Safe Water, Real Partnership: How QSM Helped Edwards, MS Raise the Bar
Share in:
When the Town of Edwards, Mississippi realized it needed to upgrade its water treatment system, it didn’t just want a quick technical fix — it wanted a partner who understood the stakes for a small but proud community. Safe, reliable drinking water isn’t something towns can take for granted, and for Edwards, … with evolving regulations and rising concerns about water quality, it was time to act.
That’s when QSM stepped in. Known across the South for its reputation in environmental solutions, QSM brought not just a product, but a collaborative, whole-team approach + solution. Kyle Cuntz, one of QSM’s technical sales reps, served as the point person this project in Edwards, and he made himself available for every phone call, site walk, and late-stage tweak.
The challenge was straightforward on paper, but complex in practice: secure and deliver a system that could handle Edwards’ specific needs, on time and within the town’s real-world budget. The solution? A granular activated carbon (GAC) pressure vessel system, manufactured by Newterra, a name trusted in water treatment technology and known for engineering reliability.
What makes a Newterra GAC vessel so valuable for a place like Edwards?
It all comes down to what happens inside the tank. Water entering the plant flows through beds of granular activated carbon — millions of microscopic, porous granules acting like a high-powered sponge. These carbon granules grab onto contaminants (like organic chemicals, unpleasant tastes, and industrial byproducts) through a process called adsorption. The vessel’s design ensures that water is distributed evenly over the carbon, so every drop is treated — no dead spots, no wasted media, no surprises in the finished water.
For a smaller town, the benefits tick all the boxes. The system efficiently removes a wide mix of contaminants, improving both the safety and taste of the local water — two things people notice immediately.
It’s robust and low-maintenance, which means the water plant team isn’t constantly putting out fires or scrambling for emergency repairs. In fact: Newterra and the QSM team were on-site to participate in training for the Edwards staff, and … the modular nature of the design means Edwards can scale-up when needed, and backwashing capabilities make routine upkeep straightforward, which extends the life of the carbon and lowers operating costs.
Critically, these systems help communities like Edwards stay in compliance with strict drinking water standards, which matters as rules change and expectations rise.
Getting this from concept to reality pushed everyone involved. QSM juggled engineering details, coordinated with contractors, managed schedules, and handled every twist of small-town logistics. Kyle Cuntz worked side-by-side with local officials, translating between technical jargon and down-to-earth concerns — making it clear what mattered, and making sure nothing was lost in translation, and Mitchell Contracting performed the build out and installation.
Mitchell Contracting has technical expertise in water treatment processes, keen adherence to regulatory standards, and a firm understanding of state and local licensing, and safety protocols.
On installation day, the vessel rolled into Edwards and took its place at the heart of the water plant, signaling both an upgrade in technology and a commitment to the people living in town. The result was immediate and tangible: water that met a higher standard, delivered with confidence by a crew who took pride in the job.
For the people of Edwards, this was more than just a new piece of equipment. It was proof that thoughtful investment, the right partnership, and a little bit of local know-how can make a difference you can taste.
Call QSM Environmental for all your water management, and wastewater management needs. We provide services in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Call 855-469-2015 to learn more about QSM’s innovative and cost effective solutions.