The Water Quality Assn. (WQA), an Illinois-based not-for-profit organization, is offering informational resources to help with the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich. Flint residents are expected to receive federal aid to help ensure access to safe drinking water. On Jan. 16, 2016, President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster-relief efforts. According to the declaration, “This emergency assistance is to provide water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits and other necessary related items for a period of no more than 90 days.”
Lead has been identified as the waterborne contaminant of primary concern for Flint’s residents. To minimize the presence of contaminants such as lead, which may enter the water after it has left a municipal treatment facility, WQA recommends water treatment equipment that has been certified by an American National Standards Institute-accredited certification body; such entities include WQA’s Gold Seal Product Certification Program, NSF Intl. and Underwriters Laboratory. Flint residents are encouraged to visit www.wqa.org to search for the names of products certified by WQA for lead reduction. Click here to download a technical fact sheet about lead.
It is important consumers follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance. WQA also offers lists of water treatment professionals across the U.S. on its website at www.wqa.org.
Source: Water Quality Assn.
