Installing lead-removal filters in schools solves one problem—and creates another: making sure hundreds of cartridges don’t expire unnoticed.
Point-of-use filters can reduce exposure to lead and other contaminants, but only if they are maintained and replaced on time. EPA warns that using a filter beyond its service life can make it less effective at removing lead.
That becomes a major operational challenge in schools, airports, universities and other large facilities with dozens or hundreds of filtered drinking-water taps.
Riley Mulhern, CEO of Aquantix Technologies and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, says facilities teams often lack an effective way to track when every cartridge needs replacement.
Aquantix uses connected sensors and a cloud-based platform to remotely track filter use, forecast replacement needs and alert facilities staff before cartridges reach the end of their service life. The technology, originally developed at RTI International, is already being deployed in settings including Denver International Airport and a large public university.
It’s an effort to make installing a filter only the first step—and ongoing maintenance part of protecting drinking water.
Aquantix Technologies is part of The Water Council’s 2026 BREW 2.0 cohort.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/
Subscribe to catch every video: https://www.youtube.com/@waterloop
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to waterloop:
🎧 Spotify:https://bit.ly/waterloopSpotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts:https://bit.ly/waterloopApple
🎧 YouTube Podcasts:https://bit.ly/waterloopYouTubePod
Follow waterloop for more stories on water sustainability:
🔹 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_waterloop/
🔹 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewaterloop
#LeadInWater #DrinkingWater #WaterFilters #WaterQuality #Schools #WaterTechnology #Aquantix #BREW2026 #WaterInnovation #PublicHealth
