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California Braces for Possible Legionella Outbreak After Lockdown

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California businesses are reopening after the long lockdown. But our empty offices, hotels, restaurants, and gyms may have collected more than just dust; a deadly bacteria called legionella could be growing in the pipes.

Legionella pneumophila is one of over 58 strains of Legionella bacteria that flourish in showers, sinks, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative water features, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems. When aerosolized droplets of Legionella pneumophila are inhaled, the bacteria causes a deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' Disease. Although Legionnaires’ Disease is treatable with antibiotics, about 1 out of 10 people die from the illness; the elderly, smokers, and the immunocompromised are especially vulnerable. The CDC reported about 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in 2018, but experts believe the true number of cases is higher. Case numbers are also on the rise; the rate of reported cases grew ninefold from 2000 to 2018. Health officials remain unsure if the trend is an artifact of better testing or indicative of environmental and demographic factors like antiquated infrastructure and a larger elderly population. If the trend continues, the US may be on track for a historic number of cases in 2021; experts fear…

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Peek Behind the Federal Regulatory Curtain: PFAS and Changing Policies

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PFAS are at the top of our minds and our news feeds as scientists reveal more data about the impact of polyfluoroalkyl substances on our health and our environment. Environmental groups, scientists, laboratories, and politicians across the aisle agree; it’s time to legislate these “forever chemicals.” 2020 took some steps towards regulating PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, which are known carcinogens and are linked to many other long-term health effects. But more work needs to be done. To help break down the federal government’s response to PFAS, here is a snapshot of recent news in the PFAS pipeline.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

On January 1, Congress overrode President Trump’s veto and enacted H.R. 6395 (NDAA), the authorization bill that directs spending for the Department of Defense (DoD) in conjunction with the FY 21 omnibus appropriations bill.

The 2021 NDAA addresses PFAS contamination on military bases and in military equipment. Multiple provisions follow-up on the 2020 NDAA provisions, which began phasing out AFFF (Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam) after studies linked AFFF with PFAS contaminated ground and drinking water on military bases and in surrounding communities. Follow-up actions include:

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Inland News Group Names Babcock Laboratories a Winner of the Inland Empire Top Workplaces 2020 Award!

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Babcock Laboratories (Babcock Labs) is honored to announce that it has been named a Top Workplace in the Inland Empire for the fourth year in a row!

On January 31, 2021, the Press Enterprise announced the 2020 Top Workplaces and designated Babcock Labs as a Top Workplace in the small business category. We feel this award recognizes and praises our employee-owners who have made and continue to make Babcock Labs a great place to work. 2020 heralded unprecedented challenges, and we are so proud of our team for adapting and thriving under these difficult circumstances.

The nationally recognized Top Workplace program was established in…

Purple is the New Green: IEUA Invests in Expanded Water Recycling Facility

A cheap and sustainable water conservation method is the proverbial silver bullet of California’s water politics, but it is not easy finding a solution friendly to both our environment and wallets. Many experts believe that, of the methods available, wastewater recycling is California’s best way forward. One major local proponent of water recycling is the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, or IEUA. Last fall, IEUA began constructing an expanded recycling facility in Chino, San Bernardino County. Their expanded facility will be able to treat 22.5 million gallons of wastewater per day--the agency’s most ambitious recycling project yet.

Wastewater recycling is a familiar concept to California. As far back as the 1800s, farmers utilized wastewater for growing crops. By 1910, 35 sites used recycled water for agricultural purposes, and by 1918 California adopted the first health regulations governing wastewater reuse. Nowadays, our state reuses approximately 714,000 acre-feet of water annually, or 2.3x1011 gallons. Despite conveying so much water through purple pipes, California’s recycling programs still have a great deal of room to grow. The state could potentially recycle millions more acre-feet of water each year and has set an aggressive goal of achieving 2,5 million acre feet of recycling by 2030.

The IEUA is at the forefront of expanding recycling programs. In a recent press release about their Chino facility, IEUA General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh stated…

Improvement: It is a Continuous Commitment!

2021 has arrived and for many of us the start of a new year offers an opportunity to set new goals. Oftentimes these new goals are extensions of our old commitments, but we make small changes that allow us to start the year feeling refreshed, recalibrated, and rededicated.

In the spirit of entering 2021 with renewed focus and resolve, Babcock Laboratories (Babcock Labs) has revisited and updated our core values. The principles behind these values are not new; we are still a company that believes in taking responsibility, being reliable, and maintaining good relationships. Instead, these updated values are a simple promise to our staff, our clients, our vendors, and our community that Babcock Labs will continue to uphold the highest ethical standards and practices. We promise to…

What’s Next for the Delta Conveyance Project?

The specter of California’s aging water infrastructure has haunted the state for decades, but last month the Metropolitan Board of Directors took a step towards modernizing California’s water supply. On December 8th, the Board approved funding for the Delta Conveyance Project, a state initiative for building modern and resilient water infrastructures. With the Board’s approval, the Project can conduct an environmental review of the proposed construction area: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is often referred to as the “hub” of California’s water supply and for good reason; two-thirds of California's water flows from the Sierra Mountains into the Delta. The 700 mile estuary feeds into the State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP); these projects then deliver high-quality and affordable water to over 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.

Given how important the Delta is to California’s water supply, any failure…