Staff Reporter

These Natural Cleaning Products from Saje Are a Joy to Use

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

In our We Love This series we highlight the best style, beauty and home stuff—found, tested and obsessed over by us. Here, the products that make our beauty director actually excited to clean.

I’d long heard legends of people who swore by the stress relieving power of a scrubbing session. I regarded them much like I did the folks who rhapsodized about runner’s high. As in, I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, I’m just quite sure it won’t ever happen to me.

Well, I get it now (not the running—that still fails to ignite even the vaguest enjoyment in me). I recently encountered household products that are so delightful, they elevate cleaning to the ranks of full-blown self-care.

Photo: Saje

They are by Saje, the Canadian company known for its diffusers and wellness-promoting essential oil blends, and are by far the most exciting items to have ever resided under my kitchen sink. Following two years of research and development, the brand recently debuted its revamped home range. The formulas are all-natural, vegan and free of the harsh chemicals usually found in their more traditional counterparts, like chlorine bleach, phthalates, triclosan and ammonia.

That makes them not only greener but also gentler on the skin and respiratory tract. Also helpful in that regard are the natural scents, which stem from high-quality essential oils chosen for their deep cleaning and disinfecting properties, as well as their pleasurable aroma.

Photo: Saje

The products come in apothecary-style amber bottles that are so pretty, you won’t even want to hide them under that aforementioned sink. But the best part is that they’re refillable. You get the full kit first (with the bottle and product concentrate, which comes in a small glass vial) for $24 and then purchase refills for $10. Just pour it in the bottle, then fill the remainder with water. That’s estimated to reduce the carbon footprint of the products by about 60 per cent.

First up is a bathroom cleaner spiked with tea tree and thyme oils, both antimicrobial and great at neutralizing unwanted odours, and lemon oil, which boasts natural antibacterial properties. It’s also got decyl glucoside, a non-ionic surfactant (the widely used anionic type has been associated with skin irritation), derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil and sugars, which dislodges dirt, grime and soap scum.

Saje Bathroom Cleaning Kit, $24, saje.com

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I’ve used it on my bathroom sink, toilet and tile backsplash and can confirm it leaves surfaces sparkling while permeating the air with a fresh, smile-inducing scent. A marked improvement from the nostril-burning peroxide stench that used to greet me after my weekly scrub down.

While I’m in there, I also spritz the mirror and shower surround with the glass and mirror cleaner. Sweet, zesty hints of lemon, lemon eucalyptus (a type of eucalyptus with a citrusy scent) and grapefruit help cover up the vinegar and ethyl alcohol in the formula, both derived from corn and both tried-and-true allies for removing grease and grime. There are no streaks to be found, just a gorgeous, all-over gleam.

Saje Glass and Mirror Cleaning Kit, $24, saje.com

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Last but not least is my favourite from the bunch. A multi-surface cleaner that comes in two scents: black spruce and eucalyptus, or lemon and grapefruit. They smell nothing short of heavenly—it’s like lighting a fancy candle, only one that also cleans at the same time.

They can tackle pretty much anything you throw at them thanks to naturally antibacterial oils and plant-powered cleaning agents like capryl glucoside, another non-ionic surfactant that comes from coconut oil, palm kernel oil and sugars. It’s fantastic at doing away with dirt and grease on counters, cupboards and appliances.

Saje Multi-Surface Cleaning Kit, $24, saje.com

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Something about standing back and seeing my kitchen all tidy—faucet and cooktop twinkling, fingerprints on the fridge but a memory—feels strangely soothing. It reminds me of a conversation I had not too long ago with Dr. Lindsay McCunn, an environmental psychologist—meaning someone who studies the relationships between people and spaces.

She was telling me how essential our surroundings are to us as humans. “It’s almost irrational not to consider that when you’re considering your mental health,” she said. “Social interactions are always happening somewhere. And the amount of control you have over that area—what it looks like, how it makes you feel—comes into play to help you feel comfortable and safe and well, or not.”

When it feels like the world outside is on fire with no emergency exit in sight, that proves even truer. Making our homes clean and organized gives us a semblance of control when we lack it in so many other areas. It also helps us create a refuge where we can close the door on the chaos raging on outside.

I think that’s a big part of why I’ve been finding cleaning so therapeutic lately. But the other major reason is the way these particular products make me feel. See, recently, I’ve been struggling a lot with eco-anxiety— a.k.a., worrying about the declining state of the planet—an increasingly common phenomenon. (Watch out for a bigger story on that later this week.)

Every time I take out the garbage and recycling to the curb, I feel my heart start to race. The sight of bags plump with the byproducts of my existence sends me spiralling. I imagine plastic bottles being rolled away to a landfill. I think about all the millions of residents of island nations who have lost or will lose their home as a result of the recklessness of rich countries like ours.

Refillable, biodegradable cleaning products won’t fix that of course, but they at least feel like a baby step in the right direction. Knowing I’m reducing my waste and not sending toxic substances down the drain brings me a tiny bit of relief when I feel powerless over the Earth’s future. I breathe in deeply as I spray the bottles, lovely notes lingering all around me. I feel my shoulders loosen, my pulse lower. Call it a cleaner’s high.

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Texas ranks among the best states for remote work, according to study | Texas News | San Antonio

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Flcikr / person seo

About 20% of all jobs posted at the beginning of 2022 were for remote work, according to WalletHub.

Even as life gradually returns to normal, 25%-35% of Americans are still working from home. If you fall in that cohort, then you should thank your lucky stars that you’re in Texas, as the state ranks among one of the best for remote workers, according to a new study.

Texas ranks as the No. 7 best state to live in for remote workers, according to a study from WalletHub. The personal finance website cited the state’s high average square footage of homes and low cost of internet service as some of the reasons for the Lone Star State’s spot in the top 10.

The top 10 list of WalletHub’s Best States for Working from Home is as follows:

New Jersey
District of Columbia
Delaware
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Utah
Texas
Washington
Maryland
New York

WalletHub compiled the list using 12 key metrics, including the number of telecommuting jobs available and the average cost of living, with New Jersey copping the No.1 spot. Meanwhile, Alaska was ranked as the worst state for remote workers.

Although Texas ranked high in some metrics, it was pretty average when it came to the cost of electricity and household internet access, for which it ranked No. 25 and No. 29, respectively.

According to WalletHub, 20% of all job listings were for remote work at the beginning of 2022.

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City of Ocala issues precautionary boil water advisory for SW 1st Avenue to Sanchez Avenue

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

The City of Ocala Water Resources Department has issued a precautionary boil water advisory which affects SW 1st Avenue to Sanchez Avenue, between Fort King and SE 12th Street.

On Sunday, April 17, a break occurred at SE 3rd Avenue due to a water main malfunction, and this may cause contamination of all the drinking water in the affected area.

The Water Resources Department advises that all water used for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, making ice, washing dishes, or food preparation must be brought to a boil until further notice. Boil water vigorously for one minute and let it cool before use, or use bottled water. Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

This precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. Customers will be notified when water conditions have returned to drinking water standards.

For more information, contact the Water Resources Department at 352-351-6775. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the Environmental Protection Agency by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

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Biggest Machine Learning, Robotic, Automation April Week 2

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Weekly AiThority Roundup: Biggest Machine Learning, Robotic, Automation April Week 2

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EPA to start gathering outdoor air samples in Billings parks | News

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

The following is a press release from the City of Billings:

BILLINGS – As part of its Billings PCE Superfund site monitoring, the Environmental Protection Agency will begin collecting outdoor air samples this week.

The sampling will be conducted using metal canisters in six city parks, including Mountview Cemetery, Optimist Park, South Park, Community Park, Pioneer Park, and North Park.

The canisters will be in place for 24 hours and will have signage posted nearby to explain why they are there. Residents who spot these canisters should not call emergency services.

While in Billings, the EPA will also continue vapor intrusion sampling that started in March. The EPA, its contractor, and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality will collect indoor air samples from about 50 homes and businesses from April 19 to 29.

In early May the EPA will provide an update of activities planned for the rest of that month.

To learn more about the Billings PCE Superfund Site, click here.

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Bird flu in Washtenaw County after pet parrots succumb to it

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

WASHTENAW COUNTY (WWJ) — The highly contagious avian influenza has been spotted in Washtenaw County after pet birds succumbed to the virus.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) spokeswoman, Jennifer Holton, said some parrots in the residence were the latest in the state to die from the disease.

They are currently working with the birds’ owners to finalize a flock plan in order to prevent any further disease spread.

This virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, said the MDARD. Even wild birds can spread it by coming into contact with infected poultry, equipment or the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

But the virus is not so likely to spread to pet birds, says State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland.

“It’s important to recognize it’s very difficult for pet birds to catch avian influenza if the proper precautions are taken to stop the virus,” said Wineland. “For example, put in safeguards to not introduce any material, food, or clothing that wild birds may have contaminated.”

Holton says pet birds in a family home are unlikely to have any contact with wild birds, but their contact with contaminated material could be indirectly through exposed food, cage furniture or an owner’s clothing.

However, humans should not be concerned about this influenza. The CDC stated this aviary flu doesn’t present an immediate public health concern.

Furthermore, no human cases of this avian influenza have been detected in the United States. Also, no birds or bird products infected with the virus will enter the food chain, said the CDC.

But officials are saying this is the time to start protecting Michigan’s birds.

“No matter what bird species or how many birds one owns—now is the time to protect them. Bird owners need to take every strategy to protect their flocks and reduce the spread of HPAI within our state,” said Wineland. “MDARD continues to act swiftly to reduce the spread and respond to the ongoing presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Michigan.”

Whether you have a large commercial flock or just a few birds in your backyard, MDARD has included the following fundamental key steps in protecting the health and vitality of Michigan’s domestic birds:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.

• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.

• Disinfecting boots and other gear when moving between coops.

• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.

• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.

• Using well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.

• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.

Any domestic bird owners or caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption or an increase in sick birds — if avian influenza is suspected, contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).

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Naples homebuilder, soaking up demand, adds solar unit | Business Observer

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Kaye Lifestyle Homes recently launched solar home division.

The Naples-based firm, in a statement, says it’s responding to “increased homebuyer requests for innovative building practices that address energy efficiency, sustainability and durability in new home construction.”

Kaye Lifestyle Homes Operations Manager Ben Kaye was named to lead the new division. Key elements of the company’s high-performance homebuilding process, according to the statement, include:

Extra-thick Foamular insulation applied to all concrete block walls and foundation.
Top rated R-38 BATT insulated A/C ducts act as a secondary ceiling to bring ductwork adjacent to air-conditioned space and effectively seal the envelop of the home. Additional insulation is applied on the ceiling and in the attic where most heat and energy escapes.
High efficiency heating and cooling systems — lower tonnage usage results in a lower power draw.
Heat pump/hybrid water heater. To offset a water heater’s power consumption — one of the biggest power draws in a home — a heat pump installation pulls heat out of the air then uses the energy to efficiently heat water and help reduce power usage by almost 30%.
Low solar heat gain coefficient windows — dual-pane 185-aluminum single hung windows are specifically manufactured to reduce heat and lower energy.
Quality indoor air ventilation systems. Extra-thick HEPA and UVA filters, plus a full home ventilated dehumidifier that both decreases humidity and circulates filtered air, effectively doubles as a secondary home ventilation system.
Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, smart thermostats and low-flow water fixtures.

“High-performance building is one of the top three energy trends in residential construction today,” Ben Kaye says in the statement. “It is a form of green building but one with a focus on energy performance. One of the greatest advantages of building to a high-performance standard is the built-in resilience and durability that comes with an airtight, well-insulated home. Factors such as choosing a basic house shape, roof assembly and the types of materials used all play a part in reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency.”

KLH is one of few Southwest Florida builders offering sustainable and environmentally sensitive solar panels, which, in some cases, include the incentive of a 26% federal tax credit.

Founded in 1985 by Stuart and Jay Kaye, Kaye Lifestyle Homes has built more than 4,000 homes. KLH services include luxury custom homebuilding, 11 Signature and Designer Series home designs ranging in size from 1,127 to 3,500 square feet of living space in three- and four-bedroom configurations, home renovations, a collection of home sites and home financing options. KLH home designs are priced from the $300,000s to more than $5 million.

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Microplastics found in living blood and lung tissue

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

In the 1950s, the world produced about 1.5 million tons of plastic annually. By 2017, that number exponentially increased to over 300 million tons. Plastic is often found in food packaging, cleaning products, vehicles, and even construction because of its versatility and durability as a material. However, the way we use plastic is not sustainable for the planet and it has become a major source of pollution.

That’s because plastics never fully decompose. The material just eventually breaks down into small pieces called microplastics. These plastic pieces are so small—less than 5 millimeters in size—that they can be transported by air, accumulate on the ocean floor, or end up in the food chain. Because microplastics are everywhere, human exposure is pretty much a given. However, there is still much to know about its impacts on our health.

New studies found microplastics inside the body

We’ve known for a while that microplastics can be ingested and pass through the digestive system. However, two 2022 studies, published in Environment International and Science of The Total Environment respectively, found microplastics in human blood and living lung tissues for the first time.

The authors of the blood study reported that the mean of the sum concentrations of plastic particles they found was 1.6 micrograms of total plastic particles per milliliter of blood sample. Meanwhile, the lung tissue study detected microplastics within all regions of the lungs. Both studies found polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in their samples, the plastic material commonly used to make plastic bottles.

Until recently, some researchers argued that ingested microplastics posed no harm since they were passing through the body and coming out in the stool, says Fay Couceiro, biogeochemistry and environmental pollution expert in the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying at the University of Portsmouth, who was not involved in either study. At the time, it was a somewhat valid—if short-sighted—argument since the smallest particles scientists could identify as plastics were more than 20 microns, which are too big to get into our tissues or bloodstream, she adds.

“However, those of us working in the field of microplastics were well aware that there were lots more, smaller microplastic particles that we couldn’t yet verify as plastics,” says Couceiro. “As new technologies have been introduced, our analytical capabilities have improved and now we can now find the smaller microplastics getting into our lungs or even measure the plastic in our blood by weight.”

It’s not surprising that small numbers of microplastic particles and fibers were found in lung tissue because indoor air contains high concentrations of microplastics, says Mark E. Hahn, senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In fact, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials previously found the presence of microplastics in human lung tissues obtained from autopsies.

The results of the recent lung tissue study do not tell us anything about whether these microplastics cause damage to the lungs or harm the person inhaling them. Still, it provides information about the size of microplastics retained in the lung and where they can be found, which is useful in determining the extent of their impacts on human health, says Hahn.

“To perform meaningful trials on human health impacts of microplastics, it is critical to know what type of plastics are in us, where they are in us, how many and what size,” says Couceiro. Knowing that microplastics can be found in the blood, researchers may begin trials to study whether they can block blood vessels or disrupt organ functions, she adds.

Effects of microplastics on health are not yet fully understood

Microplastics are considered as an emerging pollutant since scientists only recently realized that they exist, says Couceiro. Researchers are still working out the best methods of analyzing them, which means that we have yet to understand their impacts on human health, she adds.

The levels of exposure (and toxicity) of having microplastics inside the body are not yet understood because they are so difficult to measure, especially the particles smaller than 10 micrometers that are thought to be most easily transported in the body, says Hahn.

What we do know so far is that high concentrations of microplastics in our lungs may cause inflammation, asthma-like symptoms, and tissue damage, says Couceiro. Microplastics in the gut have also been found to cause changes in the human gut microbiome.

A 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that individuals with severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms had a higher concentration of fecal microplastics. However, more studies are needed to understand whether microplastics contribute to IBD or people with IBD simply accumulate more microplastics.

Microplastics don’t just pose a potential threat by themselves—they also absorb toxic organic substances that may affect human health and function as their carrier. They can bind to chemicals that are found in the environment, like trace organic compounds (TrOCs), as well as the chemical additives from plastic production. This is concerning because plastics often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that affect the body’s hormone systems and potentially lead to reproductive disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Determining the specific consequences of microplastics on human health is absolutely urgent, says Couceiro.

How to reduce microplastic exposure

Although the health risks of microplastics in the body are not yet clear, it’s important to err on the side of caution and avoid them nonetheless.

Microplastics likely make their way into the body through ingestion and inhalation, says Hahn. It’s difficult to provide specific advice on how to reduce human exposure to microplastics, but minimizing the contact of food with plastic and spending more time outdoors may help, he adds.

Much of the larger microplastics in food and drinks seem to originate from plastic packaging, so consumers can avoid food that is wrapped and/or microwaved in plastic, says Couceiro. Plastic containers and personal care products are sources of human exposure to microplastics. Even cutting or tearing plastic packaging can generate microplastics as well.

“We spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, and the number of microplastics in indoor air is usually much higher than outdoor air where numbers are diluted,” says Couceiro. Reducing the number of synthetic fabrics and carpets in your home and closet could be a big step, she says. Improving ventilation and increasing vacuum cleaner use may lower the concentration of microplastics indoors, too.

To mitigate microplastic pollution, manufacturers and policymakers must also do their part by reducing and regulating the production (and consumption) of plastic products.

“When we get to the crux of the matter, the only way to prevent this problem from getting bigger than it already will be is to stop using plastic wherever possible,” says Couceiro.

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Nelson Poynter Memorial Library to have a new look in the fall – The Crow’s Nest at USF St. Petersburg

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

The library renovations come just a few weeks away from the end of the spring semester and are planned to be completed in September of this year.

Courtesy of Sofía García Vargas | The Crow’s Nest

By Sofía García Vargas

The Nelson Poynter Memorial Library (NPML) at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg is currently under renovation, promising a better structure of the first floor to meet the needs of the growing USF community.

Just a few weeks away from the end of the semester, giant plastic curtains cover two-thirds of the first level of the library, disrupting the usual calmness of the building. Despite the inconveniences, the renovations aim to further expand the student, faculty and community experience at the university.

Interim Campus Library Dean Kaya van Beynen told The Crow’s Nest that the project is being built by the company DIRTT and will cost $1,250,000, with completion planned for September of this year. 

The modernization changes the traditionally spacious front desk and The plan includes significant changes to two-thirds of the first floor, which will provide more space for the growing campus. Courtesy of USF.

A significant number of changes will be made, starting with the addition of a row of glass study rooms along the south side of the atrium. Additionally, the front desk will be redesigned to make it fit within a smaller, more modern space.

The Student Technology Center (STC) will also have a new look, expanding to include small workshop spaces and a “genius bar” –– where students can get tech support –– in addition to its existing software and hardware aid, a maker space with robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality/augmented reality equipment and high-end multimedia computers.

The Poynter Corner in the southwest area of the first floor, home to many university and community events, has been cataloged as problematic by many, including van Beynen.

“While this area is beautiful with windows along three walls, it’s been problematic for several reasons. Its tucked away in the back corner and visitors have a hard time finding it, there’s no barrier, so when we have events, these can be disturbing to students studying nearby,” van Beynen said.

For this reason, the current recreational gallery space near the entrance will be fixed up for improved capacity to hold events. The space and furniture will be flexible to better accommodate small and large events, and with the long row of glass study rooms, future library events will not disturb the studying of students. 

According to van Beynen, one of the biggest changes will be the reconfiguration of the entrance and exit to the library.

“The exit will be removed and the front entrance will become both an entrance and an exit,” van Beynen said.

As one of the St. Petersburg campus’ main pillars is to increase sustainability, the renovation project plans to further these efforts by changing the current lighting to LED lighting.

Additionally, the current exit will be turned into a green wall including the use of plants to clean the indoor air and give the library a “calming, green aesthetic.”

Everything from the floor to the furniture is being renovated, which will allow for more students to navigate the first floor. Courtesy of Sofía García Vargas | The Crow’s Nest.

Planning for this renovation initiated back in 2018, which according to van Beynen, started with the holding of a series of focus groups with students and faculty to discuss what the library was missing.

“Unsurprisingly, this confirmed our anecdotal knowledge that students wanted increased capacity for safe late night study space, more study rooms, increased Wi-Fi and electronical outlets,” van Beynen said.

“Library staff knew that new visitors wanted to leave using the entrance and that visitors frequently didn’t notice the exit. We also knew that our front desk work patterns had changed. We just didn’t need that big of a desk.” 

Courtesy of Sofía García Vargas | The Crow’s Nest.

While the NPML has undergone several significant changes in its almost 30 years –– the latest one being in 2019 –– it has never been fully renovated. However, after a $1 million donation made by Josephine Hall –– a regular attendee to the university’s public events –– and a $250,000 donation by Lynn Pippenger in 2019, USF was able to carry out this project.

According to van Beynen, considering the way the USF community studies, communicates and conducts research has changed in the past years, the renovations will provide an update to accommodate those needs.

“When I first started working at NPML in the early 2000s, most of the first floor was taken up by ranges of shelves filled with print journals, reference books (telephone books, encyclopedias, indexes, etc.), and films in DVD and VHS,” van Beynen said. “But technology has changed and most of these resources are now available online.”

“To adapt around, we’ve progressively weeded these collections to remove those that were out-of-date or available online. The remaining print journal collections (those that are not yet online) and the media collection have now been relocated to the second and third floor of the library. This opened up a lot of space that we could convert to student study space, the STC and the Poynter Corner event space.”

According to van Beynen, student study preferences have changed as well.

“Students do a lot of group work now, and we regularly host study groups particularly among the biology, business and nursing students,” van Beynen said.

“Library hours have progressively expanded into the evening and into the early morning. We’re open until 2 a.m. now Monday through Thursday, and regularly get requests for additional extended hours leading up to exam weeks. But we’ve always needed to balance access to the library with student safety and have never had the ability to close off some of the staff workspace and the second and third floors [to] students and members of the public. With this renovation project, we’ll soon have the capacity to close off most of the library during late evenings so that students can continue to safely use the library.”

Even though no further renovation plans have been scheduled yet, van Beynen said, “we are always trying to think how we can improve our library into a welcoming, service oriented, efficient, high-tech and just plain beautiful building.”

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Written by: Sofia Garcia Vargas on April 18, 2022.

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Saint-Gobain To Provide Safe Drinking Water To 1,000 Properties: State

April 18, 2022 by Staff Reporter

CONCORD, NH — The state and one of the leading companies that contaminated water in the central part of the state have reached an agreement to provide permanent drinking water to affected homes and businesses.

Around 1,000 properties in Bedford, Hudson, Litchfield, Londonderry, and Merrimack will receive the water, based on an agreement reached between the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, via the attorney general’s office, and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics of Merrimack. The agreement comes after years of those property owners, both homes and businesses, having to use bottled water since the discovery of perfluorooctanoic acid in wells, attributed to the plant’s air emissions about six years ago. The company and the state have worked to identify those residents with the greatest risk and provided them with interim bottled water and point-of-use treatment systems. New waterline connections were also issued to hundreds of properties.

After the contamination threshold was lowered, more property wells were found to be contaminated.

Bob Scott, the commissioner of environmental services, said the state was pleased with the agreement.

“The families and businesses occupying these properties will finally get a permanent solution after a long period of relying on bottled water,” he said.

The company will provide additional plans to have the properties access new waterlines or point-of-use treatment systems under the agreement.

“Ensuring safe drinking water is something we take very seriously,” said John Formella, the attorney general. “This agreement is an important step forward in a continuing, multi-faceted effort to ensure impacted New Hampshire residents have access to clean drinking water.”

The department will host a remote meeting for those affected communities at 6:30 p.m. on May 4.

To register to attend the meeting, click on the following link: Registration (gotowebinar.com).

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