Kurt C. Peterson, Publisher
In prepper communities and groups across the globe, there is an acronym that has gotten renewed attention as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc. TEOTWAWKI, the end of the world as we know it, is not all encompassing, however, no matter what some elements of society preach. In most places, the societal norms have been modified but not (for the most part) abandoned. Collapse of society is not eminent. But we do have to step back and look at how our consumerist society has been turned on its head. Listen to the news for more than a few days and we hear about how the inability to shop is having a major mental health impact and social distancing isn’t helping ease the feelings of isolation.
The world is not at its end, we won’t implode if we can’t go out for a night on the town and while many businesses may end their existence due to factors beyond their control, most will quietly rebuild their sales teams and product lines to factor in the influence of the pandemic. Whether it’s the hospitality industry that has been brutally crushed or the manufacturing companies who are thankful to have operations in the US rather than offshore, the resiliency of the American capitalist may be slightly muted at the moment but it has not been silenced. Technical Reviewer Peter S. Cartwright, PE, offers his perspective on what is happening in the COVID-19 world and our lives, based on his decades of water treatment expertise.
As an essential industry and a public health player, water treatment is still badly needed. Treatment options will continue to emerge in response to whatever happens next, as it always has. A basic component of water treatment that stretches back into the earliest societies, carbon is still at the forefront of a great many treatment systems. Gary Battenberg, of Dan Wood Co. treats us to a primer on the do’s and don’ts of using activated carbon.
There are many interlocking and overarching aspects of water treatment, including plumbing, though it can often be overlooked. While it is a critical element of commercial enterprises, plumbing and the associated regulations are not always at the forefront of a water specialist’s mindset…until he hits a permit brick wall in a state requiring a plumber be involved. Thomas Palkon of the IAPMO Group delves in to the ASSE 1087 standard to explain what is required in the crossover between water treatment and plumbing for commercial and food-service operations.
As states begin allowing more and more businesses to reopen, there is revelation about water safety (or lack thereof) in buildings that have sat idle for the past couple of months. You can’t just turn on the tap and expect water quality to be the same as it was before the tap was turned off. Public Health Editor Kelly A. Reynolds, MSPH, PhD, reviews the processes and procedures by which all building managers can ensure they do not make a bad situation worse. Building water supplies are at risk from stagnation and contamination, creating a public health hazard for businesses and inhabitants alike. It’s a good read with many salient points for those wishing to get back on track to reopen as soon as possible.
More events have been cancelled, postponed or are being held virtually. No, it’s not the same convention experience, but the focus on education remains the same. If you can take advantage of any educational seminar or training session, do it. You never know what you’ll learn next and how it will be of great benefit to your clients, down the road. Be the edge instead of trying to find a fancy slogan to give you an edge. Now more than ever, you are critical and essential to the well-being of our country and others that you serve. Be there for them, now and in the future.