Kurt C. Peterson, Publisher
As the temperatures drop (in many places) and we are treated to the changing colors of fall, there are a host of issues that arise with water treatment. Already, many snowbirds are migrating to warmer locations to escape the coming cold season. Of course, we hope they have contacted their expert water treatment specialists to adequately winterize their systems before hitting the road.
A large percentage of the US population enjoys instant access to water drawn from surface sources and subjected to a high level of treatment to ensure its potability. There are, however, many millions who rely on private wells that tap into groundwater sources. As many of these are privately owned, they are not (as yet) required to maintain the stringent controls and testing that are in place in public water treatment systems. More and more, we hear about private well contamination and how it can be prevented. But there are a number of reasons why that doesn’t happen.
Kevin McCray, CAE presents a very comprehensive update on the groundwater industry, including information about proper well water treatment. Cost and consumer misunderstanding are primary barriers to private well testing. This article is a well-rounded treatise explaining the reasons we need to be better stewards of our precious water resources.
Peter Cartwright, PE, continues his series on drinking water contaminants with a broad list of treatment technologies available to combat PPCP contamination. We all use soap, shampoo, prescription drugs and other items that eventually find their way into our water sources. Few of them are benign and the proper treatment must be applied to make water safe to use. With potable reuse gaining traction as a way to offset water scarcity, it’s imperative we find a way to effectively deal with the contamination these everyday products are contributing to our water systems.
Each October, the Pacific Water Quality Association holds its annual convention and exposition. One of the longest-lived regional associations, there is always a good crowd with lots of exceptional educational opportunities and certification testing. This year was no exception as the organization headed south to San Diego, CA to celebrate its 60th year of bringing water quality experts, manufacturers, dealers and representatives together. They say a picture is worth a thousand words…that being true, in this issue we offer many for you to enjoy. In addition this month, Public Health Editor Kelly Reynolds, MSPH, PhD, takes a closer look at Leptosporosis infections that are the result of waterborne contamination.
We still have a few conventions of note before the end of the year. Both Aquatech Amsterdam and the National Groundwater Association (NGWA) annual convention, Groundwater Week, are especially useful to water treatment industry partners. We hope to see you in Amsterdam this month. Or maybe you’ll be making the rounds at Groundwater Week in Nashville, TN, in early December. Make sure you take advantage of any opportunity that will give you the business edge and educational requirements needed to be standout performers in your area.
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the fruits of your labors over the past months. With colder weather setting it, a crackling fire seems the perfect companion to family and good food.