Xylem, Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Water Well Trust partner to ensure reliable water supply for local Richards family Brett, Paula and their son, Chaz Richards will have secure access to safe and reliable water, thanks to a recent collaborative effort between Xylem Inc., the Water Well Trust (WWT) and Waterboys – a charity Read more
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Xylem, Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Water Well Trust partner to ensure reliable water supply for local Richards family
Brett, Paula and their son, Chaz Richards will have secure access to safe and reliable water, thanks to a recent collaborative effort between Xylem Inc., the Water Well Trust (WWT) and Waterboys – a charity initiative founded by two-time Super Bowl Champion, Chris Long. As part of the project, the family received a comprehensive upgrade, including all necessary equipment and installation required for drilling a new well and building a pump house. Additionally, project partners worked to update the property with fresh mulch and a new coat of paint. Donations from local distributor Warren Pump & Supply Co., well driller and pump installer Mount Water Well Drilling, as well as The Vinyl Institute who donated PVC piping material, rounded out the project and were instrumental to its success.
“We’ve known the Richards family for years and I’m glad we can help them during this challenging time. Our goal is to ensure they have plenty of good, clean water in their home, so they won’t have to worry about water issues anymore,” said Todd Mount, Mount Water Well Drilling. “I think this project will be a blessing for their family, and it’s a blessing for us to be able to help. One of the things I love about this business is that we’re always helping someone get good water in their house, no matter what the situation is – that’s what we do.”
Since 2008, the Richards family has faced severe water shortages due to a low water supply in their well and an outdated casing. Plans to replace the defective well were put on hold due to unexpected medical issues for both Brett and Paula. This left the family struggling with basic needs, limiting showers to just three minutes, not using their washer for five years and barely using the tap. As the water supply continued to worsen, caring for up to four foster children became increasingly challenging, with even flushing the toilet becoming an issue at times.
“Our family has struggled with low water resources for years, adapting to a lifestyle that many wouldn’t imagine—from taking quick, military-style showers to timing our laundry days carefully. When we got the call about this project moving forward, it was an incredible blessing,” said Brett Richards, Water Well Trust beneficiary. “The thought of finally being able to turn on the water and enjoy a proper shower or even consider a garden in the future is overwhelming. We’re truly grateful for this opportunity to improve our daily lives.”
“Providing clean, reliable water to families like the Richards is at the heart of what we do. Every family deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have sustainable safe water in their home, and we’re honored to be a part of making that a reality,” said Chris Long, 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner and founder of the Chris Long Foundation.
The Richards family’s well upgrade marks the 19th HometownH2O project, an extension of the Chris Long Foundation’s domestic water initiative working alongside WWT and Xylem to provide clean, sustainable water to communities in need. Water scarcity issues currently leave more than 2.2 million Americans without access to clean water, making this joint effort between Long, his Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Xylem a vital resource for families across the country.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of this impactful initiative for the Richards family. By providing them with a new well and pump house, we’ve been able to address their critical water needs and offer a renewed sense of stability,” said Susan O’Grady, senior director of marketing, building services and agriculture, Xylem. “This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative water solutions and underscores the significant impact that secure access to clean water can have on a family’s quality of life.”
Xylem, in conjunction with its Goulds Water Technology brand, is engaged in regular water well initiatives to provide secure water access to rural areas, striving to increase public awareness of the challenges surrounding lack of water access. For more information about the Chris Long Foundation’s HometownH2O projects, visit waterboys.org/hometown.
High school students of GPDA members receive $24,000 in scholarships to fund higher education Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) scholarships. The initiative serves as a valuable resource for GPDA members, awarding $24,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students across the Read more
High school students of GPDA members receive $24,000 in scholarships to fund higher education
Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Goulds Professional Dealers Association (GPDA) scholarships. The initiative serves as a valuable resource for GPDA members, awarding $24,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students across the U.S. every year. Each student receives $1,500 in scholarship money, which is granted based on academic standing, volunteerism and leadership skills, and enables students to pursue higher education at the college or technical school level. GPDA scholarship recipients are family members of GPDA members, highlighting the company’s support and commitment to independent dealers and young talent. Since its inception, the annual GPDA scholarship program has awarded more than $420,000 to 352 recipients.
“At Goulds Water Technology, we understand the importance of education and the positive impact it has on the future of our industry,” said Jen Manswell, demand generation manager, Residential & Agriculture, Xylem. “Each year, we take great pride in presenting these scholarships, helping to propel students toward their education goals, enrich their futures and reinforce the foundation of our industry. Through GPDA, we support our members and their students on their path to success.”
This year’s GPDA scholarship recipients are located across the U.S. and Canada, each bringing their unique potential and ambition to the water technology industry. The 2023 recipients are:
- Makayla Kemp, Robstown, Texas – A&R Septic Services LLC
- Solomon Hancock, Idaho Falls, Idaho – American Pump Company
- James Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
- Cazden Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
- Alex Christensen, Hartington, Nebraska – Christensen Well and Irrigation
- Dalton Molnar, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada – Don’s Plumbing and Heating
- Trevyn Keene, Grand Island, Nebraska – Wells Plumbing Co., Inc.
- Kayna Deschênes, St. Pascal, Québec, Canada – Les Puits Artésiens Deschênes, Inc.
- Abigail Burnette, Concord, North Carolina – Commercial Services
- Andrew Daisey, Millsboro, Delaware – Daisey’s Well Drilling
- Braelyn Brenneman, Accident, Maryland – Brenneman Well Drilling, Inc.
- Leah Brenneman, Friendsville, Maryland – Brenneman Well Drilling, Inc.
- Vidhya Boggs, Pound, Virginia – Boggs Municipal Services, Inc.
- Ava Miranda, Hallettsville, Texas – Chandler Drilling
- Harrison Steinberger, Rockwall, Texas – H&H Waterwell
- Kenneth Muller, Ridgefield, Connecticut – Interstate Artesian Well Co.
Recipient Spotlight: James, Alex and Cazden Christensen
James, Alex and Cazden Christensen are just three of this year’s GPDA scholarship program recipients. Their family-run business, Christensen Well & Irrigation, specializes in water well drilling services. The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and Alex, James and Cazden are an integral part of its success.
“My favorite thing to do at Christensen Well is going out on water calls and saving the day for people who are out of water,” said James, providing crucial assistance to those facing water scarcity. His free time is reserved for outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing.
James and Cazden are headed to Northeast Community College, studying electrical construction and control, while Alex is attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study mechanical engineering.
GPDA is the industry’s oldest and largest dealers’ association, founded over 50 years ago. As a world-class professional membership organization, GPDA provides independent dealers with extensive technical and product training, sales leads and marketing support. More than 20,000 dealers and distributors have graduated from its education center, going on to further their product knowledge, grow their businesses and help tackle water scarcity in their local communities.
The Dittman family of Parker, Pennsylvania, has received a new water well system yesterday that will provide dependable water access on their property, something the family has been living without. This installation was made possible through a collaborative effort between Xylem Inc., Water Well Trust (WWT) and Waterboys, a charity founded by former NFL player Read more
The Dittman family of Parker, Pennsylvania, has received a new water well system yesterday that will provide dependable water access on their property, something the family has been living without. This installation was made possible through a collaborative effort between Xylem Inc., Water Well Trust (WWT) and Waterboys, a charity founded by former NFL player Chris Long. The donation covered all aspects of the project, including necessary equipment, drilling and installation, as well as completion of a home improvement project. Local partners Aquaflow Pump Supply and Flick Drilling played a crucial role in the installation, while The Vinyl Institute provided piping material.
Amanda and Samuel Dittman live with their two children in a farmhouse built by Amanda’s great-great-grandfather in 1903. The home, which has been passed down through generations, drew water from a natural spring on the property. Over the years, the family has experienced a continuous decline in their water supply. The spring does not consistently produce water, and provides no water during the dry season, leaving the family without access to a dependable water source. As a result, the Dittmans have relied on family and neighbors to help them haul water daily from town – a 40-minute round-trip drive – and add it to their holding tank. Despite implementing water conservation practices, the family continued to struggle with basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, showering, doing laundry and tending to their garden.
“I am proud of the history of this house, but it does come with some challenges. There have been a lot of times we’ve thought about moving, even though it wouldn’t allow us to live how we want to,” said Water Well Trust beneficiary Amanda Dittman. “My neighbor always checks on us in the summer to ask if we need water or to use her laundry. It’s a relief to tell her that we finally have water, and she doesn’t have to worry about us anymore. It’s a huge weight off our shoulders.”
This donation marks the 14th collaborative project for Xylem, WWT and HometownH2O – a domestic water initiative dedicated to bringing clean, sustainable water to people and communities in need across the United States. Launched in early 2020, HometownH2O is a united effort between Long, his Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Xylem to address water scarcity issues, which currently leave more than 2 million Americans without access to clean water. HometownH2O works alongside WWT, a national nonprofit that helps fund and supply water to low-income families.
“HometownH2O is working to tackle the water crisis here at home. Many people in the United States take safe drinking water for granted, but no matter your zip code, everyone deserves access to dependable water,” said Long, two-time Super Bowl champion and founder of the
Chris Long Foundation. “Our mission with each well installation we complete is to continue to spread awareness and through collaborative solutions, bring water access to those who need it most. Xylem and Water Well Trust are indispensable partners in this effort.”
“Our partnership with the Chris Long Foundation and the Water Well Trust through the HometownH2O program allows us to continue to address domestic water scarcity issues that impact countless families across the United States,” said Susan O’Grady, senior director of marketing, building services and agriculture, Xylem. “We are proud to be part of the solution to ensure that residents in rural communities, like Parker Pennsylvania, can enjoy the essential resource of clean, safe water.”
Xylem, in conjunction with its Goulds Water Technology brand, is engaged in regular water well initiatives to provide secure water access to rural areas, striving to increase public awareness of the challenges surrounding lack of water access. For more information about the HometownH2O project, visit waterboys.org/hometown.
Dynamic training in Seneca Falls offers interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning experience At the forefront of industry training, Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, has released the 2023 third quarter course schedule for its training facility in Seneca Falls, New York. Product, application and troubleshooting courses will be offered from August through the end of Read more
Dynamic training in Seneca Falls offers interactive demonstrations and hands-on learning experience
At the forefront of industry training, Goulds Water Technology, a Xylem brand, has released the 2023 third quarter course schedule for its training facility in Seneca Falls, New York. Product, application and troubleshooting courses will be offered from August through the end of September at the Goulds Water Technology Factory School covering commercial/industrial pumps, residential water systems and wastewater pumping.
Taught by full-time instructors and experienced Xylem staff, courses cover an extensive range of product lines and related systems. In addition to applications, markets, troubleshooting and system components, students will gain hands-on learning through interactive demonstrations of pumps and controls in the lab facility. Most classes also include a tour of Xylem’s manufacturing facility in Auburn, New York.
“Goulds Water Technology Factory School is a fierce advocate of the importance of immersive, hands-on training for industry professionals,” said Tom Stephan, training manager, Goulds Water Technology. “Our interactive sessions allow distributors, dealers and engineers to experiment and troubleshoot various scenarios in a low-risk academic setting, ultimately fostering their success in real-world applications. Our staff is eager to welcome a new class to the Factory School later this summer.”
For more than three decades, Goulds Water Technology Factory School has been a trusted source of knowledge for water industry professionals, offering training on the newest developments in commercial, residential and agricultural applications. In-person sessions held at the Campbell Education Center include modernized classrooms and laboratories equipped with interactive touch boards and flexible configurations, allowing for dynamic demonstrations, as well as digital-forward training activities.
The Goulds Water Technology Factory School is open to distributors, dealers and Original Equipment Manufacturers with at least one year of industry experience.
Q3 2023 Goulds Water Technology Factory School schedule:
- Commercial/Industrial Pump Product & Application School: Aug. 21-24
- Residential Water System Product Application & Troubleshooting School: Sept. 11-14
- Wastewater Pumping Product & Application School: Sept. 25-28
Detailed class descriptions for Factory School courses are available here.
To register for an in-person course, or learn more about Goulds Water Technology learning opportunities, visit the updated website at https://goulds.com/factory-school. For e-learning courses and other virtual training resources, visit https://goulds.com/e-learning.
Xylem is addressing current challenges and provide solution-specific insights for dewatering, clarification, sludge collection, biosolids management, disinfection, filtration applications and more. The Xylem portfolio of systems designed to meet the demands of water and wastewater treatment will feature products from Flygt, Godwin and Goulds Water Technology. “The water and wastewater sectors are at a critical juncture right now Read more
Xylem is addressing current challenges and provide solution-specific insights for dewatering, clarification, sludge collection, biosolids management, disinfection, filtration applications and more. The Xylem portfolio of systems designed to meet the demands of water and wastewater treatment will feature products from Flygt, Godwin and Goulds Water Technology.
“The water and wastewater sectors are at a critical juncture right now. These two sides of the water system are coming together, seeking total solutions and service support that goes well beyond standalone equipment,” said Ken Albaugh, director of sales & services, Xylem Rental Solutions.
• Flygt Concertor is a complete, clog-free wastewater pumping solution with integrated monitoring and control software that senses the operating conditions of its environment and adapts performance to provide real-time feedback to station operators.
• Godwin NC100 Critically Silenced Dri-Prime Pump comes equipped with the non-clogging, non-stop performance of the proven Flygt N-technology. This portable pump series delivers sustained hydraulic efficiency to handle tough wastewater pumping applications.
• Goulds Water Technology’s AGS Series grinder pumps feature axial grinder and semi-open impeller technology to easily slice through the solids, flushables and trash found in the modern wastewater stream without roping or clogging by reducing waste to a fine slurry. The AGS pump design minimizes downtime and service issues.
For more info, www.xylem.com