Shop Talk: The current status and future of U.S. water quality Did you know that U.S. water consumption peaked in 1971 and has been declining for decades? Or that water purity used to be measured in parts-per-million and is now measured in parts-per-trillion? Don’t let the unsavory scent or discoloration fool you, our water quality is better than ever. So says, Chris Franklin, CEO of water utility Aqua America. He joins us to discuss that state of water quality and its future. (09/2017)