Home Filtering Systems Provide Best Drinking Water Protection

New York Times study shows one in 10 Americans potentially exposed

LISLE, Ill., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a comprehensive New York Times
study revealing that ten percent of Americans face dangerous drinking water,
the Water Quality Association today urges consumers to consider installing
final contaminant barriers in their homes.

On Sunday, the newspaper reported results of its research in the second part
of a major series on "toxic waters." Among its findings:
-- Ten percent of Americans "have been exposed to drinking water that
contains dangerous chemicals or fails to meet a federal health
benchmark
in other ways."
-- Wells are more likely than municipal water systems to contain
contaminants.

-- An estimated 19.5 million Americans "fall ill" every year to
contaminated water.

The New York Times report follows in the wake of Associated Press studies last
year showing that up to one in six Americans might be ingesting some level of
pharmaceuticals in their drinking water.

Filtering systems in the home provide the highest technology available to
treat drinking water, said Peter J. Censky, executive director of WQA. Less
than two percent of all water consumed is ingested by humans, making these
"point-of-use" systems the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly
available. While utilities are required to meet safety standards set by the
U.S. EPA, the New York Times reported more than half a million violations of
the Clean Water Act since 2004.

Home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further
purify water for drinking, Censky emphasized.

WQA provides Gold Seal certification for products that remove a variety of
contaminants. These products are tested according to independently developed
standards of the highly respected ANSI (the American National Standards
Institute).

In addition, consumers can find locally certified dealers by visiting the
WQA's Find A Professional feature. Dealers are certified though rigorous
study and testing. More information about contaminants is also available at
WQA's Water Information Library, which includes a search function.

Visit wqa.org to take advantage of these features.

WQA is a non-profit association that provides public information about water
treatment issues and also trains and certifies professionals to better serve
consumers. WQA has more than 2,500 members nationwide.

CONTACT: David Loveday, 630-505-0160 ext. 537, dloveday@wqa.org

SOURCE Water Quality Association

David Loveday of WQA, +1-630-505-0160 ext. 537, dloveday@wqa.org