Whether personal or professional, success is something we all try to achieve. Maybe it’s wanting to leave a legacy for the next generation or making a difference in the world in some concrete, humanitarian way. Defining and measuring success is often confounded with intangible criteria. What works for one person or company may not be nearly enough to meet another company’s goals—a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t always the best one. In our world of softeners, treatment systems, tanks, pipes, fittings, etc., there is a wide range and diversity of industry and application experience required to achieve success and maintain integrity. We are part of the public health chain, which means every dealer, installer, manufacturer and rep has a stake in keeping integrity at the top of the success list.
It’s not your grandfather’s water anymore. Nor is it your grandfather’s dealership anymore. Things change and technology has ushered in a level and type of change that is rapidly outpacing the industry’s ability to accommodate everyone. Dealers are engaging in more than softener installations and salt deliveries. They are becoming well-rounded, all-system proponents and suppliers, having to gain new skills and expertise to meet customer demands. As much technology as we have at our disposal, situations such as those in Flint, MI or Jackson, MS or Newark, NJ are still going to happen. And our industry should be at the forefront of protecting public health! It doesn’t matter whether it’s in the home or a bubbler in a school fountain, the importance cannot be overstressed. You are the key to providing the safety net against unpredictability in our water supplies.
This month, we take a look at very important commercial operations that can have some serious implications if not performed correctly. Dr. Brian Corbin of Dow reports on cooling tower technology, while Joseph Haynes offers important details about drilling equipment. Whether in the US or in a foreign country, it’s imperative that any system equipment is maintained properly. Gary Battenberg continues his series on cation exchange and Dr. Reynolds brings us news on lead contamination events and questions if we can completely remove lead from the water infrastructure.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than to achieve goals and be a part of a solution for improving the lives of others. For the water treatment industry, there are ever more opportunities to be the experts, the life savers consumers are seeking when problems arise. The cumulative knowledge of water cannot be fully measured though it’s something that should instill pride and the motivation to be enhanced at every opportunity industry-wide. Until we meet again, keep sending your comments and tell us what you want to read about. Stay in the loop, be productive and most importantly, be ethical. When you are helping better people’s lives to ensure a healthy lifestyle, you can’t go wrong.