water word.
1. They know everything about water. Everything. They can also pronounce chemicals that I am fairly sure are phonetically impossible.
2. They are extremely family-oriented as a group. Almost every meeting had a mother-son, father-son,father-daughter or sibling pair.
3. They genuinely want to help you find a solution to any problem you may have.
More lessons to come as the Water Wise Guy/Culligan Man continue to spread the good water word.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Culligan’s New Aqua-Cleer® Bottle-less Coolers Offer Quality Water, Convenience and Savings at the Office
Now I think personally this is pretty cool. It's amazing to see how technology simplifies those everyday experiences like refilling the water cooler. It also reminds me of the time when Dwight in The Office was worried about water cooler talk.
So he put the water cooler next to his desk.
In the middle of the room. But I digress.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Culligan, a leader in water treatment solutions for more than 70 years, just introduced its new line of Aqua-Cleer® Point of Use (POU) bottle-less coolers for commercial businesses and residential homes. Bottle-less coolers are perfect for small, high traffic areas such as hotels, offices and lobbies where space is limited. Because the water comes directly from the building’s existing water source and is automatically filtered for drinking, there’s no more heavy lifting, delivery or storage of five gallon bottles. And because bottle-less coolers don’t use water bottles, they offer businesses an unlimited supply of high quality drinking water on demand.
“Our customers have told us that they are always looking to incorporate greener business practices and to save money, especially in today’s current economy. Culligan’s bottle-less coolers help address both issues. Some of our customers claim they’ve not only reduced plastic waste, but have saved between 20 to 50 percent on drinking water expenses monthly by switching to a point-of-use system,” says Sean Kajcienski, Vice President of POU at Culligan International.
Bottle-Less But Feature-Rich
Culligan bottle-less coolers use the company’s newest and most advanced Aqua-Cleer filtration system. This next-generation filtration technology features 13 filter options which can be custom-tailored to local water conditions and individual needs. Customers can choose from a simple sediment or carbon filter up to a multi-stage reverse osmosis system. The Aqua-Cleer family also includes specialty cartridges for such contaminants as arsenic, perchlorate and volatile organics.*
Culligan’s Aqua-Cleer bottle-less coolers are available in four models suited to different business sizes and drinking water needs. These include:
CC Ultra: available as a free-standing tower or mini countertop system, this cooler provides state of the art features. With its lighted push buttons, electronic controls, biological growth resistant “bio-cote” exterior, UV light and energy-saving hot tank sleep mode, it’s the ideal choice for any business setting.
CC Custom: the large internal storage reservoir makes this free-standing cooler a great option for applications requiring reverse osmosis or nanofiltration. Designed to work with five stages of treatment, this system includes built-in automatic leak detection and shut-off.
CC Plus/Plus UV: this popular, mid-range cooler offers a sleek style for basic water dispensing needs. With hot and cold dispensing ability, a hot water safety lock and a large four liter cold water tank, this workhorse dispenses drinking water with ease.
CC Basic: an economical bottle-less cooler option, this sturdy tower provides hot/cold water, a single Aqua Cleer head for remote mounting and a dual float device shut-off for enhanced safety – making this ideal for smaller businesses, waiting rooms and reception areas.
*Contaminants are not necessarily in your drinking water.
Backed by a Trusted Expert
Whatever their preference, commercial customers will benefit from the expertise, experience and longevity of Culligan’s local dealers who are always “on call” as customers’ water quality needs change or they need answers to complex water issues.
Culligan’s new Aqua-Cleer POU bottle-less cooler product line is currently available. For more information or to contact a Culligan dealer near you, visit www.culligan.com or call 1-800-CULLIGAN.
About Culligan
Culligan has been recognized as the world leading innovator and provider of filtration systems for more than 70 years. Headquartered in the Chicago area, Culligan maintains offices in 11 countries, dealers and licensees in over 90 countries, and a network of 600+ franchise and company-owned dealers across North America. Culligan offers the most extensive water treatment product line in the world, and its solutions have been backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, highlighted as a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” and featured on the “Designing Spaces” national television show. Culligan is also a founding member of the Water Quality Association and contributing donor to the Water Quality Research Foundation, the research arm of the water quality improvement industry.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Less Hard is Not Soft
Recently, in Ft. Wayne, IN, Aqua Indiana and other utilities have made the claim that their water is “soft” – and cited in more than a few articles that current customers don’t need to use softeners anymore. Taking the utilities’ word, many consumers got rid of their softeners and subsequently found out the hard truth. Less hard is not soft.
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, only water that tests with a less than 1 grains per gallon (gpg) concentration of hard minerals is considered soft water. Hard minerals include calcium and magnesium, and recent tests have shown that untreated hard water has a devastating effect on appliances.
In a May 5th article in the Journal Gazette, it is said the water will be “half as hard”, and I have to ask “half as hard” to what?
20 gpg to 10 gpg? 8 gpg to 4 gpg? I have to challenge their claims because I feel the real discussion has not been had on this issue. (UPDATE: My sources say that Aqua Indiana's water was 22 gpg before and will project to be 7 gpg. Bottom Line: Still very hard water!)
I feel the public is under a gross misconception when Aqua Indiana says the water is completely soft, and that softeners are no longer needed. The fact of the matter is that yes, some progress has been made, but the water is not even near the quality that a softener can attain.
Claims that their services equal a softener is simply not true.
All I ask for is a forum for debate, pros and cons, fact and fiction - and I welcome Aqua Indiana's thoughts.
More to come in this ongoing debate.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
McCardel Culligan Merges with Hendricksen
BIG RAPIDS, MI - Recently, McCardel Culligan Big Rapids and Hendricksen Water Conditioning announced the merger of their two organizations – providing residents in Osceola, Mecosta, Lake and Newayg Counties with over 100 years of water solutions experience.
“We are very pleased that our companies can come together to better serve our customers and our community,” says Bryan Send, general manager of McCardel Culligan Big Rapids and 23-year veteran of the water industry. “Hendricksen Water Conditioning has been a family-run business for 48 years, and we intend to ensure those values are kept intact through this time of change.”
The newly merged dealership, which will remain McCardel Culligan Big Rapids, will be retaining Hendricksen Water’s principals Rosemary Kailing and Tom Hendricksen, in addition to keeping Shane Sova, who handles routes, deliveries, sales and installations.
Send points out that day-to-day business will continue as normal, including bottled water service, salt deliveries, water softener maintenance, commercial water solutions and all the other services residents have come to expect.
“Whether you are a Culligan customer or were a Hendricksen client, we are here to help with all your water issues and answer any questions you may have about new technologies, such as reverse osmosis and deionization,” adds Send.
Keith McCardel, who has been involved in the water industry for 42 years, also owns and operates Culligan of Traverse City. His dealership was recognized in 2008 for “Excellence in Customer Service & Consumer Relations” by the corporate Culligan system.
The McCardel Culligan Water Conditioning stores are members of the Water Quality Association, Michigan Water Quality Association, Culligan Dealers Association of North America and the International Bottled Water Association.
Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan continually develops new technologies to treat hard water and rid water contaminants. All products have been perfected through research and development, set standards in the water treatment industry, and are used by homes and businesses worldwide.
“We are very pleased that our companies can come together to better serve our customers and our community,” says Bryan Send, general manager of McCardel Culligan Big Rapids and 23-year veteran of the water industry. “Hendricksen Water Conditioning has been a family-run business for 48 years, and we intend to ensure those values are kept intact through this time of change.”
The newly merged dealership, which will remain McCardel Culligan Big Rapids, will be retaining Hendricksen Water’s principals Rosemary Kailing and Tom Hendricksen, in addition to keeping Shane Sova, who handles routes, deliveries, sales and installations.
Send points out that day-to-day business will continue as normal, including bottled water service, salt deliveries, water softener maintenance, commercial water solutions and all the other services residents have come to expect.
“Whether you are a Culligan customer or were a Hendricksen client, we are here to help with all your water issues and answer any questions you may have about new technologies, such as reverse osmosis and deionization,” adds Send.
Keith McCardel, who has been involved in the water industry for 42 years, also owns and operates Culligan of Traverse City. His dealership was recognized in 2008 for “Excellence in Customer Service & Consumer Relations” by the corporate Culligan system.
The McCardel Culligan Water Conditioning stores are members of the Water Quality Association, Michigan Water Quality Association, Culligan Dealers Association of North America and the International Bottled Water Association.
Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan continually develops new technologies to treat hard water and rid water contaminants. All products have been perfected through research and development, set standards in the water treatment industry, and are used by homes and businesses worldwide.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
IL Publication Realizes the Need for Well Testing for Kids
I know there have been multiple posts about the importance of well testing, and please allow one more. It's one of those everyday aspects of life that gets overlooked until something goes wrong - and the Water Wise Guy/Culligan Man is proactive.
Check out this great story from the Land of Lincoln.It was published in the Freeport Journal Standard.
Moms and dads, make sure you have your water tested on a regular basis.
Is your well water safe?
"Local and national health experts say private well owners should test their wells regularly to ensure they are not exposed to contaminants such as coliform bacteria and high levels of nitrates.
An article in the June issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics journal urges the public to test their private wells, since bacteria and other contaminants can be especially harmful to young children. The article states that drinking water for roughly one-sixth of U.S. households comes from private wells, “of which there is little regulation.”
Well contamination should be of particular concern to rural residents because municipal water supplies, such as Freeport’s, are tested routinely by city water and sewer officials. The 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, which regulates drinking water systems, does not apply to private wells serving less than 25 people, officials said.
“It does indicate by doing these tests if there is the potential for other contamination,” said Ed Specht, director of environmental health for the Stephenson County Health Department. “If there is bacteria present or the nitrate levels are high, this means there is the potential for other contaminants. There are major health concerns with coliform and E. coli bacteria. Nitrates are more of a concern for infants and pregnant women.”
Specht said the local health department offers well testing kits for sale to rural county residents who would like to test their water. The kits are $10 each and there is a $25 shipping charge to send water samples to a Springfield laboratory for testing.
Health department personnel can also collect and send in samples, but this costs about $85. Lab testing can indicate the presence of coliform bacteria and nitrates. The presence of coliform bacteria likely indicates a well sample has been contaminated by surface water or fecal material. Nitrates found in ground water are usually produced by agricultural fertilizers, livestock wastes, or septic systems.
Experts say that spring and summer are the best times to test for well contamination, because rain and melting snow causes excessive flooding. Older wells and shallow wells under 100 feet deep are particularly susceptible to contamination by surface water, officials said.
Finding Solutions
Specht, who regularly tests local wells, said health officials can help residents who find they have contaminated wells. Health officials can investigate the cause of the contamination and recommend solutions such as installing a reverse osmosis filtration system or an ultraviolet light treatment system. Specht estimated that 100 to 200 rural Stephenson County residents a year test their private wells.
The Jo Daviess County Health Department also assists residents with their well testing needs, said Sandra Nolan, a sanitarian for the department.
“We recommend testing water once a year because the levels can change throughout the year, especially for bacteria,” Nolan said.
Darvin Kiper, owner of Culligan Water Conditioning in Freeport, said his agency will also examine wells for area residents concerned about contamination. Bacteria and nitrates are the most common concern, but in rare cases area well water has been contaminated by arsenic or other more toxic substances, he said.
Hard To Detect
One of the major problems is that contamination can be hard to detect without lab-confirmed testing, Kiper said. Often, if the water doesn’t smell and seems to be fine, residents will drink it without having the well tested first, he said. Some houses out in rural Stephenson County have very old private wells, Kiper said.
Kiper said rural residents who use a private well should get their water tested if they haven’t already. Another option is to switch to bottled water for drinking, he said. Culligan can also help area residents fix the problem by installing infiltration systems or implementing other solutions, Kiper said.
For more information on well testing programs, contact the Stephenson County Health Department at (815) 599-0344, the Jo Daviess County Health Department at (815) 777-0283, or Culligan at (815) 235-7186."
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