Did I get your attention with the mention of fireflies? You’ll have to read on for that one. Water treatment is vital for protecting public and environmental health and is best done proactively, as conditions can change rapidly. It is essential that water treatment operators have tools that keep them […]
When you read this title what images come to mind? Is it huge helicopters and fire trucks scooping tons of water from a nearby treatment system or reservoir to battle a blaze? Sadly, the connection between wildfires and water treatment is not a positive one. Wildfires are detrimental to water quality, water treatment systems, and infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore exactly how wildfires negatively impact water treatment systems and water quality. We will also cover wildfire mitigation and […]
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refers to a group of synthetic chemicals. There are over 4,700 compounds in this classification, and they are extensively used in the manufacturing of consumer goods due to their non-stick, water-repellant, fire-retardant, and fat-resistance qualities. Many of these substances are used in firefighting and in […]
America’s water and wastewater infrastructure is old. Many of these systems have been in the ground close to 100 years. This infrastructure has provided reliable service for decades, so much so, that maintenance and replacement were rarely considered. Now, with systems beginning to fail, it’s apparent that these systems need […]
A harmful algal bloom (HAB), or toxic bloom, is detrimental to public health. In this article we will cover what a toxic bloom is, causes of toxic blooms, and the public health effects of toxic blooms. We will also cover how toxic blooms are currently reported and what can be done to prevent them. A HAB is caused by certain types of blue-green algae called cyanobacteria that produce natural toxins or […]
Water usage is a complex issue that involves cooperation and planning for the future. Water is a shared resource that communities must work together to manage.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion people find water-scarce at least one month of the year. Why are we running out of water? There is an abundance of water, however, the problem is having access to a supply of potable water, or water that is fit for consumption. Even in countries with adequate water resources, water scarcity is still not uncommon. Water shortages can be caused by collapsed infrastructure, failed distribution systems, pollution, poor management, or other economical factors.
The Flint water crisis began with an overzealous emphasis on the economy. In 2014, declaring a financial emergency, Flint, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed a state of emergency manager to take control of Flint’s finances. The emergency manager was given authority for all things financial. Those outside the water industry may be ignorant to the ramifications of prioritizing the economy over water quality. However, failure to take the necessary actions to ensure acceptable water quality and safety is indefensible.
Have you thought about where your water comes from? What would do without it? You turn the tap and there is fresh, clean, potable water. The only time it may enter your mind is during the inconvenience of a water shortage, with limited lawn watering and car washing, or the occasional boil water advisory. But what happens if the water is gone, or contaminated? You could use a UV water treatment system to disinfect the water coming into your home, but what if the water never reaches the system? As you’re reading through this article, pause and think about life without clean water.
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