A newsletter dedicated to Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention www.abpa-sa.org

September Vol. 26 Issue 9

2016 Backflow Initiative PURPOSE: TCEQ’s rules identify a health hazard as any substance, if introduced into the public water supply that may cause death, illness, or the spread of disease. A non-health hazard is any substance that constitutes a nuisance, or that would be aesthetically objectionable if introduced into the public water supply. An effective cross-connection-control program must include appropriate means to prevent backflow, often by installing mechanical backflow prevention assemblies. At the TCEQ’s CCC Subcommittee meeting on March 3, 2016, discussions were held between many of the members regarding TCEQ’s classification of Landscape Irrigation Systems as non-health hazards and the lack of periodic testing. After a thorough discussion a motion was made and seconded and a vote was taken. Those in attendance overwhelming supported the reclassification of Landscape Irrigation Systems as health hazards requiring annual backflow testing. This reclassification will align the state of Texas and TCEQ with national standards and the approved plumbing codes used in Texas. IMPLEMENTATION: PHASE 1:

Beginning January 1, 2018 or sooner, all Landscape Irrigation Systems should be recognized as a health hazard and the appropriate backflow assembly will be installed and tested upon installation and tested annually thereafter. [30 TAC 290.44(h)(4)] PHASE 2:

Backflow-prevention assemblies are subject to failure over time. Periodic testing of installed backflow prevention assemblies ensures that they are maintained and operating properly. Licensed BPAT’s testing the assembly also certifies whether the backflow assembly’s installation complies with manufacturer recommendations and local codes. Therefore, all existing, gauge testable, Landscape Irrigation Systems Backflow Assemblies installed January 1, 2018 and earlier, that have not been tested in the three preceding years (January 1, 2015) are to be tested no later than August 31, 2021 and at least annually thereafter.

Continued on page 11

“The Solution to Cross Connection Control is NOT dilution”

September Meeting Details Meetings of the San Antonio Chapter ABPA are usually held the second Thursday of every month except December. Dinner and refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. sharp with the meeting starting at 6:30. The next meeting is: Date: Thursday, September 8, 2016 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: SAWS Bldg 2 Conference Room 2800 US Hwy 281 North. Program: Bac-Flo Unlimited, Inc.

Fred and Troy Baird Meal: Bac-Flo Unlimited, Inc.

No alcoholic beverages allowed by

TCEQ Next Meeting: October 13, 2016

Meeting September Agenda 5:00 p.m. Room setup 5:15 p.m. General discussion with membership in

attendance. 5:16 p.m. Continue discussion with members present

about any topic of interest. 5:20 p.m. Continue discussion with members present

about any topic of interest. 5:25 p.m. Supply Officer’s Report 5:30 p.m. Vice President’s, Directors, and any other

reports for the good of the chapter. Comments, new business, any discussion.

5:40 p.m. Training Report. Training & Meal Sponsors 5:45 p.m. Webmaster Report 5:50 p.m. President’s Report. New & old business 6:00 p.m. Meal is served. 6:30 p.m. General Membership Meeting

1. Gauges to be tested. Bill Hamrick-Carl Michaud 2. First time attendees or visitors (get w/Jeff

Hoffman for membership) 3. Irrigator’s Report. Ron Renouf 4. Anything from the Directors Meeting. Troy Baird 5. Election of Officers & Directors in October 6. City, regional, and national reports. Bruce

Rathburn and any City personnel present 7. Supply Officer Report. Troy Baird 8. Training program for the evening. 9. Raffle prize announcement.

Ongoing Goals of ABPA-SA Chapter

1. Educational Outreach with public by

presenting at PHCC meetings, engineering firms, schools, and neighborhood associations. Continuing goal.

2. Greater use of TCEQ website. Tracking of CEUs, Services available. Personal education.

3. Increase member awareness of importance of chapter meetings. Increase attendance and public awareness.

4. Increase website resource information. More detailed links to more information like TCEQ, COSA, and any place that would be helpful to our members

Big Thanks to

Mike Mallas with Zurn Wilkins forthe training on the summarized state laws and the pros and consof the different materials used in the manufacturing of backflow assemblies. He also pointed out the newer assemblies are shorterand a spool may be added to get the original length for retrofitting. Zurn and Miller Mays & Assoc. for the raffle prize and assorted quick connect fittings.

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"Direct Talk" by the President

Members, if you haven’t seen the ‘Peeing Dog’ backflow model, then you’re missing something. After much debate on what type of model would be best for trade shows to demonstrate backflow, we ended up with an active display involving a miniature drinking fountain, a toy doll and dog, and sprinkler heads. Bill Hamrick is the one who not only tackled the project, but donated all costs along with the many hours of hard work in building it. If you know anything about Bill, everything of course was done to First Class perfection. The end result has undoubtedly exceeded everyone’s expectation from what we were imagining in the beginning. I know I’m not the only one who can’t wait to show it off and see its educational impact at the upcoming trade shows that ABPA-SA attends. Thanks Bill, Awesome Job! Here is a good website for emergency information: www.sanantonio.gov/emergency/ Check it out.

Troy Baird Chapter Chatter by Greg Shean, Secretary What to Say? You’ve heard it from National level non-chapter members what makes our chapter so special is our PACE awards, the support from the backflow manufacturing community, and your attendance. They have been to chapter meetings around the country and are impressed with our membership attendance. This is why we have no problem attracting out-of-state sponsors who provide our meals, technical training, and raffle prizes. It is because you come to our monthly meetings that are lead by members who have super credibility throughout the backflow community. You’ve seen and heard them. Can’t get this from Google. How do we continue to be what we are? The answer is you and your attendance. We changed from formal directors’ meetings every month to every other month so we could get more member participation during the informal discussions. Think you need to “Be Like Bruce, Fred, Robert, Bill, and others”? Nope. Just participate and take advantage of what the chapter has to offer. The camaraderie will rub off on you. There are non-CEU events like the home and garden show, the fishing trip, the PHCC clay shoot, or even sitting closer to the front at the meetings. This is one of those free quality of life things that money can’t buy. Try it, you’ll like it, and the chapter will continue to grow. Home and Garden Show Volunteer now and get free admission and parking. You’ll have plenty of time to roam The Dome and see what’s available to improve your home. Come and see the publics’ reaction to the new backflow model that will debut at this year’s Home & Garden Show. Please consider helping us out. Annual Fishing Trip Fishing Trip to Baffin Bay at Rivera - October 7th (arrive Friday afternoon) thru October 9th (leave Sunday noon). We do limit this to about 18 so we do not crowd the 400 foot pier. We will have three air-conditioned cabins at Cast n’ Stay. The menu was in last month’s Chapter Chatter. Typical cost is about $110 for the cabin and about $20 for the five meals. A fun weekend for about $130. Yes, there is satellite TV reception in each cabin. We splurged last year to buy submersible lights that attract fish like “fish in the headlights.” For the first time, we didn’t have to bring or buy fish for the Saturday fish fry. All this isn’t about backflow – we have enough of that elsewhere. Troy has a map and I’ll provide some landmarks. Don’t use a Garmin or you might end up at a dead end dirt road like I have – twice. Just in case you are concerned: we don’t gather around the fire and sing campfire songs, tell scary stories, make somores, hunt snipe, or play cowboys as in Blazing Saddles around a campfire. Come, experience, and enjoy. 3

Nomination Committee Report Chair: Carl Michaud

Jeff Meeks Ron Renouf

ABPA-SA Board of Directors

2016 - 2017 1) President –Brad Harrell 2) Vice President – Bill Hamrick 3) Immediate Past President – Troy Baird 4) Treasurer – Jeff Hoffman 5) Secretary – Greg Shean

Special Officers to the Association

6) SGT-AT-ARMS –Jeff Meeks 7) Liaison to SAWS – Bruce Rathburn 8) Supply Officer – Troy Baird 9) Gauge Testing and Certification – Carl Michaud

Special Officer to Gauge T&C: Bill Hamrick 10) Public Relations/ Speakers/ Program Topics – Manny Hernandez 11) Webmaster – Matthew Wilgen

Directors at Large

Two-year term

1. Fred Baird 2. James Franco 3. Robert Stricker

One year term remaining

4. Gene Hinojosa 5. Ron Renouf 6. Frank Snyder

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BACKFLOW TRIVIA: An RP that Stops dumping under a flow condition is an indication of which failed component: Relief Valve, #1 Check Valve or #2 Check Valve?

MINUTES SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER-ABPA

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Troy Baird, president, presided over and opened the San Antonio Chapter-ABPA General Membership meeting starting at 6:32 pm, in the Tower 2 Conference Room at HQ SAWS

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS - PRESENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS - ABSENT Troy Baird – President Bruce Rathburn – Vice President Greg Shean – Secretary Jeff Hoffman –Treasurer & Past President

OFFICERS SPECIAL TO THE CHAPTER - PRESENT

OFFICERS SPECIAL TO THE CHAPTER - ABSENT

Bill Hamrick – Gauge Testing & Certification Carl Michaud - Special Officer to Gauge Testing and Certification

Troy Baird - Supply Officer Jeff Meeks - Sgt. At Arms Matthew Wilgen – Webmaster Manny Hernandez – Public Relations/ Speakers/ Program Topics

DIRECTORS AT LARGE - PRESENT DIRECTORS AT LARGE - ABSENT Brad Harrell Ron Renouf Carl Michaud Gene Hinojosa Fred Baird Frank Snyder James Franco Robert Stricker GUESTS PRESENT: Mike Mallas, Wilkins.

Agenda Item #1. Introduction: Troy reviewed several future events that the chapter will be participating. More information will follow. INFO Agenda Item #2. Secretary’s Report: The July General Meeting minutes were in the August newsletter. There were no corrections. Robert moved to accept the minutes. Seconded and passed. Seconded and passed. INFO. Agenda Item #3. Supply Officer Report: Troy reported that he sold a couple caps. No change in other items. Troy said he has 103 caps, 15 shirts, 7 jackets, and 229 decals. Decals are now free. INFO . Agenda Item #4. Training Report: Mike Mallas, Wilkins fire line representative, will provide training on state rules, review fire line tester and repair problems, and tricks on how to do repairs. Mike will discuss in detail replacing an assembly of a different length making up distance with a spool piece. INFO. Agenda Item #5. Meal Sponsor: Wilkins and Miller Mays & Associates sponsored the meal of chalupas, corn tortillas, refried beans, lettuce, cheese, and chopped tomatoes, salsa, unsweetened tea and cookies. Troy will get menu for meal selection. INFO. 5

Agenda Item #6. Raffle Sponsor: Wilkins and Miller Mays & Associates provided $50 cash and an assortment of backflow quick disconnects. Troy said they need donations for the November raffle. INFO. Agenda Item #7. Membership. Bill said that, if you have yellow highlights after your CEU sign in name, you will expire at the end of the current month or the end of the next month. If your name is shaded, you are in your 90 day ABPA grace period. If your name is not on the list, your membership has expired. INFO. Agenda Item #8. ABPA 2017 Education Conference and Trade Show. The show will be in San Antonio from April 3 to 5. Troy said more information will be available after the transition to the new management company and the ABPA Conference Committee has more information. INFO. Agenda Item #9. Backflow for Lawn Irrigation: Fred asked, “Why is lawn irrigation not a health hazard when 9 to 11% of backflow preventers fail each year and there is an 85% failure rate when the backflow preventers have not been tested in the last 10 years?” The answer is that homeowners want to keep the hazard low so the backflow preventers are out of sight in residential neighborhoods. Robert added that lawn irrigation should be tested annually, regardless of type of assembly. He said you can put the backflow preventer away from meter and put it above ground. Annual testing would recognize that there is periodic testing on standard irrigation systems. The basic thing is TCEQ has formed a work group to draft a TCEQ Irrigation Position Statement regarding Backflow protection. INFO. Agenda Item #10. Backflow Issues. Troy lead a discussion on reduced pressure principle (RP) assemblies on ice machines. He said this is probably overkill. Corpus Christi is looking into this. Most ice machines have air gaps and do not require a backflow. New machines are installing air gaps. City of Seguin requires a stainless steel RP on soda machines when a brass RP would be fine. In Fort Stockton you need to pull a permit to test a backflow. There was a discussion on how Corpus Christi is charging to test. In recreational vehicle connection – be sure to open sewer main or you will have black water going into your domestic water. RPs are critical on incoming services to RV parks. INFO. Agenda Item #11. Website: Troy floated the idea of a membership directory on the website in case you need to contact another tester. Bill will put together a questionnaire on the options on what you want to publish on the list. OPEN. Agenda Item #12. Backflow License Testing: Fred said the BPAT written exam will be at a TCEQ exam site. The hands-on exam will remain the same. He said that 11 took the written test with a 38% pass rate (4 passed). He said that this will, “Separate the men from the boys.” Fred added that a student must pass the hands-on test in class before TCEQ will allow taking the written exam. The written exam may be taken again if a student fails the first time. INFO. Agenda Item #13. Region 4 Report. Troy, the new Region 4 Director, described the area and his director duties. It involves a lot of travel. Troy described how the Lubbock Community College has a plumbing diploma program. INFO. Agenda Item #14. Irrigation Report: According to SAWS at the monthly San Antonio Irrigation Association meeting, Ron reported that Phase I conservation will probably start during first week in August. However, recent rains delayed that Phase I. Tell customers now to water during times any time. INFO. Agenda Item #15. The Hands on Training, September 7th. Troy said this is for those who license expires in 2017 and has 16 meeting CEU hours. He has the sign-up list. INFO. Agenda Item #16. Home and Garden Show. The show will be September 30th to October 2nd. Bill brought his home and garden show display of dog doing his business and little girl drinking fountain – complete with running water effects. This is the first time we have had a model showing backflow. He encouraged us to sign the volunteer list for the garden show. It was suggested that a mirror be placed behind the backside of the dog to show that it is urinating. The model shows how important it is for homeowners to have irrigation system backflow preventers installed on their systems. INFO.

Agenda Item #17. Chapter Fishing Trip: Troy said it will be from October 7th to 9th at the Cast n’ Stay at Baffin Bay. Ron said there is a dove hunt close by. Menu is in the August newsletter. Troy has the sign-up sheet. www.baffinbaytx.com/castnstay INFO.

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Agenda Item #18. Backflow Testing: Troy said that above ground backflows should also be insulated in the summer because high temperatures will cause internal pressure spikes up to 400 psi. INFO Agenda Item #19. Lessons Learned: Fred said that a contractor drilled through a 30” water main that made the local news. The contractor did not first call 811. INFO. Agenda Item #20. Training: Mike Mallas summarized state laws and they are different from state to state. He reviewed the pros and cons of the different materials used in backflow assemblies. He gave examples which material are most appropriate and cost effective. Stainless is lighter than ductile iron and works best for fire line applications. Pressure loss is also less on stainless. Price is the same between ductile and stainless. Rubber repair kit is the same. Ductile will go away at the end of 2017. Manufacturers are working to get rid of epoxy coating because of the cracking and flaking maintenance problems. Fusion bonded epoxy is the most maintenance free. N pattern configuration use the same device as others so it’s a good retro fit as it is available to 10” on all styles. Ensure that the gate valves are USC approved. Also, check the prices on butterfly valves because they differ from supplier to supplier. Mike reviewed automatic control valves. The bodies are the same. It is the trim that makes a control valve do what it is designed to do. Regardless of the style, measure the backflow assembly from flange to flange. Spool pieces go outside of the backflow so it does not change USC configuration. This saves a lot of labor and is USC approved. Summary: put together your own valves, backflows, ACV. INFO. It was moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded and passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 for the raffle.

Greg Shean Secretary ABPA San Antonio Chapter

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ABPA-SA Board of Directors

Executive Officers

2015 - 2016

1) President –Troy Baird 2) Vice President – Bruce Rathburn 3) Immediate Past President – Jeff Hoffman 4) Treasurer – Jeff Hoffman 5) Secretary – Greg Shean

Special Officers to the Association

6) SGT-AT-ARMS –Jeff Meeks 7) Supply Officer – Troy Baird 8) Gauge Testing and Certification – Bill Hamrick,

Special Officer to Gauge Testing and Certification: Carl Michaud. 9) Public Relations/ Speakers/ Program Topics – Manny Hernandez 10) Webmaster – Matthew Wilgen 11) Policies and Procedures – Frank Snyder

Directors at Large

Two-year term

2) Frank Snyder 3) Gene Hinojosa 4) Brad Harrell 5) Ron Renouf

One year term remaining

6) Fred Baird 7) James Franco 8) Robert Stricker

NOTICE: New Mail Address: ABPA-SA - P.O. Box 47820 - San Antonio, TX 78265

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(*Buy the popular ‘BAC-FLO-5’ test kit, see course schedule, and much more on our website. For gauge certifications, call 210-698-0411 for weekly test times in Boerne, TX!)

Backflow Trivia Answer: #1 Check Valve. Also the apparent pressure drop would be Less than 5 psi if it’s a failed #1 check valve.

“The Direct Connection” is published monthly and may be obtained from the www.abpa-sa.org website. Opinions or facts within “The Direct Connection” are not necessarily representative ofthe opinions of the American Backflow Prevention Association and may or may not represent an official policy. Additionally, the opinions or facts of contributors or advertisers may or may not represent an official policy. Published by the ABPA-SA Chapter Editor: Bill Hamrick Assistant Editor: Bruce Rathburn Additional Editors: The entire Membership For further information about ABPA, contact: Bruce Rathburn 2800 US Hwy 281 North San Antonio, TX 78212

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Thanks to our ABPA-SA Sponsors

MARCH 2016

800-575-9618

FEBRUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016

NOVEMBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

AUGUST 2016

JULY 2016

JUNE 2016

MAY 2016

Backflow Test Gauges

APRIL 2016

10

SEPTEMBER 2016

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The next Hands-On training will be September 7, 2016 Each member is responsible for themselves – Know where you stand

FAQ ABOUT THE SEPTEMBER 7th TRAINING SESSION

Who needs to attend: If your BPAT license expires before September 1, 2017, you need to attend the September 7th Training Session if you need your 8 hours of hands-on training.

How do I know if I need the hands-on training: Go to www.abpa-sa.org and click on “Resources”, then click on “CEU Hours” to look up your license information to see if you need the 8 hours hands-on training.

Who is eligible to attend: Only ABPA members in good standing and who have earned 16 CEU hours at ABPA Chapter meetings (SA & CT) may attend. CEUs earned at Conferences and other venues will not be counted toward the 16 hours required for the FREE Hands-On training.

What does it cost: Fred and Troy Baird of Bac-Flo® Unlimited, Inc. donate their time and talent each year to the members of ABPA-SA and ABPA-CT to provide FREE training.

How long is the class: The class is 8 hours from 8:00am to 5:00pm with an hour for lunch.

Where do I get lunch: Bac-Flo® Unlimited provides Bar-B-Q lunch with all the trimmings for all attendees.

How do I get CE hours: Attending ABPA Chapter (SA & CT) monthly meetings will generally earn you two CE hours per meeting, depending on the subject matter. Occasionally a meeting may not qualify for hours or may only qualify for one hour.

How do I register for the Hands-On Training: Provide a printout of your TCEQ hours to register at one of the ABPA-SA monthly meetings or call Bac-Flo® Unlimited, Inc. 210-698-0411

Backflow Initiative Cont. from Page 1

The testing sequence shall follow a schedule based on Postal Zip Codes of the Landscape Irrigation Systems Backflow Assemblies installation location. The results of the backflow test must be submitted by the last day of the month corresponding to the last number of the Postal Zip Codes 1 = January, 2 = February, 3 = March, 4 = April, 5 = May, 6 = June, 7 = July, 8 = August, 9 = September, 0 = October. Postal Zip Codes ending in 0, 1, and 2 must test in 2019. Postal Zip Codes ending in 3, 4, and 5 must test in 2020. Postal Zip Codes ending in 6, 7, 8, and 9 must test in 2021. PHASE 3: Any Landscape Irrigation System Backflow Assembly installed prior to January 1, 2018, not approved for protection for Health Hazards, may remain in service until such time as the assembly can no longer be repaired and pass a successful test. At such time, the assembly must be brought up to current standards and replaced with an assembly approved for the protection against Health Hazards.

CONCLUSION: The TCEQ considers its rules to be minimum standards. If a PWS writes and adopts a plumbing ordinance, regulation, or service agreement that is more stringent than TCEQ rules and regulations, customers and contractors must follow the more stringent requirements. Similarly, if a PWS supplies water in an area that has adopted more stringent requirements than TCEQ rules; the more stringent requirements must be followed.

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APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

US Membership $65 International Membership $79

Sustaining Membership $300.00 New Member

Renewal - Member #______________ To join the American Backflow Prevention Association, simply fill out the membership application form and mail it with your check to the address listed below, or if paying by credit card you may fax the completed form to 979.846.7607. Local chapters have additional fees. Below is a listing of chapters by region. To find out if there is a local chapter in your area, please review the chapter information on our website at abpa.org or call the National Office at 979.846.7606. Membership in the Association constitutes paying National dues.

Sustaining Member: • Must be a company or organization • Assign only one person as the member of ABPA • A Sustaining Member must submit a letter that

designates their Voting Representative.

Please Print Legibly or Type

Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc First Name MI Last Name (Include suffix)

Organization (Agency/Firm) Department/Division Title

Address:

City: State / Prov Zip + 4 Code/Postal Code Country

Daytime Phone Fax Email

ABPA-SA $ 60.00 Local Chapter (if joining a local chapter) Local Dues Amount

Method of Payment

Charge $ 125.00 to my Visa MasterCard American Express Discover Check Money Order Invoice Me

Credit Card Number Card Expires (MM/YYYY) CVC Number

Name as it appears on card Signature

Additional Information How would you like to receive your Membership Renewal Invoice Notification? Email US Mail (Not available for International Membership)

Local Chapter Dues Listed by Region

REGION 1 New England Rhode Island

REGION 2 Virginia

REGION 3 Carolinas Florida Suncoast Peach State “1788” Tennessee

REGION 4 Arkansas Central Texas Corpus Christi Lower Rio Grande Valley North Texas San Antonio

$12.00 18.00

$25.00

$10.00 12.00 30.00 20.00

$10.00 20.00 23.00 25.00 23.0060.00

REGION 5 Colorado Southeastern Colorado Utah

REGION 6 Arizona Central Coast Central Valley California Hawaii Silver State Southern California

REGION 7 Big Sky Idaho Oregon SRC4

REGION 8 (USD) BCBPA (British Columbia)

$15.00 15.00 12.00

$20.00 10.00 10.00 23.00 23.00 15.00

$10.00 10.00 20.00 20.00

$26.00

REGION 9 (USD) Ontario REGION 10 Wisconsin

REGION 11 Indiana Indiana BPA Michigan Northern Illinois Ohio

REGION 12 Central Missouri Eastern Nebraska Heart of America Panhandle Western Nebraska

$50.00

$10.00

$ 5.00 25.00 40.00 23.00 10.00

$20.00 10.00 12.00 5.00 8.00

Please make checks payable to: ABPA 342 N. Main Street, West Hartford CT 06117979.846.7606 . Fax: 979.846.7607 Email: membership@abpa.org

06.2016

ABPA-S.A. Chapter P.O. Box 47820 San Antonio, TX 78265