Culligan International Supports National Drinking Water Month

Leader in Water Solutions Offers Consumers Information and Education on Water Quality

ROSEMONT, Ill. (May 2, 2017) – With concerns about our water quality in North America growing, this year’s National Drinking Water Month is more relevant than ever. Culligan International, a world leader in the treatment of water, is doing their part by offering consumers helpful information on the importance of clean drinking water through their ongoing “Truth About Water” campaign.

In an effort to understand just how much or how little consumers know about water, the company conducted a 2016 survey, which underscored North Americans’ growing concern over the quality of their water. According to the results, 75 percent of participants said that they were worried about the quality of the water they drink, bathe and cook with, yet 73 percent have never had the water in their homes tested.

“For years, we’ve taken the safety of our water for granted,” said Rick Cook, Manager of Industry and Regulatory Affairs for Culligan. “But our aging infrastructure has heightened the risks of harmful impurities such as lead, sulfide and iron contaminating our water supply. Thousands of water systems around the country show excess levels of contamination and with the average person using 50 gallons of water each day, access to clean, safe drinking water is critical.”

According to Cook, there are a few important steps homeowners can take to ensure clean safe water, including:

1. Know where water contamination can occur. Water impurities are not just limited to the water source, but can also happen in the distribution system after treatment from the local municipality or private well has already occurred. While many naturally occurring chemicals and impurities from local land practices can be filtered at the source, unsafe amounts of lead can enter water from lead service pipes. These issues are commonly found in homes built prior to 1986 when lead pipes, fixtures and solder were regularly used.
2. Educate yourself on the filtration system currently in place at your home. Water treatment solutions such as water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and specialty filters eliminate specific impurities that may be found in your water, while charcoal pitchers and refrigerator cartridges do not.

3. Pay Attention. Corroded plumbing fixtures, unpleasant odors, disagreeable taste, discolored water and even shortened appliance lifespan are signs of trouble.
4. Schedule a test to identify impurities in your water. Because water contamination can happen at any time and/or through a local municipality, an underground well or a homeowner’s own pipes, it is important to have your water tested by a water expert who can determine the necessary steps to eliminate any harmful impurities that may be present. While testing can be done at any time, Culligan recommends scheduling a water test especially after moving into a new house, if appliances that use water are collecting residue or burning out, and as soon as you notice a change in your water’s taste, odor or appearance. Well water should also be tested whenever any changes in your water such as color, taste, odor or cloudiness are noticed.

In addition to offering consumers actionable tips and information on water quality, Culligan, through its charitable arm, Culligan Cares, has announced a partnership with the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Throughout the year, Culligan will support several of ADA’s fundraising “Tour de Cure” bicycling events around the country, providing water to participants and encouraging a healthy lifestyle through clean water.

“Whether you’re biking, running, walking or simply offering a glass of water to your child, clean, safe water is integral to all of our lives,” said Larry Holzman, Sr. Vice President, Culligan North American Franchise. “That’s why we’re proud to be supporting National Drinking Water Month.”

People across North America can contribute to this vital cause by visiting www.culligancares.org and making a donation.

For more information about Culligan water treatment products, including water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business, or to find your local Culligan representative visit www.culligan.com.

About Culligan Cares
Established in 2005 as a partnership between Culligan International and Culligan dealers across North American, Culligan Cares supports individuals, families and communities in need of clean, safe water around the world. From providing water filters to the community of Flint, Michigan, to supplying bottled water to victims of floods and hurricanes, Culligan Cares remains committed to the cause of clean drinking water.

About Culligan International
Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan International is a world leader in delivering water solutions that will improve the lives of their customers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration products. Culligan’s products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business. Culligan’s network of franchise dealers is the largest in the world, with over 800 dealers in 90 countries. Many Culligan dealers have valuable equity in their communities as multigenerational family owners of their franchises. For more information visit: www.culligan.com.

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