COVER STORY
that can solve all emerging contaminant concerns does not exist, the industry does offer some real solutions that can address many of these concerns, such as reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation. Staying abreast of these matters, dis- cussing solutions with suppliers and pass- ing along the information to customers is crucial to staying between the lines. “The EPA will typically produce a web site specific to a new regulation,” states Johnson. “In addition, industry associa- tions, such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA), will develop educa- tional materials.” Dealers can also seek advice and infor- mation from consultants, industry-specific publications and the Water Quality Association (WQA).
We recently reached out to members of the Water Technology
Online Bulletin Board to see how regulations affect the way they
sell goods and services to customers.
We asked: Is understanding local and national water treatment regulations important
to customers or does price and product availability matter most? Also, what specific
ways do you share news about regulations to customers?
Here are some of the responses:
“I have been in the water treatment field for almost 30 years now. The problem with
people caring about regulations and standards are the fact that there is no unity in the
industry to create uniform agreed standards … Unfortunately for now, all we can do
is police ourselves and hope that by educating our customers properly, getting true
customer support from our suppliers and treating each job professionally and honestly,
the dishonest individuals will starve themselves out of the mainstream. As to regula-
tions, we can only work within the guidelines set forth by people we hope have the
information to make correct decisions for the industry.” — Jim Wark
“There are four states which have specific requirements for selling residential water
treatment equipment: California, Iowa, Wisconsin and Massachusetts. If selling in any
of these states you should review the requirements. They may require testing on your
equipment depending on what claims you may be making.” — Marianne Metzger
“I think the water treatment dealer has a responsibility to educate his clients about
the safety of their water. That involves distinguishing fact from fiction, as well as the
science from the silliness. Unfortunately, much of the regulatory industry is driven by
politics and emotion. [However,] the competent water treatment dealer should be able
to put things in perspective for the client.” — Dave Hedger
The above are excerpts of posts found on www.watertechonline.com. For more
from these individuals and others on this topic, please visit our Bulletin Board section.
Viewpoints from the web
Location matters In this industry, it is difficult to discuss regulations without mentioning California. Maybe the most aggressive state for fed- eral regulation, California has served as a benchmark for other states and locations around the country. In October, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 1366 (AB 1366) into law. This bill makes it easier for regional water and wastewater agencies in California to impose local bans or restric- tions on water softeners. While some criticized the initiative, oth- ers felt that action needed to be taken to reduce salt discharges from water softeners into local wastewater streams, noting those
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