Understand PFAS Before Fixing It

Understand PFAS Before Fixing It

In a recent interview, Ralph Mead's research team at UNC Wilmington explained they're still figuring out the basics about PFAS instead of jumping straight to cleanup solutions. Researcher Paul Wojtal put it simply: they're trying to answer how much PFAS is out there, where it's coming from, where it goes, and how long it sticks around. While some members of North Carolina's PFAS Testing Network are working on ways to destroy these chemicals, the team stressed that solving the PFAS problem needs both scientists and government regulators working together. Team member Rachylle Hart emphasized that Mead isn't waiting around—he's already talking with state environmental agencies to make sure their research will actually help solve real-world PFAS problems when the technology is ready.

Bad Water is Ruining Homes

According to a recent investigation, two Rhode Island homeowners are fighting an uphill battle with their water suppliers despite serious quality issues. One Riverside resident battles orange slime, metallic taste, and rotten egg odors despite spending $800 each year on whole-house filtration, fridge filters, and shower filters. Meanwhile, a Johnston homeowner shells out $1,200 yearly for a whole-house system requiring monthly filter changes to fight against sawdust-like sediment that would otherwise clog fixtures and damage appliances. Both water suppliers—East Providence and Providence Water Supply Board—maintain a "not our problem" stance since tests for iron, manganese, turbidity, and suspended particles show the water meets standards. The issues have already ruined washing machines, garbage disposals, and permanently stained porcelain fixtures.

Industrial Water Softener Myths

A new article from ClearWater Industries tackles what they say are common misconceptions about industrial water softeners. The team says that contrary to popular belief, industrial softeners aren't just oversized versions of home systems—they're critical infrastructure that protect equipment from scale buildup. The article debunks five major myths:

1. Softeners are just for homes (nope, they're vital for food plants, hospitals, and manufacturing)

2. Soft water causes corrosion (it actually helps prevent it by eliminating hot spots and deposits)

3. They're too expensive (a 1/16-inch scale layer can boost energy usage by 10%)

4. They're maintenance-free (the resin beds and valves need regular attention)

5. One-size-fits-all (each facility needs customization based on water chemistry and flow patterns)

How Hydrogen Sulfide Impacts Plumbing

Dierolf Plumbing and Water Treatment just put out a handy breakdown on how hydrogen sulfide does way more damage than just making water smell awful. Turns out that hydrogen sulfide gas doesn't just hang around stinking up the place—it gets acidic in water and starts eating away at metal pipes, especially copper and brass. Water heaters get hit particularly hard since their magnesium anode rods actually make the smell worse while they're corroding faster. The article points out that the gas also creates black stains, clogs up fixtures, and even breaks down rubber seals and gaskets over time. For treatment options, they recommend carbon filters for low levels (under 1 ppm), oxidation systems like air injection or chlorination for the tougher cases, and swapping out those standard anode rods for aluminum or powered versions.

What else is happening:

• Science News posts an article overviewing a new water treatment process that uses wood and charcoal to take out drugs and other bad nutrients

• SpringWell writes about how desalination works and five reasons it’s vital for our future

• Family-owned Mad River Well Services writes about the science behind aquifers and how they supply well water

• Puretec releases their guide to purchasing an industrial RO system

• Northeast-based Delmarva Water Solutions gives a nice overview of contaminants in tap water and how filtration systems remove them