Water Softener Basics
A water softener is an appliance specifically made for ridding calcium and magnesium from water. All water is not the same, and it’s dubbed as “hard” when it has high amounts of magnesium and calcium. Conversely, “soft” water does not have these minerals, or they are barely detectable. Lakes and streams naturally have soft water.… Read more
Michigan Creek Alarmingly Bright Green
Residents came across an alarming sight on December 12th. Plaster Creek was bright green near Cease E. Chaves Avenue, which borders Grand Rapids and Wyoming. Photos were taken by Steven Littell, and alerted authorities. By the time the city of Grand Rapids got there on Monday, they had said the green color was gone. Various… Read more
Six Ways to Clean Wastewater
Wastewater treatment is an imperative part of our lives; however, many people do not fully comprehend the process. There are several different options for creating clean water, which we will delve into in this article. Advanced Oxidation TreatmentThis environmentally friendly chemical process utilizes oxygen and some hydrogen peroxide to purify water by removing organic compounds.… Read more
29 Michigan Water Systems Awarded Protection Grants
Fresh, clean water is something many Michiganders might take for granted. Over 10 million people throughout the state rely on clean drinking water through the Great Lakes, so protecting it is crucial to ensure safe, healthy water is available for future generations. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently granted more… Read more
Flint Water Still Tainted with Toxic Lead
Just as we thought it was over, the Flint lead water crisis continues. During testing over the first half of this year, the level of lead in the city’s tap water has increased. State environmental officials attribute the spike to additional testing of businesses known to have lead in their service lines. The Michigan Department… Read more
Toxic Chemical Spill in the Huron River
As of August 2nd, the State of Michigan is advising people to avoid the Huron River downstream of the city of Wixom. Chemicals from Tribar Technologies, an auto supply factory manufacturing chrome plating, were accidentally released into the sewer system, which discharges into the Huron River. The release of several thousand gallons of Hexavalent chromium,… Read more
All About Rust in Water
What is rust? Is drinking rusty water dangerous? What does rust in your water mean? How do you treat rust in water? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and much more. The most telltale sign of rust in your water supply is when appliances such as dishwashers become dirty more quickly, laundry… Read more
Milford Drinking Water Endangered by Underground Contamination
A treatment system is swiftly being constructed in the Village of Milford to counteract underground contamination seeping into the drinking water system from a former automotive supplier (Kelsey-Hayes) plant. The toxic plume is threatening the community of roughly 6,500 people by exposing them to vinyl chloride. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes,… Read more
Novel Technology Can Remediate Forever Chemicals in Water
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS are virtually indestructible and infiltrate the bodies of more than 200 million Americans in all 50 states. These cancer-causing carcinogens are present in drinking water across the country. These man-made chemicals are tough and durable and have been widely used for their ability to repel oil and water in… Read more
Michigan’s Underground Storage Tanks are Raising Concern
Legacy tanks typically store fuel and other hazardous chemicals underground. These tanks generally receive a little-to-no maintenance and were buried before strict regulations were established. Experts are concerned about the chemicals leaching into municipal drinking water. A recent fuel leak in Flat Rock was suspected to be caused by a pair of underground steel tanks.… Read more