Culligan donates to Hike for Hospice

Last Sunday a record-setting 300 people showed up for the 10th Annual Hike for Hospice in Peterborough, Ontario, raising more than $70,000 to support hospice care in the community, according to the Peterborough Examiner.

“It is a family event,” Alison Casey, resource development coordinator with Hospice, told the Peterborough Examiner. “We had generations of families. I was ecstatic with the numbers. We have an incredible community that shows a lot of generosity and caring.”

The 5.4-kilometer walk through Millennium Park benefited Peterborough Hospice. Volunteers and local businesses offered their goods and services to help create a successful event. Culligan, The Good Water Company provided water.

Hats off to our Canadian Culligan Men and Women for doing good in their community!

Atrazine Found in Midwest States' Drinking Water

Traces of atrazine have been found in Midwest states’ drinking water. Atrazine is a common weed killer sprayed on crops throughout the spring. Although the levels found in test samples were under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) legal limit, they may affect the health of people and animals. The EPA will meet in June to reassess atrazine risks and its legal level allowed in drinking water.

According to public news service, Wells’ group is encouraging the EPA to look at a large body of independent research about Atrazine’s health effects on people and wildlife as it reconsiders the legal limit for drinking water, which is now three parts per billion.

“The main thing we need to see is people speaking up and talking to both EPA, about reviewing their science on Atrazine, and also state officials in each of these states can take steps to monitor and safeguard drinking water.”

Check out the rest of the article for more information. Want to talk to your Culligan Man about soft water? Go to CulliganNation.com and enter your zip code to find a dealer near you!

Culligan lends a hand in making a dream come true for Sioux Falls girl

Olivia Haugen (photo courtesy of the Argus Leader)

A 3-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia had a dream come true last weekend when the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota granted her with a playhouse of her own, according to the Argus Leader.

More than 40 members of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire (HBASE) donated their time to construct the two-story playhouse painted pink and purple, Olivia Haugen’s favorite colors, the article stated. Along with HBASE, products and services were donated by other local companies, including Culligan.

The local Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota has granted 946 wishes since it started in in 1984. Olivia’s wish was No. 947.

Always puts a smile on our face to see our Culligan Men and Women helping to put smiles on the faces of others. Head on over to the Siouxland Culligan Facebook page and give them a high five.

Chicago Tribune presents the hard facts about tap water

We may be preaching to the choir, but check out this article in the Chicago Tribune about the ins and outs of hard and soft water. It’s full of great information explaining the differences between hard water, which contains relatively high amounts of calcium and magnesium, and soft water, which contains few to no extra elements.

Check out what the article says about the difference in showering with one versus the other:

Hard water: Makes soap less effective, and creates scale and film buildup in showers, requiring increased frequency of cleaning, and increased use of chemicals to clean the shower walls and tubs.

Soft water: Soap lathers easily with soft water, making it effective for body washing. But from a health perspective, it doesn’t matter.

Check out the rest of the article for more interesting and beneficial information. Want to talk to your Culligan Man about soft water? Find us on Facebook!

Water near power plant unsafe to drink

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning residents near a power plant in Oak Creek, Wis., that their private well water is not safe to drink. According to a news story from Today’s TMJ4 in Milwaukee, high levels of contaminants like boron and molybdenum were found in the private wells of a few residents.

The source of the contamination has yet to be determined, but it’s currently being investigated. An area power plant and old landfill site are being looked into, the story reports.

We Energies pays to have Culligan bottled water delivered to one of the affected families, according to Today’s TMJ4. We Energies owns the power plant, but says their paying for the water is not an acknowledgement that its plant is causing the contamination.

Are you concerned about your drinking water? Contact your Culligan Man to help point you in the right direction!

Duluth area Culligan provides support for March for Babies

Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Herald-Review

Kudos to Culligan in the Duluth area for providing bottled water for the almost 75 walkers who took part in the March of Dimes March for Babies this month. On April 14, walkers from the Grand Rapids community gathered to show support of the nation’s leading non-profit for pregnancy and baby health, according to an article in the Grand Rapids Herald-Review.

It always puts a smile on our face to see our Culligan men and women reaching out into the community. Head to their Facebook page and give them a thumbs up.

Culligan Honors Dealers Nationwide

Several Culligan dealers and general managers have reached five-year milestones in their length of service, and Culligan International announced this week its 2012 Dealer Service Awards to nearly 40 of our Culligan men and women being honored for 25 or more years of service.

In a release from Culligan International, Larry Holzman, Senior Vice President of Culligan North America, said the following:

Emmett Culligan

“At Culligan we take great pride in the water experts who make up our dealer network. Emmett Culligan began a dealer organization shortly after founding the company in 1936. Our dealers are respected local business people and serve as the professional, friendly face of Culligan for our customers. We are proud of their leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and unflagging dedication to the values on which Culligan was founded. They truly are the heart of this organization.”

To read the list of recipients, including the seven who’ve been in service for more than 50 years, read the release from Culligan International. And don’t forget to congratulate your fellow dealers and community leaders!

Minnesota to look at water contaminants

The state of Minnesota is taking a look at unregulated chemicals and toxins in the water supply and determining which pose a threat to citizens, according to an article on examiner.com.

Previously the state had limits on certain contaminants, like lead and mercury, but thousands of others have gone unregulated due to lack of funds to study the health risks. However, according to the article, the state health department is using $1.7 million from Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment to look at existing studies of many chemicals to determine what steps should be taken to ensure that Minnesota drinking water is safe.

Some dangerous substances found in Minnesota’s water than have been deemed dangerous include:

• fragrance
• a flame retardant
• medicines
• DEET

Examiner.com says all of those substances have been detected in Minnesota waters, such as lakes, though not always in drinking water. See Minnesota Department of Health’s Contaminants of Emerging Concern
program for more information about these chemicals and how to better protect our water supplies.

If you want to find out how your local Culligan Man can help you out, check out our Facebook page!

Fitchburg to flush water mains

Photo courtesy of WKOW.com

A notice from Madison’s WKOW.com this morning tells us the City of Fitchburg Utilities will be flushing water mains this week, possibly resulting in discolored water for Fitchburg residents.

“City officials say discoloration can be cleared by opening the cold water tap to full flow for a few minutes,” the article states. It’s also recommended that residents do laundry in the evening and when the water is clear to avoid damage to clothes.

Questions about your drinking water? Contact your Culligan Man to see what he has to offer! Or visit us on Facebook.

Millions of pounds of toxic chemicals dumped in Minnesota waterways each year

1,455,361 pounds.

That is how pounds of toxic chemicals were dumped into Minnesota waterways in 2010, according to a report released by Environment Minnesota. In the same report, it was stated that 226 million pounds of toxic chemicals were discharged into 1,400 waterways across the country that year. Industrial facilities dumped more than 700,000 pounds of the filth into the Mississippi River just in Minnesota.

The report’s findings were reported in the Mankato Green Culture Examiner this week, and further analyze the dangerous levels of pollutants discharged into America’s waters. The full report can be found here.

Want to check the safety of your own water? Contact your local Culligan dealer or find us on Facebook!

Here Comes Spring! Flood Gates Open in Wausau

This year’s winter was mild; it started late and ended early. As the weather gets warmer and snow melts (where there still is snow), flooding may be an issue. Water levels in rivers and dams will rise, forcing flood gates to open. The water moving through flood gates is strong and creates under currents.

An article on WSAW.com provides viewers with safety information (including videos) about flooding due to snow and ice melting. “When melting snow elevates the water levels, flood gates are opened. The water that rushes through is very forceful, projecting its energy into turbulent under currents.

As we get closer to spring and the snow melts away, potential flooding becomes a threat. To mitigate that, flood gates throughout the Wausau area are beginning to open.

Unfortunately, every year people are seriously injured or killed at dams.

During this time of year, dams become particularly dangerous, according to Sam Morgan, of the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, which the reservoir system on the Wisconsin River.

When melting snow elevates the water levels, flood gates are opened. The water that rushes through is very forceful, projecting its energy into turbulent under currents.

Because fish like that atmosphere, it’s common for anglers to fish near dams, but that can be very dangerous.

“If you have the misfortune of falling out of your boat or ending up in the river you’re falling in 30 degree water and hypothermia is going to set in in a matter of minutes,” said Morgan.

The cold temperatures combined with the powerful currents can make for an unfortunate situation.

Morgan advises people to stay away from dams when flood gates are open and otherwise.

River levels have recently elevated, and will probably be at their highest flow levels in the Wausau area by Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Because we haven’t had much rain, flooding should not become an issue in the near future.”

We found this story in Wausau, but if you’re not there, check out www.CulliganNation.com and enter your zip code to connect with your local Culligan dealer!

"I'll just have water, please."

Be it a need to watch their wallet or their waistline, more and more consumers are ordering water with their meals when out to eat, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel.

In the last two years, orders of water have gone up 3.2 percent while purchases of sodas, coffee and other beverages have declined 3.6 percent, the article says. Some consumers believe the price of beverages in restaurants have simply gotten too high, and notice a difference on their bills. Others just want to cut back calories and sugar, and bump up their hydration. At the end of the day, it’s hurting restaurants’ bottom line.

What say you? Do you order water at restaurants, and is the decision prompted by your wallet or your waistline?

We found this story in Orlando, but if you’re not in the sunshine state, check out www.CulliganNation.com or our Facebook page to find out how you can get more water.

Continued Support for Detroit Water Monitoring System

In Detroit, various groups are working to support the local water monitoring system before funds run out in November.

The system monitors waterways sourced from Lake Huron that provide drinking water to Macomb, Wayne and St. Clair counties.

St.ClairShores Patch reports:

“We all came to to the table and were willing to discuss this,” said Gerald Santoro, Program Manager of Land and Water Resources for Macomb County.

A fully operating system would cost between $500,000 and $1 million a year. That would translate to 50 cents a year for water customers in the tri-county area, according to county officials.

We’re happy to see the Detroit community working to protect the local water supply. Also, we’re excited to provide residents with a Culligan water system that can further improve your drinking water. For more information visit us on Facebook!

60 Wisconsin Communities Don't Disinfect Drinking Water

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources strongly recommends that communities treat drinking water with chlorine or ultra violet light to kill bacteria and viruses. But according to a newspaper report released Monday in the Chicago Tribune, there are about 60 Wisconsin communities that don’t treat drinking water.

The article goes on to say most municipalities that don’t disinfect drinking water are small, rural communities. Although the DNR can’t mandate the disinfection of drinking water – which protects against bacteria such as E. coli, as well as viruses – it’s encouraged across the state.

Among the communities that don’t treat water are Spring Green, Fall River and Rice Lake. In the article, the director of public works in Spring Green said the cost of treatment and public concern about the smell and taste of chlorine are the major reasons for not disinfecting drinking water.

To find out what’s in your water, enter your zip code into the widget in the right-hand sidebar, or connect with your Culligan Man® on Facebook in the Madison area, LaCrosse area or Green Bay area.

Water Heaters

ABC12 in Flint reports tank-less water heaters are becoming more popular.

As for how much going tank-less will save you, Pepper bases it around a household of four that spends 10 minutes in the shower every day.

“With your standard tank type, you’re at about 30 cents a shower. With four people, you’re at about $1.20 a day. With a tank-less unit, you’re at about 20 cents. You’re significantly less, about 33 percent. Over the course of a month, on average, you’re probably going to save around $12.”

That’s a ballpark savings of $144 over the course of the year — just on showers alone.

Also, remember a Culligan water system can keep your water heater running better for longer, and many of your home appliances will benefit. For more info visit us on Facebook and we can help find the perfect option for your home.

Magnetic Water Softeners Get Thumbs Down in Tucson

It looks as though the Tucson Citizen is not fooled by magnetic water softeners either.

Tucson has “hard” water which produces scale in pipes, on faucets, around the sink and shower, film on glass shower doors, and makes washing more difficult because soap doesn’t work as well in hard water. The “hardness” is due to dissolved calcium, magnesium, and iron in the water.

Standard treatment to remove the dissolved minerals include ion-exchange which requires recharge with salt, and reverse osmosis which filters out the offending minerals. If you search the internet, you will find thousands of wesbsites promoting magnetic or electrical wrappings for the water pipes that are claimed to rid you of hard water problems. On February 15, the Arizona Daily Star ran a full-page ad promoting one of these devices.

Finally, the author renders a succinct and simple verdict:

My take on all this is: buyer beware.

Connect with your Culligan Man to learn more.

Mural on Culligan of Albert Lea building helps celebrate United Way Campaign

Last week the United Way of Freeborn County celebrated the successful 2011 Live United Campaign, which raised more than $600,000. An article in the Albert Lea Tribune says more than 2,500 donors contributed to the community campaign.

Part of the campaign included a mural on the Culligan of Albert Lea building at 316 Main Court that was painted by community volunteers.

We’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the United Way!

For more information about Culligan dealers in your area, check out www.CulliganWaterExperts.com or find us on Facebook.

Water Still Rusty in Kendall County

Chicago’s WBBM reports that rusty water is still a significant problem for residents of Kendall County in Boulder Hill.

The problems stem from repairs on Well No. 14 in nearby Montgomery, where Kendall County residents source their water. Independent water samples taken by local residents showed iron content ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 milligrams per liter, well over normal readings.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency states that the ingestion of iron in drinking water is not directly associated with adverse health effects, so mandatory iron regulations are not in place. Agency officials said that based on “aesthetic issues” a level of 0.3 milligrams per liter is considered high.

Culligan water systems can help alleviate stains from rusty water as well as other common water problems.

Have questions about your water? Connect with your Culligan Man® on Facebook or CulliganChicago.com.

Tap Water is Safe to Drink in Minneapolis After Chemical Spill

Originally printed in the Southwest Minneapolis Patch February 15, 2012 by James Sanna and Chris Steller

This article discusses the recent chemical spill at a water treatment plant in Minneapolis. There is no risk of tap water contamination from the chemical accident.

“A chemical accident at the City of Minneapolis Water Works in Columbia Heights yesterday afternoon, causing staff members to evacuate the building, but city tap water is safe to drink according to a city spokesperson.

The accident, which sent Minneapolis, Fridley and Columbia Heights fire department personnel racing to the scene in silver HAZMAT suits, did not at any time risk contamination of the water supply, he said in a written statement.

No injuries were reported among treatment plat staff or first responders.

According to the Star-Tribune, crews accidentally mixed chemicals used to clean the filtration systems: 6,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid and 500 gallons of caustic soda, also known as lye. The two react, producing sodium chloride, or table salt, and large amounts of heat. That heat was what set off alarms and sprinklers at the plant, the newspaper said.

The building’s sprinkler system ran for about two-and-a-half hours, Columbia Heights Assistant Fire Chief John Larkin said, with excess water flowing into tanks below the building. The water may have helped mitigate the chemical reaction, which generated heat but no fire, he said.

Another thing that helped the situation Tuesday, according to Larkin, was a drill last year in which emergency responders and nearby residents practiced for a leak that unlike Tuesday’s incident caused contamination outside the water plant.”

Have questions about your water? Connect with your Culligan Man® on Facebook or www.minnesotaculligan.com.

Evanston Responds to Lead Found in Chicago's Tap Water

A few weeks ago we posted about lead found in Chicago tap water. The research was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) three times during 2011. This article is a follow-up to the information released about lead found in tap water, tap water testing procedures, and how to lower and eliminate lead levels in your tap water.

Originally printed in The Daily Northwestern by Jia You on February 10, 2012

“New study could change Evanston’s procedure for testing lead in tap water”

“A new round of water testing by the United States Environmental Protection Agency could change how Evanston tests homes’ tap water for lead.

When water is tested, regulators generally test the lead level in the first liter of water coming out of the faucet. One of the new procedures studied by the EPA tested the lead level in the first 14 liters of water sequentially.

The results of that procedure found the seventh to ninth liters contain the highest levels of lead when they tested the tap water in 29 Chicago homes in September, said Miguel Del Toral, a regional regulations manager for the EPA.

Half of those tested homes yielded at least one sample with more than 15 parts per billion of lead, a level that could trigger regulatory actions during a routine testing, Del Toral said. Those regulatory actions would include treating the water or changing the lead service line — which cities such as Evanston use to supply water to residents — if the treatment fails.

During the study, one first-liter sample from only one of the homes indicated 15 parts per billion of lead. Researchers also found the lead in tap water comes mainly from lead service lines.

“That’s pretty clear from the results you see,” Del Toral said.

EPA conducted the sampling study to review its 20-year-old Lead and Copper Rule that regulates the levels of lead and copper in drinking water, he said.

“We look at all of our existing legislations and…we decided there was an opportunity here to make some changes,” Del Toral said.

He stressed the study captures worst-case scenarios, and the result is still under internal discussion, he said.

Evanston is “in one hundred percent compliance with regulations” in lead testing, said Kevin Lookis, water production superintendent of the Evanston Water Utility.

The city’s latest regular testing in June and July found two of 30 homes tested had measurable lead in their samples but they were still below 15 ppb, Lookis said.

Even if the sampling method changes, replacing Evanston’s lead service line would produce more harm than good, he said. The replacement would cost $5,000 per home, and the lead level would be very high in the initial months after the construction work has been completed.

Both Lookis and Del Toral recommended that residents flush their tap water for three to five minutes in the morning to clear water that has been sitting in the lead line. Such flushing could be incorporated in daily activities such as showers and toilet flushing, they said.

“They’re already taking a shower, they’re already doing laundry,” Del Toral said. “You’ll clear the line by water that’s used just doing that.”

Del Toral also recommended using water filters certified for lead removal.

Lead could delay brain development in children and even cause death, said Helen Binns, a pediatrics professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

But lead exposure from tap water is insignificant compared to sources such as lead-based paint, she said.

“I don’t think we can point to a lot of children who have been poisoned solely for that just because the houses are so bad themselves,” Binns said. “I haven’t really identified an individual child here who has water as the source (of lead poisoning).”

Dani Barker, an Evanston resident who has two children, agreed lead from tap water has not been her greatest worry.

“I haven’t been overly concerned about it,” Barker said. “I think the greater risk was lead-based paint as opposed to lead in the water.”"

Have questions about your water? Connect with your Culligan Man® on Facebook or www.culliganchicago.com.

Boil Water Order Issued in Kissimmee

About 400 residents in the Lake Tivoli Drive neighborhood of Kissimmee received a water boil order over the weekend after a water main break in the area.

According to this article by WESH Orlando’s Channel 2, the break was repaired, but residents were advised to boil or treat their drinking water until further notice for their protection. Over the summer we posted this Homeowner’s Guide to a Boil Advisory to help homeowners understand what, exactly, needs to happen in such a case. Check it out!

Remember, even if you have a Culligan system in place, you should still follow all boil advisories. Our systems are an extra precaution against contaminants. If you ever have any questions about your water, contact your Culligan dealer. Trust us and we’ll ease your water woes.

EPA Finds Lead in Chicago Drinking Water

Originally printed in the Chicago Tribune

Lead found in some Chicagoans’ drinking water questions current tap water testing procedures.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested drinking water samples in Chicago homes three times in 2011. The most recent results, taken in September and October, show high levels of lead in about half of the 29 homes tested.

While Chicago’s tap water remains safe to drink and meets EPA’s standards, it is never a bad idea to call your local Culligan Man® to have your water tested annually.

Sources that may cause water exposure to lead include, but are not limited to:

• Older city water service lines made of lead,
• Plumbing and fixtures more than 20 years old that may be made from leaded brass or leaded solder,
• Accumulation of metal and mineral deposits in hot-water tanks and pipes.

The EPA’s results from the Chicago study may lead to restructured testing methods for contaminants in drinking water.

“In homes where researchers tested more than 11 liters of water, most high lead levels tended to taper off by about the 12^th liter. Clearing the pipes of that much water requires a continuous water flow of about three to five minutes depending on water pressure and plumbing, according to Miguel Del Toral, a regulations manager for the EPA Region 5 Ground Water and Drinking Water Branch.”

Have questions about your water? Connect with your Culligan Man® on Facebook or www.culliganchicago.com.

Fertilizer contamination a concern in Upper Big Blue area

A recent article in the Lincoln Journal Star examines what the York-based Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District is doing to control fertilizer contamination of drinking water in agricultural settings.

NRD rules already require farmers to wait until after Nov. 1 to apply anhydrous ammonia and other nitrogen sources, but some fall applications of anhydrous are still pretty common, officials say, and more stringent measures are being considered.

According to the article, nitrogen is an important component in maximizing corn yields, but it contributes to water quality problems when it leeches below the root zone and into the water table. In this case, some nitrate readings are closing in on, or exceeding, a federal safety standard of 10 parts per million. Persistently high nitrates can cause a condition called “blue baby syndrome,” in which infants’ blood is unable to keep up with oxygen delivery to cells.

If you’re concerned about water quality in your area, Culligan can provide a free consultation. Large or small, we can help.

Want to learn more about your water quality options? Connect at http://www.facebook.com/CulliganNebraska.

Sterling Water Welcomes Willmar Dealership Into the Fold

Effective January 1, 2012, Sterling Water-Minnesota, LLC d.b.a Culligan of South Central Minnesota has acquired Culligan Water Conditioning of Glenwood and Willmar. The deal included all current customers, assets and equipment, as well as the existing building located at 800 Campbell Avenue NW in Willmar.

The dealership serves both Pope and Kandiyohi Counties, as well as some areas in southern Stearns County.

Sterling Water Culligan is a third-generation family-owned business operating locations in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is the largest and oldest provider of water treatment solutions in the Chippewa Valley area. The company’s portfolio of services includes bottled water, water conditioning, drinking water and problem water solutions for thousands of area homes and businesses.

This latest move strengthens Sterling Water’s presence in the area, which also owns the dealership in nearby Sauk Centre. The Willmar location will be overseen by general manager Aaron Neubert.

“We saw a great opportunity and seized it,” says Bret P. Tangley, president of Sterling Water Culligan.  “Our team is excited to get into the community and start building relationships right away.”

The Glenwood and Willmar dealership has a place in history in its own right as the location represents one of the first 25 Culligan franchises in the international company’s 76-year history. Only three owners have ever operated the office.

Current and prospective customers can expect an upgrade in services and products available and a renewed commitment to regularly scheduled deliveries and maintenance calls. In fact, one of the very first hires by the new leadership was a customer service representative. The dealership plans to round out its staff throughout the coming year.

For more information, please visit www.culliganh2o.com. Connect with the Culligan Man at www.facebook.com/culliganh2oCentralMN.

Try a Little Tenderness

A recent article in the IndyStar outlined each appliance in your home and how you can treat it with the respect and care it deserves. Over time, improper use and care of appliances combined with lack of routine maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your favorite household appliances.

When it comes to your water-using appliances like a dishwasher or a washing machine, a water softener can help increase their longevity. Indiana has notoriously hard water and softeners prevent the effects of scale buildup in your appliances and will save you time and money down the road.

Your water softener needs attention too though! It’s a workhorse of an appliance, but it needs some tender loving care everyonce in awhile. Culligan will inspect and check any brand of softener in order to make sure it’s performing well, in good condition and protecting your other appliances.

Don’t have a water softener? Contact your local Culligan Man to get more information on the right solution for your home. Visit our website or our Facebook page to get in touch. Hey Culligan Man!

There's a New Culligan Man in Town

It’s not every day a 75-year-old company re-defines its brand icon. Water treatment leader Culligan International is doing just that with an update to its famous “Hey Culligan Man!” persona. A new website at culligan.com (culligan.ca in Canada) features a new Culligan Man and is loaded with information on water quality and water treatment solutions for homeowners and businesses. The initiatives cap the company’s 75^th anniversary year.

Introduced in 1958, “Hey, Culligan Man!” remains one of the most recognized advertising slogans and an important link between customers and the company’s network of over 800 dealers in 90 countries worldwide.

“Culligan products are in over three million homes and consumers associate ‘Hey Culligan Man!’ with the leader in the water category,” said Curt Hilliard, Culligan’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “The slogan is completely embedded in our culture, but the image of the Culligan Man was not representing the services our dealers were performing. Although dealers have it shouted out to them everywhere they go, from the largest city to the farm, we need to expand what consumers think about when they say this celebrated phrase.”

To read the complete release and see a video explaining the new changes, please click here.

Release courtesy of Culligan - Chicago, IL (January 17, 2012)  - PRNewswire

Culligan of Wheaton Gives Back

At Culligan we like to recognize dealers giving back to their communities. This year, Culligan of Wheaton is doing its part by sponsoring the “Missing Children” campaign. With the help of Culligan of Wheaton’s donation, the “Missing Children” campaign will be able to help locate and protect children, and prevent further abductions. Nationwide, more than 797,500 children go missing on an annual basis and unfortunately 25% of these are family abductions. Culligan of Wheaton’s sponsorship will hopefully make a positive difference in their community. Any questions? Contact Culligan of Wheaton via their website.

Culligan has dealerships worldwide but what really matters is what they do right at home and this year was no different. Read our blog post to see what other Culligan Men and Women have done this season. Happy Holidays!

Local Iowa Dealer Wins Sales Award

For the third year in a row, Andy Matheason from Emmetsburg, IA, won the Culligan Salesman of the Year Award for the Iowa and Missouri district. Matheason competed against all eligible salesmen in his area and based on monthly numbers took home the 2011 award.

Culligan of Algona and Emmetsburg services Emmet, Kossuth and Palo Alto counties. Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan continually develops new technologies to treat hard water and rid water of contaminants. All products have been perfected through research and development, set standards in the water treatment industry, and are used by homes and businesses worldwide. If you are concerned about your water check out our website for information on how Culligan can help you.

Visit Culligan of Algona and Emmetsburg on Facebook and congratulate District 9′s top Culligan Man on his award. Congrats Andy!

Alberta's Water Gets a C-

Originally reported at CTV News

TORONTO — More than a decade after the Walkerton disaster, much of Canada’s tap water remains at risk from contamination despite initial progress in front-line monitoring and treatment, a new report concludes.

In its third such report released Tuesday, the environmental group Ecojustice warns that while some jurisdictions have stepped up water protection efforts in the past five years, most have not done enough.

In 2000, seven people died and 2,500 fell ill in Walkerton, Ont., when the town’s poorly monitored drinking water was contaminated with E. coli from farm runoff.

The tragedy prompted most provinces to review and revamp their drinking water laws with mixed results — but that burst of enthusiasm has faded in recent years, according to the report.

“In many places, the health of Canadians is still at risk,” the report concludes.

“The lack of recent progress also seems to indicate that the impetus for improved water protection, spurred by events like Walkerton, is on the wane.”

The report called “Waterproof 3″ finds only Ontario among the provinces worthy of an A grade for its water protection efforts, while Alberta lags with a C-.

The federal government gets an F for a record that continues to worsen, the report states.

In particular, the report criticizes Ottawa for a lack of progress on the legislative front, poor water quality for First Nations, and budget cuts it says will hurt Environment Canada’s ability to monitor the situation.

“The federal government is failing in almost every aspect of water protection, even though it should be setting rigorous standards,” the report says.

For the first time, the report has expanded to include source-water protection efforts — the idea that the best way to provide safe tap water is to ensure the water does not get contaminated in the first place.

The findings are not encouraging.

“Full-fledged source-water protection — a critical first step in achieving safe drinking water systems — has been implemented to some degree in only seven of 13 provinces and territories,” the report states.

“(It) is notably lacking in industry-heavy areas where the risk of contamination is high.”

According to the report, Prince Edward Island leads when it comes to protecting water sources. Almost everyone getting tap water from systems covered by legally binding source-water protection plans. On the downside, the province does not mandate water treatment.

Alberta has no legislation in place to protect water sources, and its standards for testing and treatment have not changed in five years, the report finds.

The report praises Ontario for implementing “the most ambitious source-water protection program” in the country and having the tough standards for treatment, testing, operator training and public reporting.

Among the territories, Nunavut does not legally protect water sources and its treatment standards are “among the lowest” in Canada. The Northwest Territories gets a nod for an “ambitious” review of its laws.

Canadians living in rural and remote areas are most vulnerable to the “alarming deficiency” when it comes to warnings about contaminated water, the report finds.

Overall, the report concludes, the biggest threats have shifted over the past decade from deficiencies in front-line water protection to unprotected source water, climate change and government cuts.

For example, it cites Ontario research that pharmaceuticals are increasingly finding their way into drinking water but testing for them is generally not mandatory and treatment does not always remove them.

Ecojustice — formerly the Sierra Legal Defence Fund — is a national group of lawyers and scientists who work on environmental issues.

Want to learn about solutions? Connect at facebook.com/TheCulliganManCanada.

Arsenic pollutes Iowa's water supplies

Originally printed in the Des Moines Register

Hundreds of Iowans across the state are drinking tap water polluted with poisonous arsenic as health workers move to rein in the problem.

The problem is so widespread that health officials statewide gathered last week in Des Moines to discuss remedies. Large public water supplies routinely test for arsenic. But health officials are now stepping up efforts to encourage private well owners to pay for their own tests, which cost about $20.

The element occurs naturally in Iowa’s soil. It leaches into ground water, which is the source of tap water for 55 percent of Iowans.

Drinking large amounts of arsenic over decades could lead to cancer of the skin, bladder, lungs, liver and prostate, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Short-term exposure to very high levels can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Five public water systems currently violate arsenic standards, and 15 others have had violations over the past decade, Iowa Department of Natural Resources records show. The five now in violation are the towns of Lanesboro, Mallard and Scranton, and two rural subdivisions, Gallery Acres West near Solon and South Park near Iowa Falls.

“All of them have arsenic problems,” said Diane Moles of the DNR water-supply staff. “They need to either put in treatment or be able to blend them down” by mixing in clean water from other uncontaminated sources.

In addition, a recent University of Iowa study found that nearly half of the 475 private wells checked between 2006 and 2008 tested positive for arsenic, with 8 percent over the limit for drinking water.

Cerro Gordo County health officials have been tracking arsenic for more than a decade, and currently are testing rural wells as part of a federally funded program.

Arsenic accounted for about 3 percent of drinking-water standard violations last year among the state’s 1,900 public systems, the DNR reported. Total coliform bacteria topped the list, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the violations. Nitrates resulted in about 8 percent.

Water quality rules require 1,400 of Iowa’s systems to check for arsenic. In addition to municipal water supplies, some small systems serve rural subdivisions or businesses such as truck stops.

Moles said most water plants quickly fix the problem by using a handful of tested solutions. One method is to treat the water to remove iron, which also removes arsenic. Or the system can dilute tap water with clean supplies from another source. Some drill new wells, or hook up to another arsenic-free water system.

For one system near Solon, though, none of those solutions is available. So 41 customers of the Gallery Acres West system in Johnson County continue to drink water with too much arsenic. The water isn’t being treated, in part because there is no sewer to carry the wastes that would result from the process.

Gallery West has recorded 22 arsenic violations in the past decade. Officials there could not be reached for comment.

“We are already in the process of looking into new treatment options to rectify this situation as soon as possible,” city officials wrote in a letter to the more than 500 residents.

Some of the five systems in violation of arsenic standards learned only recently of the high readings, Moles said. All but the Solon-area system have found a way to treat the problem.

Scranton and Mallard recorded readings in recent months that were eight to nine times the limit.

Scranton’s violation in July marked the first time in a decade the town exceeded the standard.

Lanesboro is treating for iron, in turn reducing arsenic. The town has had only one violation in the past decade.

Mallard, population 280, had three violations in that period, all recent. The town is changing its water treatment, Moles said. “They are getting it under control, but it’s going to take a little while,” she said.

Mallard residents have complained more about the taste of the chlorine, which at first was added to the water at a higher rate, said City Clerk Becky Larson. When that didn’t work, the water plant cut back on chlorine, which seemed to help. Workers also changed filters, Larson said.

“We don’t know if we’ve come up with the absolute answer,” said Larson. “We are working closely with DNR.”

No one has complained about the health risk, said Larson. “After we cut back on the chlorine, I haven’t heard a thing from anyone for probably four months,” she said.

South Park had one violation in the past decade, and routinely has readings close to the limit, Moles said.

Have questions about arsenic? Connect with your Culligan Man at facebook.com/HawkeyeCulligan or facebook.com/CulliganCentralIowa.

National award for local bottling plant

By NICK GARDINER THE RECORDER AND TIMES

Originally found at http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3348134

Posted 13 days ago

Brockville’s Culligan bottling plant has moved to the head of the class following an annual audit by the Canadian Bottled Water Association (CBWA).

The Waltham Road plant scored 98.5 per cent in the unannounced audit, which considers a variety of food safety and sanitary measures, and will receive an excellence in manufacturing award from the CBWA in recognition of the accomplishment.

“Our operation is small but we can go head-to-head with anyone in the industry,” John Worsnop, plant manager for the past 10 years, said in a statement.

Worsnop said the Brockville plant has a quality staff and the proper technology to remain a leader in the industry for years to come.

The local plant provides bottled water to six dealerships for Culligan of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, as well as to locations in Peterborough and Belleville.

Hugh Grout, president of the regional Culligan operation, said the city plant is “a small operation with big aspirations and this distinction is the culmination of a lot of hard work.

“The team here has had a goal: to be the best of the best. Mission accomplished,” Grout said in a Culligan news release.

CBWA spokesman Elizabeth Griswald told The Recorder and Times the award of excellence in manufacturing will be presented in February.

Bottled water businesses must achieve 97 per cent or higher on the audit to receive the award of excellence, she noted.

“The scoring system is quite difficult,” said Griswald, who said the audit considers more than 160 elements, including safety measures taken in the manufacturing process, in maintenance of the equipment and in the transportation of the bottled product to dealers in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

Overall hygiene, record-keeping of maintenance and analysis of the source water and finished product are also part of the audit, she said.

Inspections are done by a third party, NSF International, to avoid potential conflicts, she added.

Griswald didn’t have the most recent figures available, but she noted in 2009, the CBWA presented 21 awards of excellence to member businesses across Canada.

Connect with your Culligan Man at facebook.com/TheCulliganManCanada.

Live in Indianapolis? Groupon Time!

Interested in getting this great deal? Simply go to http://www.groupon.com/deals/culligan-indianapolis

Hey Culligan Man!

The Culligan Man & Social Media

By now we’ve all heard the term “social media”. You may even use it! But even if you’ve never made a Facebook profile, it’s still important to understand the unique opportunities social media offers small businesses. Nothing else gives you, as an owner, such a direct way to “talk” and form relationships with clients and your community on a daily basis.

Most Culligan dealers are either too busy for social media, or don’t truly understand Facebook, Foursquare or Twitter. Many chose to delegate social media duties to office managers or coordinators but social media works best when the experts – you as Culligan dealers – share your knowledge. We recommend co-managing your social media with an agency. An agency will help you define your goals and work with you to create the best content, resulting in more authentic interactions with your community.

1. Your Customer Knows Best
Social media has little to do with you; it’s about whomever you’re trying to reach. Think like your customer thinks. Not sure if your customers spend their time on Facebook versus Twitter? Ask them.

2. Social Media Isn’t Necessarily Free
You can set up a blog, fan page and Twitter account without paying a dime. No software or costly media buys. However, social media is far from free. It requires time, energy and effort. It’s a never-ending commitment to create interesting content, listen to conversations and respond.

3. Don’t Measure Success by Follower Counts
As a small business, don’t get caught up in the numbers. Growing your community is important, but be focused on who’s engaging with you and at what levels. Having a devoted, enthusiastic community is the goal. Be patient. The growth is organic, and that doesn’t happen overnight.

4. Social Media Doesn’t Equal Self-Promotion
Focus on the customers, not your company. Show that there is a person behind the company and that you care about what your customers have to say.

5. Learn From the Experts
Experience social media as a customer and take note of various social media campaigns that appeal to you. Learn from the work of others, while tailoring their experiences to your own particular needs, goals and customers.

via: http://mashable.com/2011/04/14/small-business-social-media-tips/

Culligan is a Fair Favorite

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune

• Culligan Hydration Station, Dan Patch Av. and Cosgrove St.

The fairgrounds are riddled with clever but semi-useless handouts — ketchup-flavored lip balm, anyone? — which is why it’s a relief to learn that the aptly named Culligan Hydration Station offers a genuinely practical souvenir: free, bottomless pours of refreshing filtered water. Not only does each sip act as a palate cleanser against the culinary crassness of the Great Minnesota Deep-Fried Get-Together — but it’s also the best deal going, considering a 20-oz. bottle of water can run $2.50 or more. (Runner up: the aromatic free samples of Peace Coffee’s Twin Cities Blend, a medium dark roast that’s available inside the Progress Center/Eco Experience from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. One warning: It’s regular, not decaf.)

Connect with the Culligan Men at facebook.com/MinnesotaCulligan.

Water Filters Installed on Parts of Campus

From Downtown Devil

Downtown student government promises to install water filters on drinking fountains throughout the campus have been fulfilled following months of delays, after initial plans were made in late 2010.

The filters, designed to remove inorganic chemicals and chlorine content from drinking water, are located at the Mercado buildings, the second floor of the University Center and the first two floors of the Walter Cronkite School. More filters are to be installed in the rest of University Center and the first two floors of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation buildings.

The filters are intended to reduce student and faculty usage of bottled water by encouraging the use of refillable bottles, said former student government President Christian Vasquez.

“Having filtered water available on campus was the best option,” Vasquez said. “Not only does it promote students refilling their water bottles, but it also promotes students drinking a lot more water in general.”

Initial plans for a filtration system on campus originated with students from the School of Sustainability, who began seeking out water supply vendors over two years ago. Last year, student government began arranging a contract with the filter and bottling company Culligan.

“Most important, I think, was their concern over the large quantity of bottled water that was being delivered to the campus,” said Bill Hansen, a representative of Culligan who worked on the installation. “There’s a lot of water wasted in the production of bottled water, and then secondly, there’s a lot of fuel used in the delivery of it.”

The filters installed are Culligan’s Preferred Series 250, a cartridge system chosen for its enhancement of the taste of tap water without producing environmental waste.

The installations were initially slated for completion in the spring 2011 semester, but the project faced complications and delays. Delays emerged due to “miscommunications between the company and the folks that actually handle the building management,” said Vasquez, who continued to work on the project for several weeks after his graduation.

“We had to reevaluate which company we were going to go with and then which type of filtration we were going to do,” he said. “That took the better part of our spring semester.”

The current Downtown student government said it supports the project. President Joseph Grossman released a statement saying ASU is a leader in building sustainable communities.

“The filters further that commitment and will provide students with cleaner, better-tasting water and save them money, too,” he said.

Want to know more? Visit http://www.culliganwater.com/ or connect at facebook.com/CulliganTucson.

Sterling Water Bottling Plant Awarded “Excellence in Manufacturing”

All too often, the most important contributors to a business’ success operate just out of view. The employees of the bottling plant of Sterling Water, Inc. d.b.a. Culligan of Central Wisconsin could empathize most days, but the recent recognition of“Excellence in Manufacturing” by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) puts a spotlight on the unsung crew.

The IBWA is the international governing body for the bottled water industry, and its Code of Practice sets a rigid series of guidelines for bottled water products and services. Members of the IBWA must submit to annual audits in order to remain in good standing, and companies that consistently outperform standards are awarded “Excellence in Manufacturing.”

Both Culligan’s physical plant, as well as the company’s paperwork, was scrutinized during a recent third-party inspection.

“This is an outstanding distinction to receive from such a respected organization,” says Darrell Sather, general manager of Culligan of Central Wisconsin. “The team is incredibly professional and dedicated to their mission of providing our customers with the highest quality water.”

Culligan of Wausau provides bottled water to Cuilligan dealers from Madison up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

“We work hard, and it’s an honor to have that hard work recognized,” adds Tim James, operations manager of Culligan of Central Wisconsin. “The IBWA seal stands for a lot in this business, and we will continue to ensure our work can meet the high bar they have set.”

Culligan of Wausau also offers carbon treatment, softening and reverse osmosis filtration.

For more information, visit www.culliganh2o.com or connect at facebook.com/culliganh2oCentralWI.

For more information on the IBWA, visit http://www.bottledwater.org.

Sparty Flexes For Big Ten Preview Tour

The Big Ten Preview Tour continued on its course and landed in East Lansing to take in the Michigan State Spartan’s practice.

Go green! Go white! Think blue!

THIS IS SPARTA!..or the Michigan State practice field.

Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins meets with the BTN crew on his 23rd birthday.

U of Michigan Shows Off For Big Ten Preview Tour

Division 1 football players and Culligan Men and Women have a lot in common. They both have to be dedicated, motivated and well-trained.

Some Wolverines put their skills on display for the Big Ten Preview Tour with drills that your local Culligan dealer should probably adopt.

Protect that ball/salt delivery drill.

The "Carry It Like a Culligan Man" drill

What the Heck is Reverse Osmosis?

Recent reports bring up more questions than answers about drinking water, either from the tap or bottled. It is vital to take steps towards improving the water you drink, especially with the constant uncertainty of how clean our drinking water is. Installing a reverse osmosis system in your home, at your kitchen sink, is a convenient and logical solution to ensuring your clean water.

You may be asking yourself, what does a reverse osmosis system actually do? If my water needs to be filtered, why not use one of those water pitchers, my refrigerator filter or a screw-on faucet filter?

To understand the benefits of reverse osmosis, and what differentiates it from a filtered water pitcher, begin with understanding the process of osmosis. Osmosis is the natural movement of a lesser concentrated liquid through a semi-permeable membrane, into a solution of a higher concentration. Osmosis equalizes the concentration of the liquid on both sides of the membrane. Simply put, it mixes clean purified water with contaminated water.

Reverse osmosis reverses this process by creating pressure to force the contaminated water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes the gunk and junk; thus producing delicious drinking water. Moreover, a reverse osmosis system is made up of four carbon filters. Each filter removes specific contaminants from the water.

Function of each filter:

• Filter One: This filter removes sediment; the big stuff.
• Filter Two: Allows the sediment-free water to travel through the filter, trapping and removing organic chemicals and chlorine. These are the smaller particles that water pitchers, refrigerator filters, and screw-on facet filters definitely miss.
• Filter Three: This membrane removes 90-98 percent of the chemicals left in the water, depending on the water pressure and temperature. The trapped sediments are then dumped into a drain. The filtered water flows into a two to three gallon storage tank.
• Filter Four: When the water is ready to be enjoyed, the stored water flows through this final carbon filter removing any possible taste and odor left in the water. Essentially, polishing the water.

A reverse osmosis system’s filter process pushes water through four filters, in comparison to a filtered water pitcher, refrigerator filter and a screw-on faucet filter that runs water through a carbon filter once. A reverse osmosis system, like Culligan’s Aqua-Cleer Drinking Water system, provides you with an endless-supply of clean, safe drinking water right at your kitchen sink.

Visit HawkeyeCulligan.com or connect at facebook.com/HawkeyeCulligan to learn more about the difference a Reverse Osmosis system can make in your house.

o-h-I-O State Buckeyes and Big Ten Preview Tour Connect in Columbus

The Buckeyes took to the field as the Big Ten Preview Tour took to the stage to check in with Luke Fickell’s team.  Culligan kept the cast and crew moving.

The show kicks off with a talk with LB Nate Williams.

Luke Fickell talks with Dave, Gerry and Howard after Ohio State's practice Monday.

BTN Visits Penn State

Linebacker U. gets some face time with Big Ten Preview Tour. Culligan came along for the ride.

Possibly the next great linebacker at Linebacker U, Michael Mauti joins the BTN set.

"Hoosier" Pick This Big Ten Season?

New coach, new attitude, new bus and Culligan Water all converged on Bloomington. The Hoosiers were fired up to show off their progress to the Big Ten Preview Tour. Like a good right tackle, Culligan anchored the show.

Culligan and Indiana Football, a match made in Hoosier heaven.

New head coach Kevin Wilson talks to his team following practice Sunday.

Big Ten Preview Tour Watches the Illini In Action

The Illini are ready to rock this season, and BTN witnessed it first hand. Check out some behind-the-scenes pictures taken of Ron Zook’s gridiron gladiators, brought to you by the water of choice of warriors everywhere.

Great TV requires some extra safety precautions.

Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase poses in front of his picture on the Big Ten Network bus.

Iowa Hawkeyes Host Big Ten Preview Tour

When you think of smash-mouth football, you think of The Big Ten Preview Tour and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kirk Ferentz’s squad looked ready for September when the BTN crew arrived in Iowa City.

Culligan was on hand and on the minds of the cast as they previewed the Black and Gold.

Culligan is never far away....

Boom.

Sights and Scenes of Huskers from the Big Ten Preview Tour

The Big Ten Preview Tour kept its feet moving like a good QB in a 5-step drop. Lincoln, the home of Heismans and Huskers, hosted the crew from BTN.

Both Culligan and the Big Ten offer a big welcome to Big Red and the Blackshirts!

Coach Bo gets interviewed.

BTN Preview Tour Visits Gophers

The Big Ten Preview Tour kept its bus moving up I-94 as it rolled out of Mad-Town and arrived in the Twin Cities.

Gas fueled the bus. Culligan Water fueled the cast and crew.

Minnesota Gopher football coach Jerry Kill

Minnesota QB MarQueis Gray talks to Dave, Gerry and Howard.

Your Minnesota Culligan Groupon Questions Answered

If you are lucky enough to live in Minnesota, you can take advantage of Culligan’s latest offer.

Here is a simple FAQ to remove all doubt from your collective couponing experience.

Q: How heavy are the bags of salt?

A: On average, the bags of salt are 40 pounds.

Q: Am I obligated to a certain number of deliveries? I have my own cooler, can I use that instead? I also have a couple leftover bottles from a previous use, can I exchange those?

A: You can use your own cooler, if you already have one. The 5-gallon bottles should work with other coolers.

Q: Is this deal good anywhere in Minnesota?

A: The deal is good throughout Minnesota.

Q: I already have Culligan salt delivery; can I purchase to use for that?

A: If you are a current customer with a delivery schedule, just notify the dealership so they know to expect the Groupon.

Q: When does this expire?

A: The offer is good through February 13, 2012. After the expiration date, dealers will accept Groupons at the value paid.

Q: Do I have to buy the water cooler also?

A: The cooler is not included in the offer, so if you’re interested, check with the Culligan dealer in your area for rental rates.

Q: Do they deliver on weekends?

A: Delivery schedules will vary by dealership.

Badgers Kick Off 'Big Ten Football Preview' Tour

While the Big Ten is nearly a century old and Culligan is celebrating its 75th anniversary, the two iconic institutions are finally joining forces. The ‘Big Ten Preview’ Tour, sponsored by Culligan, rolled into Madison, Wisconsin to watch the Badgers return to the gridiron.

Here we see QB Russell Wilson take center stage with Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith. Culligan, though, is always within reach .

Photo Credit: The Big Ten Network

According to the Big Ten Network’s website, ” [t]he first preview show will air at 8 PM ET on Aug. 14 from the University of Wisconsin. Subsequent shows will air nightly at 8 PM ET, continuing with Minnesota (Aug. 15), Nebraska (Aug. 16), Iowa (Aug. 17), Illinois (Aug. 18), Indiana (Aug. 19), Ohio State (Aug. 20), Penn State (Aug. 21), Michigan (Aug. 22), Michigan State (Aug. 23), Purdue (Aug. 24) and Northwestern (Aug. 25).”

As you watch your favorite Big Ten team this season and the preview show before that, visit CulliganChampions.com or connect on Facebook for updates, specials and more.

EPA Finds High Lead Levels in Some Chicago Water

The Environmental Protection Agency is studying what the levels mean. The agency took water samples for the most recent tests using different methods and found widely varying results.

State records show that 52 water systems have reported high lead levels since 2008.

Consumers can lessen their exposure to lead by using cold water for drinking and cooking, and by cleaning aerators on faucets, which can accumulate particles.

Lead can cause reduced IQs in children, and heart attacks and strokes in adults.

Visit www.culliganchicago.com or connect at www.facebook.com/CulliganChicago to learn how to protect your family from common water contaminants.

Water in Winnebago Co. Tests Positive for Contamination

From WREX.com

WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WREX) -

Tests turn up positive for gasoline-like material in Winnebago County drinking water. Health leaders trace the trouble to two private wells. A mother of four who lives on Soper Avenue in Rockford says she and her husband thought something was wrong last week. They were giving their one-year-old child a bath and say the water smelled funny. “It smells like a mechanic shop. It smell’s like machinery. It smells like oil. It’s very prominent,” says Nicole Clark.

Turns out Clark isn’t alone. One of her neighbors noticed the same thing. “A resident called the Illinois Department of Public Health and apparently smelled a solvent type odor. They took samples, got them back last Thursday,” says Winnebago County Health Department Director of The Environmental Health Improvement Center, Larry Swacina.

The tests detected what are called “volatile organic chemicals,” VOCs, in two private wells on Soper Avenue. Each well serves one home. Still the news alarms others in the area. “I think it’s pretty unhealthy for us because we take showers in it, wash the dishes, cook with it,” says Manuel Lopez who lives in the area.

No water-related illnesses have been reported. Swacina says representatives knocked on doors to alert people potentially at risk. “Short term, there can be respiratory and eye irritation. There could be nausea, dizziness, memory loss. Longer term, there could be damage to the kidney or liver,” he says.

Visit www.culligannorthernillinois.com or connect at www.facebook.com/CulliganofNorthernIllinois to learn more about getting a water test.

Tucson Water Hardness Likely to Rise

From Fox11AZ.com

TUCSON, Ariz. — Ground water in the desert is hard because of the amount of rock and minerals in the ground.

It’s never been a huge problem for residents because Tucson Water filters some of it out.

But the level of hardness is about to rise and so could repair bills.

“In southern Arizona I would have to say I see harder mineral deposits,” said Robert William Ashton from Arizona Professional Plumbing.

Tucson Water filters out bacteria and harmful chemicals, but calcium and magnesium are still prevalent.

Those minerals have been known to cause build up and clog water pipes. Soon their levels will rise in the water and so could the damage to your pipes.

“Your faucet aerator and stuff like that accumulate and it’ll slow down your water flow and just be ugly,” said Ashton.

The reason the deposits will rise is the city can no longer afford to keep its current water quality standards.

One city council member blames it on another city issue.

“No one from the city had the guts to stand up to the RTA and allowed ourselves to be rolled by them and now we are paying for utility line relocations for RTA projects,” said Councilman Steve Kozachik.

Kozachik says if the RTA funded the utility line relocations, the city would have enough money in the budget to maintain water standards.

“If that cost allocation hadn’t come over to the city rate payers, we may have the money in the budget to attain these water quality standards that all of us wanted to achieve,” said Kozachik.

After the Citizen’s Water Advisory Committee unanimously voted to allow the hardness of the water to rise, residents may be forced to filter their own water in lieu of allowing sediment to build up in their pipes

“I think it’s the city’s job to make sure the water isn’t going to get you sick, as far water quality and hardness, it’s gonna fall on the homeowner ’cause I don’t see the city being able to make it like that,” said Ashton.

“The city ought to step up and fight for the rate payers here in the City of Tucson,” said Kozachik.

Arizona Professional Plumbing suggest residents get a water softener or reverse osmosis system installed if they’re worried about the hardness levels rising, especially in their drinking water.

Learn about soft water options from the Tucson Culligan Man at www.culliganwater.com, or connect at www.facebook.com/CulliganTucson.

Stay Cool with Culligan

The Rhinelander Culligan dealership kicked it into high gear this week as Wisconsin saw record high temperatures.

From WJFW News: Greg Zeske, Culligan Driver, has seen the effects of this heat wave first hand. “We have noticed a lot, and an increase in water consumption. Especially the businesses, we’ll drop off extra just for the fact that they are going through it so quick.”

The water is flowing out so fast that Zeske sometimes needs a bigger truck. “Most of the time I go back empty. I have a larger truck, a big diesel that I drive, and it carries anywhere from 160 bottles.”

Kass Schoppe owns Culligan Water in Rhinelander and says it’s hard keeping up with the demand. “The normal amount that they go through in a month is almost doubled with this heat.”

Culligan has a variety of in-home bottled water coolers that can be delivered directly to your residence. To beat the heat with Culligan, contact us at Northwoods Culligan on Facebook or our webiste, Culligan Northwoods for more information.

Culligan Man: Hero of the Heat Wave

Sioux Falls residents have a new hero this week – their Culligan Man. With temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indices over 100 degrees, water is more a necessity than ever. Hydration is important during a heat wave and the Culligan Man makes sure everyone who needs water has it.

Watch your Culligan Man in action on KDLT News.

Travis Daws is a deliveryman for Culligan, and he says this is one of their busiest years. “Yea this is definitely the biggest upturn for this business I’ve ever seen in the three years I’ve been doing it.”

If you want Culligan drinking water delivered to your home or office, contact us on Facebook at Siouxland Culligan, or our visit our website. Keep cool!

Water Treatment Plan Targets Manganese

A recent article from the Stevens Point Journal talks about the City of Merrill’s water treatment plan to target manganese. Know that the Culligan Man can help too!

For more information, visit www.culliganh2o.com or connect at facebook.com/culliganh2oCentralWI.

MERRILL — City of Merrill leaders will move forward with a $1.7 million water treatment project aimed at addressing high levels of manganese.

City Council members last week agreed to implement the plan that will upgrade Merrill’s treatment facility, water distribution main and well house. Bids for the project could be ready for City Council members to review as soon as Sept. 13, Mayor Bill Bialecki said.

The project, scheduled to begin in November, is part of a yearlong effort by the city to manage manganese levels in the city’s water supply. High levels of the element were discovered last spring, when one resident privately tested her water.

City tests then confirmed the manganese levels were more than double the recommended levels. High levels of manganese can damage a person’s central nervous system.

Merrill officials last year quickly worked to address concerns, shutting down one of five city wells.

Kathy Unertl, Merrill finance director, said the city submitted last month an application for a loan through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. The program provides loan funding toward the improvement of public water systems.

Unertl said she did not know the timing for the loan program or whether Merrill qualified for that type of funding.

Sterling Water Culligan Acquires Regional Bottled Water Business

Effective July 1^st, Sterling Water, Inc. d.b.a Culligan of Central Wisconsin announces its acquisition of Zastrow Natural Water, the 5-gallon bottled water division of Merrill-based beverage distributor Zastrow The Beer Man.

This latest move bolsters Sterling Water’s presence in the region as the company assumes customers located in Wood, Clark, Taylor, Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade Counties, with additional accounts in Vilas, Oneida, Price, Forest and Menomonie Counties as well.

“This deal is a win-win,” says Darrell Sather, general manager of Culligan of Central Wisconsin. “Both Zastrow and Sterling Water are multi-generational family businesses with strong community roots. Knowing that, Zastrow’s excellent reputation and customer service will continue as we get a chance to introduce the Culligan name to a whole new set of consumers.”

Sather notes that while his team will be taking on bottled water business, the entire suite of Culligan products and services outside of bottled water will be offered.

Sterling Water Culligan is a third generation family-owned business with more than 60 years of experience, and operating locations in Rothschild, WI Eau Claire, WI and Sauk Centre, MN.

This acquisition marks the company’s fourth since August 2010.

For more information, visit www.culliganh2o.com or connect at facebook.com/culliganh2oCentralWI.

"Boil order" issued after Minot water supply breach

Originally published by Reuters

“MINOT, North Dakota (Reuters) – As record floodwaters began to ebb on Sunday, the swollen Souris River infiltrated the city of Minot’s drinking water supply forcing officials to turn their attention disease prevention.

North Dakota Health Department officials ordered displaced residents in the region to drink from bottled water when possible, and to boil tap water before drinking it.

“People are getting the drinking water they need,” said Dean Lenertz, a Minot city spokesman, adding that extensive tests would determine when they can lift the “boil order.”

“There are plenty of sources for bottle water and people can boil water for a couple minutes and it’s good to go,” he added.

The order also directs residents not to use tap water to wash dishes, brush their teeth or make ice, and to shower with their eyes closed, Lenertz said.

Health Department officials do not know when the order will be lifted.

The Souris, which flows from Canada southeast into North Dakota, crested early on Sunday morning at almost four feet above the 130-year-old record it shattered on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.”

Questions about your water? Ask the local Culligan dealer.

Milwaukee Loves Water

Fast becoming a hub of water technology innovation, Inside Milwaukee outlines the city and state’s liquid assets:

” 34.7 square miles – Drainage area for Menomonee River

18.8 square miles – Drainage area for Kinnickinnic River

696 square miles – Drainage area for Milwaukee River

12,600 – Number of streams and rivers in Wisconsin

84,000+ miles - How far all of Wisconsin’s streams and rivers would stretch end-to-end, enough to circle the equator
three times

19,824 – Number of fire hydrants Water Works maintains in Milwaukee, Greenfield, St. Francis and Hales Corners

30.7% – Percentage of Wisconsin’s land mass located within the Great Lakes basin

$500 – Yearly average cost of municipal drinking water for Americans

$200 – Yearly average that Milwaukeeans pay for their drinking water

6 inches – Necessary thickness of ice on a lake/lagoon before ice fishing is possible

1 – Number of indoor sea-level speedskating ovals in the U.S.: the Pettit National Ice Center

150,000 gallons – Monthly water use for icemaking at Pettit National Ice Center

800 gallons – Water necessary to resurface the speedskating oval

500 gallons – Volume of water a Zamboni can hold

18 million – Pounds of chemicals Milwaukee Water Works uses annually in water treatment ”

Interested in Milwaukee water? Visit Culligan of Milwaukee, or connect with the dealers on Facebook.

The Story Behind the Softener: Diaper Rash

Cloth diapers are really popular with the latest generation of parents as recent conversations have shown. As a parent himself, Emmet Culligan started  a water revolution based on one simple need: cleaning cloth diapers.

But besides diapers, what benefits from soft water?

• Your dishes
• Your appliances
• Your skin and hair

Every part of the continent’s water is different, so find your Culligan Man or Woman at Facebook.com/ILoveCulliganWater and invest in a test.

Insecticide Discovered in Florida Wells

More than 100 wells in Central Florida are tainted by an insecticide known as dieldrin. According to the Orlando Sentinel, federal officials banned dieldrin for farms in 1974. The chemical continued to be used as a termite treatment, but that use was banned in 1987.

According to a World Health Organization report, dieldrin can cause cancer, particularly in the liver, and it can affect the nervous system, weaken the immune system and accumulate in body tissue.

So why is a chemical that has been banned for decades contaminating wells today? Many of the private wells affected by dieldrin are situated near older golf courses that probably used the insecticide. Dieldrin does not degrade easily, posing environmental and health risks. Officals say it’s hard to tell if the dieldrin has been there all along, or if contamination is recent.

Regardless of if you live in Florida, this is an excellent reminder to have your private well tested. For Florida residents, Culligan of Central Florida can find the right solution for your water issues. If you would like to find the Culligan dealer in your area, visit I Love Culligan Water on Facebook and locate your Culligan Man.

Protecting the Great Lakes

Did you know there’s a Great Lakes compact? The law, signed in 2008, allows the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces to decide who can use the Great Lakes water.

Think of it as a force field protecting this vast source of fresh water.

Recently though, the force field has been deflecting shots from nearby Waukesha County in Wisconsin. Waukesha is drilling deeper and deeper for water and has had to create an elaborate system to make their water drinkable. They could certainly benefit from a fresh water source, but unfortunately Waukesha lies outside of the Great Lakes basin, which means that any water brought in from the Great Lakes would flow away from the lakes.

Cities on the basin border like Waukesha can apply for Great Lakes access, but it’s a tough process. A decision has yet to be made, but if you’re a Waukesha resident you can read the application on the DNR website. Also, don’t hesitate to contact your Milwaukee-area Culligan dealer if you are worried about impurities in your water. Check ‘em out on Facebook too. We’re here to help!

(via “Great Lakes face increasing pressure for water from world, own backyard“)

Dirty but "Drinkable"?

A recent story out of Minden, NE talks about a problem affecting a much wider swath of the country: aging infrastructures.

“A Minden woman changes her pool filter every other day; although the box says, “change every two weeks.”

Across town a local store pours out another glass of dark yellow water and uses bottled to make coffee.

Meanwhile, restaurant owners say they can’t keep the scum from invading clean sinks, and struggle to keep the dishes from forming a residue, because state law requires plates be air-dried.

Nearby, a woman’s apartment sink and tub must be bleached constantly to keep them from looking like her toilet.

These are all stories of Minden residents fighting their battles against dirty city water. City officials say the red, brown, dark yellow and sometimes pink water is completely safe to drink. Many residents said, there’s just no way they’d drink it.

“Something needs to be done. I don’t know, cost-effective,” said resident Chris Dolan. “I think they’ve tried to put something in the water. They told us once that the water is pink because of a chemical that they have put in it, but yet you wonder, they’re putting a chemical in it that makes it turn pink, so is that safe? I don’t know what the answer is. I just know that something bigger has to be done.”

If you have questions about filtering options and water quality standards, visit Culligan Heartland or connect with the dealers at facebook.com/CulliganNebraska.

Keeping Your Drinking Water Safe

Quad Cities Water Education

We bet the water workshop leaders will be nicer than this teacher.

At Culligan we know the importance of understanding water. For that reason we’re sharing information about the Wetlands and Water Quality Workshop in Davenport, IA. This is an award winning educational training opportunity for educators, naturalists and others working to teach youth about water quality.

Participants will be trained on incorporating water quality and enviromental concepts in the classroom and other educational activities. Each participant will receive over $60.00 in educational materials.

The workshop will be held Friday, June 24th, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Nahant Marsh Education Center – 4220 Wapello Avenue, Davenport, Iowa. Visit Quad Cites Online – Dispatch-Argus for registration info.

If you’re interested in improving the quality of water in your home, visit our area dealer website: www.hawkeyeculligan.com or share with us on Facebook at Hawkeye Culligan.

Most Illinois Drinking Water Meets Standards

The Daily Herald reported that last year, most of the drinking water in Illinois met state and federal health requirements.

The Illinois EPA says data show 96.8 percent of people who got Illinois water supplies last year received drinking water that met all health requirements. That’s 1.8 percent better than in 2009.

Testing of your water by a licensed local water expert is the key to determining if you have a water problem, how to solve your problem and what equipment and service you need to protect your family and home. While the water may be filtered to the government’s satisfaction, it may not be filtered to your satisfaction.

Contact your local Culligan Man to schedule a water analysis – free of charge. He will come to your home and provide a complete analysis of your water, fixtures, plumbing and water-using appliances. He’s there to answer any questions you have about your water and provide a detailed report and equipment estimate. The whole process will take about 30 minutes.

Located in the Chicago area? Visit us at CulliganChicago.com or check out Culligan Chicagoland on Facebook.

Located in the Central Illinois area? Visit us at CulliganCentralIllinois.com or check out Culligan Central Illinois on Facebook.

Located in the Northern Illinois area? Visit us at CulliganNorthernIllinois.com or check out Culligan of Northern Illinois on Facebook.

Omaha Drinking Water Unaffected by Flooding

The Missouri River has been pouring over its banks putting Omaha, NE and putting the city’s drinking water at risk. According to KVNO News city workers have begun building up the levee around the city’s waste water treatment plant in South Omaha. Officials want the levee built up to 42 feet to hold back the flooding Missouri River, and make sure that Omaha has access to clean water.

Currently, the Metropolitan Utilities District officials say the rising Missouri River poses no threat to the quality of Omaha’s drinking water.

MUD Director of Corporate Communications Mari Matulka  told KIOS Public Radio that hundreds of tests are run every day on Omaha’s drinking water and the treatment processes can be adjusted to ensure the water remains safe to drink.

Culligan Heartland reminds you the importance of monitoring your water supply during a flood. City officials will always notify residents if there is a problem with the municipal system, but if you have a private well it is your responsibility to have it tested for contamination. Spring floods and runoff greatly increase the risk of well water contamination. Take the steps to ensure your water quality and tell us about it on our Facebook page, Culligan of Nebraska.

Wadena water ruled safe to drink

According to KSAX News, the water boil advisory issued for Wadena, MN on Monday has been cleared. All residents were advised to boil their water before consuming it because of a service pump failure Sunday morning. The failure caused low water pressures throughout the city of Wadena to a point that harmful bacteria could have entered the system.

“Once you have a low water pressure warning, or a low water pressure in your system you have to notify the Department of Public Health and they issue a precautionary boil water alert because there is a possibility of contamination,” the city’s Utility Superintendent, David Evans said.

Even with a filter or RO system, it’s important to observe boil advisories. While Culligan filters provide an added protection against bacteria, we can never be too sure to what extent water is contaminated during a boil advisory.  As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry! If you’re interested in a Culligan System for your home visit us at MinnesotaCulligan.com or check out Minnesota Culligan on Facebook.

Culligan Total Water Donates Water to Joplin

Culligan Total Water Madison donated a pallet of water for the people of Joplin MO. Madison radio station, 93.1 Jamz asked listeners to donate water for the people of Joplin, and the Madison Culligan Man answered. He dropped off the pallet of water (60 cases) this morning at East Towne Mall.

Big thank you to 93.1 Jamz for making this happen.

93.1 Jamz will be accepting more water donations at West Towne Mall tomorrow.

Don’t forget to connect with Culligan Total Water on Facebook.

Waukesha Water Wells Fail

Last week, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported both of  Waukesha’s deep well filters failed. The filters are used to removed radium from residents’ water source.

“Loss of the filtered water likely will cause the city to temporarily exceed federal radium limits imposed by a court-ordered consent decree, though customers don’t face an immediate health risk. The limits are established to protect consumers who drink radium-contaminated water over a lifetime,” said Water Utility General Manager Dan Duchniak.

While this filter failure is not life threatening, experts say deep water wells are becoming more and more unreliable. Waukesha is seeking approval from Wisconsin and the other seven Great Lakes states to switch to a Lake Michigan water source. The city would abandon all deep wells in sandstone if the request is approved. Waukesha must be in full compliance with federal radium safe-water standards by June 2018.

If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, Culligan of Waukesha can help. Our experts will test your water and recommend the best filtering solution so you and your family can enjoy quality drinking water. Thanks, Culligan Man!

Culligan Honors Local Dealership - Mansfield OH

Via MansfieldNewsJournal.com

MANSFIELD — Culligan Quality Water of North Central Ohio has been awarded the Emmett J. Culligan Award of Excellence.

The award goes to the top 15 dealership locations in North America.

Criteria include local market presence, a strategic advertising plan, industry participation and up-to-date product and technology knowledge.

“We have maintained an extraordinary team throughout the years,” said Don Karger, president of the local dealership. “Our customers trust us and can rely on us. The relationships are the key. They know the person who answers the phone by the sound of their voice, and they know they are in good hands.”

Culligan has been in north central Ohio since 1939. Karger took over the local dealership more than 25 years ago. Culligan is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The Mansfield team attended the international convention in Orlando, where it received the award.

Part of the dealership’s success is based on its service to people suffering the effects of hard water. Hard water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, and can damage appliances, plumbing, skin and hair. Culligan water softeners reduce such woes.

The company also offers drinking water systems.

“We live and work in a great community,” Karger said. “Our people relish the role of neighborhood resources when it comes to water quality improvement for homes and businesses. I only see great things in our future.”

OhioCulligan.com

Haiti Volunteer Thankful for Culligan Water

On Daniel Alford’s mission trip to Haiti, he was thankful to have access to Culligan water. He expressed his appreciation on his Facebook wall, thanking his friends who work at his local Culligan dealership.

Daniel mentioned that “The Culligan name had become synonymous with clean drinking water in some parts of the country.”

Daniel’s friend, Leah Sommer of Northeast Ohio Culligan commented, “I’m happy to be part of a company like Culligan water that cares about people, locally and internationally.”

Click to learn more about Culligan’s recent donations in Haiti and Japan.

Eau Claire Culligan Dealer Wins Highest Honors in North America

In mid-April 2011 during the Culligan International 75^th Anniversary Celebration and Convention held in Orlando, Florida, it was announced that Sterling Water, Inc., dba Culligan Water Conditioning of Eau Claire recently received the company’s most prestigious honor – the Emmett J. Culligan Award – which is only given to 15 individual dealership locations in North America who exemplify a model dealership. In order to qualify, a dealership had to meet certain criteria. Some of these include: attend relevant sales and service training as offered, have a local website (www.culliganh2o.com), have lower than average Office of the President complaints, participate as an active member on a Culligan or industry counsel/committee, and have strong local market penetration, just to name a few.

During that same conference, Sterling Water, Inc., dba Culligan Water Conditioning of Eau Claire also received the Premier Award in the medium market category. To qualify, a Culligan dealership must have achieved a minimum of $800,000 in gross revenue during the July 1 to December 31, 2010 period. The dealers with the highest percentage growth in overall revenue during this period were recognized. This is the 1st time the dealership has received this award; less than 9% of dealerships worldwide receive this award.

“We are blessed to have such a strong team, who are all so dedicated to their customers,” says Bret P. Tangley, president of Sterling Water Culligan. “Our community has rewarded that dedication by continually returning to Sterling Water for their water needs. We are gaining strength as more and more people see what we are capable of, and want to be a part of it.”

Sterling Water, Inc. is proud to have been selected for both these honors, and to be part of the Culligan organization which has been delivering high-quality water treatment products for 75 years. Sterling Water, Inc. is committed to raising the quality of life by treating its most essential element: water. Consumers have access not only to state-of-the-art products, but also to local water professionals that know the nuances of a region’s water quality.

Sterling Water, Inc. has been serving the water conditioning needs of the entire Chippewa Valley Region for more than 60 years. In addition to owning and operating the Culligan independent franchise in Eau Claire, they also own and operate Culligan independent franchises in Rothschild, WI and Sauk Centre, MN.

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