Water Blog

Our Skin - Drinking Water Contaminates and the Biggest Human Organ

Growing up, I always enjoyed playing dress-up, tea parties, and makeup. When I became an adult, I became very interested in skin care and esthetics.

Rainwater Harvesting: A Timeless Solution For Water Scarcity And Sustainable Living

Rainwater harvesting has been a standard of practice and use for much of the arid and semiarid regions of the Earth.

Chlorophyll Water Passes Clean Label Project Certification in USA First

Chlorophyll Water is the first bottled water in the United States to pass the strict Clean Label Project Certification requirements and rigorous lab testing to achieve Clean Label Project Certification. 

PFAS and Forever Chemicals – A New Man-Made Cycle (The PFAS Cycle) That Must be Broken

It is critical that we recognize that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are part of an unnatural, man-made cycle that influences the Water Cycle.

Case Study: Air in Water Lines from a Water Well

The case of the mysterious clinging bubbles. In this article we explore this phenomenon, form multiple hypothesis, and develop possible solutions.

Review of the Updated Lead and Copper Rule for Drinking Water (Public Water Systems)

We review the proposed EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements. The proposed LCRI stated that its primary objective is to protect children and adults from the health effects of lead in drinking water.

Innovators of Breakthrough Groundwater Detection Tool Seek Investors for Expansion

You can’t manage groundwater effectively without knowing where it is. And that’s where the Well Water Finder system can be a resource for water quality specialists.

Revised Lead and Copper Rule (RLCR) Revisions | Service-Line Inventory Guidance

Learn more about the EPA’s new Guidance for Developing and Maintaining a Service Line Inventory.

What a Mentee is Looking for from a Mentor

In this article we explore mentorships from the mentee's perspective and the variety of benefits that can result.

Careers in the Environmental and Water Resources Management

There are many careers devoted to the use of and, hopefully, the appropriate management of water to the benefit of us and the other organisms that share our environment.

Mentors: My Path to Becoming a Water Professional

The KnowYourH2O Team asked me to prepare an article about mentoring and share my experience as an Educator, Boy Scout Leader, Project Manager, Student Advisor, and Father, which has given me some insights into mentoring. 

Feedback and Analysis on the Safety of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Part of the KnowYourH2O Team philosophy is adherence to the scientific method. We are open to having our existing knowledge and any information we provide examined for the benefit of improving our own knowledge and in turn

Radionuclides in Water

Geologist and Professor Dr. Brian Redmond takes a deep dive into the science of Radionuclides and how they can impact drinking water safety.

A Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Vacuum??

I saw a headline in the summer (2023) saying “Biden Administration to invest $1.2B on a Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Vacuum”. My initial reaction was: ‘Huh??’ 

The History of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the Climate Change Debate

There is a book that I wish was required reading for everyone engaging in the climate change debate: “Hot Talk, Cold Science: Global Warming’s Unfinished Debate” by astrophysicist Dr. S. Fred Singer.

Can Water Itself Be Radioactive?

Is it possible for water to be radioactive? The answer, intriguingly, is yes, but this occurrence is quite rare and typically not a concern for most people.

Allergic to Water?

When skin irritation arises after contact with water, the first suspicion often falls on the water's quality. What if the problem isn't in the water, however, but in a rare reaction of the skin to water itself?

The Relationship Between Water and Weight Loss

Drinking enough water is one of the most important things that can be done for one’s health. With the right quantity and quality of water, you can stay well hydrated to ensure that bodily functions run smoothly.

Questionable Cosmetics - What’s the Make Up of Your Makeup?

Our newest team member Samantha explores the hidden dangers in skincare and makeup. As an aspiring esthetician, she sheds light on harmful chemicals in popular brands, their impact on health, and recommends safer choices.

The Groundwater Project

Most people know virtually nothing about groundwater, and that’s a harsh reality for a hydrogeologist like myself to accept. But at the same time, I understand it completely. Groundwater is out of sight.

Water Bottle Experiment - One Month in an RV with the Aquasana Countertop Filter System

I took one month this summer to keep track of how many plastic bottles we use in our RV vs. using our newly purchased Aquasana countertop filter system to filter water as needed while on the road.

Plastics and the Environment - Debunking Myths and Responsible Practices

Debunking common misconceptions about plastics. Explore expert insights, uncover overlooked truths, and discover actionable solutions for a sustainable future with plastic. Dive in to separate fact from fiction.

Go Bottleless!

The Path to Clean Water may also indirectly be a path to a cleaner planet. By going Bottleless instead of buying plastic water bottles, you can greatly reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills. 

Rural America - Nitrate and Your Drinking Water- A Hidden Danger?

Nitrate-nitrogen (or Nitrite-nitrogen) in groundwater or your drinking water may result from point sources such as sewage discharges and livestock facilities or non-point sources such as fertilized cropland, parks, golf courses, lawn and gardens

Environmental Art - by Amy Lee

Not until starting to work with KYH2O as a consultant did I start to realize how much my environmental and water backgrounds have had an impact on my artworks ... some of my pieces highlighted in this article were conceptualized and created prior to joining the KYH2O team and some afterwards.

A Dangerous Intersection

When most people hear about Methane as an environmental contaminant of concern, they think of air pollution and its connection to climate change. Methane is also commonly found in private groundwater wells in Pennsylvania's coal, oil, and natural gas producing counties.

Understanding Ozone: From Stratospheric Ozone Holes to Water Disinfection

Popular science said the polar ozone holes were a really bad thing in the 1990’s and early 2000’s - but what about now? Now we use ozone to disinfect water, but what makes it good here? Are there any risks to using Ozone to disinfect water?

The Good, Bad, and Unseen Impact of UV Rays on Life and Our Planet

UV Rays may be bad for your skin - but they are good for water quality? Can we see, smell, taste UV? Are there any interesting facts about what happens to UV when it passes through other atmosphere’s other than Earth’s?

How to Manage the Issue of “Forever Chemicals,” “PFOA,” and “PFAS” in Your Life

There have been a lot of news articles, blog posts, and stories about “Forever Chemicals” and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), but few of these stories really gives you any idea of what to do

Water and Your Pets: Be A Responsible Pet Owner and Get Your Pets On Board

Water is essential for all living creatures, including our pets. As pet owners, we must ensure that our furry friends have access to fresh, clean, and safe water at all times.

KnowYourH2O Introduces Groundbreaking Online Tool for Global Surface Water Quality Grading

A new online tool called the Water Quality Index Calculator is available from KnowYourH2O that can be used globally to provide a ‘grade’ for surface water quality.

Do Birds Eat Plastic?

A woman visiting the nature center where I work posed the question. She’d been enjoying watching the black vultures that frequented her neighborhood and was concerned to find dozens of plastic bits littering the ground beneath their roosts.

East Palestine Train Derailment Response: The Role of the Water Professional in Emergencies

So, what is the role of the Water Professional during tragic events like the East Palestine train derailment? The main objective is to understand the what, how, why, and current conditions.

Secure the Water First, Buy the Land Second

Land sales are booming right now and there’s a migration trend of more Americans moving to rural communities, but most prospective landowners don’t realize they have to figure out how to get water to their property.

Public Water Users - You Might Need a Customized Point-of-Use Water Filtration System

Although the quality of your water from a Public Water Supply System may meet required government standards, there still may be detectable water contaminants that don't meet YOUR standards.

Shallow Wells in Riparian Zone Impacted by Surface Water Indicators and Horsehair Worms (Nematodes)

Residents in Western Pennsylvania discover Horsehair Worms (Nematodes) in their Well Water.

East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Environmental Contamination and Monitoring

Info regarding the Ohio, Pennsylvania and Federal Environmental Protection Agencies response to the contamination risks of the Ohio Train Derailment.

The New Year Has Started, and We Need to Change How We Address Water Issues.

As we enter the New Year, I propose that as citizens of the United States of America and water professionals working to secure the USA's drinking water resources, we make one additional commitment this year.

Livestock and Agriculture Water Quality and Drinking Water and the Farmer

An agricultural operation is dependent on not only the health of the livestock, but also the ecosystem of the farm and the area around the agricultural operation, and the farmers health.

Polycythemia vera and the Links to Radon and Radium (Pennsylvania Case Study)

Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells, which makes the blood thicker. This can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage.

Water Testing for Real Estate Transactions and Mortgage Refinancing – FHA Loans

In 1934, the United States founded the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) with the primary purpose of providing mortgage insurance on home loans made to a lender who was approved by the FHA.

Protect Yourself and Your Pets from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are associated with the rapid and seemingly uncontrolled growth of colonies of algae in both freshwater (cyanobacteria – blue-green algae), salt water ("Red Tides/ Brown Tides"), and brackish water (Golden Algae).

VA Mortgage Loan Program and Water Testing Requirements

When a home is serviced by an individual, private, community, or regulated drinking well, the VA does have some basic water testing requirements. Generally, the water source must meet requirements established by the local health authority. 

Asbestos: What Is it and How is it Dangerous?

The yin-yang symbol and the concept of yin-yang have been applied to many things. Traditionally, it has been viewed as two complementary forces that make up all aspects of life. Asbestos has two faces or parts.

My Vacation Learning More about Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Drinking Water Contamination

While on vacation, I repeatedly heard ads about water contamination at Camp Lejeune and like any other workaholic in the water treatment profession, I had

The Water Professional Tries to Go on a Vacation - North Carolina

This year the family went to North Carolina and stayed in the vicinity of Atlantic Beach. What more can you ask – beach, warm weather, multiple pools, historic sites, and an opportunity to read, chat with kids

EPA Announces Lower Health Advisory Levels for Drinking Water for PFOA, GenX, PFAS, and other Forever Chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the release of health advisories for four perfluoroalkyl

WellSeal™ Gives Well Owners and Well Drillers Peace of Mind About Groundwater and Drinking Water Safety.

In many cases, the weakest and most vulnerable part of a public and private water supply system is the well and the wellhead. The wellhead is typically the

Ozonation as a Drinking Water Treatment - Is it in Your Tool Box?

When trying to build a foundation in water treatment, it is essential to not only understand the various treatment processes but to have a solid understanding of the technical history, chemistry, and historical applications of the water treatment process or chemical.

Wildlife and Lead Poisoning - Lead is not Just a Problem for Humans

Animals in the wild are as vulnerable to lead poisoning as humans are. In this article, Chief Naturalist Susan Gallagher describes the impact of lead on an eagle that consumed an animals that was shot with ammunition containing lead pellets.

Stormwater Management for Homeowners

This blog post is our effort to develop a guide with respect to runoff for the average rural homeowner and to provide resources for urban citizens and for those who may be looking at rainwater harvesting systems.

Drinking Water and Health - Is Water Part of the Cure?

Even though 60% of the human body is water, the impact of water on health is often overlooked. The primary health concerns with water relate to both quantity and quality.

PA PFAS Drinking Water Standards - Open for Public Comment

Proposed regulations regarding setting limits for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water are open for public comment by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).

Water Conservation | Tips on How to Save Water Inside and Outside the Home

Did you know that the average American uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day and 40 percent (about 32 gallons) of that water goes straight down the drain?

Lead in Drinking Water | Part of the Problem is Awareness

Despite measures taken by the EPA and many states, lead poisoning is still a serious concern. Lead can be found in old water taps as well as interior and exterior piping.

The Top Water Contaminants

The following are Top Contaminants generally found in drinking water. The Top Contaminants found in drinking water vary depending on where you live and the source of your drinking water. 

The Best Drinking Water Testing Kits

Over 30 years, we have been advising clients on drinking water quality, contaminants, water testing, and treatment solutions. In regards to water testing, we’re often asked, “What are the best drinking water testing kits?”