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Toxic metals found in groundwater, soil at former golf course

LANSING, MI, June 17, 2011 (Water Tech) — A recent environmental study revealed the presence of metals, including cadmium, mercury and selenium, in the groundwater and soil beneath the former Red Cedar Golf Course in Lansing, Mich., the Lansing State Journalreported.

According to the study’s author, Soil and Materials Engineers Inc., the contamination is the result of fertilizers and pesticides used at the course years ago.
The contamination may impact future redevelopment of the property, the report stated.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Cadmium, Mercury and Selenium.
Bill allows pesticide users to avoid Clean Water Act permitting process

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2011 (Water Tech) — The Senate Agriculture Committee yesterday passed a bill that allows pesticide manufacturers and users to avoid the Clean Water Act permitting process, the Los Angeles Times reported.

If approved by the Senate, H.R. 872 would allow farmers to spray pesticides near public waters without having to meet Clean Water Act permitting requirements, according to the story.

“The Committee sided with the pesticide industry and against our health and the health of our waters by eliminating all Clean Water Act protections of our rivers, lakes and streams against pesticide pollution,” said Natural Resources Defense Council staff attorney Mae Wu.
New Jersey town fined for excessive radium in water supply

HAMMONTON, NJ, July 1, 2011 (Water Tech) — The town of Hammonton, N.J., is facing a $2,000 fine after recent tests revealed excessive radium in its water supply,pressofAtlanticCity.com reported.

The town is required to pay the fine by Aug. 1 and submit a permit application for the upgrade of its water treatment facilities by Sept. 1, the article stated.

Radium is a common problem in both public and private wells throughout most of southern New Jersey, according to the story.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Radium.
EPA announces cleanup plan for Peninsula Boulevard Superfund site

NEW YORK July 29, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a plan to clean up the Peninsula Boulevard Superfund site in Hempstead, N.Y., by removing and treating contaminated groundwater from the site, according to a press release.

The groundwater is contaminated with the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) tetrachloroethylene and tricholoroethylene.

Residents in the area get their drinking water from the Long Island American Water Company, which operates a well field approximately 1,000 feet north of the Peninsula Boulevard site, the release stated.
Testing reveals high hexavalent chromium levels in Chicago drinking water

CHICAGO, August 8, 2011 (Water Tech) — According to testing, local drinking water may have an extreme amount of a toxic metal called hexavalent chromium, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Being pushed by federal offices, California took a three-year look at the science to form the nation’s first “public health goal” to limit hexavalent chromium, according to the story.
The test results show water pumped from Lake Michigan to 7 million people in Chicago and its suburbs contains up to 0.23 parts per billion of the toxic metal, which researchers say could increase the long-term risk of cancer, according to the article.

The goal established is to keep the levels of the toxin at or below 0.02 parts per billion (ppb).

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Hexavalent Chromium.
Tetrachloroethylene discovered in groundwater

LOUISA, VA, August 8, 2011 (Water Tech) — According to testing performed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tetrachloroethylene that was first found in an unused well in the town of Louisa, Va., appears to have reached the deep groundwater below the surface, the Daily Progress reported.

An EPA spokesman said the agency would need to conduct a comprehensive groundwater well monitoring program to determine the source of the chemical, the article stated.

An unverified field test of the Louisa Acme well last year showed 9,200 micrograms per liter of tetrachloroethylene in the water, according to the story.
Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a VOC.
Hotchkiss: Avoid drinking the tap water

HOTCHKISS, CO, August 28, 2011 (Associate Press) – Residents in Hotchkiss are being told not to drink the tap water for the next six months because of contamination.

The (Grand Junction) Sentinel reports that town officials told domestic-water customers in an Aug. 16 notice that testing of the town’s Horse Park Water Treatment Plant showed elevated levels of haloacetic acids.

The notice advised residents that some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the maximum contaminant level for a long period run an increased risk of cancer. The acids are a byproduct of drinking-water disinfection.

The newspaper reported that businesses in the Delta County town of about 1,000 people are taking the warning in stride, offering bottled water to customers and boiling water for coffee and other cooking needs.

“This is a small town,” said Lori Ward, a server at Home Town Cafe. “We find ways to work around it and don’t worry about things we can’t control.”

At the 24-room Hotchkiss Inn on Colorado Highway 133, guests are being advised not to drink from the faucet and to avoid swallowing water in the shower. Owner Andy Bartol said the motel is purchasing bottled water from the grocery store for drinking water.

The water notice advised people to consider an alternative supply of drinking water, such as bottled water, and notes people with specific concerns should consult a physician.
Residents can safely bathe and cook with the town’s domestic water, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said.

The maximum contaminant level of haloacetic acids considered safe for drinking is 60 parts per billion, and the annual running average level of haloacetic acids over the last year, based on tests every quarter, was 61 parts per billion, according to the town’s notice.
Haloacetic acids refer to a group of chemicals formed by the reaction of chlorine or other disinfectants.

The Environmental Protection Agency regulates haloacetic acids at 60 parts per billion on an annual average. Test results were recorded for the second quarter of 2011 and in July were passed along to the state, which then ordered the town to issue the notice.

What caused the haloacetic acid levels to exceed the maximum wasn’t immediately known.

Correction: Hotchkiss-Water story - The Associated Press (Posted: 08/31/2011)

HOTCHKISS, Co —In an Aug. 27 story about Hotchkiss' water supply, The Associated Press erroneously reported that the town told residents not to drink tap water for six months. Hotchkiss says the water is safe to drink and that it could take six months to formally certify compliance with water standards.
Trace elements at levels of potential health concerns found in wells

RESTON, VA, August 30, 2011 (Water Tech) — According to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey, about 20 percent of untreated water samples from public, private and monitoring wells across the nation contain concentrations of at least one trace element, such as arsenic, manganese and uranium, at levels of potential health concern, according to a press release.

"In public wells these contaminants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , and contaminants are removed from the water before people drink it," said Joe Ayotte, USGS hydrologist and lead author on the study. "However, trace elements could be present in water from private wells at levels that are considered to pose a risk to human health, because they aren’t subject to regulations. In many cases people might not even know that they have an issue."

Trace elements in groundwater exceed human health benchmarks at a rate that far outpaces most other groundwater contaminants, such as nitrate, pesticides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stated the release.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce VOCs.
Plant facing serious fines if it is not upgraded

PASO ROBLES, CA, September 7, 2011 (Water Tech) — A wastewater treatment plant in Paso Robles, Calif., is facing a fine of $10,000 a day if it is not upgraded by September 2015, according to Central Coast News.

The city has already paid $9,000 a month for when the plant was discharging high levels of harmful pollutants including nitrate and ammonia into the Salinas River, stated the article.
A Time Schedule Order was issued by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Board requiring the city to complete construction of a new plant by 2015, according to the article.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Nitrate/Nitrite.
Chemical spill likely spreading cancer-causing solvents into groundwater

ABERDEEN, NC, September 8, 2011 (Water Tech) — A chemical spill occurring a decade ago could be spreading cancer-causing solvents into the groundwater at levels 86 times higher than federal maximum standards, according to the Fay Observer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the leak is contaminating dozens of wells south of Aberdeen, N.C., stated the article.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been discovered at 7.8 ppb in one of the wells pumping water into Aberdeen’s town water supply, according to the article.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Trichloroethylene (TCE), a VOC.
Lead detected in municipal water system

LYNDEN, Canada, September 8, 2011 (Water Tech) — High concentrations of lead were found in the municipal water system in Lynden, Canada, according to The Spec.

Tap water filters are being distributed to residents by Hamilton’s public works department until the issue is fixed, stated the article.

According to Dr. Chris Mackie, an associate medical officer of health in Hamilton, this shouldn’t have any effects on residents in the short term, according to the article.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Lead.
EPA adds 15 hazardous waste sites to NPL and proposes 11 more to be added

WASHINGTON, September 16, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adding 15 hazardous waste sites that pose risks to people’s health and the environment to the National Priorities List (NPL) of superfund sites and proposing 11 sites to be added to the list, according to a press release.

Superfund is the federal program that investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country with the goal of protecting people’s health and the environment through long-term and short-term cleanup activities, stated the release.

To date, 1,652 sites have been listed on the NPL and 350 of these sites have been cleaned up, resulting in 1,302 sites currently on the NPL (including the 15 sites added today), according to the release.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 27, 2011 (Water Tech) — According to recently released 2010 bottled water statistics, the overall consumption of bottled water in the U.S. has increased by 3.5 percent, after slight losses in 2008 and 2009 due to poor economic conditions, according to a press release.

Released by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) in conjunction with Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC), the new data also shows the bottled water category’s overall share of the liquid refreshment beverages marketplace grew slightly to 30 percent, up from approximately 29.2 percent in 2009, the release stated.

“While economic times are still tough for many, the consumption of healthy bottled water continues to be a part of their lifestyle,” said Joe Doss, president and CEO of IBWA. “Even during the past two slow economic years, bottled water consumption decreased less than most other major beverage categories. The steady market share increase we now are experiencing is because consumers are choosing safe, high-quality bottled water over other packaged beverages.”
Las Cruces, N.M., treatment facility to remove PCE from groundwater

LAS CRUCES, NM, June 2, 2011 (Water Tech) — Construction is set to begin on a facility to remove perchloroethylene (PCE) from groundwater in Las Cruces, N.M., the Las Cruces Sun-News reported.
WaterTech e-News Daily™ reported on Feb. 28, 2011, that PCE had been detected in an aquifer at amounts exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The source of the contamination has been identified as historical releases that occurred at the site known as the Griggs and Walnut Ground Water Plume Superfund Site.

The new tray aerator system will expose contaminated water to oxygen, which will dissipate the PCE, according to the story.

“This is proven technology,” said Las Cruces Utilities Director Jorge Garcia. “We are not designing or constructing a new form of remediation. This technology has been around a long time and has proven its effectiveness time and time again. It's the ideal solution for this situation.”
Majority of Canadians trust public sector to provide drinking water

OTTAWA, Ontario, June 3, 2011 (Water Tech) — A new poll released by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) found that 74 percent of Canadians trust the public sector to provide drinking water and waste treatment services, according to a press release.

Additionally, 87 percent of Canadians surveyed said the country’s drinking water is a precious natural resource that should remain public and be protected from private corporate interests, the release stated.

“Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast put a great deal of trust in public sector workers to deliver safe drinking water,” said CUPE National President Paul Moist. “Almost everyone agrees our drinking water is too important to risk putting it in the hands of private, for-profit corporations.”
Forum to focus on endocrine-disrupting compounds

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2011 (Water Tech) — A forum being held today in Washington, D.C., by the Potomac Conservancy will focus on endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and their impact on the environment and human health, the Connecticut Post reported.

EDCs, such as those found in pharmaceuticals and other consumer products, have been linked to intersex fish that have both male and female traits, the article stated.

Discussions at the forum will include sources of the compounds and treatment of them in wastewater, according to the story.
Companies spend millions to settle groundwater contamination case

LACKAWANNA COUNTY, PA, June 6, 2011 (Water Tech) — Two companies blamed for contaminating groundwater in Lackawanna County, Pa., have been ordered to pay fines totaling $2.5 million and spend $20 million to install water lines for more than 200 residents,WNEP.com reported.

After conducting tests of more than 500 wells, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that Sandvik Inc. and Bostik Inc. were responsible for the groundwater being contaminated by TCE and PCE, according to the story.

“Well six years ago, we were informed that our wells had been contaminated, so on a regular basis, first monthly and then quarterly, our wells have been tested to see if the filtration systems are doing their jobs. Adjustments are made when those filters need to be changed, so people have continually been in and out of the house, monitoring it and we’re using bottled water as much as we can as well,” said David Hubble of South Abington Township.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce TCE and PCE, both VOCs.
EPA: Source of groundwater contamination still unknown

DEEP CREEK, WA, June 8, 2011 (Water Tech) — The source of groundwater contamination discovered seven years ago near Deep Creek, Wash., is still unknown, TheSpokesman-Review reported.

In a letter updating the status of the contamination site, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that samples continue to show contamination with trichloroethylene (TCE) and advised residents to avoid drilling wells within the boundaries of the contaminated area, the article stated.

The chemical was first discovered in the Deep Creek area late in 2004 during an EPA assessment of the former Air Force Nike Missile Battery 87, which was in operation in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Despite an extensive investigation, EPA has been unable to identify the source of TCE, according to the story.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce TCE, a VOC.
Cheyenne residents voice concerns about groundwater cleanup

CHEYENNE, WY, June 10, 2011 (Water Tech) — Residents in Cheyenne gathered earlier this week to voice their concerns about the U.S. Corps of Engineers’ plans to treat groundwater contaminated by trichloroethylene (TCE) from an abandoned missile site,trib.com reported.

The federal agency plans to intercept the 12- to 15-mile plume of groundwater west of Cheyenne, pump out the water and treat it, the article stated.

During a meeting this week, residents agreed that the treated water should be reinjected rather than relying on the water to soak back into the ground by using a drain, according to the story.

A pilot study is underway to find the most cost-effective and efficient cleanup process.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce TCE, a VOC.
City works to remove harmful chemical contaminants

TERRE HAUTE, ID, June 14, 2011 (Water Tech) — After finding contaminants in soil and groundwater at a site of a former dry-cleaning business, cleanup efforts are now underway, according to an article from the Tribune-Star.

Testing found that the soil and groundwater contained approximately five times the legal limit of tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, said Chief City Planner Pat Martin.

Martin told the Terre Haute Board of Public Works and Safety that he has a “moderately high degree of confidence that the site can be remediated,” added the article.

High concentrations of PCE can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, difficulty speaking and walking and even death, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce PCE, a VOC.

Study: Arsenic in drinking water increases risk of heart disease

Florida town struggles with THMs
HARMONY, FL, April 18, 2011 (Water Tech) — The TOHO Water Authority (TWA) in Harmony, Fla., has sent a notice to customers warning that their water is contaminated with cancer-causing trihalomethanes (THMs), WFTV Orlando reported.

THMs are a byproduct of chloramine, which TWA adds to its water supply to comply with federal and state water purification standards, the article stated.

TWA is providing all of its 1,200 customers with faucet water filters until the problem is fixed, according to the story.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce THMs, a VOC.
High turbidity levels cripple Oklahoma water plant, water supplies dwindling

HENRYETTA, OK, April 28, 2011 (Water Tech) — High turbidity levels have overwhelmed the water treatment plant in Henryetta, Okla., and the city’s municipal water supply is quickly running out, the Tusla World reported.

The shortage is so severe that schools and many businesses were forced to shut down Wednesday, the article stated.

Heavy rains have caused turbidity levels in Lake Henryetta, the city’s municipal reservoir, to skyrocket and the water plant has been disabled as a result, according to the story.
Officials are working to find a solution to the problem, but, according to City Manager Raymond Eldridge, “our problem has been a short retention time between the reservoir and our water filters.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Turbidity.
Obama administration releases ‘national clean water framework’

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 (Water Tech) — The Obama administration yesterday released a national clean water framework that aims to enhance protection of America’s waters, according to a press release.

The framework outlines a series of actions underway and planned across federal agencies to ensure the integrity of the waters Americans rely on every day for drinking, swimming and fishing, and that support farming, recreation, tourism and economic growth.

It includes draft federal guidance to clarify which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act nationwide; innovative partnerships and programs to improve water quality and water efficiency; and initiatives to revitalize communities and economies by restoring rivers and critical watersheds.

“Clean water and healthy waterways are vital to the health and vibrancy of our communities and the strength of our economy,” said Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Working with our partners across communities, governments and sectors, we are taking comprehensive action to ensure Americans have the clean and healthy waters they need and deserve.”
PA DEP offers nervous townspeople insight into TCE

NOCKAMIXON, PA, April 29, 2011 (Water Tech) — In order to quell fears regarding the elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) that have been detected in the town of Nockamixon’s water supply, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted an informational session to educate residents about the dangers of the hazardous chemical, The Intelligencer reported.

When ingested, TCE can lead to problems that include nervous system conditions, lung and liver damage, abnormal heartbeat and possibly death, the story reported.

According to DEP Project Supervisor Megan Harkins, the agency is still looking for the source of the contamination.
Until the source is found, DEP recommends that all townspeople have their private wells inspected in order to ensure their safety, the article stated.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce TCE, a VOC.
Water industry organizations celebrate National Drinking Water Week

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 (Water Tech) — The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) this week is joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) in celebrating National Drinking Water Week, according to a press release.

Observed May 1-7, 2011, National Drinking Water Week provides both water professionals and the communities they serve an opportunity to join together to recognize the importance of safe drinking water, the release stated.

“Alarmingly, 85 percent of plastic bottles end up in landfills. And every day, high-quality tap water is delivered straight to the homes of millions of customers without the use of a single plastic bottle,” said NAWC Executive Director Michael Deane. “NAWC’s member companies treat and deliver tap water for a fraction of a penny per gallon, and that tap water is subject to quality standards that often exceed those of bottled water. Our members know that only tap water truly delivers sustainable value to consumers.”

Nitrate contamination discovered in Central San Joaquin Valley

FRESNO, CA, March 18, 2011 (Water Tech) — A new study indicates that the groundwater in several unincorporated communities in the Central San Joaquin Valley is contaminated with nitrates, KMPH Fox 26 reported.

The study, conducted by the Pacific Institute, found contaminated water in 10 small communities, according to the story.

“Sometimes when you bathe after awhile you feel like your body itches,” said Elijio Adame of East Orosi, one of the communities found to have contaminated groundwater.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Nitrate/Nitrite.
USGS finds high levels of arsenic, uranium in Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) yesterday released a study indicating that levels of naturally occurring arsenic and uranium exceed drinking water standards in some private wells in central and northeastern Massachusetts, according to a press release.

USGS researchers analyzed water samples from 478 private bedrock wells in 116 area cities and towns and found that 13 percent exceeded federal drinking water standards for arsenic, and 3 percent exceeded standards for uranium.
State officials are working with USGS to develop resources that will help private well users determine whether their water meets federal safety standards, and provide guidance on water testing and treatment if it does not, the release stated.

“Based on information available on water testing results, the probability that an individual’s well poses an immediate health concern is low,” said Commissioner John Auerbach of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). “Based on the MDPH companion effort testing for arsenic and uranium in urine, no immediate public health threat is present, and households do not need to stop using their water. At the same time, the USGS report indicates that it is prudent for private well owners to have their wells tested.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP880 Series has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53, to reduce Arsenic V.

Carcinogen discovered in Colorado groundwater

DENVER, April 11, 2011 (Water Tech) — Colorado state regulators have discovered high levels of a cancer-causing chemical in the groundwater around an old uranium mill.

According to the report, trichloroethene, which was used to remove polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the 1980s, was detected at concentrations up to 360 times the federal health limit in groundwater around Cotter Corp.’s defunct uranium mill.

Cotter employees originally discovered the contamination in water samples taken in October and the company plans to conduct further groundwater sampling in May to determine the amount of trichloroethene and its spread, the article stated.

The site has been placed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) national list for Superfund cleanups, according to the story.

“Vapors can seep up through the soil and get into homes. Then you have not only a drinking issue but an inhalation risk,” EPA spokeswoman Sonya Pennock said. “We need to find out how much there is and where it is. Then you would make a decision as to whether people could be exposed to it.”

Partially treated wastewater discharged into Carmel Bay
MONTEREY, CA, March 1, 2011 (Water Tech) — About 300,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was accidentally discharged into Carmel Bay on Sunday, The Monterey County Herald reported.

A chain of equipment and alarm failures was blamed for the accident, the article stated.
The wastewater had undergone all treatment stages at the Carmel Area Wastewater District’s plant except for chlorine injection, according to the story.

“We don't think the impacts will be major,” said District Manager Barbara Buikema.

EPA proposes 30 currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed 30 currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring in water systems, according to a press release.

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that EPA identify up to 30 unregulated contaminants for monitoring every five years.

This current proposal is the third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR 3) and includes requirements to monitor for two viruses and 28 chemical contaminants that could be present in drinking water and do not currently have health-based standards, the release stated.

EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed list of 30 contaminants until May 2, 2011.

“Ensuring clean and safe drinking water for all Americans is a top priority for EPA,” said Nancy Stoner, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “In keeping with the Safe Drinking Water Act, we are submitting for public comment and input our proposed next round of currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring. Learning more about the prevalence of these contaminants will allow EPA to better protect people’s health.”

Hinkley once again being tested for toxins

HINKLEY, CA, March 9, 2011 (Water Tech) — Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is once again in hot water as testing in Hinkley provides evidence of more water pollution, abcnews.com reported.

As many know, this was the issue on which the film “Erin Brockovich”, based on the 1993 water incident, according to the story.
Despite PG&E’s attempts to quell the problem, the chromium pollution is estimated to be twice as bad as the company had first anticipated. Some areas are even 400 times larger than the national standard, the article stated.

“Our concern first and foremost is for the community of Hinkley,” PG&E spokesman Jeff Smith said. To which Roberta Walker, a victim of the original incident in 1993, replied by saying: “Their main concern is for the community of Hinkley? It’s not true; they’re just saying what you want to hear.”

The current incident began back in November of 2010, and continued on until now.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Hexavalent Chromium and Trivalent Chromium.

City to change source of potable water

SUGARLAND, TX, March 10, 2011 (Water Tech) — A new surface water treatment plant is underway that will reduce the city of Sugar Land’s reliance on groundwater, according to the Houston Chronicle.

The $69 million plant, which is expected to be completed in early 2013, will produce nine million gallons of drinking water each day from Oyster Creek, the story stated.

The project was initiated in response to a state law requiring a reduction in the reliance on groundwater, which has traditionally been the city’s primary water source, the story noted.
According to Doug Adolph, spokesman for the city of Sugar Land, this is one of the municipality’s largest and most complicated capital improvement projects to date.

Once the plant is operational, the city of Sugar Land will be cutting its groundwater usage by 30 percent in 2013 and by 60 percent by 2025, the story added.

Chloramines supposedly behind increased degradation of pipes

KINSTON, NC, March 14, 2011 (Water Tech) — Customers of the Neuse Regional WASA plant are reportedly seeing increased cases of rust in pipes and need for new hot water heaters, enctoday.com reported.

This is supposedly due to the plant’s decision to use chloramines, which are said to be less expensive and more effective than chlorine; however, they are known to have corrosive effects on certain pipes and hot water heaters, according to the story.

While WASA has done nothing unethical or illegal, the city has ordered them to switch back to chlorine for approximately four weeks, starting tomorrow, the article stated.

“The city’s constantly flushing their mains to help alleviate the problem, but it’s just something that you’re going to have to deal with,” said Ricky Stroud, a local plumber and owner of Ed Phillips Heating, AC & Plumbing of Kinston. “The state’s the one that mandated that you can’t pump (water) out of the ground anymore so you’re just going to have to deal with it until it’s gone.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Chloramines and Chlorine.

Survey: Consumers willing to pay more for safe drinking water

SAN ANTONIO, March 15, 2011 (Water Tech) — An independent survey released last week at WQA Aquatech USA 2011 found that more than half of Americans have concerns about the quality of their water, according to a press release.

The random sample survey, conducted by Applied Research-West Inc., also found that a majority of consumers are willing to pay more for the elimination of contaminants from their water and nearly 25 percent of consumers say that have a primary responsibility in their home for quality water.

“We are seeing people become more educated about water issues and finding ways to ensure water quality for their families,” said Peter J. Censky, executive director of the Water Quality Association (WQA).

EPA to regulate perchlorate in drinking water

WASHINGTON, February 3, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to move forward with the development of a regulation for perchlorate and other toxic chemicals in drinking water, according to a press release.
The decision, which reverses a 2008 preliminary determination by the previous administration, was made after EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson ordered EPA scientists to undertake a thorough review of the emerging science of perchlorate.

Research indicates that perchlorate may impact normal function of the thyroid, which produces critical hormones for the growth and development of fetuses, infants and children, the release stated.

Based on this potential concern, EPA will initiate the process of developing a formal rule; the process will include receiving input from key stakeholders and submitting the rule to a public comment process.

In a separate action, EPA is also moving towards establishing a drinking water standard to address a group of up to 16 toxic chemicals that may pose risks to human health.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Perchlorate.

Chlorine content reaches three times normal limit in Florida community

JACKSONVILLE, FL, February 4, 2011 (Water Tech) — The chlorine content of drinking water in the Springfield community near Jacksonville, Fla., soared to three times the normal amount after a malfunction at a nearby water treatment plant, News4jax.com reported.
Residents started out just smelling the difference, but soon found their clothes to be ruined due to the chemical bleaching effect, according to the story.

“We are not aware of any health issues as a result of this. We are working with (the Department of Environmental Protection) to make sure this does not happen again,” said JEA spokeswoman Gerri Boyce.

The water was flushed of all extra chlorine sometime on Monday, the article stated.

Perchlorate Information Bureau responds to EPA decision

SACRAMENTO, CA, February 4, 2011 (Water Tech) — The Perchlorate Information Bureau (PIB), an organization dedicated to improving public dialogue on the facts about perchlorate, has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to develop a regulation for perchlorate in drinking water.

According to the statement, “The best available science, federal statute and EPA’s own Office of Inspector General all point to the conclusion that a national perchlorate standard is not needed and would not provide a meaningful public health benefit.”

According to EPA guidelines, three criteria must be met for a federal standard to be warranted on any compound.

The criteria include: The compound must cause an adverse effect on human health; the compound must be present in drinking water systems at a frequency and level of public health concern; and regulating the compound must result in a meaningful reduction in risk to public health.

PIB argues that perchlorate meets none of the criteria and that a national standard will be of questionable public health benefit.

“EPA’s determination, despite the overwhelming scientific evidence contradicting it, now starts what will likely be a multi-year process of scientific review and public input before a final decision is made,” PIB stated. “The public should expect that commitments by President Obama and EPA Administrator Jackson to science-based regulation would be upheld throughout such a process, and that regulations will protect both public health and scarce public resources.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Perchlorate.

Clean Water America Alliance releases ‘Water Sustainability Principles’

WASHINGTON, February 24, 2011 (Water Tech) — The Clean Water America Alliance announced that its “Water Sustainability Principles for a National Policy Framework” is now available for download, according to a press release.

The principles were developed through several 2010 national dialogues and refined further by a recent meeting of 50 water leaders representing water associations from drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, energy, research and other interests.

“Shrinking budgets and increasing demands are putting pressures on the water sector overall to embrace innovation, integration and collaboration like never before. Engaging Water Association leaders to discuss and revise the draft framework was a step toward unifying the voice for water,” said Alliance President Ben Grumbles. “We will continue to take comments on the water sustainability principles and broaden the scope of its collaboration to all interested sectors and citizens from coast to coast.”

Informative Article on Best and Worst Bottled Water Brands

This recent article published on Yahoo.com explains how the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit agency, analyzed labels of 173 bottled water products to determine where the water comes from, and how their water is treated.

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/best-and-worst-bottled-water-brands-2436818/

EWG actually goes as far as giving the top ten most popular bottled water products a letter grade. Coming as no surprise to us, the EWG gave filtered tap water the best grade (an A). The EWG says that filtered water is often purer than bottled water, less expensive, and takes less of a toll on the environment. Read this article and learn more.

Press Release regarding Chromium VI in Tap Water

WASHINGTON, December 20, 2010 (Water Tech) — The EWG recently published an article regarding Chromium VI being found in tap water.
http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=75526

Multi-Pure has released this press release regarding this contaminant. We are proud to say that our MP750PlusRO system is effective in reducing 91.3% of the Chromium VI from the water. Please read this press release for more information:
www.multipureco.com/press-chromium.pdf

You can also read WQA’s press release:
http://wqa.org/pdf/pressreleases/chromium.pdf

EPA issues guidance for monitoring hexavalent chromium in drinking water

WASHINGTON, January 12, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidance recommending how public water systems might enhance monitoring and sampling programs specifically for hexavalent chromium, according to a press release.

The recommendations are in response to emerging scientific evidence that chromium-6 could pose health concerns if consumed over long periods of time.

The enhanced monitoring guidance provides recommendations on where the systems should collect samples and how often they should be collected, along with analytical methods for laboratory testing, the release stated.

EPA currently has a drinking water standard for total chromium, which includes chromium-6, and requires water systems to test for it.

EPA announces second phase of Hudson River PCB cleanup plan

NEW YORK, December 20, 2010 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has presented GE with requirements for the next phase of the cleanup of the Hudson River, according to a press release.

GE plants discharged approximately 1.3 million pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during a 30-year period ending in 1977, contaminating nearly 200 miles of the Hudson River.
The second phase of the cleanup would require GE to remove far more contaminated sediment from the river before sealing or “capping” any remaining PCBs.

GE has until Jan. 14, 2011 to review EPA’s decision and notify the agency whether they will proceed with this phase of the cleanup, scheduled to begin in May 2011, the release stated.
“We’ve said from the start that a clean Hudson is non-negotiable, and the path we have laid out today relies on the best science to ensure this dangerous pollution is addressed in an effective way,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck. “EPA has advanced a PCB cleanup plan that will require the removal of huge quantities of PCBs, making the Hudson River cleaner for future generations.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce PCB.

U.S. Congress approves Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act

WASHINGTON, December 21, 2010 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Congress last Friday approved a bill that uniformly reduces the allowable lead content in solder, flux, pipe and fixtures, The Washington Post reported.

The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, which has been sent to the White House for President Obama’s signature, strengthens and clarifies national standards for lead in drinking water.

If the bill is signed into law, the allowable lead content permissible in plumbing fixtures that carry drinking water will drop from the current federal level of as much as 8 percent to 0.25 percent, according to the story.

The House approved the bill on a 226-109 vote, the articles stated.

“In 21st century America, we have a responsibility to do more to protect our children and families against lead exposure acquired through plumbing systems,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., who authored the bill in the House. “Lead-free plumbing is an existing alternative, it’s affordable and it’s time we adopt it across the nation.”

EPA orders facilities across Southeast to comply with Clean Water Act

ATLANTA , January 12, 2011 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Administrative Orders (AOs) against seven entities in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina during the last quarter of 2010 for violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA), according to a press release.

Three entities — YDV Inc., Marion Retail Investments LLC and Shelby County Schools in Arlington, Tenn. — were cited for alleged stormwater-related violations of the CWA.
The city of Oak Ridge, Tenn., was cited for unauthorized discharges of sewage from the wastewater collection and transmission system.

Licking River Resources, Inc. and Clintwood Elkhorn Mining Company were each cited for unauthorized discharges of wastewater associated with their surface mining and/or coal processing and preparation plants in West Liberty and Phyllis, Ky., respectively.

EPA also issued an AO for violations of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations requirements of the CWA at a dairy operation known as Lee Mayer #1 in Newberry, S.C.

Please Note: iwaterdrops is intended to be an informational and educational news bulletin for Multi-Pure Independent Distributors. The news articles included are excerpted from the publications shown. The contamination problems and health effects reported occurred in the community or region identified in the article. Please check your local newspapers and magazines for stories about pollutants and water treatment problems in your own community.

EPA fines city landfill more than $300,000 for improper PCB management

SAN FRANCISCO, December 1, 2010 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Chemical Waste Management Inc. (CWM) more than $300,000 for failure to properly manage PCBs at its Kettleman Hills Hazardous Waste Landfill in Kings County, Calif., according to a press release.

EPA regulations and facility specific permit requirements require that PCBs are properly tracked, stored and disposed.

During a series of 2010 inspections, EPA investigators found that CWM improperly managed PCBs at the facility, the release stated.

“Companies charged with safely disposing of society’s most toxic materials need to rigorously follow the protective laws established to secure both the public safety and public trust,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Violations of federal environmental laws at the Kettleman hazardous waste facility are unacceptable.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce PCB.

CDC: Lead contamination may be widespread in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, December 2, 2010 (Water Tech) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report yesterday warning that the water in nearly 15,000 homes in Washington, D.C. may be contaminated with lead, The Washington Post reported.

The homes in question were part of a $93 million effort by the city to replace thousands of lead pipes, the article stated.

CDC stated that homeowners who had pipes only partially replaced may have worsened the problem, according to the report.

“Partial lead service line replacements don’t always work and in fact can cause sometimes more harm than good,” said George Hawkins, general manager of D.C. Water. “We thought it was a good idea until the data started showed that it wasn’t.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Lead.

Tests reveal high nitrate levels in Iowa town’s drinking water

DES MOINES, IOWA, December 3, 2010 (Water Tech) — The eastern Iowa town of Dixon discovered high levels of nitrates in its drinking water during routine testing on Thursday, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Due to the serious health risks associated with nitrates, city officials have urged residents with infants to use bottled water until the issue is resolved, the article stated.

The city is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to determine the source of the nitrates, according to the story.

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Nitrate/Nitrite.

Residential homebuilder fined $925,000 for stormwater violations in 21 states

WASHINGTON, December 3, 2010 (Water Tech) — Beazer Homes USA Inc., a national residential homebuilder, has agreed to pay a $925,000 civil penalty to resolve alleged Clean Water Act violations at its construction sites in 21 states, according to a press release.
As part of the settlement, Beazer will also implement a company-wide stormwater program to improve compliance with stormwater runoff requirements at current and future construction sites around the country, the release stated.

“Contaminated stormwater puts children and families at risk as it may carry pollutants, including sediment, debris and pesticides that contribute to water quality problems. These pollutants affect our nation’s rivers, lakes and sources of drinking water,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance and Assurance. “Today’s settlement will help protect public health and the environment by requiring Beazer to meet the requirements of our nation’s environmental laws and improve its oversight of its construction facilities.”

Multi-Pure International celebrates 40 years in business

LAS VEGAS, December 8, 2010 (Water Tech) — Multi-Pure International, a manufacturer and distributor of solid carbon block filters and drinking water treatment devices, announced that it is celebrating its 40th anniversary, according to a press release.

Multi-Pure was founded on Dec. 7, 1970 as a marketing company, selling point-of-use drinking water systems door-to-door in the Los Angeles area.

By the mid 1970s, the company had developed the carbon block filter, and was actively manufacturing for its own Multi-Pure brand as well as the OEM market, the release stated.
In 1982, Multi-Pure opened a network marketing program, which is still active, with thousands of successful independent distributors across the country.

Today Multi-Pure and its manufacturing subsidiary, Carbon Block Technology, are located in Las Vegas, with an additional manufacturing subsidiary, CB Tech Shanghai, located in China, according to the release.

“I’m often asked about my favorite moment in Multi-Pure’s long history, I say that moment hasn’t happened yet, we’re more excited for things to come,” said Alvin Rice, Multi-Pure’s co-founder and president.

New York City officials issue warning about lead contamination

NEW YORK, November 5, 2010 (Water Tech) — Water tests revealing elevated lead levels in some older buildings prompted New York City officials to warn residents to run their taps for 30 seconds before drinking water, cooking with it or using it to make baby formula, the Tri-City Herald reported.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection said the city’s water supply is virtually lead-free and attributed the contamination to lead pipes and fixtures typically found in buildings that are more than 40 years old, according to the report.

“The elevations seen in the city’s recent tests have been too small to pose clear health threats ... but the best level of lead exposure is zero, especially for children and pregnant women,” said Cas Holloway, the city’s environmental commissioner.
EPA to issue new rules to reduce water pollution from power plants

WASHINGTON, November 9, 2010 (Water Tech) — In response to pleas from U.S. environmental groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will take action to protect America’s waterways from coal power plant pollution, according to a press release.
EPA will issue new rules, which would protect Americans from millions of pounds of heavy metals and other toxic pollutants, by July 23, 2012, with final rules due by Jan. 31, 2014, the release stated.

The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) and Earthjustice, representing Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club, notified EPA last year that the new clean water rules were decades overdue, leaving the American public exposed to heavy metals like arsenic, lead, chromium and mercury.

“These rules were supposed to have been written nearly 30 years ago — they are not new requirements,” said EIP attorney Jennifer Peterson said. “Wastewater treatment is affordable, and our waterways are not a dumping ground for toxic waste from coal-fired power plants. We appreciate EPA’s commitment to get these long overdue rules back on track.”
EPA to expand chemicals testing for endocrine disruption

WASHINGTON, November 17 2010 (Water Tech) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a list of 134 chemicals that will be screened for their potential to disrupt the endocrine system, according to a press release.

The list includes chemicals that have been identified as priorities under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and may be found in sources of drinking water where a substantial number of people may be exposed.

The list also includes pesticide active ingredients that are being evaluated under EPA’s registration review program to ensure they meet current scientific and regulatory standards, the release stated.

“Endocrine disruptors represent a serious health concern for the American people, especially children. Americans today are exposed to more chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies than ever before, and it is essential that EPA takes every step to gather information and prevent risks,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We are using the best available science to examine a larger list of chemicals and ensure that they are not contaminating the water we drink and exposing adults and children to potential
harm.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure Drinking Water Systems have been certified by NSF International, under Standard 53 to reduce Endocrine Disrupters (PCBs, Chlordane, and Toxaphene). Read more about Endocrine Disrupters on our website:
www.multipureco.com/endocrine_disrupters.htm
Pacific Gas & Electric ordered to provide clean drinking water

HINKLEY, CA, November 17, 2010 (Water Tech) — Water regulators announced on Tuesday that Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) must provide clean drinking water to residents whose groundwater is contaminated with hexavalent chromium, the San Bernardino County Sun reported.

Between 1952 and 1966, PG&E used hexavalent chromium to fight corrosion in cooling towers at a facility southeast of Hinkley, Calif.

Some of the chromium-tainted wastewater leaked from ponds and contaminated a 2-mile-long portion of an aquifer.

A legal battle involving the toxic spill was the subject of the 2000 movie “Erin Brockovich.”
The order will be formally issued by Nov. 30, but PG&E has already started distributing bottled water to residents whose wells have more than 3.1 ppb of hexavalent chromium, the article stated.

“The order may not go into effect for a couple weeks, but it can be in effect in perpetuity,” said Lauri Kemper, assistant executive officer for the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Board. “And we can require reports to verify they’re doing it.”

Multi-Pure Commentary:
Multi-Pure’s MP750 Plus RO has been certified by NSF International, under Standard 58, to reduce Hexavalent Chromium.
Four-day drinking water ban lifted

BARSTOW, CA, November 24, 2010 (Water Tech) — A four-day ban on drinking tap water has been lifted in the Mojave Desert town of Barstow, Calif., the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Golden State Water Co. initiated the ban after water samples taken from a well last Thursday revealed high levels of perchlorate, a chemical used in rocket fuel, the article stated.

Water tests conducted on Tuesday showed the water meets all drinking water standards and residents were notified the tap water is safe to drink, according to the report.
Officials are conducting tests on private wells to determine the extent of the contamination and where it originated.

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