Across the United States, water quality challenges are as diverse as the landscapes and infrastructure that shape them. For distributors in the plumbing, heating, cooling, and PVF (PHCP-PVF) sector, understanding these regional nuances isn’t just academic—it’s a competitive advantage. Ignoring local water conditions can lead to stocking the wrong products, offering poor advice, and ultimately losing trust and sales. Conversely, wholesalers who grasp these intricacies can drive smarter inventory decisions, foster closer contractor relationships, and deliver better outcomes for end-users.
To gain a pulse on what PHCP-PVF distributors need to know about water quality regionality, Supply House Times sat down with two experts from the Water Quality Association (WQA): Eric Yeggy, WQA Technical Affairs Director, and Bryanna Poczateck, WQA Technical Affairs Manager. Their insights reveal a landscape riddled with misconceptions and ripe with opportunities for those willing to dive deep into local water conditions.
**Myth-Busting Water Quality Misconceptions**
The first step in understanding water quality regionality is dispelling common myths that cloud consumer and contractor decision-making. Yeggy and Poczateck highlighted several misconceptions that can lead to poor choices and missed opportunities:
– **Alkaline Water and pH Regulation**: “Drinking alkaline water will not impact the way your body regulates pH,” Yeggy clarified. The body strictly regulates blood pH through homeostasis, making this a non-issue.
– **RO Systems and Septic Systems**: “RO systems do not add any chemicals to the water,” Poczateck explained. The reject water from under-counter RO systems poses no threat to septic systems, contrary to popular belief.
– **Water Softeners and Septic Systems**: Studies show that the regeneration discharge from properly configured water softeners has no detrimental impact on septic systems and may even improve performance.
– **RO Water and Health**: “Most of the vitamins and minerals your body utilizes come from a healthy diet, not from your drinking water,” Yeggy stated. RO water is not unhealthy; it’s a proven technology for removing a broad range of contaminants.
– **Water Softeners and Corrosion**: Water softeners do not make water corrosive. They remove undesirable elements that damage pipes and fixtures, exchanging them with ions that do not cause harmful effects.
– **Salt-Free Water Softeners**: While some salt-free devices may provide benefits, they do not offer the same advantages as cation-exchange water softeners. The WQA Code of Ethics prevents companies from marketing these devices as water softeners.
– **Certification vs. Compliance**: First-party “certification” is not the same as independent third-party certification. The latter provides additional peace of mind that products meet national standards for safety, durability, and performance.
**Emerging Trends and Consumer Awareness**
Yeggy and Poczateck highlighted several trends shaping the water quality sector, driven by growing consumer awareness and media coverage of contaminants like PFAS, lead, and nitrates. Key trends include:
– **Increased Education**: Consumers are more educated than ever, with awareness of PFAS jumping from 10% in 2021 to 23% in 2023.
– **Heightened Concerns**: More consumers believe their drinking water is unsafe, with the percentage rising from 15% in 2021 to 20% in 2023.
– **Greater Awareness of Treatment Options**: Knowledge of water treatment options and certification standards has increased over the past couple of years.
– **Eco and Cost Concerns**: Consumers are more concerned about cost, water savings, and choosing environmentally friendly “green” options.
**Regional Water Quality Concerns**
Water quality concerns vary dramatically by region and water source. Yeggy and Poczateck emphasized that no one-size-fits-all solution exists, and understanding local conditions is crucial. For example:
– **Private Wells vs. Public Water Supplies**: Contaminants commonly found in private wells, such as bacteria, nitrates, and pesticides, differ from those in public water supplies, like arsenic and radiological contaminants.
– **Lead Contamination**: Often caused by materials that come into contact with water as it travels from the source to the glass, such as pumps, pipes, fittings, or faucets.
– **Disinfection Byproducts**: Result from chemical reactions with disinfectant agents added to water to kill bacteria.
For those on public water supplies, the Consumer Confidence Report is an invaluable resource. Private well owners can contact their local county or state health department for information about common contaminants in their area.
**Effective Treatment Solutions**
The effectiveness of water treatment solutions depends on specific water chemistry and contaminant concentrations. Yeg