By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Grand Blanc Twp. – US Waterways may not be a global corporation, but the company has made a name for itself.
With arsenic levels becoming more restrictive in January 2006, Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality has conducted seminars featuring four expert water specialists, some from around the world. US Waterways was among those helping well operators learn how to modify their systems.
Steve Christiansen of Goodrich has 25 years of water system experience.
Along with co-owner Brent Keller of Grand Blanc, Christiansen has distinguished the company by designing, building, and servicing water purification systems for well-known water companies such as Arbor Springs, Evita, Northern Falls, Besco, and Pure Water Works.
US Waterways works in the commercial, residential, and industrial sectors to provide water solutions, including providing high-purity laboratory-grade water to Ford Motor Company.
The high-tech contracts give the company an edge in adapting technology for smaller businesses and homes.
‘It takes a lot of experience to figure out how to do it right,? says Christiansen.
An example is the innovative water system installed in Goodrich Middle School at the building’s construction.
After submitting the winning bid, US Waterways installed a drinking water reverse-osmosis and filtration system in which arsenic levels are undetectable.
In addition to reverse-osmosis and filtration systems configured to address even the most difficult problems’such as a combination of sodium and sulphur in water’USS Waterways provides pure water for companies choosing bottled water.
Michigan is the only state implementing a three-year trial as a solution to excessive arsenic levels, subject to the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency.
At $5 per 5-gallon jug, including delivery, most companies can fit bottled water service into their budgets.
For residential well owners with high arsenic levels, installing a water system or using bottled water may fit the bill, although Christiansen warns customers to steer clear of companies using scare tactics.
The company offers free walk-in water arsenic testing; results fall within a 5-point range.
Christiansen encourages customers to seek a third party, such as the county health department, to confirm arsenic levels, then discuss levels with their doctors.
Although he’s seen negative health effects in children drinking high-arsenic well water, it’s not his place to diagnose health problems.
‘If we start telling you medical certainties, that’s not right,? he said.
‘That’s your doctor’s job. I’m not a doctor, and he’s not a water guy.?
Christiansen puts time and research into locating only top-quality manufacturers. While prices may not be as cheap initially as ‘big box? suppliers, many of his customers wish they’d sought his professional services first.
He’s happy to provide references. And since mistakes are inevitably a part of conducting business, some of his best references are customers who’ve experienced how he’s taken care of problems.
His philosophy?
‘You don’t say no to your customers. You get it done.?
US Waterways is located at 11225 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc. Call (810) 695-6620.