EcoWater at Costco

EcoWater at Costco

DIY writer Kyle Schurman wrote about Costco's partnership with EcoWater in his recent article for House Digest. He says their partnership is drawing attention after offering members some notable perks, like a 10% Costco Shop Card rebate on professionally installed systems. Schurman says the process starts with a comprehensive two-hour in-home consultation, including water testing, with system investments typically ranging from $6,000 to $10,000.  In this partnership, local EcoWater dealers, rather than Costco itself, handle all consultations and installations, maintaining the same service relationship they've had with customers for years – just with added Costco benefits. That said, customers note the importance of carefully reviewing warranty terms and installation agreements before making the investment.

Well Water Testing

Royal Water Works Inc., a water testing company in Pisgah Forest, NC, breaks down what you need to know about well water testing in their latest guide. The CDC and EPA say you should test for basic things like bacteria and nitrates once a year, but their experts say some situations need more frequent testing. These include obvious changes in water quality, construction work nearby, flooding, or wells close to farms. While home testing kits can give you a quick read on basics, the team says lab testing is still the best way to spot serious problems like heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals. The guide mentions that since private wells aren't checked by the government like city water, it's up to homeowners to make sure their water is safe (but many aren't testing as often as they should).

How Geology Affects Water Quality

Connecticut-based Mad River Well Services breaks down how underground rock formations make or break well performance, impacting both water yields and treatment needs. The team's analysis shows sand and gravel aquifers typically deliver the highest yields, while wells in fractured bedrock depend entirely on hitting the right cracks. Water quality varies dramatically based on local geology too – limestone areas produce hard water requiring softening treatment, while certain rock formations naturally release iron, manganese, and sulfur into the water supply. The well experts also flag potential health concerns, noting that some formations can leach arsenic and radon into groundwater.

Removing Benzene from Well Water

A recent jet fuel leak in Upper Makefield, PA, has local water professionals on high alert as benzene, a carcinogenic compound found in petroleum products, threatens the well water. Pennsylvania-based Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment writes that while benzene poses serious health risks, including potential liver damage and increased leukemia risk, it can be removed through the right treatment methods. The most reliable solution, according to their team, is granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, which can be installed as a whole-house system. They note that while reverse osmosis provides additional protection for drinking water, it shouldn't be the primary treatment method for benzene contamination.

What else is happening:

• AqueoUS Vets, a provider of water treatment systems, announced the addition of four new manufacturers’ representatives to its Channel Partner program

• AquiSense, a leader in UV-C LED disinfection systems, has undergone a name change following a company buyout from former owners

• The 2025 WQA Convention page is live and showing details for the upcoming April 22-24 event in Long Beach, CA

• SpringWell writes about arsenic in groundwater and why it’s a growing health concern

• LG Sonic writes about emerging water trends to keep an eye on in 2025