Drinking Water in Schools

Drinking Water in Schools

Aquasana is tackling a concern that's hitting close to home for many parents: whether school drinking water is actually safe for their kids. Author Maggie Irish presents some alarming statistics, including a 2024 Texas study showing 78% of schools and daycare centers had at least one tap with detectable lead levels, and a Minnesota tribal school with PFAS levels 40 times higher than proposed federal safety limits. The article breaks down common school water contaminants including lead from aging plumbing, bacteria and viruses from stagnant pipes, PFAS chemicals, and chlorine byproducts that form during disinfection. Irish explains that children are particularly vulnerable because of their smaller size, developing brains, and higher water intake relative to their weight. Aquasana's own survey data shows 66% of parents are concerned about school water quality, though this number has declined from its 2023 peak, possibly due to assumptions that federal action like EPA's Lead and Copper Rule revisions will solve the problem. The company's solution is straightforward: send kids to school with filtered water from home.

Future of Drinking Water in the U.S.

Yale epidemiologist Nicole Deziel delivers a comprehensive overview of current drinking water challenges that backs up many of the concerns driving customers toward home filtration systems. In a wide-ranging interview, Deziel explains why states like Utah and Florida are banning water fluoridation, noting that new studies link fluoride to lower IQ in children. She also points out that 90% of U.S. drinking water contains PFAS despite it taking 20 years to establish federal standards, and details how climate change threatens water quality. Deziel's filtration recommendations are straightforward: activated carbon filters work for basic contaminants like chlorine and some PFAS, reverse osmosis handles a wider range of contaminants but costs more, and even simple countertop and pitcher filters offer some protection and may be a good starting point. She also makes a strong case against bottled water, explaining that most brands are "just tap water that's been run through extra purification steps" while contributing to plastic waste and potentially releasing microplastics.

Nanotechnology in Water

Meadow Lake Water Treatment is positioning itself at the cutting edge of residential water purification by highlighting nanotechnology innovations that go far beyond traditional filtration methods. The Seattle-area family business explains how new technologies like graphene filters (just a few atoms thick) and nano-zerovalent iron can target contaminants at the molecular level. This can help by removing everything from heavy metals and bacteria to emerging contaminants like pharmaceutical residues and pesticides that older methods often miss. The team emphasizes that these nanomaterial-based systems operate at lower pressures than traditional methods, reducing energy consumption while providing more detailed filtration. Meadow Lake notes that while activated carbon and reverse osmosis can only address certain types of contaminants, nanotechnology offers a broader solution that's both more efficient and more sustainable.

Understanding Water Quality Reports

Kel Tren WaterCare is using consumer education to bridge the gap between confusing water quality reports and actionable solutions, positioning themselves as the expert who can translate regulatory compliance into real-world water improvements. The company breaks down the technical jargon that intimidates most homeowners, explaining key terms like MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level - the legal limit), MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - the health-based target), and MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level - for disinfectants like chlorine). The company also points out that private well owners don't receive these reports at all and are responsible for their own testing, creating an opening for professional water testing services. Kel Tren positions their water treatment solutions including reverse osmosis and water softeners as ways to go beyond basic compliance and achieve "truly high-quality water."

What else is happening:

• The EPA has rescinded its previous decision to add seven segments to Iowa’s list of impaired waters due to their high nitrate concentrations

• Local news Eye On Annapolis features a customer who shares their journey from water quality test to investing in serious home filtration

• WQA Podcast releases a new episode titled Contract Law 101: What Every Dealer Needs to Know

• Family-owned Aqua Pump details the VFD Water Pump and who it might be right for