What is Reuse of Wastewater for Indirect Drinking Water Use?

The scarcity of available drinking (potable) water has forced water agencies to look for innovated ways of finding new sources of drinking water for its customers. Because new water can’t be created, the concept of using recycled water is quickly becoming more common place. The California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative notes that recycled water projects … More What is Reuse of Wastewater for Indirect Drinking Water Use?

Lead Testing in Schools

The tap water at most California’s schools is considered safe while officials are working to ensure that older water systems are thoroughly tested. A grueling game of tether ball. A competitive kickball session. Or maybe just one of those typical hot California fall days. Whether they’re filling their reusable bottles or slurping it straight from … More Lead Testing in Schools

Is Trichloroethylene (TCE) in our Drinking Water?

Recent reports of Trichloroethylene in public water systems have been surfacing and gaining media attention. The Environmental Working Group, (EWG) a research non-profit agency, released an analysis of tests from public utilities nationwide. The analysis stated that approximately 14 million people are impacted by the carcinogenic pollutant, also known as TCE. They also conclude that … More Is Trichloroethylene (TCE) in our Drinking Water?

How Do You Dispose of Old Medications?

Innovative technology has helped improve many aspects in our quality of life and medical advancements are no exception. Medicine plays an integral role in people’s daily life; whether taken for a one-time ailment or as a daily medication, it has truly evolved and can help maintain healthy communities. But what happens when medications need to … More How Do You Dispose of Old Medications?

How to Understand Your Water Quality Report

Your Water Quality Report, also called Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), contains important information about the quality of the drinking water that is delivered to your home 365 days a year. As required by law, the United States Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Act states that all public water systems notify their customers each year … More How to Understand Your Water Quality Report

Hard Water: Unsafe or Just a Nuisance?

Is Hard Water Unsafe? 89.3% of homes in the United States are considered to have hard water. Hard water is caused by the naturally occurring compounds of calcium and magnesium. While not dangerous, hard water can be considered a nuisance. Calcium and magnesium are crucial minerals and helpful in human health. What is Hard Water? … More Hard Water: Unsafe or Just a Nuisance?

History of Drinking Water

Early settlements and towns were always built near a source of water. Without water humans cannot live. Accordingly, the California drought has brought on threats of limited water available to grow crops and meet the demands of our thirsty state. Contrary to history, which originally had water as the impetus in choosing a final location … More History of Drinking Water

Is Chromium 6 Contaminating U.S. Public Water Systems?

Evidence of chromium 6 in public water systems has been making headlines. A recent report compiled by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit research agency, stated that higher than recommended levels of chromium 6 was found in water being delivered to two-thirds of all Americans. While this information may come across as startling, it is … More Is Chromium 6 Contaminating U.S. Public Water Systems?

Constituents of Emerging Concern: Monitoring for Contaminants in Drinking Water

In the United States, public drinking water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additional regulation is also enforced by individual states. The EPA is responsible for studying potential contaminants, also referred to as constituents, and determining whether they may be harmful to humans. According to the Safe Drinking Water Act, a contaminant … More Constituents of Emerging Concern: Monitoring for Contaminants in Drinking Water