Censky Challenge for Research Receives More Than $50,000 in Donations

The Censky Challenge was named for Pete Censky, who stepped down this spring as executive director of the Water Quality Assn. (WQA) after 25 years. WQA committed to matching all contributions, up to $25,000—the original goal for donations. Funds are being delivered to the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF).

With WQA’s matching contribution, more than $75,000 total will be provided to WQRF.

“This is a great tribute to the man who helmed WQA for over a quarter of a century and to the vibrancy of our members,” said Dave Haataja, who the WQA board chose to replace Censky. “Hard facts and credible data are becoming more crucial than ever as we tell our story to consumers and policymakers. With donations from the Censky Challenge, we are even more equipped to provide these.”

WQRF has put forward numerous independent studies over the years to show consumers and officials the benefits of water treatment. Recent research projects have looked at how softeners save appliances and energy and have provided other compelling data.

Future WQRF projects are likely to focus on final barrier—the effort to integrate water treatment into official planning—and education.

While the challenge is completed, members are still encouraged to donate for future projects.