In the second episode of our series featuring Andrew Jacque and Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff from Water Quality Investigations, we continue exploring the world of biofilms and other common water quality issues in household water systems. Make sure you’ve caught Part 1 first that covers a lot of biofilm basics, and then here in Part 2 hear Andrew, Emily, Steve, and Jennifer further discuss biofilm-induced water quality issues, water chemistry, microbial corrosion, the effectiveness of home treatment, and more advice for homeowners!
Topics Discussed
- Meet Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff | LinkedIn
- Emily’s Water Hero: Abigail Cantor, President of Process Research Solutions
- Meet Andrew Jacque | LinkedIn
- Andrew’s Water Hero: A collective of colleagues, mentors, and academic influences, including but not limited to: Dr. Bruce Rittman, Dr. Joe Falkinham, Dr. Greg Harrington, Nancy Quirk of Green Bay Water
- What kind of water quality issues can biofilms cause?
- Differences in biofilms from private wells versus public water supplies
- Microbial induced corrosion
- Preventing biofilms
- How to deal with biofilms in home water systems
- The effectiveness of treatment methods like chlorination and UV in wells
- Advice for homeowners
- Connect with Water Quality Investigations
“The biggest thing that people can do without a plumbing or water background is just try to reduce stagnation. Flushing water, flushing your water heater. Everything sitting stagnant is what’s contributing to a lot of residential water issues.”Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff
Go Further
You’re invited to discuss the episode in our LinkedIn Group. If you decide to share on Twitter, please use the hashtag #TapTalkPodcast. And, of course, make sure to subscribe in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
About the Guest
Dr. Andrew Jacque is the Chief Scientist and founder of Water Quality Investigations. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of water supply and treatment; including university teaching, engineering consulting, and public service. In his work, Dr. Jacque has pioneered an analytical approach to characterize water quality issues caused by microbial occurrence in groundwater wells, drinking water distribution systems, and water related infrastructure. This approach has reduced corrosion in wells and drinking water systems; reduced radium, arsenic/metals, and microbial activity in wells; and lowered disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems. Dr. Jacque holds three engineering degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison: A BS in Structural Engineering, and both an MS and a PhD in Environmental Engineering.
Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff is a Water Quality Scientist at Water Quality Investigations. She has been with WQI since 2018, which she joined due to her passion for helping both rural and municipal residents improve and maintain their water quality. Emily has previously worked as a technician with Agricultural Research of Wisconsin, and continues to play an active role in her family’s dairy farm in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. She holds a BS in Soil & Crop Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.