April 07, 2004

By: Janell Maycock
Website: http://www.1st-in-wellness.com

Consumers Need to Take Personal Responsibility for Home Water Quality

In answer to growing national concern regarding water contamination by methyl tertiary-butyl ether, Culligan International Company announced today the introduction of a cost-effective product that significantly reduces the amount of contaminants such as MTBE that might affect some water supplies. Available to consumers nationwide through various retail establishments as well as all Culligan dealerships, the Culligan SY-2300 MTBE Filtration System is one of the only retail MTBE water filters to meet NSF International’s stringent testing methods and gain NSF certification. Proven to remove approximately 90 percent of MTBE from most water supplies, the Culligan SY-2300 filtration system allows consumers to continue enjoying water from their home tap, while easing concerns over the presence of MTBE in their water supply.

An oxygenated fuel additive used in reformulated gasoline, MTBE is intended to reduce emissions from motor vehicles. If this chemical seeps into our water supply via gasoline spills, leaking storage tanks, emissions from marine engines or airborne precipitation1, it may pose a serious health risk to the water we drink. Just within the past year, some level of MTBE was detected in 49 states’ water supplies. This finding has helped raise national concern over the continued use of the additive and the potential impact on the health of millions of Americans.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, MTBE in drinking water sources is of concern because at high concentrations it is a potential human carcinogen2. While the carcinogenic effects of MTBE on humans have not yet been substantiated, repeated exposure has been proven to produce such side effects as eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; coughing; nausea; dizziness and disorientation3.

Issues like MTBE are teaching consumers that they simply cannot take for granted the quality of their home drinking water, noted Gary Hatch, Ph.D., chemical engineering manager and laboratory director at USFilter – Plymouth Products, a subsidiary of Culligan International Company.

Because numerous contaminants can reach your water and present new health risks each year, homeowners need to educate themselves on the water they drink. Even the highest quality water can pick up contaminants between the time it leaves the water treatment plant and when it exits the homeowner’s faucet. The best way to ensure that your water meets your expectations is to take personal responsibility and utilize a home filtration device.

According to David Bentley, program representative for NSF International, the world’s leading independent, non-profit organization dedicated to environmental and public health safety, Culligan was the first manufacturer of water treatment systems that looked to address the public’s concern of MTBE contamination in drinking water. He adds that, Currently Culligan is the only manufacturer with a system available in the retail market that is NSF-certified for MTBE reduction with a 500-gallon capacity.

The Culligan SY-2300 MTBE Filtration System uses an activated carbon filter to significantly reduce bad taste and odor, MTBE, and other contaminants, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts, lead, certain pesticides and herbicides, certain other organic chemicals, chlorine, asbestos, sediment and mercury. The product, an under-the-sink model with separate faucet, will hit store shelves in July.

The contaminants removed by the Culligan SY-2300 MTBE Filtration System are not necessarily in your water. Certain contaminants do not necessarily pose a health risk. Culligan International Company manufactures and distributes water treatment products for retail, household, bottled water, and commercial applications worldwide.

A division of USFilter, Culligan is among the most widely recognized brand names in America, having been in business since 1936. USFilter, is a leading global provider of commercial, industrial, municipal and residential water and wastewater treatment products and services.

About The Author:

Janell Maycock is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com.  Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.