 |
May 5-11 we celebrate Drinking Water Week throughout the United States. It is a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in our daily lives. It is also a great time to educate children in a fun way about their water supply, the importance of clean water, and ways they can help maintain water quality throughout their community.
|
Radon Air Canister Update
The radon in air canisters from our manufacturer have changed slightly. The expiration sticker on the top of the device has been removed. The expiration date is now part of the device identification label on the side of the device.
As pictured: the top line is the device number and the bottom line is the expiration date of February 2022.
Reminder:
DO NOT attempt to remove the sticker or tamper with it in any way. Watch for t
hese new canisters, they will be in circulation soon.
|
Iron & Manganese: The Effects on Reverse Osmosis Systems
Arsenic and uranium are two very common analytes we see in well water. To treat for arsenic & uranium, it is recommended to have a treatment company install a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system. However, most treatment companies will ask for a full water test before even visiting your home.
RO systems use small micron filters that can be clogged by turbid water, iron, manganese and chlorination. Iron, especially, creates blockages in pipes itself so it's extremely important for the company to know what the iron levels are.
If you have iron or manganese and also have arsenic or uranium, you would have to install a water softener system. This system is a ion-exchange where ions like iron and manganese are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions. After that, then the RO system can be installed using the "softened" water.
|
Icebergs are usually white, but recently scientists have been investing the phenomenon of green icebergs. These "Jade Bergs" have been spotted around Antarctica for many years. In 2016, scientists did a study on the ice in the Amery Ice shelf of Antarctica.
Most icebergs
appear
bluish
-
white, the combination of the blue of pure ice, and the white of snow. Because glacial ice typically comes from snowfall and contains
numerous bubbles that scatter light the white color is prominent. The Jade Bergs have been found to contain s
eawater that freezes to the base of some ice shelves, forming marine ice. When an iceberg capsizes
the marine ice emerges and becomes visible. This ice which incorporates organic and inorganic particles from the water displays the unique green color.
The decades old green ice samples taken from the Amery Ice Shelf showed levels of iron oxides. The red and yellow particles from the seawater, in combination with the blue of the ice, can shift the color to green. "If these particles, possibly picked up from rocks crushed by the weight and friction of glaciers flowing toward the ocean, get incorporated into ice forming underwater, the result would be a vibrant green" (Warren 2019).
|
Craft Brewers Help Protect Water in Maine
13 brewing companies with the
Maine Beer Company joined the Natural Resources Council of Maine
to launch the Maine Brewshed Alliance. The Natural Resources Council of Maine has been committed to protecting the state's ocean, lakes, rivers and streams. Since beer is 90% water it seems like a great fit for the partnership. Maine Brewshed Alliance has made it their goal to help "protect the watersheds that are cherished by all of us who live, work and play in Maine."
In the Portland area, many breweries use Sebago Lake water. Sebago lake covers 30,000 acres. The watershed is more than 50 miles long, stretching from Bethel to Standish and includes parts of 24 towns. As lucky as we are, it's important to keep these watersheds as wonderful as they can be and give residents and consumers the education on how water can be affected. In fact, they will be even holding events to help educate Mainers on their local watersheds. Check out their
Events Page for more information.
Economically, breweries have had a significant impact in the State of Maine. In 2017 it's noted they contributed a whopping $260 Million to our economy, employed 1900 direct employees and benefited 650 indirect jobs.
|
|
|
A & L Laboratory, a Division of Granite State Analytical Services | 207-784-5354 | rlabranche@granitestateanalytical.com | www.allaboratory.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
