A Smarter Way to Measure Nitrate and Nitrite: New Test Kits Launching Fall 2025

We’re excited to announce an important update to our Nitrate and Nitrite test kits, designed to deliver better performance, easier ordering, and safer handling for our customers. 

Starting this Fall, our new Nitrate Test Kits will feature a modernized testing method using N-(1-Naphthyl) ethylenediamine (NED), a widely trusted approach in water analysis. Whether you’re testing potable water, stormwater, surface water, groundwater, seawater, water levels in boilers, or wastewater, this upgrade brings real improvements where it counts. 

What’s Changing & And Why It’s Better 

The new kits will replace our existing chromotropic acid-based versions, and for good reason. Here’s what you can look forward to: 

  • Faster Results: Total analysis time is now just 10 minutes, down from 13 minutes. Less waiting, more doing. 
  • Better Sensitivity: The NED method offers improved detection limits and wider measurement ranges, giving you more accurate readings at lower concentrations. 
  • Stronger Color Development: The pink azo dye produced during testing delivers sharper results that are easier to interpret, especially in samples with low nitrate/nitrite levels. 

Zinc Reduction Only. A Safer Choice 

As part of this transition, we’re also shifting exclusively to Zinc reduction for nitrate measurement. Zinc is significantly less toxic than cadmium, which means: 

  • Safer handling for your team 
  • Fewer disposal concerns 
  • Reduced regulatory overhead 

It’s a small change with a big impact, especially for labs and field operations focused on sustainability and safety. 

Simplified Reordering Process 

We’ve also streamlined the way you replenish your Nitrate visual test kits. Refills will now be bundled under a single catalog code (R-6901), including: 

  • NED reagent 
  • Zinc 
  • Acidifier Solution 
  • Buffer solution 

This means fewer steps and less confusion when ordering replacement components; just one code, and you’re covered. 

 

 

Legacy Kits to Be Phased Out 

To continue offering reliable, cost-effective products, we will begin phasing out our older Nitrite and Nitrate kits that rely on chromotropic acid and cadmium reduction. Rising raw material costs and ongoing supply chain challenges have made this decision necessary; but we’re confident the new kits offer superior performance and usability across the board. 

Thank You for Growing with Us 

We deeply appreciate your continued support and feedback. These changes reflect our commitment to delivering better tools, safer chemistry, and simpler workflows for all our users. 

Stay tuned for the official launch of our new Nitrate Test Kits this fall, and as always, feel free to reach out with questions or for help choosing the best solution for your needs. 

Your water testing just got a whole lot smarter. 

Legionella: What you need to know and how to prevent it

August is Legionella Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to educate yourself and your team on this serious, but preventable, health risk. Whether you manage a building, operate a facility, or oversee water systems, understanding Legionella and how to control it is key to protecting public health and staying compliant with safety regulations.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria found naturally in freshwater environments like lakes and streams. However, it becomes a serious health concern when it grows and spreads in man-made water systems, including:

  • Cooling towers
  • Hot tubs
  • Decorative fountains
  • Plumbing systems in large buildings
  • Hot water tanks and heaters

When inhaled through water droplets or mist, Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. It can also cause a milder illness known as Pontiac fever. Both conditions are preventable with proper water management.

Who’s at Risk?

While anyone can get Legionnaires’ disease, certain groups are more vulnerable:

  • People over 50
  • Smokers or individuals with chronic lung conditions
  • Those with weakened immune systems
  • Hospital or long-term care facility residents

Outbreaks are often linked to poor maintenance or failure to monitor water systems effectively.

Common Sources in Facilities

In large or complex facilities, Legionella can grow in:

  • Stagnant water in rarely used plumbing
  • Biofilm buildup in pipes or tanks
  • Warm water that sits in the 77°F–113°F range
  • Poorly maintained cooling towers or HVAC systems

That’s why routine testing and water management plans are essential.

How to Prevent Legionella in Your Facility

Prevention starts with awareness and proactive maintenance. Here are key steps to reduce your risk:

1. Implement a Water Management Plan

Follow CDC guidelines to develop a comprehensive water management plan. This includes identifying potential risk areas and setting up monitoring schedules.

2. Maintain Optimal Water Temperatures

Keep hot water hot (above 120°F) and cold water cold (below 68°F) to discourage bacterial growth.

3. Flush Infrequently Used Fixtures

Run water through rarely used faucets and showerheads to prevent stagnation.

4. Regularly Clean and Disinfect Systems

Pay special attention to cooling towers, decorative fountains, and storage tanks.

5. Test Your Water Regularly

Routine testing for Legionella and other waterborne bacteria is key to identifying issues early. AquaPhoenix Scientific offers easy-to-use water testing kits and monitoring tools designed for industrial and commercial systems. Our solutions provide the insights you need to take corrective action and keep your water safe.

Legionella prevention doesn’t have to be complicated; it just requires awareness, consistency, and the right tools. By staying informed and proactive, you can help protect your facility, your team, and your community from this preventable health risk.

This month, take time to review your water systems and ensure you have a plan in place. And remember, AquaPhoenix Scientific is here to support you with dependable testing solutions every step of the way.

Introducing Flight: AquaPhoenix’s Modem Management Solution

In the era of smart system management, reliable connectivity is the backbone of efficiency. Real-time data collection, automation, and remote system access and control are essential for optimizing performance and reducing operational costs. But what happens when connectivity fails? Lost data, inefficient service operations, and unexpected costs can disrupt even the most advanced water systems. That’s why AquaPhoenix developed Flight—a fully managed modem service designed to keep smart systems secure, connected, and optimized 24/7.

Why Connectivity is Critical for Smart Water Systems

Smart systems rely on seamless data transmission to monitor water quality, manage treatment processes, and optimize resource allocation. Without a stable connection, you risk:

Lost Data & Insights – Connectivity failures can result in gaps in data collection, making it harder to detect issues, optimize performance, and meet operational goals.

Increased Operational Costs – When connectivity is unstable, teams often need to deploy technicians on-site for troubleshooting, increasing costs and reducing efficiency.

Service Interruptions & Inefficiencies – Smart systems depend on real-time data for automation and remote adjustments. If connectivity drops, the system can’t function at full capacity, impacting decision-making and system reliability.

Flight eliminates these risks by providing a smart, proactive modem management solution that ensures smart water systems stay online, stay secure, and stay efficient.

What is Flight?

Flight is more than just a modem—it’s a fully managed modem built specifically for smart water systems. Whether managing a single modem or a large deployment of distributed smart sensors, Flight provides a secure, always-on, intelligent network solution that puts businesses in full control of their data.

What Makes Flight a Game-Changer?

A Fully Managed Modem Solution

Unlike standard modems, Flight is a proactive service, not just a product. AquaPhoenix’s dedicated monitoring team continuously oversees network performance, ensuring any connectivity issues are detected and resolved before they impact operations.

Smart SIM Technology for Continuous Connectivity

Flight’s Smart SIM technology ensures your smart water systems automatically connect to the strongest available network, reducing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted data flow.

Hidden VPN for Enhanced Security & Remote Device Management

Security is critical in smart water infrastructure. Flight operates on a private, hidden VPN that is not accessible on the public internet. This extra layer of protection keeps data secure while also enabling remote firmware updates and device management, eliminating the need for unnecessary site visits.

Proactive Modem Management

With Flight, we manage modem connectivity for you—so you don’t have to. Businesses can focus on optimizing water treatment while AquaPhoenix ensures network reliability, device updates, and troubleshooting in the background.

24/7 Monitoring & Expert Diagnostics

Smart water systems run around the clock—so does Flight. Our monitoring team continuously tracks modem performance and diagnoses potential issues before they disrupt operations.

Multi-Carrier Failover for Maximum Uptime

One of Flight’s most powerful features is automatic carrier failover. If a network issue arises, Flight seamlessly switches to an alternative carrier to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

No Data Overages – Predictable, Cost-Effective Connectivity

With Flight, there are no surprise overage fees or unexpected charges. The system actively monitors field devices to detect abnormal data usage, optimize telemetry performance, and prevent rogue devices from driving up costs.

AquaPhoenix: Your Trusted Partner in Smart Water Connectivity

At AquaPhoenix, we understand the unique challenges of smart systems and are committed to helping organizations stay connected, efficient, and in control. Flight provides real-time insights, proactive diagnostics, and a fully managed service—so you can focus on delivering advanced water management solutions without worrying about connectivity disruptions.

Ready to Upgrade Your Connectivity?

Flight is now available! Contact us today to learn more and see how Flight can help streamline your smart water system operations and improve reliability.

Avoid Downtime with Smarter Industrial Water Treatment Tools
  • Smart water tracking helps reduce compliance risks in industrial water treatment by automating data collection and monitoring.  
  • Real-time alerts and digital records help facilities avoid costly fines and operational disruptions.  
  • Complex regulations from agencies like the EPA make manual compliance tracking increasingly unreliable.  
  • Industry-specific use cases show how smart solutions improve safety and reporting across manufacturing, oil, and HVAC sectors.  

Poor water treatment in industrial systems can quickly turn into a compliance issue. Moreover, regulations in sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and HVAC are strict and constantly evolving. Consequently, falling short can result in fines, unplanned shutdowns, and serious damage to a company’s reputation. 

Smart tracking technology offers a way forward. It helps companies monitor water quality in real time, automates the reporting process, and reduces human error. Indeed, more than just a tool, it becomes a vital part of managing compliance and protecting operations from unexpected risks.  

Understanding Compliance Challenges in Industrial Water Treatment  

Regulations surrounding water treatment grow more complex each year. Agencies like the EPA and OSHA regularly update requirements, and many states layer on additional rules. For companies operating in high-risk sectors, staying up to date can be a full-time job.  

Most violations don’t happen because companies ignore the rules. They happen because of small gaps — missed tests, outdated logs, or delayed reporting. Manual tracking systems increase the chances of those errors. Without real-time water quality monitoring, problems often go unnoticed until it’s too late.  

Each industry faces its own risks. In oil and petrochemical, contamination can trigger environmental emergencies. In manufacturing, improper wastewater discharge can violate local permits. Therefore, every missed detail raises the chance of a costly violation.  

How Smart Water Tracking Supports Compliance  

Digital tracking platforms change the game. Smart systems collect water treatment data automatically, removing the need for hand-written logs or spreadsheet entries. As a result, there are fewer errors and cleaner records.  

Real-time water quality monitoring system alerts notify staff if levels fall outside safe ranges. Issues can be fixed before they grow into violations. AquaPhoenix’s acquisition of TankScan adds advanced wireless tank monitoring to its toolkit, helping teams stay informed — even remotely. 

All tracking data is stored securely and organized in an audit-ready format. When regulators show up, businesses can provide instant access to complete documentation—without digging through files.  

Imagine a chemical plant where a dosing pump fails overnight. Without monitoring, unsafe discharge could flow for hours. With smart alerts in place, the issue is flagged right away, and the system is shut down before any damage occurs. Given that kind of response, a plant can save both time and money. 

Real-World Applications Across Industries  

Smart tracking isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different sectors apply the technology in ways that match their specific needs.  

In the oil and petrochemical industry, smart systems help operators monitor for contamination events and ensure proper chemical dosing. As a result, this reduces the risk of violating hazardous waste laws.  

Manufacturers use tracking tools to manage wastewater discharge limits. With automated logging and alerts, they can maintain compliance without pausing production.  

Facilities with HVAC and cooling systems benefit as well. These systems must meet health standards to prevent bacteria growth, like Legionella. For this reason, smart water management facility managers can keep water quality in check at all times.  

Staying Ahead with Smart Water Tracking  

Regulatory compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential for keeping operations safe, legal, and efficient. To support this, digital solutions give teams the tools they need to track treatment activity, catch problems early, and avoid penalties.  

The advantages of smart water management go beyond avoiding fines. They bring peace of mind, build trust with regulators, and support long-term business stability.  

Ultimately, to stay ahead of shifting regulations, companies should invest in systems that make compliance easy and reliable. That is why AquaPhoenix offers advanced tools that simplify the process — so teams can focus on what matters most. Contact AquaPhoenix to learn how we can support your compliance strategy. 

End-of-Life Notice for Innovative Water ModemMillie

Product End-of-Life Announcement

As of May 15, 2025, AquaPhoenix will officially retire the legacy Innovative Waters ModemMillie. These devices, manufactured between March 2013 and February 2022, rely on outdated, non-upgradable technology, which presents increasing security risks.

In place of ModemMillie, we are proud to introduce the Flight Modem Management Service—a modern, fully managed solution designed to enhance connectivity, improve security, reduce downtime, and streamline your operations.

To assist with this transition, please review the Next Steps section below.

After May 15, 2025, support for ModemMillie devices will be limited to:

  • Basic communication assistance

  • Annual renewals only

We will no longer provide:

  • SIM card changes

  • Device repairs

  • Reactivations

  • Other maintenance services

How to Identify an End-of-Life Modem

If your modem’s serial number matches one of the following formats, it is considered end-of-life:

  • 1234xx2103

  • 2103xx1234

Here, “2103” denotes the manufacturing date (March 2021), “xx” represents the carrier, and “1234” is a unique device ID.

 Next Steps

If your ModemMillie is still operational, it will continue to function. However, be aware that the inability to update firmware or apply security patches makes these devices increasingly vulnerable.

We strongly recommend upgrading to Flight, our next-generation modem management platform. Flight includes:

  • A next-gen modem with Smart SIM technology

  • FCC and CE-certified router

  • Advanced antenna in a compact enclosure

  • Built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure communication

This managed service ensures optimal performance and peace of mind—allowing you to focus on your business, not your hardware.

Upgrading is simple, cost-effective, and fully supported. Learn more or start your upgrade by visiting Flight – AquaPhoenix or contact our Sales Team at 866-632-1291 or 724-255-6681.

Reach Out to Us

For sales or upgrade quotes:
[email protected]

For basic support or troubleshooting of EOL ModemMillie devices:
[email protected]
888-466-6641

Common Water Contaminants and How to Address Them

Water is one of the most vital resources for industrial processes. However, maintaining clean, high-quality water can be a challenge, especially in industries like petrochemical, food and beverage, and agriculture. Contaminants in water can have serious effects, from negatively impacting operations to causing harm to the environment.

At AquaPhoenix, we understand the importance of effective water treatment. That’s why we’re committed to helping you identify and manage common water contaminants. With our advanced solutions from CHEMetrics and LaMarKa, we make it easier for businesses to ensure their water quality stays within regulatory compliance.

Here are some of the common water contaminants and how AquaPhoenix’s products and technologies can help you tackle them.

1. Heavy Metals

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are often found in industrial effluents and can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health. In water treatment, the presence of heavy metals can cause corrosion of equipment, hinder chemical processes, and pose a risk to aquatic life.

AquaPhoenix Solutions: AquaPhoenix offers advanced testing kits for detecting heavy metals in water. CHEMetrics and LaMarKa lines of reagents ensure precise testing and quick results, allowing you to monitor and manage heavy metal levels. With the right monitoring tools in place, you can take quick action to prevent contamination from spreading.

2. Ammonia

Ammonia is commonly found in industrial wastewater, particularly in petrochemical and agricultural industries. High ammonia levels can affect aquatic ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and impair the treatment process itself.

AquaPhoenix Solutions: With CHEMetrics and LaMarKa ammonia testing kits, you can easily monitor ammonia levels in your water systems. We also provide advanced monitoring systems that track ammonia levels in real-time. This ensures that you are always aware of the water’s chemical composition and can take prompt action when necessary.

3. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Total dissolved solids (TDS) are a measure of the concentration of dissolved substances in water. These include salts, minerals, and metals. High TDS levels can negatively affect the taste of water, harm equipment, and lead to scaling in pipes and machinery.

AquaPhoenix Solutions: With real-time monitoring systems, that include smart water management solutions like Flight, you can measure and report TDS levels continuously, allowing you to maintain optimal water quality. By identifying TDS fluctuations early, you can adjust treatment processes accordingly and ensure that your operations stay running smoothly.

4. pH Imbalance

The pH level of water is crucial for the efficiency of many industrial processes. A water source that is too acidic or too alkaline can lead to equipment corrosion, reduced efficacy in chemical reactions, and even damage to biological systems in water treatment plants.

AquaPhoenix Solutions: AquaPhoenix’s real-time monitoring systems can continuously measure pH levels, allowing you to maintain an optimal pH range. With products like CHEMetrics and LaMarKa’s reagents, you can quickly assess and adjust pH levels to ensure your processes run smoothly and comply with regulations.

5. Chlorine and Chloramine

Chlorine and chloramine are commonly used disinfectants in water treatment but can become problematic when present in excessive amounts. These chemicals can cause unpleasant odors, affect taste, and potentially harm aquatic life if not properly monitored.

AquaPhoenix Solutions: AquaPhoenix provides products designed for chlorine and chloramine detection, making it easy to monitor and adjust disinfection levels. With CHEMetrics and LaMarKa reagents, you can track chlorine levels in real-time and adjust as needed to meet safety standards.

6. Microbial Contaminants

Microbial contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can significantly impact water quality. These pathogens can be especially dangerous in drinking water or food processing facilities, leading to health risks and potential legal liabilities.

AquaPhoenix Solutions: AquaPhoenix offers a variety of testing kits to detect microbial contaminants, ensuring that your water remains free from harmful pathogens. Our testing kits help you maintain safe, high-quality water for human consumption and industrial processes, mitigating risks to public health and your operations.

Partnering with AquaPhoenix for Effective Water Treatment

At AquaPhoenix, we understand that managing water quality is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every facility faces different challenges, which is why we provide tailored solutions for water testing, monitoring, and reporting. By leveraging our advanced tools and CHEMetrics and LaMarKa high-quality reagents, you can tackle water contamination head-on and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

With AquaPhoenix, you get products and a partner dedicated to helping you ensure the highest water quality standards. Learn more about our solutions for common water contaminants and how we can help you achieve effective, sustainable water treatment today.