If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

Douglas Water Conditioning, a longtime staple in southeastern Michigan, started almost 60 years ago when Douglas Lanni turned his salt delivery service into a full-fledged water treatment business. According to a recent WCP article, Lanni had just one problem back then: Jerry Tiefenback. Tiefenback was a licensed master plumber who turned his sights to water treatment and emerged as a major business rival. Lanni figured if he couldn’t beat Tiefenback, he’d ask him to join him—so that’s what he did! Tiefenback helped double sales within a year and they ended up becoming partners.

Now, the next generation, including Lanni's and Tiefenback's sons, are running the show with a mix of old-school charm and modern tactics. Many of their staff hold Water Quality Association certifications, and they’re also adapting to the digital age, using both traditional advertising and exploring new online marketing strategies. Their recent expansion to Clarkston, with a new jug-filling station (equipped with alkaline, mineral, purified, and artisanal water), shows they're not just resting but strategically growing where they already have a strong community presence.

Using Fiji Recall to Promote RO Systems

Waterdrop is using the recent Fiji Water recall as the perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits of RO systems, and honestly it makes sense. Nearly 1.9 million bottles were recalled due to harmful levels of manganese and bacteria, showing that bottled water isn't always the safest option. Instead, the article suggests using RO systems to get rid of most contaminants and give you clean, safe drinking water. Plus, RO systems save money over time and are better for the environment compared to bottled water.

The Case Against Raising Water Prices

CBS News Colorado recently reported that a third of Colorado's water districts haven't tested for PFAS yet. The good news is that funding is available, so it shouldn't cost people more money. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has grant programs and federal funding to help water districts with testing and treatment. They got $7.6 million in grants last year and expect another $5-6 million this year. Plus, there's $85 million from the EPA for small and disadvantaged communities. This means districts can get the help they need without passing the costs onto customers. They have until 2026 to start testing and until 2029 to fix any issues, so there's time to get it done right.

Related: U.S. EPA announces $18.9 million in funding to address PFAS in New Mexico

The Case for Water Filters in the Bathroom

In an article by Countryside Water, the team talks about why it’s a big deal to filter the water in bathrooms. Sure, clean drinking water is important, but the team says bathroom water can have stuff in it like chlorine and heavy metals too. Using a whole home water filter can make sure the water for bathing and brushing teeth is clean. Plus, the article says that filtered water can make a huge difference for skin and hair as well by getting rid of chemicals that dry you out. The team outlines the different filter options, like shower filters, faucet filters, and whole home systems, each with their own perks.

What else is happening:

• New research found a way to use the high salt levels in the wastewater from water treatment plants to break down PFAS compounds

• NYT says that lawyers are predicting a wave of lawsuits for PFAS that could “dwarf asbestos litigation”

• Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) is hosting Summer School, a series of free webinars; June’s webinar is titled The Future of PFAS

• WCP says to add onboard filtration to your camping checklist

• Texas-based Basin Water Solutions, who offer a full range of water filtration and purification solutions, explains installation costs for different types of RO systems