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.

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

Our First Twitter-generated Blog Post!

Tweet. Drink. Repeat.

The Culligan Man loves the social media movement – for a few reasons. First off, the sheer amount of information keeps us better educated and better connected. News pours through my Tweetdecks like water over Niagara Falls. Secondly, it allows Culligan to ask consumers what’s important to them – and guess what? They answer. So in keeping with the invisible social media rulebook, it’s up to us to provide solid answers to consumer questions.

Now, I am proud to announce the unveiling of our first Tweet-generated blog post:

Twitter: @Local_Social
Where: Chicago
Question: “Do I really need bottled water in my home?"

Answer:

The Water Wise Guy crew will respond with a little help from our friends, a.k.a the Culligan dealers from around the continent. We’ll chime in to emphasize a point here and there.

From Steve Rangel, Rock Valley Culligan

There are a few variables to take into consideration when it comes to bottled water. There is a difference between need & want. Depending on the water source, i.e. well water, municipal water, etc you may be better off with bottled or reverse osmosis water.

The best way to find out would be through a water analysis.

(WWG thought: Private wells serving less than 25 people are not covered by the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act. Arsenic and nitrates are fairly common contaminants in the Midwest, and it’s up to the individual to test, so bottled water offers a worry-free drinking water option.)

Paul Moorman from Culligan in Belleville, Ontario breaks down why he has bottled water in his home:

This is in addition to just drinking great tasting water.

- I use it in my ice cube trays – makes harder, clearer cubes that last longer and don’t mess with the taste of the drink I put them in.

- My wife uses it in her iron to prevent blocking the steamer.

- It keeps our coffee maker clean and working better. And the coffee tastes better too!

My dog likes it better than our tap water!

(WWG: They can talk to dogs in Canada.)

- I sure can’t get high quality drinking water when I’m on the go. Only bottled water lets me do that. Having it at home to fill re-usable bottles saves time and money!

- My daughter fills her eco-friendly stainless steel bottle with mineral free, high quality Culligan water for her high school basketball games.

Canadian Culligan Dealer Helps Winter Wonderland

This article is from last year, but gives you a good flavor of the time and energy it takes to create these outdoor masterpieces. The bottom of the post is where you can find Culligan's role.

From the Ottawa Citizen
2008

For the past half dozen years or so, the National Capital Commission has stocked Winterlude with blocks of ice from a company called Iceculture, based in Hensall, Ont., just southeast of Goderich on the southeastern shore of Lake Huron.

Iceculture claims to be possibly the world's largest supplier of crystal-clear ice, and certainly North America's biggest. Each year, the company makes 25,000 blocks of ice for clients around the world. Apart from Winterlude, for example, the company recently hauled 90,000 kilograms of ice -- roughly enough to fill a school bus, and also the amount of water a fin whale draws in a single gulp -- to Dubai and then spent two weeks building an ice lounge, called Chill Out, inside a shopping mall. Next month, they'll head to Thailand to construct a similar one there.

This year, Iceculture will ship 1,800 blocks of ice to Winterlude, each weighing about 140 kilograms (300 pounds) and measuring 100 centimetres by 50 centimetres by 25 centimetres. That's enough ice to cover an NHL rink to a thickness of 15 centimetres. Its total weight of about 245 metric tonnes is roughly equivalent to four times the weight of all the players currently on NHL rosters.

But what makes the ice blocks clear?

According to Iceculture general manager Heidi Bayley, the secret is in the freezing process, which is designed to remove the trapped bubbles of air that typically make the ice cubes in your freezer so cloudy.

"It's very simple, but it's really sensitive," she says. "We have tanks that freeze the blocks from one side through to the other -- the cooling elements are on the bottom of the machine. At the same time, we circulate the water so that, as it freezes from one side, the circulation actually pushes any air out.

"The second thing we do," adds Bayley, "is we run it through an RO (reverse osmosis) system, a really giant Culligan water system that removes any impurities and minerals, such as calcium, which can add white spots to the blocks."

Know Your Culligan Man: Doug Oberhamer - Phoenix

The Water Wise Guy crew took some time to get to know Phoenix dealer, Doug Oberhamer. Doug is always full of great insight, and a knowledge of water issues that is second to none. Check out his thoughts in "Know Your Culligan Man."

If you could tell everyone out there one piece of advice when it comes to their home water quality, what would it be?

DO: There is a best quality of water for every use: Utility water plumbed to outside sillcocks for irrigation of landscaping, for swimming pools and hot tubs; softened water installed at the point of entry to the home for bathing, laundering, dishwashing, cleaning, and care of plumbing and major appliances using water; and filtration installed at the point of use for drinking, cooking and icemaking. With only one-half of 1% of all the water supplied in the typical community used for drinking and cooking, it doesn't make sense, economically or otherwise, to treat all of the water to drinking water quality standards.


What do you see for the future of the water industry?

DO: The medical profession telling us what the best quality of water is for most people, and our treating the water to that "recipe." The treatment will include removal of contaminants in the water source, such as pharmaceuticals in the waste stream, and the potential of the addition of minerals found deficient in most diets and determined to promote good health.


What makes your area unique when it comes to water issues?

DO: Living in the desert where water is scare drives a different mindset than areas where water is abundant. We already have all of the water we are going to get, so water conservation and reuse are part of every day living and planning for population growth.

Remember that Good Housekeeping Seal? Yep, Culligan's Got it!

NEW YORK & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of the 100th birthday of the Good Housekeeping Seal, the magazine’s famous emblem of quality and a limited two-year warranty, the magazine has created an interactive, traveling exhibit that recreates the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, where all product evaluations are conducted. Visitors will see up close the various tests that products must go through to earn the Seal or be featured in Good Housekeeping, both editorially and in advertisements. GHRI on Tour presented by IKEA will make stops in 11 markets, transported via an environmentally-responsible low-emission vehicle. Visitors can also enter to win a room makeover from IKEA.

"Now more than ever, the Good Housekeeping Seal delivers an invaluable service to consumers, helping them cut through the erroneous claims to find products that really perform as promised,” says Rosemary Ellis, editor in chief of Good Housekeeping. “This exhibit really explains the work we do at the Research Institute, how it relates to the magazine, and how a product earns the Seal. Visitors will realize that we are unique in the way we stand behind the safety and efficacy of everything they see in Good Housekeeping.”

Culligan is sponsoring the Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab, where the practicality and performance of all appliances, equipment, and utensils used in preparing and storing food are reviewed. Culligan currently has eight home drinking water filtration and softening products which have received the Good Housekeeping Seal. These include: Aqua-Cleer® Drinking Water System; AC-30 Good Water Machine® Drinking Water System; Gold Series™ Whole House Water Filter; Medallist Series™ Whole House Water Filter; Iron-Cleer® Whole House Filter; Platinum Plus Series Water Softener; Gold Series™ Water Softener; and Medallist Series™ Water Softener.

“As Good Housekeeping celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Seal, Culligan will be celebrating over 70 years as a world leader in water treatment. Both Culligan and Good Housekeeping share an established history built on innovation, quality and trust. We are excited to give consumers an inside look at the Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab, so that people can understand how better water will make their lives better,” said Eric Rosenthal, VP of Marketing at Culligan.

In addition to the Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab, the GHRI on Tour presented by IKEA features an additional six interactive labs with diorama-style windows that provide a look inside, along with a video of each lab’s director explaining the products he/she evaluates. The exhibit also includes areas devoted to the magazine’s environmental initiatives; its VIP (Very Innovative Product) Awards; a timeline with GHRI highlights, from landmark evaluations to important recalls; touch screen televisions with trivia games and videos of sample product evaluations. There is also a Kid’s “Lab,” where parents can drop off their children while they explore the exhibit, staffed by trained day care professionals.

GHRI on Tour Presented by IKEA will make stops in the following markets:

* Tampa, FL: Museum of Science and Industry: September 26 – October 10
* Dallas, TX: State Fair of Texas: October 17 – 18
* Phoenix, AZ: Arizona State Fair: November 7 – 8
* Minneapolis, MN: Mall of America: November 21 – 22
* Atlanta, GA: Atlantic Station: December 12 – 13

Nitrates Pose Large Health Risk to Infants

KEARNEY, NE - In large farming and rural communities found throughout the Kearney area, waterborne contamination remains a constant risk. News cycles are filled with stories about herbicides, pesticides and pharmaceuticals that leech into drinking water sources – but area residents are reminded that all-natural elements do not equal worry-free.

Nitrates are organically created compounds found throughout the country’s watersheds, and can be extremely dangerous when found in high levels. Crop plants actually need large amounts of nitrogen and nitrates to sustain large yields, while fertilizers, manure and animal feedlots are also all common sources of nitrates.

With no taste or smell, nitrates can have adverse health effects if unchecked in your water. Infants, for example, cannot safely absorb nitrates because their stomach acid is not strong enough to convert it. Methemoglobin, or blue baby syndrome, should be of particular concern to parents living in areas with a history of nitrate problems.

“I have customers with high readings all over the Kearney area. For example, we recently had a customer that had a nitrate level of 26 milligrams per liter, when the allowable limit is 10 mg/l,” says Bronson Bosshamer, general manager of Culligan of Kearney. “Nitrates can be found in many different areas. Different variables need to be taken into consideration, and that is partly why we offer free testing here at Culligan.”

Bosshamer pointed out the fact that the EPA’s 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act supervises nitrate levels in municipal and city water utilities, but does not oversee private wells that serve less than 25 people.

“The burden is on the individual to ensure water quality for people who rely on a private well,” adds Bosshamer. “Consistent testing and vigilance will allow you to manage the risks and stay healthy.”

New York Times Has Water High on Its Agenda

It popped into my Google Alert on Saturday afternoon: "Toxic Waters" by the New York Times. Interest piqued. I went on to read the series, and the depth and detail of the data belie how water has wandered into the paper's cross hairs. Here are just some of the Gray Lady's observations:

- 1 in 10 Americans drink contaminated water

- Well water is more at risk than municipal-provided water. (This is a point I can't urge strongly enough. Some state DNRs think less than 10% of people actually test their wells.)

- An estimated 19.5 million Americans "fall ill" every year to contaminated water.

These are just the latest in a series of stories about the water quality in the US, and people have taken notice. Atrazine was one of the big targets a few weeks ago, which quickly prompted a strong reaction from local, state and federal authorities all over the country.

Remember, the data above is just a sampling of the investigation, and I encourage everyone to do their research into their area's water history and issues.

Move that Bus! Culligan Delivers Big to Extreme Home Makeover

ROCKFORD, IL – Starting September 9th, the Rockford area will be playing host to the cast and crew of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover – and Culligan will be playing its part. This morning, the Stott family of Lena, Ill. was notified they had been selected to be the recipients of the show’s newest structure.

Rock Valley Culligan will be installing a commercial grade water softener, and a reverse osmosis filtration system to the 3,400 square-foot home. The R.O. will provide clean drinking water for the kitchen sink, as well as water for the refrigerator dispenser and ice maker. The Culligan dealer from Freeport, Ill. will also be providing drinking water and volunteers.

According to an Extreme Home Makeover press release, “the Stott family are wonderful ambassadors of the spirit of community in northwest Illinois.” The family had experienced a house fire and a bout with leukemia.

“We are very excited to be able to contribute to such a great project that rewards such wonderful area residents,” says Jeff Larson, general manager of Rock Valley Culligan. “My staff and I are ready to work alongside our neighbors in the community to help a family in need. We are very excited to begin the installation.”

While the project begins September 9th, Culligan will be doing its part of the construction a few days later on the 12th.

Agrichemicals and Your Water

Lately, there has been a good amount of buzz surrounding a weedkiller called atrazine. It's been used for years as a very effective herbicide, and treating corn producers to a much higher yield of crop.

But as the New York Times reported, atrazine has leeched into many of the nation's reservoir's and watersheds. Places like Indiana and Ohio were the hardest hit according to the National Resource Defense Council, which is no surprise given the area's high corn production. But if you are not a Midwest resident, you should still keep an eye on your water quality.

So why should you care? Well, atrazine has a bit of a checkered past. Atrazine research has documented reports of hormone disruption and birth defects in expectant mothers. The Center for Biological Diversity warns

New research on birth defects at extremely low concentrations and documentation of widespread ground- and drinking-water contamination has strengthened the case for banning the toxic compound atrazine, the most commonly used herbicide in the United States

Now lawyers are getting involved as atrazine-maker Syngenta-AG is being pulled into a lawsuit over atrazine's rampant drinking water contamination.

Officials warn women who may be pregnant to keep an eye on chemicals like atrazine in their water supplies, and further urge them get their water tested on a regular basis.

This story follows a long line of coverage on pharmaceuticals and pesticides in the water. The common theme here is modern chemistry is moving at a much faster pace than previous contaminants.To stay ahead of these issues, a proactive approach is always a good idea.

There are consumer options out there for you to ensure water quality - especially if you are an expectant mother. If you email me at this blog, I would be happy to get you in touch with a water expert at Culligan to talk about solutions.

Tap Water Safer than Bottled? Not According to the Facts!

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Iowa Culligan Dealer Offers Eco-friendly, BPA-free ‘Bagged Water’

New technology can replace five-gallon bottles on home and office coolers

QUAD CITIES, IA - Recently Vetter’s, Inc., a Culligan Water dealer located in the Quad Cities has obtained licensing rights to produce and distribute PURELOCK™, a home and office water system that operates using “bagged water.”

The PURELOCK™ system uses a single-use, three-gallon bag that does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a common additive in the production of polycarbonate and PET water bottles. Furthermore, the bags are made of an FDA-approved, 100%-recyclable, low-density polyethylene that can be attached to an existing water cooler through an upgraded cooler top. Lastly, the water used in the PURELOCK™ units is the same used to fill the bottles.

“As a leader in the local water industry and business community, we feel it is our responsibility to continually provide our customers with cutting edge technology and more eco-friendly alternatives,” says Marty McCarthy, vice president of Vetter’s, Inc. “This product offers added levels of convenience and sanitation, plus it drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with most polycarbonate and PET bottles.”

In addition to the environmental impact of this new technology, Vetter’s Inc. customers see many everyday benefits. For example, each PURELOCK™ unit weighs approximately 20 lbs. less than existing five-gallon bottles, making them much easier for anyone to lift onto their cooler.

McCarthy also points out that the storage of bags is much easier than that of five-gallon bottles.

Moreover, “bagged water” technology positively affects the overall function of the water cooler. For instance, the PURELOCK™ system reduces the airflow necessary to operate existing systems. This reduction of airflow can lead to less bacteria buildup over time, and consequently result in a healthier drinking system. In addition, the cooler upgrade unit is easily removable and is dishwasher safe making it easy to clean any time.

“All in all, this is a great product that offers the consumer so many added values,” added McCarthy. “In a value-driven and environmentally-conscious world, we feel this product is an example of creative problem solving and an example of our commitment to our community and customers.”

Vetter’s, Inc. currently services most of Eastern Iowa and parts of Western Illinois. For a limited time, the company is providing upgrade units free of charge.


Disclaimer: Culligan dealers are individually owned and operated. Vetter's, Inc. and their six locations are the first, and currently the only, to produce and distribute the PURELOCK™ units within the Culligan system.