Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
A WATER ARTICLE WORTH READING
In the next 40 years the Met Council predicts we will be rationing water in the Twin Cities. We need to set an example in Minnetrista and become a leader in water sustainability and not a blind follower ignoring our near futures problems.
http://www.startribune.com/local/east/245702541.html
"Fischer, vice chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee, said that pesticides and leaking garbage landfills contaminated Minnesota’s abundant waterways over the years and that high nitrate levels from fertilizers are being found in wells. 'We’ve done a lot of things where we haven’t been very responsible with our water resources,” he said. Despite the notable problems, he said, the trend of depletion and contamination can be reversed if cities and counties “learn to think about water in a whole new way.' "
http://www.startribune.com/local/east/245702541.html
"Fischer, vice chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee, said that pesticides and leaking garbage landfills contaminated Minnesota’s abundant waterways over the years and that high nitrate levels from fertilizers are being found in wells. 'We’ve done a lot of things where we haven’t been very responsible with our water resources,” he said. Despite the notable problems, he said, the trend of depletion and contamination can be reversed if cities and counties “learn to think about water in a whole new way.' "
WHY SUPPORT A REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE FILTRATION SYSTEM
Yes, the initial cost of an RO treatment plant is more expensive, BUT IS IT REALLY? There are far more reaching and important issues that I believe if people knew all of the facts and benefits of RO water would quickly support. There is a reason why RO technology has become so popular and is replacing other types of water treatment technology. First and foremost is public health. People demand their water to look and taste good, but more importantly they want water which is safe to drink.
One of the most important benefits of RO water is that it eliminates the need for water softeners. Not only will this save people money but it eliminates their sodium intake from drinking soft water. For this reason, the medical profession often recommends that people with heart conditions NOT drink softened water. When a water softener regenerates the softening resin is attached to the sodium ions in salt (sodium chloride), and displaces the calcium and magnesium ions from hard water which flow to the drain. This wastewater then becomes very rich in calcium chlorides (road salt) which are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to remove in sewage treatment plants.
If home water softeners were eliminated in Minnetrista (approx. 1150 hookups), I would estimate that the water softener regeneration (waste water) from all of these softeners combined (serving an average family of 4 each installation) would total over 34,000,000 gallons of water annually. The salt usage to soften water to all of these homes combined would be approx. 2.25 million pounds annually. This information is based on the water softener industry standards for Minnetrista equivalent hard water.
This issue should certainly be as much or more about public health as it is about costs. We, the residents, are paying for good quality water. Not just water that looks and smells good, but water that is safe for our families. There is a reason why cities throughout the world are taking advantage of the new RO technologies in water purification, which actually SAVES consumers money annually. Gravity filtrations systems are ancient technology.
Truth be known, there are many many hazardous chemicals in nearly all water supplies, and up until the advent of RO there were no known corrective methods for removal of those chemicals or contaminants. Because of the public concern for high quality drinking water, the bottle drinking water industry has exploded in recent years. Nearly all bottled water is produced using the RO process. I believe we deserve more than just iron and manganese removed from our water. We want as many hazardous chemicals as possible removed from our water, and the city should want the same. I would believe that the residents of Minnetrista spend far more money on bottled drinking water than what the increase in our water utility rates would ever amount to. And that is the presentation or report I want to see from the city. The true cost comparisons.
One of the most important benefits of RO water is that it eliminates the need for water softeners. Not only will this save people money but it eliminates their sodium intake from drinking soft water. For this reason, the medical profession often recommends that people with heart conditions NOT drink softened water. When a water softener regenerates the softening resin is attached to the sodium ions in salt (sodium chloride), and displaces the calcium and magnesium ions from hard water which flow to the drain. This wastewater then becomes very rich in calcium chlorides (road salt) which are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to remove in sewage treatment plants.
If home water softeners were eliminated in Minnetrista (approx. 1150 hookups), I would estimate that the water softener regeneration (waste water) from all of these softeners combined (serving an average family of 4 each installation) would total over 34,000,000 gallons of water annually. The salt usage to soften water to all of these homes combined would be approx. 2.25 million pounds annually. This information is based on the water softener industry standards for Minnetrista equivalent hard water.
This issue should certainly be as much or more about public health as it is about costs. We, the residents, are paying for good quality water. Not just water that looks and smells good, but water that is safe for our families. There is a reason why cities throughout the world are taking advantage of the new RO technologies in water purification, which actually SAVES consumers money annually. Gravity filtrations systems are ancient technology.
Truth be known, there are many many hazardous chemicals in nearly all water supplies, and up until the advent of RO there were no known corrective methods for removal of those chemicals or contaminants. Because of the public concern for high quality drinking water, the bottle drinking water industry has exploded in recent years. Nearly all bottled water is produced using the RO process. I believe we deserve more than just iron and manganese removed from our water. We want as many hazardous chemicals as possible removed from our water, and the city should want the same. I would believe that the residents of Minnetrista spend far more money on bottled drinking water than what the increase in our water utility rates would ever amount to. And that is the presentation or report I want to see from the city. The true cost comparisons.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
LATEST ARTICLE IN THE LAKER
QUOTE FROM THE ARTICLE:
"Another topic for discussion in the community has been the Well 2A, which was recently built. It was found that this well contains combined radium and total alpha concentrations that are greater than the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels, and the city has identified the necessity of reducing this."
"Another topic for discussion in the community has been the Well 2A, which was recently built. It was found that this well contains combined radium and total alpha concentrations that are greater than the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels, and the city has identified the necessity of reducing this."
WHAT IS RADIUM
Radium
Radium (Ra) is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is present in varying amounts in rocks and soil within the earth’s crust. Small amounts of radium also can be found in groundwater supplies. Radium can be present in several forms, called isotopes. The main type of radiation emitted by radium is the alpha particle.
Is Radium In Water Harmful To My Health?
Radium in water may pose a hazard to human health when the water is used for drinking or cooking. Only a small portion of ingested radium is absorbed from the digestive tract and distributed throughout the body. The rest is passed unchanged from the body. Some absorbed radium is excreted in urine. Absorbed radium behaves similarly to calcium and is deposited in the tissues of the body, especially bone. Any radiation received externally through showering, washing, or other uses is not a hazard since alpha particles do not travel through your skin.
Internally deposited radium emits alpha particles that may then damage surrounding tissue. Studies of workers exposed to high levels of radium and other sources of alpha radiation for extended periods show that high levels of radium may cause depression of the immune system, anemia, cataracts, and fractured teeth. Exposure to high levels of radium also has shown an increased incidence of bone, liver and breast cancer.
Is There A Safe Level Of Radium In Drinking Water?
Radium (Ra) is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is present in varying amounts in rocks and soil within the earth’s crust. Small amounts of radium also can be found in groundwater supplies. Radium can be present in several forms, called isotopes. The main type of radiation emitted by radium is the alpha particle.
Is Radium In Water Harmful To My Health?
Radium in water may pose a hazard to human health when the water is used for drinking or cooking. Only a small portion of ingested radium is absorbed from the digestive tract and distributed throughout the body. The rest is passed unchanged from the body. Some absorbed radium is excreted in urine. Absorbed radium behaves similarly to calcium and is deposited in the tissues of the body, especially bone. Any radiation received externally through showering, washing, or other uses is not a hazard since alpha particles do not travel through your skin.
Internally deposited radium emits alpha particles that may then damage surrounding tissue. Studies of workers exposed to high levels of radium and other sources of alpha radiation for extended periods show that high levels of radium may cause depression of the immune system, anemia, cataracts, and fractured teeth. Exposure to high levels of radium also has shown an increased incidence of bone, liver and breast cancer.
Is There A Safe Level Of Radium In Drinking Water?
Based upon our current knowledge, it is assumed that any radiation exposure carries some degree of risk. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for radium in public water supplies of 5 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). The MCL for radium has been set well below levels for which health effects have been observed and is therefore assumed to be protective of public health. Public water supplies whose radium levels exceed 5 pCi/L are required to notify the public that the water exceeded the MCL. They also must evaluate ways to reduce the radium levels in the water. Individuals may test their private wells and use the MCL of 5
pCi/L as a guideline.
Is There A Test To Determine If I Have Been Exposed To Radium?
If you think that you have been exposed to radium in your drinking water, you should consult your doctor. Urine tests can determine if you have been exposed to radium. Another test measures the amount of radon (a breakdown product of radium) in exhaled air. However, these tests cannot tell how much radium you have been exposed to or if adverse health effects will occur.
Can Radium Be Removed From Water?
A number of treatment methods are available to remove radium from water. Ion exchange, lime softening, and reverse osmosis are the most common and can remove up to 90 percent of radium present. Ion exchange (i.e. water softeners) can often remove 90 percent of radium present along with water hardness. For some people, an undesired effect of ion exchange is the addition of sodium to the treated water. Those on low sodium (salt) diets should consider this before installing a softener. Reverse osmosis does not add sodium to the water.
pCi/L as a guideline.
Is There A Test To Determine If I Have Been Exposed To Radium?
If you think that you have been exposed to radium in your drinking water, you should consult your doctor. Urine tests can determine if you have been exposed to radium. Another test measures the amount of radon (a breakdown product of radium) in exhaled air. However, these tests cannot tell how much radium you have been exposed to or if adverse health effects will occur.
Can Radium Be Removed From Water?
A number of treatment methods are available to remove radium from water. Ion exchange, lime softening, and reverse osmosis are the most common and can remove up to 90 percent of radium present. Ion exchange (i.e. water softeners) can often remove 90 percent of radium present along with water hardness. For some people, an undesired effect of ion exchange is the addition of sodium to the treated water. Those on low sodium (salt) diets should consider this before installing a softener. Reverse osmosis does not add sodium to the water.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEB 18th
The council will be busy on Feb 18th. They have a special meeting at noon to discuss the issues surrounding the water treatment plant, I still trying to confirm if this meeting is open to the public. They are discussing the plans and costs provided by WSB and moving forward with designs for a gravity filtration system. Then at 7pm there is another meeting (open to the public) where there will be a special presentation by State Senator, David Osmek. Whom some of the council members met with this week to discuss the best long term water solutions for Minnetrista.
The two biggest options for consideration are:
1. Take no action. The council approved Resolution 154-13 that authorized WSB to perform final design of a gravity filtration plant. Unless the council makes a motion to direct alternative action, staff will move forward with final design per the current direction outlined on December 2, 2013.
2. Add an agenda item for the 7:00pm regular council meeting to approve the following motion: “A motion to suspend Resolution 154-13 (thus suspending the design of gravity filtration) and to direct WSB to prepare a proposal for the March 3, council meeting for council to consider the design of a (pressure filtration or reverse osmosis) water treatment facility”.
The two biggest options for consideration are:
2. Add an agenda item for the 7:00pm regular council meeting to approve the following motion: “A motion to suspend Resolution 154-13 (thus suspending the design of gravity filtration) and to direct WSB to prepare a proposal for the March 3, council meeting for council to consider the design of a (pressure filtration or reverse osmosis) water treatment facility”.
If I were on the council I would put into motion option 2. As a reminder to my fellow residents. A gravity filtration system only removes Iron, Manganese and Gross Alpha. It does not however treat any emerging contaminants, radium and arsenic.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
ARTICLE IN THE LAKER
A letter was published in The Laker over the weekend about the water.
READ ARTICLE HERE
Though I believe this article is a great recap of the city council meeting on Feb 3rd I also believe is creates a bit of a bias on the side of a gravity filtration system. Especially by publishing price points which I feel was not necessary at this point.
We only heard one presentation from one water treatment engineer at the special meeting on Feb 3rd. I don't know about you but when I am making a big finical decision for my family, I do my research (ok maybe too much research, just ask my husband). I gather as many opinions and quotes as possible. I talk to people, my neighbors and friends and ask them about how that product has worked out for them. Has the city done enough of this? I don't know. If so I'd love to see it.
The biggest issue I think I have with the article is that is lulls the casual reader into complacency. If they are not experiencing any "aesthetic" problems with their water it makes them believe that smell and color are the core issues. Out of sight, out of mind. Which is exactly why we can't get people to address the radon issues in their home. Ten's of thousands of Americans die every year from exposure to something in their basements that exhibits no "aesthetic discomfort. Human nature being what it is, the majority will begin to wonder why the city needs to spend anything to fix a problem when their water "looks" fine.
An unintended consequence of this story is that it becomes a proponent for pursuing the cheapest fix possible. It also missed an opportunity to provoke thought in neighboring communities which draw their drinking water from the same or similar aquifers.
I want to read the article that takes a deeper dive into the water subject. An article that tells me what neighboring cities and states are doing and what is working and not working for them. How about an article describing the difference between a gravity filtration system and a membrane system and the benefits of each. There are so many issues surrounding this subject there is no shortage of topics and maybe I am too invested but those are the articles I would like to read and like to know my neighbors are reading too. Not just a recap on the information that we could have sought out on our own.
READ ARTICLE HERE
Though I believe this article is a great recap of the city council meeting on Feb 3rd I also believe is creates a bit of a bias on the side of a gravity filtration system. Especially by publishing price points which I feel was not necessary at this point.
We only heard one presentation from one water treatment engineer at the special meeting on Feb 3rd. I don't know about you but when I am making a big finical decision for my family, I do my research (ok maybe too much research, just ask my husband). I gather as many opinions and quotes as possible. I talk to people, my neighbors and friends and ask them about how that product has worked out for them. Has the city done enough of this? I don't know. If so I'd love to see it.
The biggest issue I think I have with the article is that is lulls the casual reader into complacency. If they are not experiencing any "aesthetic" problems with their water it makes them believe that smell and color are the core issues. Out of sight, out of mind. Which is exactly why we can't get people to address the radon issues in their home. Ten's of thousands of Americans die every year from exposure to something in their basements that exhibits no "aesthetic discomfort. Human nature being what it is, the majority will begin to wonder why the city needs to spend anything to fix a problem when their water "looks" fine.
An unintended consequence of this story is that it becomes a proponent for pursuing the cheapest fix possible. It also missed an opportunity to provoke thought in neighboring communities which draw their drinking water from the same or similar aquifers.
I want to read the article that takes a deeper dive into the water subject. An article that tells me what neighboring cities and states are doing and what is working and not working for them. How about an article describing the difference between a gravity filtration system and a membrane system and the benefits of each. There are so many issues surrounding this subject there is no shortage of topics and maybe I am too invested but those are the articles I would like to read and like to know my neighbors are reading too. Not just a recap on the information that we could have sought out on our own.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON FEB 3RD
The water discussion starts at 2:16:38. A presentations was made by by WSB on the possible water treatment plant options that Minnetrista could move forward with. The council didn't feel comfortable moving forward with plans for design and wanted more time to research other available options. They plan on having another water discussion on Feb. 18th. The conversation around land and design were very heated and emotional. Check out 2:36:00 of the video link.
I felt odd being at a special meeting where I was only presented with one companies views and pricing. I work in Advertising and I have worked on many pitches knowing that I am also pitching my ideas and prices against other candidates. Where is the research showing me (the tax payer) that the research was done and the best possible agency won the business? Where are the other WSB's? I would gladly sit though more boring power point "pitches". Show me what you got and convince me THE CLIENT that the options you are suggesting for my city are not band-aid solutions but solutions that will last my family and my neighbors (some of which I do lump into my family) the test of time. For as long as we own our dream houses. Houses we put a lot of pride into owning.
When is comes down to it, we all just want the best possible solution. The cleanest water possible, not just the clearest water possible.
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