By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

HARPERSVILLE—Al Chatham, owner of Water Processing and Well Supply in Harpersville, has been working with water since 1964.

Throughout his time in the business, Chatham has seen technology progress in a number of ways. Chatham’s company is now marketing electronic descaling units as an alternative to water softeners. The units save money, and eliminate the need for water softeners, Chatham said.

“I’ve got them everywhere,” he said, naming a number of hospitals and businesses throughout Shelby County.

Most recently, Chatham installed a unit in the Chelsea Applebee’s restaurant, which is set to open later this month.

“It’s the first unit we’ve ever put in a restaurant and every restaurant needs one,” Chatham said.

Chatham’s business has grown throughout the years, and his customer base now exceeds 3,000 individuals and businesses, he said.

“We handle anything to do with water,” Chatham explained of the business. “You name it, we do it.”

Water Processing and Well Supply is a family business owned by Chatham and his son, Al Chatham II.

“He does all of the physical work,” Chatham explained. “He’s been going at it 15 years himself. He knows the water business from one end to the other.”

Chatham firmly believes in both his business and the product he is marketing.

“If everybody in Shelby County knew what I do, there would not be a house without one (electronic descaling unit),” he said.