Kurt C. Peterson, Publisher
November is somewhat of a transitional point in many ways. Depending on where you live, it might be time for trees to change to fall colors; for others, it might be time to winterize homes and get on the road to warmer locales. And it brings the final round of celebrations for the year, with all the frenzy of holiday shopping thrown in. Let’s think about that. For years, we’ve offered tips and advice on how to make sales better. Has anyone thought about gift certificates as Christmas presents? Say, a free filter change or salt delivery, or something of that nature? If anyone has tried this and successfully worked it into their retention programs, we’d like to hear about it. Keeping a customer for the long term is much harder than grabbing the attention of a new customer. It’s like saying, “Now I’ve got you, but how am I going to keep you?”
Due to sustainability, drought and other environmental issues, many are looking at water sources that have been dismissed in the past as too expensive, ecologically damaging or not in favor politically. Beggars can’t be choosers, though, as the West has learned. Clifford Fasnacht takes a look at what has happened in California’s search for viable water sources, specifically desalination. Even ‘toilet to tap’ is getting a closer look in other places, as our precious drinking water resources diminish. California has unique challenges on many levels that the Pacific Water Quality Association (PWQA) works tirelessly to overcome. Their annual event is a great place to find out what works and what still needs to be done. This month, PWQA reports on its annual event that was held in early October.
Consumers are looking for safe and reliable products of all kinds, which is why testing and certification is such an important factor around the globe. There are significant differences in standards and processes, though. IAPMO’s Tom Palkon and Adam Wegmann explore how it’s done Down Under, including the possibility of US companies promoting their products in Australia.
Dr. Kelly A. Reynolds, Public Health Editor, provides an in-depth look at disinfection of drinking water, including the hazards that may be caused by various treatment options. DPBs are regulated by US EPA due to health concerns that have arisen and Dr. Reynolds covers a broad range of treatments and the unintended consequences that have fostered US EPA’s rules and guidelines.
As you look forward to the next conference (yes, there are more on the horizon) and get ready for family gatherings to celebrate the holidays, think of how much our industry has changed the health and well being of the world. That’s cause for celebration as well. Happy Thanksgiving to all!