#United States #Chicago #Water Quality #College Towns #Culligan ZeroWater

Culligan's Groundbreaking Water Quality Rankings for College Towns

As college students prepare for another academic year, a new study by Culligan with ZeroWater Technology offers timely insights into a crucial aspect of student life: water quality. With more than 30% of Gen Z and Millennials prioritizing wellness more than ever before, understanding the quality of the water they consume is essential.

Key Findings of the Rankings

Culligan's analysis is groundbreaking as it provides the first-ever ranking of U.S. college towns based on their tap water quality. The study evaluated 50 college towns and found that an alarming 92% had at least one harmful contaminant in their tap water.

Especially concerning, only eight college towns met the EPA’s standards for lead levels, while nearly one-third received a grade of C or lower regarding PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) concentration. This shocking data is vital for college students who may not be aware of the hidden dangers lurking in their drinking water.

Julia Reardon, Vice President of Marketing at Culligan, stated, "When students start college, many also start making independent health decisions for the first time, and water quality isn't something they easily understand," underscoring the need for more accessible information regarding water safety.

Surprising Rankings

The water quality results challenge common perceptions. For instance, New York City, which is often renowned for its high-quality tap water, was graded as one of the lowest in the rankings, receiving an 'F' for lead concentration. This controversial finding highlights external factors affecting water quality, such as the city's aging infrastructure.

The five lowest-ranked college towns revealed in the report include:
1. Columbia, South Carolina
2. Tempe, Arizona
3. Newark, Delaware
4. New York City, New York
5. New Brunswick, New Jersey

Conversely, the towns that topped the list for water quality were:
1. Morgantown, West Virginia
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
3. Blacksburg, Virginia
4. Boise, Idaho
5. Durham, New Hampshire

A Call to Action for Students

For students across the nation, Culligan’s report serves as a wake-up call. Regardless of where they live, students can take charge of their water quality. Culligan ZeroWater offers filtration solutions that are certified to reduce lead and Total PFAS contaminants.

As the student body returns to campuses, knowing their water situation can empower them to make healthy choices that prioritize their well-being. To see the complete rankings and discover how to improve water quality through filtration, students can visit Culligan's Website.

Understanding the Methodology

Culligan's rankings were derived from publicly available water quality data collected from 50 selected college towns based on the size of their universities—specifically targeting graduate and undergraduate enrollment figures. Water assessments focused on lead levels and selected PFAS compounds, employing a grading system that ranged from A to F based on federal safety standards.

The presence of lead remains a historic public health issue, while PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' represent an emerging concern due to their persistence in the environment. The study emphasizes that both contaminants pose significant health risks, particularly to young populations.

As Culligan continues to expand its commitment to providing clean water worldwide, this initiative reinforces the importance of student awareness regarding the quality of their drinking water.

For the health-conscious and the environmentally aware, Culligan stands out among competitors, providing sustainable, safe, and great-tasting water services for millions.

For further inquiries, media contact Eileen Ziesemer at Culligan International via email.

About Culligan International

Culligan has been a trusted name in water solutions since 1936, dedicated to providing quality water for households and businesses alike. With over 18,000 employees and operations in more than 90 countries, Culligan continues to innovate water services that positively impact health and decrease plastic waste through sustainable practices.