EWQA announces one-day training and certification event
The Eastern Water Quality Association (EWQA) has announced a one-day training and certification event scheduled for May 1. The training event will take place in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where equestrian activities, fishing, historic tours and other activities are available. The event will feature the following training subjects: “When a Private Water System Becomes Public,” “Cross-Connection: What, Where, When and How of Backflow,” "Chemical Feed Systems & Disinfection,” “Metering Pumps — Basic Designs and Maintenance,” “Water Analysis — EPA and New York presenters,” “Arsenic Overview,” “Radon and Water Treatment Methods,” “Strategic Ideas to Increase UV Sales and Service” and “WQA Testing and Certification.” Manufacturing representatives will also be available to speak about new technologies and equipment.
IBWA issues statement on CDC obesity report
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has issued a statement regarding a recently released report on obesity from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC report, titled “Obesity — United States, 1999-2010,” found that while increases in obesity prevalence have slowed or even stopped in some groups in recent years, it is still a pressing concern for the U.S. population as a whole. The concern is elevated for households without regular access to effective nutritional and wellness education and healthier food options. Drinking water, whether bottled or tap, continues to be one of the easiest choices a person can make to have an immediate impact on caloric intake.
WQA partners with Jana Laboratories for certification testing
The Water Quality Association (WQA) has announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Jana Laboratories Inc. Jana has the largest oxidation resistance test and analysis capacity in the world and the largest hydrostatic test capacity in North America. The agreement will allow WQA Gold Seal to begin testing water distribution products for conformance to NSF/ANSI Standard 14: Plastic Piping System Components and Related Materials. Jana will test Gold Seal client products to NSF/ANSI-14 and provide a test report to WQA.
EWQA announces 2014 Conference and Trade Show
The Eastern Water Quality Association (EWQA) has announced its 2014 Fall Conference and Trade Show, scheduled for Sept. 24-26. The event will take place at the Hunt Valley Inn in Hunt Valley, Md. EWQA will offer extended certification, hands-on training, exhibit time and networking in a non-compete environment at the conference and trade show. Early bird discounts are available before April 1 for members and new members and the discount code “Eastern Water Quality Association” can be used for Hunt Valley Inn reservations.
IBWA issues reminder to stay hydrated in winter months
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has issued a statement reminding consumers that maintaining proper hydration in the winter months is important. Many people tend not to notice that they are dehydrated during the winter because they are not sweating as much, but cold winter air is much drier than humid summer air, which impacts the amount of moisture our bodies naturally absorb from the environment. Heated buildings also have much drier air. Bottled water is a convenient, safe and healthy choice for staying hydrated during the winter because it contains no calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial colors or flavors, alcohol or other unhealthy ingredients.
CDPH releases information on new product registration laws
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released four documents containing important information for companies seeking to register products in the State of California following the passage of Assembly Bill 119, which allows for the third-party certification of water treatment products in the state. CDPH has provided guidance on the main steps in maintaining registration of currently listed products and the process for adding new products to the listing. The following documents are available on the Water Quality Association (WQA) website: The official CDPH letter regarding registration of water treatment devices in the State of California, the application for registration of a water treatment device in the State of California, an unofficial list of water treatment devices valid in California as of year-end 2013 and a worksheet summarizing the information required for registration of a product in California. The new program takes effect on Jan. 4, 2014 and the WQA expects to receive further guidance from CDPH in early 2014 on questions about the program’s implementation.
Quench acquires Pure Point Water Systems
Filtered drinking water cooler and ice dispenser provider Quench has acquired Pure Point Water Systems. Pure Point is a bottle-less water system supplier with expertise in water purification methods, including a triple-filtration process. Pure Point has been serving commercial customers in the Mid-Atlantic region since 1997.
New study predicts strong growth in water treatment market for developing regions
The Freedonia Group Inc. has released “World Water Treatment Equipment,” a study which predicts strong growth in water treatment equipment demand in developing regions. The study found that world demand for water treatment equipment is expected to grow 6.9 percent per year to $53.4 billion in 2017. The Asia/Pacific, Africa/Mideast, Eastern Europe and Central and South America regions are expected to show the strongest growth with gains supported by improved access to treated drinking water and sanitation facilities. Expanding manufacturing and industrial activities requiring water treatment equipment will also promote growth in these regions, while mature markets like North America, Western Europe and Japan will see more modest gains.
IBWA issues statement against proposed bottled water ban
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has issued a statement on legislation expected to be introduced by San Francisco Board of Supervisors Chairman David Chiu to ban the sale of bottled water in plastic bottles of 21 fluid ounces or less on public property. The definition of “public property” includes parks, concerts, large public events and mobile food trucks. The statement read as follows: “The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) supports the right of San Franciscans to choose clean, refreshing, reliable zero-calorie bottled water when making their beverage decisions. Efforts to eliminate or reduce access to bottled water will force consumers to choose less healthy drink options that have more packaging, more additives (e.g., sugar, caffeine) and greater environmental impacts than bottled water.” Research shows that if bottled water isn’t available, 63 percent of people will choose soda or another sugared drink over tap water. The bottled water industry also supports a strong public water system, which is important for providing citizens with clean and safe drinking water.
DS Waters acquires Splash Water
Bottled water manufacturer DS Waters has acquired bottled water delivery firm Splash Water. DS Waters, which sells bottled drinking water, water filtration and coffee services to homes and offices across the U.S, has also acquired other bottled water companies this year. Current Splash Water customers will continue to receive their regular bottled water deliveries, but will also be able to order from DS Waters’ Sparkletts brand.
