In an era where few businesses survive beyond their first decade, EcoWater has achieved a remarkable milestone — 100 years of operation. Since its founding in 1925, the water treatment manufacturer has not only endured but thrived by adapting to changing needs while maintaining a steadfast commitment to solving one of life’s most basic necessities: access to clean, usable water.
To commemorate this centennial achievement, EcoWater launched an ambitious initiative to give away 100 water treatment systems to families and worthy organizations who otherwise couldn’t afford them — a gesture that embodies the company’s long-standing mission to improve lives through better water quality.
The Reality of “Problem Water”
For many homeowners, particularly in rural and suburban areas, water quality remains a daily challenge. James Butcher, who represents Clean Water Virginia, an EcoWater dealer, explained the scope of the issue: “In our area, in most areas, the water we call is problem water. You got calcium, got iron, you got bacteria.”
The consequences of poor water quality extend far beyond inconvenience. Hard water — water with high mineral content — can wreak havoc on household appliances, damage clothing and make the water itself unpalatable or unsafe for consumption.
One Family’s Struggle
Matthew Colvin, a resident of Strasburg, Virginia, experienced these challenges firsthand after moving into his new home. The hard water in his household was so severe that it was ruining his family’s clothing during washing. Dark-colored garments were particularly affected, forcing the family to spend additional money at laundromats just to keep their wardrobe intact.
But the problems didn’t stop at laundry. Concerns about pets and health led the Colvin family to purchase bottled spring water for virtually everything — drinking, making coffee, even for their dog’s water bowl. “We were buying water, literally buying a lot of water to drink or to use for coffee, to use for the dog. I mean, everything was spring water. And that gets expensive if you buy it every day,” Colvin said.
A Solution That Works
Through EcoWater’s 100th anniversary program, the Colvin family received a water filtration system installation. The installation process left a strong impression on the family. “It’s friendly, everything went efficiently, took care of the home, nothing, no damage. Very precise, even in drilling, everything they had to do was quick, efficient,” Colvin said.
The impact on their daily life has been transformative. “A lot of peace to have good water,” Colvin said — a statement that captures the profound relief of no longer worrying about what comes out of the tap.
The Secret to Longevity
What enables a company to survive for a full century when so many others fail? According to Butcher, it requires three essential elements: “You’ve got to have a good product, you’ve got to have a reason for that product and be a business that is willing to adapt to the world.”
EcoWater’s longevity also stems from something less tangible but equally important — a sense of purpose. “I love this business, I love the water business, because I know every house that we go into and every house we leave, we’re helping people to improve their lives,” Butcher said.
Beyond Business
The 100-systems giveaway represents more than corporate philanthropy. It acknowledges a fundamental truth: access to clean, safe water shouldn’t be a luxury. When families are forced to choose between damaged appliances, ruined clothing or expensive bottled water, they’re facing not just an inconvenience but a quality-of-life issue that affects health, finances and peace of mind.
For families like the Colvins, the difference between problem water and clean water isn’t academic — it’s the difference between daily stress and daily peace. And that’s worth celebrating.