Chain of custody (CoC) is the documented process that tracks a water or environmental sample from bottle preparation through collection, transport, and laboratory analysis — ensuring data integrity and legal defensibility. In this expert interview, Derek Herb of Hawk Mountain Labs (Hazleton, PA) explains what CoC really covers, who is responsible, common pitfalls like incomplete forms and unsecured samples, and what a properly prepared CoC form should include.
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Sep 05, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
KnowYourH2O equips real estate professionals with free guides, graphics, and resources to confidently address private well water questions, aquifer basics, and water testing requirements for homebuyers.
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Jul 30, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Aesthetic Problems
Drinking water odors like rotten eggs, musty, metallic, or chlorine smells can signal contamination. Learn what causes common water odors and what steps to take to test and treat your water.
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May 17, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
The Carbon County Environmental Education Center and Pocono Northeast RC&D Council offer a free version of the KnowYourH2O drinking water guide — covering contaminants, testing levels, and water quality for PA residents.
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Apr 01, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Anti-Aging
Red light and infrared therapy penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and support anti-aging — here’s what the science says and how to use it.
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Mar 29, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: AI Artificial Intelligence
The Know Your H2O Program has helped millions of private well owners and city water users understand and protect their drinking water quality. Built on 30+ years of science-based expertise, it provides free tools, testing resources, and a step-by-step Path to Clean Water.
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Mar 25, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
Private well owner education and outreach. Well construction, water testing, water treatment, wellhead protection, and healthy drinking water is all part of watershed management and protection.
Feb 28, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Chesapeake
PFAS "forever chemicals" have been detected in drinking water and surface water across the Hampton Roads region of Virginia — including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Virginia DEQ and the Department of Health have conducted multi-phase sampling identifying approximately 26 water systems with potential PFAS issues. Learn what the data means, how to check your local water quality, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
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Jan 29, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
Private well water isn't regulated — so testing is up to you. Learn which contaminants to check for, how often to test, and what to do if your results show a problem.
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Jan 04, 2025
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
Chloronitramide anion is an emerging contaminant found in city water systems that use chloramines for disinfection. Learn what it is, what the research says about health risks, and practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
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Dec 09, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: autoimmune
Learn how water quality affects psoriasis and dry skin — with expert tips on filtering your water, moisturizing, diet, and managing autoimmune flare-ups.
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Dec 09, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Aesthetic Problems
Discover how drinking water contaminants — chlorine, hard water, and heavy metals — can trigger psoriasis flare-ups and dry skin, plus practical hydration and skin barrier tips.
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Nov 19, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: alkaline water
Alkaline water and water ionizers are widely promoted, but what does the science actually say? We break down the facts on electrolyzed water, ORP, pH, and ionized water claims to help you make an informed decision.
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Nov 19, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
Arsenic in drinking water is strongly linked to skin lesions, hyperkeratosis, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Learn the warning signs, how arsenic causes cellular damage, and what steps you can take to test your water and protect your health.
Nov 06, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Contaminants
Certifications standards related to drinking treatment water treatment products and filters and other professional and educational services. The citizen guide to water treatment product certification.
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Nov 06, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Advice
If you drinking water quality violates the terms of you manufactures warranty for that new water related appliance, the Warranty on that NEW Water Appliance may mean nothing and may be invalid on day one.
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Oct 31, 2024
by: Amy Lee| Tags: Blog
There are so many water treatment options for camping and RV users on the market - which to choose? Me, my husband, and our small dog took several on a recent one month road-trip and tested them along the way. It's important to understand the limitations between pre-filtration options and sanitization steps for water quality - even when on the road.
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Oct 30, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Agriculture Livestock
Dogs help to conserve our drinking water by smelling for chlorine.
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Oct 15, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Climate
Earth Day 1970 a great start, but it is clear the train has run off the rail. Rather than having solid science and planning based on facts, we now live in a time where fear, misinformation, activism, and environmental ideology play a more important role in our culture than actual science and fact. My attempt to change the course and prevent the 12 Monkeys from winning.
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Oct 09, 2024
by: Brian Oram| Tags: Boil Water Advisory
Step-by-step guidance for finding, filtering, and boiling safe drinking water before and after hurricanes, floods, and natural disasters — for well owners and city water customers alike.
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