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The Maintenance Management Blog

Published: April 06, 2016  Updated: April 28, 2025

The Undeniable Need for Proactive Water System Care


A maintenance technicians inspects a city's water filtration system.The well-documented water crisis in Flint, Michigan, serves as a stark reminder of the undeniable need for proactive water system care. Reports indicated that a significant percentage of homes in Flint exhibited lead levels exceeding safe limits. This situation begs the questions: what failures led to this disaster, and what proactive measures can facilities implement to avoid similar water-related problems?

The Preventable Tragedy in Flint: A Case Study

The Flint water crisis, by all accounts, stemmed from a fundamental oversight: the absence of corrosion inhibitors in the water treatment process. This omission had devastating repercussions. The corrosive nature of the Flint River water, unchecked by these inhibitors, aggressively attacked the aging lead pipes within the city's infrastructure. This corrosion leached lead directly into the drinking water supply, poisoning countless residents and businesses throughout Flint, Michigan.

The long-term health ramifications of this lead exposure continue to unfold, with the children of Flint facing an uncertain future regarding the full scope of the damage. While authorities have initiated efforts to rectify the water contamination, the initial negligence caused substantial harm, and the community still grapples with ongoing challenges.

Why Your Facility Must Prioritize Water Maintenance

While the health and safety of employees and consumers represent paramount concerns regarding water quality, the rationale for diligent preventative water maintenance in a facility extends further. A crucial aspect involves adherence to federal regulations and compliance mandates. Governing bodies establish these standards to ensure facilities manage water responsibly. Failure to meet these requirements can trigger significant financial penalties, operational shutdowns, or even building closures–all outcomes that inflict substantial financial burdens on an organization.

Beyond Compliance: Tangible Benefits of Proactive Measures

Looking beyond regulatory obligations, a proactive approach to water maintenance yields practical advantages. For instance, consistent upkeep of water filtration units directly contributes to a higher caliber of manufactured goods, particularly in industries such as food production. Furthermore, preventative maintenance plays a vital role in preserving equipment integrity. By actively removing corrosive elements from water systems, facilities can mitigate wear and tear on valuable machinery, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Implementing Effective Preventative Water Maintenance

Facilities can adopt several key strategies to ensure proper preventative water maintenance occurs consistently.

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Timely Replacement of Filtration Components

You should strictly adhere to manufacturer recommendations for replacing water filtration units. This includes the routine exchange of components such as water filter cartridges and ultraviolet (UV) bulbs. These components degrade over time and lose their effectiveness, so timely replacement ensures continued optimal performance.

Continuous Water Quality Monitoring

Investing in and installing reliable water quality monitoring equipment represents a critical step. These systems provide real-time data and can promptly alert personnel to any deviations from acceptable water quality parameters. Early detection empowers facilities to take swift action to address potential issues and prevent widespread contamination.

Meticulous Record-Keeping Facilitated by CMMS

Maintaining comprehensive records of all maintenance activities performed on water systems and related machinery is essential. Here's where a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) proves invaluable. A CMMS enables facilities to digitally track and manage all aspects of water maintenance. This includes scheduling routine inspections, logging completed tasks, and storing detailed information about equipment and maintenance procedures.

In the unfortunate event of a water contamination incident, the CMMS provides readily accessible documentation demonstrating the facility's commitment to preventative measures. This digital record-keeping proves beneficial for insurance claims, liability assessments, and demonstrating due diligence to regulatory bodies. Moreover, the data captured within a CMMS offers powerful analytical capabilities, allowing facilities to identify trends, predict potential issues, and refine their maintenance strategies for even greater effectiveness.

Learning from the Past to Protect the Future

The water crisis in Flint offers a powerful, albeit tragic, lesson in the critical importance of proactive water system care. By neglecting essential preventative measures, the city experienced devastating consequences that continue to affect its residents. Facilities across the nation must heed this warning and embrace a culture of diligent water maintenance. Leveraging tools like a CMMS alongside consistent maintenance practices empowers organizations to safeguard the health of their stakeholders and the integrity of their operations, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future.

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Stephen Brayton
       

About the Author – Stephen Brayton

       

Stephen L. Brayton is a Marketing Associate at Mapcon Technologies, Inc. He graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a degree in Communications. His background includes radio, hospitality, martial arts, and print media. He has authored several published books (fiction), and his short stories have been included in numerous anthologies. With his joining the Mapcon team, he ventures in a new and exciting direction with his writing and marketing. He’ll bring a unique perspective in presenting the Mapcon system to prospective companies, as well as our current valued clients.

       

Filed under: water maintenance, preventive maintenance, CMMS — Stephen Brayton on April 06, 2016