We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webinars
    • AHR Live 2023
  • PODCASTS
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
Home » Michigan Universities Collaborate on Flint Water Filters

Michigan Universities Collaborate on Flint Water Filters

October 14, 2016
No Comments
Several previous studies have shown that point-of-use water filters can harbor and support the growth of bacteria in water, said Nancy Love, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Michigan.

 

Researchers from the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State University are conducting studies to determine the best ways to manage the type of point-of-use water filters being used by Flint residents.

The studies are supported by grants from the National Science Foundation.

Several previous studies have shown that point-of-use water filters can harbor and support the growth of bacteria in water, said Nancy Love, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Michigan. Filters have been shown to work well to remove metals, such as lead, and chemicals produced during chlorination. Love emphasized that Flint residents should continue to use water filters in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

"All water, including drinking water, contains some amount of bacteria. The question is whether the bacteria are harmful," Love said. "Our research is focused on helping to determine how filters may be used to reduce or prevent passage of harmful bacteria through the filters. Our study is well underway and we will make the results public once the scientific process is complete."

The research team is coordinating closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Genesee County Health Department and the Flint Mayor's Office.

Manufacturers typically recommend replacing filters after processing approximately 100 gallons. Susan Masten, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Michigan State University, noted that the team is examining if this point-of-use replacement schedule is best for the Flint water distribution system.

"Based on the results we have gathered thus far, the filters are doing a good job removing lead and disinfection by-products," Masten said. "These by-products are the chemical compounds that occur after water has been disinfected and are measured as total trihalomethanes. So far, after filtration, these chemical are typically at concentrations below what we can measure."

The research is expected to provide additional guidance about the use of filters in Flint. Shawn McElmurry, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Wayne State University, emphasized that the research group is committed to addressing residents' concerns and need for scientific information about the quality of their water.

Commercial Contractors & Installers Engineers & Specifiers Industry Community News Lead Plumbing Residential Water Quality Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Related Articles

    Michigan declares state of emergency over Flint drinking water​

    Michigan attorney general sues Veolia and engineering firm over Flint water crisis

    New water testing rules for Michigan hospitals after Flint Legionella outbreak

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Chicago Plumber’s Union Dyes Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day 2023

  • Everything You Wanted to Know About Orangeburg Pipe (But Were Afraid To Ask)

  • Vote Now! Plumbing Design of the Year: A Readers’ Choice Award

  • The Basis for Most Plumbing Codes

Featured Video

Caleffi video thumb

The Gold Standard: Separation with NO Compromise

Industry Events

  • 26Mar

    MCAA 2023 Annual Convention

    Phoenix, AZ
  • 29Mar

    2023 SFPE European Conference & Expo

    Berlin ,
  • 11Apr

    ASA ELEVATE2023

    Charleston, SC
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw03 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe03 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc03 2023 cover
    Learn More
  • Es 2022
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2023 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing