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.

Clean drinking water is a basic right, right?

I just listened to journalist Charles Duhigg, report on the "worsening pollution in American waters" — and regulators' responses to the problem on NPR.

It is an interesting and informative interview on the breakdown of the changing nature of water pollution.

He reported on many current issues concerning drinking water. I know the Water Wise Guy team blogged on the New York Times "Toxic Waters" section previously, however the interest in toxic drinking water is still incredibly high. The following issues he reported on are worth noting:

• 1 in 10 Americans have been exposed to drinking contaminated water-- water that contains dangerous chemicals, parasites, bacteria or viruses, or fails to meet federal health standards.
• Unknowingly drinking toxic water causes chemicals to accumulate in the cells of your body— and can take years for anything to show, eventually becoming a cancer.
• Millions of gallons of cow manure waste acts as fertilizer, but if the amounts are excessive, bacteria and chemicals can flow into the ground and contaminate residents’ tap water. In a small farm town in Wisconsin, more than 100 wells were polluted by agricultural runoff.

Duhigg doesn't provide easy answers, but does give us a better idea of what questions we should be asking.

Another reminder to be proactive about drinking water for you and your family.

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.

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."

Filtering systems and the WQA

While perusing some informational sites, I came across this fact sheet produced by the Water Quality Association in response to all the news about water issues - especially with pharmaceuticals. I thought I would share some of their thoughts for those who do not check this kind of information every day, like the Water Wise Guy does.

- Filtering systems in the home provide the highest technology available for treatment of drinking water. Less than two percent of all water consumed is ingested by humans, making these “point-of-use” systems the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

- While utilities are required to meet safety standards set by the U.S. EPA, home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further purify water for drinking.

- While specific product performance standards have not yet been developed for pharmaceuticals, many point-of-use technologies have proven effective for some of these emerging contaminants. Nano-filtration and reverse osmosis systems removed drugs tested by the Colorado School of Mines at full-scale facilities in Arizona and California. Activated carbon, distillation, ozonation, and advanced oxidization have likewise shown promise in removing many of these contaminants. Individual manufacturers can also test products for specific pharmaceuticals if they choose.

- According to Utah State University Extension, up to 90 percent of oral drugs can pass through humans unchanged. These often then move through wastewater into streams and groundwater. It is generally cost prohibitive for utilities to use systems such as nano-filtration, long contact activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. However, these top technologies have proven successful at removing many contaminants in home water treatment systems.

- In addition to pharmaceuticals, water quality experts are examining other emerging contaminants, such as those found in personal care products and pesticides. These are often referred to as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Home filtering systems have also been proven to treat threats such as lead and mercury.

- WQA provides Gold Seal certification for products that remove a variety of contaminants. ( Culligan AC-30 is one of these systems, by the way.)

To learn more, check out the WQA at http://wqa.org/sitelogic.cfm?ID=2059

Well Testing Urged By American Academy of Pediatrics

The June issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging people to test private wells, since different bacteria and contaminants can be very harmful to children.

“Drinking water for roughly one-sixth of U.S. households comes from private wells, of which there is little regulation. With proper care, well water is extremely safe. However, these wells can become contaminated by chemicals or pathogenic organisms.” – AAP (http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/june09wellwater.htm )

Furthermore, the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, which regulates all drinking water systems does not apply to private wells serving less than 25 people.

Consult your local Culligan water expert about getting your well tested. The Culligan Man is familiar and respected when it comes to home water solutions.

Drugs in the Water Cont'd

Water Quiz of the Day (6/2)

( I will try to do these in the beginning of the day...the Culligan Man got busy.)

On average,Americans use _______ more water than Europeans.

a)2x
b)3x
c)4x
d)5x

Water Quiz of the Day (6/1)

By the time you feel thirsty, what percentage of your body's total water amount have you already lost?

a)1%
b)3%
c)5%
d)10%

Comment on the blog with your answer or send a DM or @Relpy via Twitter @culliganh2o.

H-2-Uh Oh!

This is a simple tally of all the reported contaminants found in our country’s water this year. Keep in mind, the year is only half over.

All of these pharmaceuticals, chemicals and compounds were reported in a variety of news and government sources, including the Associated Press and the US Geological Society.

From rat poison ingredients to rocket fuel, your drinking water is constantly assaulted by substances both regulated and non-regulated. While the 1974 Safe Drinking Water sets minimum standards for water quality, modern chemistry might
simply be outrunning the utilities.

On another note, some of these contaminants were prevalent in private wells, which do not have to pass the Safe Drinking Act’s requirements if the well serves less than 25 people.

Don’t chance it. Filter it.

• Atrazine**** (Welcome to the list!)
- America's most loved herbicide that has been known to disrupt hormones and cuase birth defects

• Anti-convulsants*
- Treats epileptic episodes, and now conveniently at your tap without a doctor’s prescription.

• Arsenic***
- Skin and circulatory system can be at risk with arsenic in the water.

• Boron***
- Affects gastrointestinal, reproductive and developmental functions – sounds exciting.

• Codeine*
- Powerful painkiller used in a variety of ways.

• Dichloroethylene***
- This agent used in dry cleaning chemicals has been shown to incur liver issues. Ask the people of Crestwood, IL how they feel about it.

• Hydroquinone*
- Everyone loves a little face cream in their water, right?

• Fluoride**
- Children could get mottled teeth. Utilities are actually reconsidering their fluoride policies these days.

• Iron***

• Lithium carbonate*
- Believe it or not, this chemical is actually used in fireworks because of the deep red flame it gives off upon combustion. Mmmmmm….

• Maganese****
- Can result in damaging neurological effects.

• Mood stabilizers*
- Who doesn’t want psychiatric medication coming out of the tap?

• Mercury**
- Drinking water with mercury can hurt your kidney functions.

• Nicotine Compounds *
- These compounds are associated with the production of nicotine patches.

• Nitrates***
- Infants younger than six months can become seriously ill with too many nitrates in the water. Babies beware.

• Perfluorochemicals**
- This substance is used to make firefighting foam.

• Perchlorates**
- Rocket fuel anyone?

• Pesticides***
- It’s just poison in the water.

• Radium***
- Increased risk of cancer when radium is regularly in your diet.

• Radon***
- Radon is shown to increase the risk of lung cancer.

• Sex hormones*
- Enough said.

• Strontium***
- Linked with abnormal bone development, fun to say and more fun to drink.

• Tetracycline hydrochloride*
- Treats acne and tastes great!

• Tranquilizers*

• Uranium***
- Shown in tests to increase the risk of cancer.

• Vanadium***
- Shown to stimulate cancer cells in animal tests

• Warfarin *
- Agent used in rat poison and also handy in blood thinner.

Wondering what kind of filters are right for you and your family? There are plenty of options out there, and you should consult an expert.

For example, Culligan’s reverse osmosis system, Aqua-Cleer, is the only filter on the market with a dedicated arsenic filtration membrane. So if arsenic is an issue in your area like it is in places like Minnesota, you may want to call your Culligan Man.

*Reported by the Associated Press; ** Reported by multiple sources; *** Reported by the US Geological Society, **** Reported by The New York Times

AP Story: Drinking from the Tap is Like Drinking from a Pharmacy

By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers Jeff Donn, Martha Mendoza And Justin Pritchard, Associated Press Writers – Mon Apr 20,
Sun Apr 19, 12:40 PM ET
In this photo taken on Feb. 26, 2009, aeration basins are seen in operation at the Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wilmington, Del. Scientists took samples from the Delaware River nearby and found elevated concentrations of the painkiller codeine that are prompting them to try and track the source of the drug; this treatment plant handles sewage from a nearby pharmaceutical factory that makes codeine.

U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water — contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.

Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking: For example, lithium is used to make ceramics and treat bipolar disorder; nitroglycerin is a heart drug and also used in explosives; copper shows up in everything from pipes to contraceptives.
Federal and industry officials say they don't know the extent to which pharmaceuticals are released by U.S. manufacturers because no one tracks them — as drugs. But a close analysis of 20 years of federal records found that, in fact, the government unintentionally keeps data on a few, allowing a glimpse of the pharmaceuticals coming from factories.

As part of its ongoing PharmaWater investigation about trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, AP identified 22 compounds that show up on two lists: the EPA monitors them as industrial chemicals that are released into rivers, lakes and other bodies of water under federal pollution laws, while the Food and Drug Administration classifies them as active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The data don't show precisely how much of the 271 million pounds comes from drugmakers versus other manufacturers; also, the figure is a massive undercount because of the limited federal government tracking.

To date, drugmakers have dismissed the suggestion that their manufacturing contributes significantly to what's being found in water. Federal drug and water regulators agree.

But some researchers say the lack of required testing amounts to a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy about whether drugmakers are contributing to water pollution.
"It doesn't pass the straight-face test to say pharmaceutical manufacturers are not emitting any of the compounds they're creating," said Kyla Bennett, who spent 10 years as an EPA enforcement officer before becoming an ecologist and environmental attorney.

Pilot studies in the U.S. and abroad are now confirming those doubts.
Last year, the AP reported that trace amounts of a wide range of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in American drinking water supplies. Including recent findings in Dallas, Cleveland and Maryland's Prince George's and Montgomery counties, pharmaceuticals have been detected in the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans.
Most cities and water providers still do not test. Some scientists say that wherever researchers look, they will find pharma-tainted water.

Consumers are considered the biggest contributors to the contamination. We consume drugs, then excrete what our bodies don't absorb. Other times, we flush unused drugs down toilets. The AP also found that an estimated 250 million pounds of pharmaceuticals and contaminated packaging are thrown away each year by hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Researchers have found that even extremely diluted concentrations of drugs harm fish, frogs and other aquatic species. Also, researchers report that human cells fail to grow normally in the laboratory when exposed to trace concentrations of certain drugs. Some scientists say they are increasingly concerned that the consumption of combinations of many drugs, even in small amounts, could harm humans over decades.

Utilities say the water is safe. Scientists, doctors and the EPA say there are no confirmed human risks associated with consuming minute concentrations of drugs. But those experts also agree that dangers cannot be ruled out, especially given the emerging research.

Putting Dehydration On Ice…Water

TUCSON, AZ – The temperature in Arizona is up – way up. As spring weather moves in for a retreating winter, Arizona residents have to take extra precautions to stay safe in one of the hottest climates in the U.S. Proper hydration is one of the most essential factors in fighting desert heat, and Culligan Water is reaching out to its customers and neighbors to make sure hydration is on the top of everyone’s minds.

“The Arizona lifestyle is facilitated by its generous amount of sunlight and warmth,” says Rex Ruddick, general manager for Culligan Water of Tucson. “But residents of this region should be very aware of the dangers of dehydration, which can lead to everything from discomfort to even death.”

Just a two to five percent loss of fluid can lead to dry skin, muscle cramps, headaches and noticeable fatigue. Anything near 10 percent can dim your vision, cause seizures, shrivel your skin and could ultimately lead to death. Medical professionals are also quick to point out the long-term effects of dehydration can result in permanent damage to internal organs like the kidneys.

According to Ruddick, suitable fluid intake should become a part of every Arizonians daily routine.

“There is a reason a whole aisle at the grocery store is dedicated to water, people want good quality water because it tastes better and is better for you,” adds Ruddick. “The more you drink, the stronger and healthier you feel and the better prepared you are for the Southwest’s high temps. Here at Culligan, we have products that can give you great tasting water from the home faucet, keeping your body and wallet from overheating.”