When I (Jasmine Ayala) interviewed at Douglas Water Conditioning, I interviewed with Mike Lanni. I immediately appreciated his communication style - quick, straightforward, and honest. He answered all my questions clearly, always moving with focus and purpose. Mike is a perfectionist in the best and most respectful way possible. Efficient is another word that comes to mind when I think of him. His dedication to customer care ensures that even as Douglas Water Conditioning continues its growth, it remains a family business at heart.
Mike Lanni remembers the early days of Douglas Water Conditioning better than most. After all, his father, Douglas Lanni, founded the business. Mike recalls riding shotgun to service calls and running around the back of the shop as a kid. "I just remember him running around quite a bit" he says. "I would be playing with customers' kids while he worked." Doug's early customers included fellow police officers, and he was a constant presence in the community, repairing water softeners, and building relationships.
At 21, Mike decided to transition out of landscaping, take business classes, and start climbing the cooperate ladder. He wanted more consistency and the opportunity to build a name for himself. Over the next ten years, he worked his way up, gaining experience in multiple roles.
Eventually, he and his wife realized they wanted to start a family, and the work life balance in corporate wasn't sustainable. "Financially, we were fine, but the work-life balance was horrible," he recalls. "I just decided I wanted to move back home."
By chance, Scott heard Mike was moving back and reached out to discuss the possibility of him joining the team. Mike met with Scott, Jason and Ron to discuss the company's goal and how he could help achieve them. They created a role for him - quality control - where he focused on refining processes and modernizing the business.
Mike always admired how hands on his father was. Douglas wasn't just a business owner - he served on the Commerce Township board, the planning committee, was a volunteer firefighter and a reserve with the Oakland County Sheriff. "It was always something I looked up to and something to possibly achieve," mike says. "I always know i can achieve anything because he was doing way more than what I'm doing today."
One of the biggest lessons Mike has learned as owner is patience. Transitioning from corporate hustle to a family business required a shift in mindset. "Corporate was all about making money and going non-stop," he explains. "Here, we take pride in listening to employees and getting to know their families. We truly are a small family."
Customer care is Mike's ultimate priority. He believes in doing the right thing, educating customers, and ensuring they receive the best possible water treatment. He takes customer concerns personally. "If we get a bad review, those are things that hurt my stomach," he says. "I call those customers personally. Whether it's our fault or not, at the end of the day, we want to make sure they have good quality drink water systems." His philosophy is that no matter the situation, Douglas Water Conditioning must exhaust every avenue to find a solution.
Like Scott and Matt, Mike enjoys outdoor activities. He's always on the move - hunting in the fall, riding snowmobiles in the winter, dirt biking in the summer, and spending Sundays with his family. "I have a three-year old who always wants to be outside and she is my whole life," he says.
His hobbies, especially hunting, provide a much needed reset. "When I'm hunting, I could be sitting for 8 - 12 hours, seeing nothing, but birds and squirrels," he says. "It gives me time to think." With the demands of the water industry, calls can come at any time of the day. "I enjoy what I do, and I love this industry, but there has to be time set aside for family and decompression."
Mike takes pride in his versatility within the company. He's done everything from working the front counter to running service calls. However, his goal is to focus more on teaching. Looking ahead, Douglas Water Conditioning is expanding. The company recently added plumbing services and aims to continue growing in Michigan, from Oxford to the Thumb region. "We want to grow at a steady pace while keeping the family atmosphere intact," Mike says.
When it comes to honoring his father's legacy, Mike emphasizes slowing down and prioritizing customer care. "As a business owner, you have to take a step back and understand that the customer is the most important thing," he says "We need to be educated enough to take care of them, speak to them properly, and follow through on our commitments. Everything else will follow after that."
Mike Lanni Brings a modern perspective to Douglas Water Conditioning while maintaining the company's core value of integrity, education, and exceptional customer service. With his leadership, the future looks bright for water treatment.
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Introduction We hear it all the time: "Just buy it on Amazon" or "it's cheaper online." While Amazon is great for certain things - like quirky t-shirts or your favorite snacks - water treatment is not one of them. Water quality impacts your health, your plumbing, your appliances and your home's long-term value. While Amazon might offer fast shipping and seemingly good prices, it often comes at the cost of product quality, proper installation, and long-term support. When it comes to something as important as your water, cutting corners can lead to serious consequences. Quality & Authenticity Concerns Many water treatment products sold on Amazon come from third-party seller - small vendors with no formal affiliation with Amazon. These sellers manage their own inventory, customer service, and fulfillment, which opens the door to a number of risks: Counterfeit and repackaged items: filters, membranes, and parts may look like name-brand products, but are often made with inferior materials. These substandard items can damage your system, reduce filtration effectiveness, and void your warranties. No NSF/ANSI certifications: Amazon doesn't always verify whether a product meets the industry standards that ensure water safety and performance Example: A few years ago, counterfeit EcoWater Reverse Osmosis membranes were being sold on a 3rd party website. Some customers unknowingly installed them, which lead to cracked manifolds and denied warranty claims - because the damage was caused by an unapproved part. Amazon has programs like Brand Registry and its A - Z Guarantee, but they aren't perfect, and many customers only discover the issues after costly damage has already occurred. Misinformation and Misleading Reviews Amazon reviews can be helpful - but they can also be inaccurate, manipulated, or misleading. Many reviews are paid for, auto - generated, or posted by users with no actual experience with the product. Product descriptions also tend to be overpromised, using phrases like "removes all contaminants." In the water treatment world, we don't deal in absolutes - we deal in reduction. We can reduce iron, arsenic, and other harmful contaminants significantly, but very few filters can remove "everything". Even more concerning, Amazon sellers can't give you technical advice. There's no expert consultation to help you decide what system your home actually needs. That's a big risk for something as specific as water chemistry. Compatibility and Installation Risk No two homes have the exact same water chemistry - not even on the same street. That's why "one - size - fits - all" water treatment systems often don't work. what works in one home may be ineffective or even damaging in another. When you buy a water softener or reverse osmosis system online and install it yourself: You risk leaks ,code violations, and property damage Improperly installed systems can impact your home's resale value or lead to denied insurance claims and if something breaks? You're likely on your own Even if someone local agrees to service an amazon - bought unit, they may not have access to compatible parts, resulting in longer repair times and higher costs. No Water Testing or Customization Before selecting a water treatment system, your water should be tested. Why? Because the solution depends on the problem. Is your concern iron? Arsenic? Hardness? Chlorine? PFAS or PFOAS? Amazon can't test your water. And it certainly can't interpret your results. No Long-Term Support or Warranty Backing Amazon sellers rarely offer reliable support, maintenance plans, or extended warranties. When your system stops working or needs repair, there's no local technician, no replacement parts, and no one to call. That's not just frustrating - it's expensive. By contrast at Douglas Water Conditioning, we offer: a 1 year service warranty on all new installations Salt delivery programs to keep your softener performing optimally a Tune - Up Special that includes water testing, injector cleaning, setting adjustments, and resetting the timer. Why Local Matters Supporting a local water treatment company means more than just expert installation - it means long-term care, accountability, and peace of mind. At Douglas Water Conditioning, we: Use Certified EcoWater Systems built in the U.S.A. Employ certified water specialists trained by the Water Quality Association Have served Michigan homeowners and businesses since 1968, with locations in Waterford, Fenton, Clarkston and Traverse City We're here to help you test, recommend, install and maintain a system designed for your specific water - and specific home. Conclusion Amazon Might be quick and cheap - but when it comes to your home's water, it's not worth the gamble. Water treatment is not a guess-and-click purchase. It's long-term investment in your health, comfort, and property. Ready to get serious about your water? Contact Douglas Water Conditioning today for a free water test, expert advice, and reliable solution built to last. We're here to make sure your water isn't just safe - but it's truly perfected!
Introduction There's a long list of things that can end up in your water - and many of them shouldn't be there. Among the most concerning are contaminants known as VOCs, PFOAs, and PFOS. While these chemicals have been around for decades, it's only in recent years that they've gained the attention they deserve due to their potential health risks. These pollutants are not only common in everyday products, but they also tend to be persistent in the environment. That means once they enter your water supply, they're hard to remove - and potentially harmful if left un treated What are VOCs? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can vaporize into air and dissolve in water. Once released into groundwater, many VOCs persist for long periods and can easily migrate into drink water wells. Common Sources of VOCs: Industrial solvents (like acetone or paint thinners) Gasoline and petroleum byproducts Cleaning agents Pesticides and herbicides Paints and varnishes Health Effects of VOC Exposure: Respiratory issues Headaches and dizziness Liver and kidney damage Increased risk of certain cancers How VOCs Enter Water: Leaks or spills from industrial facilities Landfills and improper chemical disposal Runoff from agricultural or residential areas What are PFOas and PFOS? Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) are man - made chemicals in the PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) group. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS don't break down easily in the environment, making them a long - term threat to water quality. Common Sources of PFAS: Non-stick cookware (like Teflon) Water- and stain-resistant fabrics Firefighting foam Food packaging and water - repellent materials Health Effects of PFAS Exposure: Increased risk of certain cancers Hormone disruption Weakened immune system Developmental delays in children How PFAS Enter Water: Industrial discharge into waterways Contaminated soil runoff Degradation of consumer products How to Protect Your Water from VOCs and PFAS Get your water tested The first and most important step is knowing what's in your water. Contact your local health department or certified water testing lab to determine if contaminants like VOCs or PFAS are present. While at - home test kits can give a general idea, professional testing is always recommended for accurate results Use Advanced Filtration Systems Certain water treatment systems can effectively remove or reduce VOCs and PFAS from your drinking water. Carbon filtration: Effective against VOCs and PFAS. Common in pitcher filters and whole - house systems. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Highly effective at removing VOCs, PFAS, and over 99 other contaminants. The EcoWater ERO 385 RO system is certified to remove both VOCs, and PFAS, making it a reliable point - of - use system for kitchen sinks or fridges. Stay Informed About Local Water Quality Check municipal water reports, often published in your local newspaper or online. Follow EPA and state regulations for updates on VOC and PFAS limits. Stay educated on emerging contaminants that my pose risk Conclusion VOCs, PFOAs, and PFOS are real and serious threats to the safety of your drinking water. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to a variety of health concerns. Some of which may be irreversible. But the good news is - you can take action. A reverse osmosis system, like the EcoWater ERO 385, provides a strong line of defense. Regular water testing, responsible product choices, and high - quality filtration can go a long way in protecting your family's health. Clean, safe water isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. If you have questions about your water quality or are interested in installing a RO system in your home, contact any of our Douglas Water locations today. We're happy to help you find the best solution for your needs and ensure that the water you use every day is as pure and safe as possible.
Ensuring your home's plumbing meets Michigan safety and compliance standards is essential for protecting your water quality, health, and property value. In this blog, we break down the importance of Michigan Plumbing Code, how it prevents water contamination and hazardous waste disposal issues, and the legal and financial risks of non-compliance. Learn why hiring a licensed professional is crucial and how Douglas Water Conditioning upholds the highest standards to keep your home safe and efficient. Read more to discover how proper plumbing can save you time, money, and peace of mind!
Get to Know: Scott Shepherd - Owner Have you ever wondered who keeps Douglas Water Conditioning running day to day? Well, allow me to introduce you to one of those guys - Scott Shepherd, one of the four owners of Douglas Water Conditioning. Scott's journey with Douglas Water Conditioning began in November 1989, when he was just 16 years old. His father, a fireman, encouraged him to stop by and visit Doug Lanni, a fellow fire fighter who owned a small, but growing water treatment business. Scott started in the shop, but was quickly moved to lead the salt delivery department - all on his own. Back then, there were no GPS device and maps often didn't reflect the rapidly expanding neighborhoods. Scott's experience as a hunter helped him navigate unmarked roads and unlabeled houses, using landmarks and cardinal directions to get the job done.
Understanding the Type of Salt for Water Softeners Have you ever wondered why you need to put salt in your brine tank? Does salt actually make the water soft? Does the brand or type of salt you use matter? In this blog post, we'll explore the role of salt in water softeners , review different types of salt, and discuss how to choose the best option for your system. The Role of Salt in Water Softeners Contrary to popular belief, salt isn't what directly softens your water. The magic happens through a process called ion exchange , where resin beads inside your softener remove hard water causing minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate on the resin beads, requiring 'cleaning' to maintain efficiency and performance. This is where salt plays a vital role. When dissolved in water, salt creates a brine solution that 'cleans' the resin beads by flushing away the accumulated minerals, allowing them to continue softening your water. Choosing the right salt not only improves the performance, but also extends the life of your water softener. Different Type of Water Softener Salt Solar Salt How it's made: Solar salt is produced by evaporating seawater or brine, typically collected through solution mining, and then harvested from outdoor pools Pros: Purity of about 99.5% making it suitable for water softeners Cost - effective and widely available Cons: The outdoor harvesting process may introduce insoluble materials like rocks, which can accumulate in the brine tank, causing performance issues and requiring more frequent cleaning Evaporate Salt How it's made: Like solar salt, evaporated salt starts with solution mining. However, the evaporation process occurs in a controlled, indoor environment where heat and steam remove excess water. This results in a high purity level of about 99.9% Pros: High purity reduces brine tank buildup Ideal for high - efficiency water softeners Brands like Dura-Cube are pressed for extra hardness, minimizing issues like mushing and bridging Cons: Slightly more expensive than solar salt Potassium Chloride What it is: An alternative to sodium-based salts, potassium chloride replaces hard water minerals with potassium during the regeneration cycle. Pros: Suitable for those on low-sodium diets or in areas where sodium discharge is restricted Cons: Lower purity (around 99.1%) More expensive than traditional salts Harvesting methods can lead to similar issues as solar salt, such as brine tank buildup. Maintenance Tips for Salt in Water Softeners Monitor Salt Levels: Only refill your water softener when the salt level in the brine tank is six inches or less from the bottom. Overfilling can lead to salt bridging and inefficiencies. Regular Checks: Check your brine tank periodically to ensure it has enough salt to maintain soft water. The frequency of checks depends on factors such as water hardness, household size, and water usage. Avoid Salt Bridges: Excessive bridging (a hard crust that forms above the water level) can interfere with the softener's regeneration process. If you notice a salt bridge, pour hot water into the brine tank to dissolve it and scoop out any remaining salt or debris. Conclusion Choosing the right type of salt is essential for your health of your water softener and your family. High-purity options like Dura-Cube not only reduce buildup, but also extend the lifespan of your system, making maintenance easier and less frequent. At Douglas Water Conditioning, we are proud to provide the highest quality Dura-Cube salt at all our locations. To make managing your salt needs effortless, we offer a worry-free delivery service. With scheduled deliveries, our team brings the salt directly to your home and places it exactly where you need it - whether that's in your softener or a convenient storage spot, saving you time and effort. By signing up for regular deliveries, you can ensure your brine tank is always stocked, keeping your softener running smoothly without the hassle of last minute store trips or heavy lifting. Let us help you keep your water softener in to shape while making your life easier. Contact any of our locations today to learn more about our salt options and delivery services!
Have you ever wonder what exactly is hard water? What damages does hard water have on my household appliances? Do I even have hard water? This post will give you a brief overview of what it means to have hard water.
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