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Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really coming out of your faucets? This week on Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Ed Padula of Quality Water Consultants to uncover the hidden truths about the water we drink, cook with, and bathe in every day. You might be surprised by what’s flowing through your community's pipes and what is contributing to the inevitable water leaks in multifamily buildings.

Donna and Ed’s conversation reveals how municipal water treatment has changed dramatically over the years, with many cities switching from chlorine to chloramines—a combination that addresses one health concern but creates new problems with corrosion, water color, and infrastructure damage. As they explain, what municipalities consider "safe" water often still contains chemicals that affect both human health and building systems.

The distinction between water softening and purification emerges as a critical misunderstanding for many associations. While softening removes calcium and magnesium to prevent spotting and extend appliance life, it doesn't address chemical contaminants or color issues. 

Perhaps most alarming is how water quality accelerates the deterioration of aging pipes in multifamily buildings. The corrosiveness of chloramines causes pipes to deteriorate faster, leading to more frequent leaks and eventually requiring expensive re-piping projects. Simultaneously, deteriorating pipes leach contaminants back into water, creating a vicious cycle.

Ready to take a deep dive into what's flowing through your community's pipes? Listen now and, hopefully,  start a much needed conversation for your board.

Conversation Highlights Include:

• Why community associations should prioritize water quality—even if no issues have been reported
• Water purification considerations for multifamily buildings
• Common—and often overlooked—water quality issues in condos, HOAs, and co-ops
• The impact of aging pipes, boilers, and water systems on water quality in older buildings
• How water quality affects the lifespan of plumbing and piping systems
• The link between water quality and leaks
• Understanding the difference between filtration systems and softener systems
• Routine testing and inspections community associations should conduct
• The connection between poor water quality and health risks
• Early warning signs of deteriorating water quality
• What a community’s emergency plan should include in the event of water contamination

Related Links:

• Online Class: Anatomy of a Water Leak