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.

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.”