WQA Update: What Water Treatment Professionals need to know about Wildfires
- January 15, 2025
This document from the Water Quality Association (WQA) provides guidance for water treatment professionals on how wildfires impact water quality and how to respond to these challenges. Key points include:
1. Impacts of Wildfires on Water Quality:
- Ash and Runoff Contamination: Wildfires can change water quality in lakes and streams by increasing alkalinity, pH, and organic content, which raises chlorine demand and increases disinfection byproducts.
- VOC Contamination: Damaged pipes during wildfires can introduce soot, ash, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the water supply. Post-wildfire VOC levels can reach hazardous concentrations, e.g., benzene up to 40,000 µg/L.
- Thermal Pipe Degradation: Heat from fires can degrade plastic pipes, causing harmful chemicals to leach into the water.
2. Health Risks:
- Elevated VOC levels in water can cause severe health issues such as cancer, organ damage, and respiratory problems, especially in children.
3. Recommendations for Water Professionals:
- Testing for VOCs: Essential before implementing treatment. Some water with high VOC levels may be untreatable, necessitating bottled water.
- Sanitizing Equipment: Replace or sanitize water treatment systems as needed.
- Boil Water Alerts: Use bottled water during alerts, as boiling may not address VOC contamination and could increase inhalation risks.
4. Resources for Testing and Response:
- Certified drinking water laboratories can test for VOCs. Instructions for sampling are provided by the lab.
- WQA and EPA offer detailed resources and guidance for addressing wildfire-related water contamination.
The document underscores the importance of vigilance and informed responses by water treatment professionals in post-wildfire scenarios to ensure water safety and quality.
Read the full document here: handout
Advanced Legionella Mitigation Solutions by Canopus Water Technologies
Discover How Our Business Partner Canopus Water Technologies is Transforming Health Care Infection Control on WC&P Online
- January 01, 2025
Water safety is a top priority in health care, with a focus on eliminating health care-associated infections (HAIs). Our esteemed business partner, Canopus Water Technologies, has showcased cutting-edge solutions for Legionella mitigation in their recent article on WC&P Online.
Understanding the Legionella Challenge
Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium causing Legionnaires’ disease, thrives in stagnant, warm water systems often found in health care facilities. This poses significant risks, particularly in complex water systems like those in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Canopus’ Advanced Solutions
Our business partner, Canopus Water Technologies, offers innovative UVC LED systems that represent the forefront of water disinfection. Key benefits of their systems include:
- A 6-log reduction (99.9999%) of Legionella bacteria.
- Mercury-free, energy-efficient designs with instant on-off functionality.
- Rugged, compact systems that operate reliably in challenging health care environments.
Sustainability at the Core
In addition to unparalleled disinfection, Canopus UVC LED systems align with sustainability goals. Their eco-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance designs ensure compliance with stringent CDC guidelines while supporting long-term operational efficiency.
A Partnership for Health and Safety
Collaborating with Canopus Water Technologies enables health care facilities to achieve enhanced water safety, significantly reducing the risks posed by Legionella. These advanced solutions represent a proactive step toward protecting lives, minimizing infections, and achieving sustainability targets.
Read the full article on WC&P Online here: Legionella Mitigation in Health Care Facilities
Sustainable Water Solutions for Homes with Water Service Elite
In our latest podcast, we dive deep into the world of water filtration, exploring its critical role in ensuring clean, safe, and great-tasting water for households and businesses alike. Our Sales Manager and Technical Engineer sit down with Bradley Leavitt, a seasoned expert in the field, to discuss the many benefits of advanced filtration systems and why investing in clean water is more important than ever.
- October 10, 2024
Key Topics Covered:
- The Science Behind Water Filtration: Understanding how modern filtration systems like ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis remove contaminants and improve water quality.
- Why Water Quality Matters: Bradley Leavitt shares insights on how water quality impacts daily life, from drinking water safety to the overall well-being of communities.
- Choosing the Right Filtration System: Our team discusses different types of systems, including point-of-entry and point-of-use options, helping you make an informed choice for your needs.
- Sustainability and Efficiency: Learn how our latest water filtration technologies are designed to save water and reduce environmental impact, all while delivering crystal-clear results.
Tune in to the full podcast to gain a deeper understanding of how filtration systems work, and why they’re an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to improve your water quality or a business seeking reliable water solutions, this episode is packed with valuable information and expert advice.
Key Outcomes from Our Latest Estate Manager Meeting
In our ongoing effort to enhance the living standards within our estates, the focus of our latest estate manager meeting was on the critical role of water filtration systems. This meeting addressed current challenges, explored new advancements, and set forth plans to ensure the highest quality of water for our residents.
- February 25, 2024
Meeting Overview: Held on February 25, 2024, the meeting brought together estate managers from across our portfolio to discuss the integration, maintenance, and future enhancements of water filtration systems in our properties.
Key Discussions:
Review of Current Filtration Systems:
- Assessment of the performance and reliability of existing systems.
- Feedback from residents about water quality and system usability.
Advancements in Filtration Technology:
- Presentation of newer, more efficient technologies in water filtration.
- Consideration of upgrades to more eco-friendly and cost-effective systems.
Implementation Strategies:
- Plans for the rollout of new systems in estates lacking advanced filtration.
- Timeline and budget allocation for upcoming upgrades.
Maintenance Protocols:
- Standardizing maintenance schedules across all properties.
- Training for onsite staff to handle routine checks and minor repairs.
Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability:
- Update on local water quality regulations and compliance requirements.
- Discussion on sustainable practices in water management and conservation.
Highlights from the Meeting:
- Interactive Session: A hands-on demonstration by a water filtration expert showcasing the latest filter technology.
- Case Studies: Reviews of before and after scenarios post-installation of advanced systems in select properties.
Decisions Made:
- Upgrade Plan: Approval of a phased upgrade plan for older systems.
- Budget Approval: Greenlighting the proposed budget for the next fiscal year focusing on water filtration improvements.
Conclusion: The latest estate manager meeting marks a significant step towards ensuring that our properties are equipped with the best in water filtration technology. Our commitment to providing safe, clean, and reliable water reflects our dedication to the well-being of all residents.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress and more insights from future meetings.
A Reservoir of Knowledge
Dive deep into the realm of water treatment with Water Service Elite's Insights. Here, we merge expertise with passion, offering a treasure trove of articles, updates, and tips about the ever-evolving world of water purification.
From understanding the intricacies of reverse osmosis to decoding the latest advancements in ozone treatments, our blog promises clarity, knowledge, and a peek into what drives us—ensuring that every drop of water is a story of purity
- October 16, 2024
