Livingston Reporting - page 29

Tesla Electric Semi Completes 500-Mile Trip

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An all-electric class eight commercial truck that Tesla initially presented in 2017 has finally completed its first 500-mile trip with a full load. Slated to be in production in 2019, with 10,000 trucks made by 2022, the Tesla Semi production has been slow at best. Finally manufactured in October of 2022, deliveries are scheduled for early December. Tesla boasts their revolutionary semi can travel between 300 and 500 miles carrying 80,000 pounds. 

Currently being assembled in Reno, Nevada, Tesla plans on creating up to 50,000 units per year starting in 2024, which equates to more than 100 vehicles per day. With that much output, it would make Tesla one of the largest class eight manufacturers throughout North America. 

The Tesla Semi comes standard with Tesla Autopilot, making driving almost effortless on freeways. Several other companies (Volvo, Freightliner, and Nikola) have attempted to beat Tesla to market with other class eight semis, but they came up short in mileage range.

On November 27, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said, “Tesla team just completed a 500-mile drive with a Tesla Semi weighing in at 81,000 lbs.!” 

Commercial long-haul semi-truckers are required to stop and take a break after eight hours of driving, so the 500-mile capacity is ideal between charges. With such a heavy capacity and a reduced cost of operation per mile compared to diesel trucks, Tesla Semi is anticipated to impact the trucking industry.

The jury is still out in terms of independent tests, but according to Tesla, the energy consumption of their semi is lower than 2 kWh/mile, making their battery consumption lower than 1,000 kWh at 500 miles. 

Pricing varies, but when initially unveiled in 2017, the base price with a 300-mile range was $150,000. For a 500-mile range, $180,000, with a base reservation price of $20,000. For a Founders Series Tesla Semi, it would set back the purchaser $200,000, with the reservation being the same price. 

When fully loaded, the Tesla Semi acceleration is expected to be 0 – 60 mph in 20 seconds and have an estimated battery charge of up to 70 percent range in 30 minutes. 

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

State Electric Co.

Essential Tips for Subsistence Hunting

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Survival hunting, also known as subsistence hunting, is, simply put, hunting to live. Though it is dwindling as a lifestyle, subsistence hunting is an essential skill for survival. Animal fats and proteins must be eaten regularly in extreme conditions to avoid energy draining during inclement weather or increased metabolism. 

The most abundant and easily huntable wild animals in the wilderness include small game, fish, reptiles, and the like. While all mammals and birds can be eaten, they should be cooked thoroughly to kill any microorganisms in the meat. It’s also important to eat – not avoid – fat; otherwise, your body cannot process the protein. A tasty source of fat is skin and fatty internal organs such as the liver or brain. 

To trap small animals, it’s imperative to understand their daily and seasonal movements, diet, and size. Traps are only helpful if you know their habits, and snares can scare them away if not used with precision. 

Fish are a fantastic option for subsistence hunting since they can be harvested in many ways and prepared in various methods. Traps, spears, nets, bows, and primitive rods can catch fish. Some options are more passive than others, allowing you to do other activities while the fish are caught. 

Reptiles and amphibians need to be skinned before being eaten since many amphibians have toxins in their outer layer. Harvesting can be accomplished with a spear, bow, hook and feather, or smashed. Reptiles and amphibians are most active at night.

Invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks are also food options, though they don’t always come to the top of mind when we think about food options. High in protein, many can be gathered in nets or scooped off the ground by hand. Worms and grubs can be found under rotten wood. Crayfish can be easily trapped or pulled out from under rocks. All should be thoroughly cooked, as they can transmit deadly parasites and diseases. 

Wild meat is abundant outdoors and can be a delicious and sustainable fuel source. In survival situations, small mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are an excellent way to gain subsistence.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Wolf Survival Gear

Novel Femtosecond Laser Cataracts Surgery Can Restore Vision

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If you live long enough, chances are cataracts will affect you at some point later in life. Most people develop cataracts in one or both eyes, as it is a prevalent condition. 

Vincent Diaz, MD, MBA, a Yale Medicine ophthalmologist, said, “As long as there have been humans, there have been cataracts. For thousands of years, the goal was to get the cataract out without blinding the person. Literally, that was the goal.” 

Cataracts are formed when a structure inside your eye that focuses light onto the retina (that usually provides a clear image) becomes cloudy and blocks light from passing through. This effect is caused by the degrading of lens proteins. Since the consistency changes, clarity becomes more challenging, and blurry vision is one of the earliest signs of cataracts. 

Other symptoms of cataracts can include glare and sensitivity around lights (especially while driving at night), seeing halos, or trouble reading in a dimly lit area. 

Through the years, cataract surgery has made vast improvements, and now, thanks to field advances, patients have many options, such as laser-assisted surgery and synthetic replacement lenses. 

Yvonne Wang, MD, a Yale Medicine ophthalmologist, said, “What’s great about cataract surgery now is that we not only remove the cataract, but we can restore patients’ vision. They may have been wearing prescription contacts or glasses for many years. We can now put a prescription inside their new lens and give them better vision than they ever had before.” 

Two surgical options are available to replace the intraocular lens (IOL) with a synthetic lens. They are: 

  1. Basic cataract surgery: One of the most common forms of surgery worldwide, an incision is made in the eye, an ultrasonic device breaks up cataracts, and the pieces are removed. Then, an IOL is placed into the lens. 
  2. Laser cataract surgery: A femtosecond laser quickly pulsates and creates incisions to soften the cataract for easier removal. The laser allows more precise incisions to take place in a shorter time frame and can allow for more accurate vision correction than the first option. 

Cataract surgery is safe and performed in an outpatient setting. After a few weeks, patients return for a second treatment on the other eye. 

Are you considering surgery for your cataracts? Contact the experts at Zen Eye Institute today to learn more.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center is now Zen Eye Institute! We offer the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Michigan Lasik

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Advancements

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Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) was recently declared by the American Academy of Family Physicians as, “The biggest advance in bedside diagnosis since the advent of the stethoscope 200 years ago.” 

Many industry professionals, such as anesthesiologists, internal medicine specialists, family practitioners, and more, already use this technology and believe it is beneficial in widespread application. Ongoing advancements in POCUS technology make it an option for radiologists as well. 

Thanks to POCUS’ ability to rule out suspended pathology at the bedside, Rami Zebian, MD, CMO with Florence Medical Center and Marion Medical Center, said, “The best care is local care. There’s a lot of talk about how to do more care locally. While you can have the best technology, a huge hospital setting, and people can travel, the best option is having options locally at the point of care and getting results or answers faster. For example, emergency medicine physicians who graduate from an emergency medicine residency nowadays have ultrasound as part of their training. If we’re concerned about bleeding, they do the fast scan to quickly identify an area of concern, and then you go after it. There are a lot of conditions where time is very important.” 

Ernesto Brauer, MD, RDMS, RDCS, ASCeXAM, FACP, FCCP, ABSM, council chair with the Point-of-Care Ultrasound Certification Academy, says, “A significant number of ultrasound studies are reported as normal studies. This will avoid the unnecessary burden on radiologists.” 

POCUS offers lower-cost imaging devices that allow organizations to scale their use, enabling high-powered image insights to be at their fingertips. Regarding health care, the impact of POCUS will continue to be substantial, as it has unlimited potential in patient diagnosis. 

Physicians use specific tools to understand the complex physiology presented by patients with complicated conditions. POCUS is now being used as an extension of a physical exam. 

Ohad Zrazi, president and CEO of Clarius Mobile Health, said, “The emergence of high-quality handheld ultrasound systems that are even more portable, affordable, and easier to use is enabling physicians from diverse specialties to use ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment, often during first visits. As more physicians become proficient with using ultrasound to diagnose simple cases at the bedside, radiologists will have more time to focus on complex cases that require high level expertise.” 

Brauer said, “So, in a nutshell, the POCUS community is using POCUS in ways that have never been used conventionally by radiologists or sonographers. We are just in the early phase of the evolution of POCUS.” 

RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerator and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.


Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

RadParts

Pool Coping Options

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The process of capping a pool shell wall with poured concrete or tile/natural stone is called pool coping. The coping is the edge of a pool that directly hangs over the water, where people usually sit to place their feet or pull themselves to the edge. 

Coping protects the pool edging and is generally about twelve inches. It separates the pool structure and the decking; it’s also used as a pool frame. Since the deck is separated from the pool, it can be moved without impacting the pool. Bond beams must be mounted prior to installing coping, which hides the edges of the pool’s walls.

Specialized materials such as vinyl decking, brick, and flagstone can be installed as coping to help guide water into drains. Coping is also used to provide non-slip surfaces around the pool’s edge to prevent accidental falls. Some popular pool coping materials include: 

Concrete
The most popular material used for coping, the timeless look of concrete provides a smooth transition between the pool and deck. Concrete can help give the appearance of a larger surface area and is the cheapest option for coping. Concrete is easy to walk on as it does not get too hot in high temperatures, it’s easy to clean, and can blend in well. 

Natural Stone
More expensive than concrete, these handsome stones are aesthetically pleasing and offer more grip than other coping materials. The types of stones used for pool coping consist of fieldstone, limestone, granite, and travertine. These stones are naturally heat-resistant as well. 

Brick
One of the most common materials used to provide landscaping, brick is an aesthetic that blends in well. Though the price of brick can waver depending on color, shape, and variety, it is easy to walk on and less expensive than natural stone. 

Pavers
Less likely to crack than a traditional slab of concrete, pavers are an easy option that’s readily available. A huge benefit of pavers is that they can easily be replaced and are less likely to crack since they are individual pieces. 

If your pool coping is cracking, tiles are breaking, or the deck is higher than the pool, these are signs it needs to be replaced. The best pool coping material varies based on the homeowner’s needs, budget, and taste. Research thoroughly before making a final decision. There are plenty of affordable options for coping upgrades. 

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools by applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Pound Pool Plastering

Emergency Food Market Expected to Gain Revenue

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According to a report released by Technavio, ready-to-eat meals (specifically focused on emergencies) are expected to grow by $2.88 billion from 2021 to 2026 at a rate of 7.23 percent. 

The report segments the emergency food market by product type, distribution channel, and geography. Some product types include ready-to-eat meals, non-perishable pasteurized milk, infant food, dried food, and more. How these product types perform will be explored worldwide, both online and offline. 

The largest contributor to the skyrocketing marketing growth is the ready-to-eat sector, powered by pre-cooked, pre-cleaned, and packaged food for consumers. The increasing number of working women, the growing Millennial community, quick consumption habits, and hectic work schedules all contribute to the expanding segment.

Maximum growth will be especially seen throughout Northern America, which is anticipated to contribute up to 31 percent of the global market growth, thanks to the United States. 

Vendors are strategically analyzing the difference between organic and inorganic strategies, as the market is fragmented. 

The emergency food market is experiencing stagnation as a result of the growth of the organized retail sector. As consumers can effortlessly choose from a wide range of ready-to-eat products, an increase in the number of retailers is predicted to raise market growth during the forecast period. 

Though the emergency food market is expected to grow significantly, there is at least one challenge: the requirement to adhere to strict guidelines and regulations. Several food safety organizations throughout the world, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), set regulations that can be laborious for the emergency food market. Overcoming these hurdles and abiding by the law is essential, as consumers are swiftly made aware of incompliance or deviation. 

These factors and more will affect the growth of the ready-to-eat market during the forecast period. 

Are you looking for emergency food for you and your family? Check out our wide selection of delicious freeze-dried and ready-to-eat meals today. 

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Wolf Survival Gear

How Proper Portable Generator Safety Can Save Your Life

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Portable generators can be lifesaving machines, but they can also be lethal. Post-storm fatalities are often attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning from the improper use of generators. People who suffer from power outages seek out portable generators to supplement their power usage. However, generators can quickly produce lethal amounts of carbon monoxide (an odorless and colorless gas.)

Never use a generator indoors; be aware that carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms before knocking a person unconscious (and eventually killing them) in minutes. 

Alexander Hoehn-Saric, chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said, “As people are focused upon rebuilding their lives, they’re not necessarily focused on the dangers of something like a generator helping them out by turning power back on.”

After Hurricane Irma tore through Florida in 2017, over a dozen post-storm deaths were blamed on generators. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one of the most common causes of death after Hurricane Irma was power outages. After 6.7 million people were without power, 27 power outage-related deaths were recorded, including 16 from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

The CPSC recently re-published its generator safety guidelines, which outline how one portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. 

Every year throughout the United States, about 85 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning kicked out from a portable generator. Even if windows are open, adequate airflow cannot prevent lethal levels of carbon monoxide from building up inside. All generators should be situated at least 20 feet from the home, windows, or garage, and the exhaust must be pointed away from the home. 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include slight headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and shortness of breath. Generators should only be operated with battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms, which will automatically detect carbon monoxide levels and alert when necessary. 

One of the best ways to ensure you own a safe generator is to invest in a permanent, whole-house version that can automatically make the switch to supply power when needed. Portable generators are often overlooked in terms of maintenance and can be dangerous if not used properly. Whole-home generators are a safer option and are installed by professionals. 

At State Electric Company, our trained technicians are qualified to install whole-home generators properly. Contact us today to learn more. 

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor of Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

State Electric Co.

Small Rural School Districts and Disadvantaged Communities Face Unfair Levies and School Bonds

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The Wahkiakum school district in southwest Washington argues that the levying system leaves rural school children with crumbling, outdated buildings. The small community of about 2,000 residents has appealed to the states Supreme Court and is waiting for the attorney general’s office to respond.

In 2012, the state Supreme Court favored the McLeary case, in which Washington state was found to be underfunding K-12 schools. After years of litigation, the state’s highest court ruled that Washington needed to pay nearly $2 billion to fund teacher salaries rather than rely on local levies.

Today, the same argument is applied to school bonds. School bonds provide funding for building new schools, attaining property, and renovating and repairing facilities and systems within buildings. In contrast, levy dollars pay for educational programs and day-to-day operations such as teachers, support staff, classroom supplies, technology, extracurricular activities, transportation, utilities, and insurance. 

Washington School Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chris Reykdal, thinks the way schools are funded needs to change. Bigger, wealthier school districts usually don’t have difficulty in passing a bond vote as school construction bonds in property-rich communities cost minimally on every $1,000 of assessed property value for each taxpayer. However, in rural areas with less valuable property, bonds are much more expensive for individual households, making them harder to pass.

Reykdal further explains that without bond approval, districts can’t qualify for state match funding. Like most other states throughout the U.S., school districts are initially funded by property taxes based on the local tax base. Constituents vote on the applied tax rate, and the money ultimately comes in levies. That money is then supplemented by state aid.

Experts said that property tax has historically been used for school budgets because they are stable and less likely to fluctuate with the economy, unlike other revenue, like income and sales taxes. Additionally, voters usually like holding local control over neighborhood institutions.

Washington is not the only state suffering from an unbalanced levying and construction bonding system. While every state varies within its specific guidelines for school funding, more than half of states have per-pupil funding levels below the national average. Sometimes, even within the same district, students face a disparity.

Luckily, a lot of attention is being drawn to closing America’s education disparity gaps. The Century Foundation (TCF) has created a report that estimates what is needed to provide each child in America the opportunity to succeed.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Uncategorized

Holiday Home Safety Tips

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It’s a jolly time of year for most, filled with upbeat spirits, laughter, and celebrations. While we endure the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking, baking, and preparing for the upcoming festivities, it’s important not to overlook safety. Read on to learn some common safety hazards that are often overlooked.    

  • Never leave cooking unattended. The most common cause of cooking fires is from the stovetop or fryer. Be sure to observe small children in the kitchen and remove any clutter near the cooktop that may ignite other flames. Clean built-up grease from the cooking area, including the hood vents.
  • Don’t leave lit candles unattended. December is the peak month for candle fires, and holiday decorations like festive greenery and wrapped presents increase the combustible hazards. Be sure to use sturdy candle holders on clear and steady surfaces. Do not allow candles to burn all the way down, especially if they are within a glass jar, as they can explode when the glass gets too hot.
  • Prepare for bad weather. Keep salt and snow shovels nearby to clear walkways as needed. Ensure that gutters are free of debris and ice dams to prevent water damage. If you own a generator, ensure it is in good working order and NEVER use it indoors or near an open window, as carbon monoxide fumes are incredibly toxic. Running generators should be at least 20 feet from the home, windows, or garage, and the exhaust must be pointed away from the home. 
  • Keep your chimney clean. If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, it’s imperative to clean the chimney at least once a year. Creosote is the buildup of residue in chimneys and contributes to 25% of heating-related fires. Be sure to soak hot ashes and store them in a metal container until there are no embers. Also, keep objects at least three feet away from heat sources, including space heaters, which cause 43% of home heating fires. 
  • Don’t overload your electrical wires. Be sure to follow instructions on lighting equipment and your surge protector. Use clips, not nails, to secure lights and prevent damage to cords that can spark fires. Christmas tree fires often occur due to inaccurate electrical distribution. Keep them watered, away from heat sources, and get rid of them shortly after the season, as dry trees become extremely flammable.
  • Check your smoke detectors at least once per month, and replace the batteries every six months, even if they still hold a charge. The detector itself should be replaced every ten years. An easy reminder is during the fallback and spring-forward time changes, or at the end of the year and mid-year.

Happy Holidays from JFC Remodeling! Stay safe and call us if you’re in the market for some home remodeling.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Six Ways to Clean Wastewater

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Wastewater treatment is an imperative part of our lives; however, many people do not fully comprehend the process. There are several different options for creating clean water, which we will delve into in this article. 

Advanced Oxidation Treatment
This environmentally friendly chemical process utilizes oxygen and some hydrogen peroxide to purify water by removing organic compounds. High-quality water can be produced for cooling towers, irrigation, domestic, or industrial processes with advanced oxidation. This low-tech treatment option is fairly economical and does not produce air pollution as a byproduct. 

Dewatering With Pumps
If the wastewater is too polluted to be treated by other means, dewatering can come into play. Special “Dae Pumps” are specifically made for this and can separate the water from waste in lieu of filters. Dewatering can be implemented through a deep well, dug well, or farm well. Small communities typically benefit the most from this cost-effective option. 

Biological Treatment
Using living organisms, pollutants can be removed from wastewater with this cost-effective and low-energy option. There are various types of biological treatment, so it is important to select the right one for the community’s needs. Anaerobic and aerobic digestion is typically combined with biological treatments, sometimes requiring high surveillance and maintenance.  

Membrane Filtration
This type of water treatment is commonly found in areas that do not have an allocated wastewater treatment plant. This process filters the water with a semipermeable membrane (made of plastic or fabric) before it runs to the sewer. Since only a specific size of particles can get through, the membrane is filled with chemicals that kill pathogens, making the water potable. 

Gravity-Based Treatment
Sustainable and reasonably priced, the gravity-based treatment uses pipes to transfer wastewater into a settling tank. Once the sludge has fallen to the bottom, the clean water is removed first, followed by the waste, which is then sent to a sludge digestion tank. There, a bacterial treatment is implemented to digest the bacteria. 

Chemical Precipitation
Solids in wastewater are effortlessly broken down in this treatment process, also known as coagulation or flocculation. The chemicals used are typically sodium or potassium hydroxide and sodium chloride. They react with wastewater and form solids that are eventually separated from the purified water. 

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Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Reynolds Water