Blame it on the recession. Concerns over water quality seem
to drop from the public’s radar for much of 2009 and 2010.
True, pros who work in this area still hammered away to
improve their products and services. As we start 2011, water quality is back in
the news.
Today (January 7), the Associated Press released a story
claiming there is too much fluoride in drinking water and it is causing a tooth
condition in kids called fluorosis. Click here to read the story. AP cited the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as
recommending a reduction in fluoride from a maximum of 1.2 milligrams per liter
of water to 0.7 milligrams.
If the maximum-level of 0.7 milligrams is adopted, it will
mark the first time in 50 years that the recommended fluoride level in U.S. drinking
water has been altered.
Ironically, I spoke to family-member about this topic last
week. He had heard the rumblings, and as a dentist, was concerned. He had even
heard that some local jurisdictions are contemplating removing fluoride
completely from their water supplies.
Based on years of studying people’s teeth and dental
hygiene, he predicted that removing fluoride from drinking water would be a
disaster. On the plus side, he said, he would be so busy he could work 24/7
with no interruptions in the flow of patients needing substantial dentistry. He
jokingly predicted he would retire 10 years early.
On January 4, President Obama signed into law the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act that reduces the allowable lead in plumbing faucets and fixtures from 8% to
0.25%. Most manufacturers had previously met this standard in order to comply
with a 2006 California
ruling that also specified the 0.25% limit by 2010.
On January 6, NSF International distributed a press release announcing its support of the new lead reductions regulations
for drinking water. As an organization that certifies products that writes
standards, you could say it has self-interest in promoting the new lead
standards. And yet, NSF, UL, CSA, and many other certification/standard-writing
organizations continually raise the bar on public safety.
Separately, the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute also praised the new
regulations, as was reported in Supply
House Times.
“It is an exciting victory, primarily for consumers, and
also for the plumbing manufacturing industry, as well as for wholesalers,
retailers, contractors and others involved with the production, distribution,
sales and installation of these products,” said PMI Executive Director Barbara
C. Higgens. “The effort reinforces our commitment to protecting the future of
our national and local water supply through water-efficient plumbing products
and practices that provide clean, safe, drinking water.”
Many will see these new regulations as more government intrusion
to how their companies must conduct business. And yet, continually raising
standards for our nation’s health and welfare usually create as many
opportunities as they diminish. Let’s hope these new regulations do both.
If you are involved in water quality in any way, check out
the Water Quality Association’s Aquatech USA show by clicking here. It takes place March 8-11 in San Antonio, TX,
and covers process, drinking, and ultrapure water for residential, commercial
and industrial users.
Separately, check out these construction/maintenance company
success stories at http://www.bnpmedia.com/movingon. Readers of BNP Media trade magazines share what ideas and tactics they’ve used
to excel in spite of the tough economy.
Water Quality Takes Center Stage
By Tim Fausch
January 7, 2011
Tim Fausch is publishing director of BNP Media’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction, Security and Mechanical Systems Groups, a collection of more than 20 trade magazines, Web sites and e-newsletters. Just don't ask him to use any actual tools. Email Tim at fauscht@bnpmedia.com.