American Backflow Prevention AssociationRegion 4 Report

The Direct Connection

A newsletter dedicated to Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention- www.abpa-sa.orgSeptember 2004 Vol. 14 Issue 9

Contʼd on Page 5

Lower Rio Grande Valley Chapter

Our 2004 March meeting at the City of Mission Public Works involved the Texas State Plumbing Ex-aminers mobile cross connection unit with a complete demonstration by Field Inspector Michael Miller.

The discussion of oneʼs own responsibility to inform the customer of that danger was foremost, especially to the plumbers making any modifications to the custom-ers plumbing system. A total of 51 members attended the meeting. A special thanks to the sponsorship of Mr. Gene Lake from Knox Industries.

Our June meeting at the Laguna Madre Water Dis-trict involved the water purveyorʼs program directors information updates and requirements.I presented a Master Plumbers approach to a water use survey concerning funeral home prep rooms.My information included the use of a water use survey of the plumbing service to that prep room and the sepa-ration or isolation of the prep room plumbing system.Discussion encompassed the aspirator unit, its ̓use and design, pictures along with my documentation opened some eyes that day. Most were not aware of this unit, and its purpose, I believe in sharing information for the continued educa-tion values we must all have. A total of 37 members attended.

Our upcoming September 9th meeting at the North Alamo Water District will include the water purvey-orʼs program updates and requirements.We plan to have a “hands on,” tear down, repair and problem solving solutions on various RPZ and PVB from different manufactures.

Our local ABPA Chapter currently holds 91 mem-bers who thrive on education, sharing our field experi-ence with each other, and for our community for better customer service.

“Education for Safer Drinking Water!”Mario A. SaisVice PresidentLower Rio Grande Valley Chapter

Arkansas Chapter

BPAA- Backflow Prevention Association of Arkansas hosted a Seminar room at the AWW&WEA Confer-ence, April 26, 2004 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Some topics that were covered were: Sizing Backflow Preven-tion Assemblies, How a Backflow Assembly gets its USC Approval and Installations: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. The BPAA room was one of the most visited rooms out of the entire Conference, which is a repeat of the past three years. Also for the first time at this Conference, BPAA had a booth in the exhibit hall. The booth was a huge success and we hope that it will continue to be one in the future.

BPAA will hold a Tester Recertification Blowout Septem-ber 1, 2004 in Camden, AR. If you are a member of BPAA you can recertify your Tester License for $35.00! If you are not a member of BPAA you can attend the Seminar, Recertify your Tester License and become a member of BPAA for $75.00! BPAA has also set December 1, 2004 for the Annual Business Meeting and Election of Officers. If you would like to attend any of the Seminars or would like to join BPAA please contact Melanie Sharp at 870-574-4589 or msharp@sautech.edu.

2

September Meeting DetailsMeetings of the San Antonio Chapter ABPA are usually held the second Thursday of every month. Dinner and refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. sharp with the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is:

Date: Thursday, September 9, 2004Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Location: Bexar Met Water District 2047 W. MaloneProgram: Heat & Treat on latest technologyMeal: Provided by Heat & Treat No alcoholic beverages allowed by

Bexar Met Water District policyFuture:Meetings: October - Ames 2005 - September - Heat & Treat No alcoholic beverages allowed by

Bexar Met Water District policy

September A.B.P.A.San Antonio Chapter Meeting Agenda

4:45 - 5:15 pm Directorʼs Meeting

5:15 – 6:00 pm Meal

6:00 – 6:30 pm Business Meeting President Fallon Foster Presiding

Training Schedule6:30 – 7:30 Hughes Supply

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Directorʼs Meeting August Agenda

5:00-5:20 pm General discussions, quorum building5:20 pm Call Meeting to Order5:21 pm Reading and acceptance of the Minutes of

the August Meeting.5:25 pm Treasurerʼs Report followed by comments,

questions, acceptance.5:30 pm Supply Officerʼs Report with action as

appropriate.5:34 pm Membership Committeeʼs Report with

action as appropriate5:40 pm Vice Presidentʼs Report on Audit of

Newsletter Advertisements with action as appropriate

5:46 pm Web Masterʼs Report5:48 pm New Business Formation of a Ways and Means Committee Education to the Public5:59 pm Directorʼs Meeting Adjourns

Big ThanksKen Diehl for a great presentation.

Safety TipPlease take a look at

WWW.sanantonio.gov/emergency/

Tester WantedCurrent BPAT and Plumbing License Required.

Send Resumé To: 1662 Encino Rio Suite 105-101 San Antonio, TX 78259-1826

3

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Corpus Christi Chapter

The Corpus Christi Chapter has experienced a slight growth in attendance, over the last year. Our at-tendance has remained in the 20-25 count from meeting to meeting. Our meeting topics have ranged from video training tapes to Manufacturer representatives provid-ing operational training to backflow problem solving. A new product, recently discussed, involved enclosures for backflow assembly security. The most beneficial segment, of our meetings, is the open discussion por-tion, involving the local testers and local enforcement personnel. The “ lessons-learned” information shared, has benefited everyone.

Gulf Coast Chapter

The Gulf Coast Chapter continues to have monthly meetings at this time.

“Region 4 Report”… Contʼd from Page 1 San Antonio Chapter

The San Antonio Chapter continues to have monthly meetings to gain CEUs thorough the state and to con-tinue to educate the group on all aspects of backflow protection. We have elections coming up and elec-tion committee is in place. We continue to have good speakers and technical session at every meeting. Local enforcement is good at keeping the chapter up on all the latest rules and requirements. We are trying to have meeting at educational sites to include a local water purveyorʼs ultra filtration plant, what a great tour.

North Texas Chapter

Continues to have monthly meetings and is waiting on conformation from the state on acceptable CEUs for upcoming meetings

Rio Grande International Chapter, Laredo

This chapter has no activity at this time.

FROM THE DESK OF ROBERT STRICKER COSA CHIEF PLUMBING INSPECTOR

COLOR CODING AND PIPE LABELING

Labeling – Color Coding

Potable (city water) Blue with black lettering – (saws water)

Non-Potable (city water) Yellow with black lettering

Recycle – Non-potable Purple with black lettering

Non-Potable (river water) Yellow with black lettering

Potable (well water) Blue with black lettering

Non-Potable (well water) Yellow with black lettering

Potable (on-site water) Green with white lettering

6

ABPA-SA CHAPTER2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive CommitteePRESIDENT – FALLON FOSTER ........................495-9991 • 218-3723 • 684-85491st VICE PRESIDENT – DAVID MYERS .................................................................2nd VICE PRESIDENT – JOE JONES .......................................................................TREASURER – FRANK SNYDER ............................................................................SECRETARY – SCOTT OKLAND .....................................................354-6573 WK............................................................................................ oklandisok@hotmail.comSGT. – AT-ARMS – JEFF HOFFMAN (parliamentarian) ...................633-3296 HMTROY BAIRD (Supply Officer) ...........................................................698-0411 WK

Directors at LargeROBERT STRICKER * .....................207-8279 WK • 545-1832 HM • 207-3315 FXBILL HAMRICK ** ........................ 736-1892 WK • 242-8765 PGR • 736-1893 FXCARL MICHAUD ** .................... 699-3614 HM • 215-5264 MBL • 688-3177 WKFRED BAIRD * ....................................................................................698-0411 WKJIM HOLT * .................................... 658-5324 WK • 658-5325 FX • 413-6790 MBLJORGE LOPEZ * ..................................................................................354-6555 WKDAVID TROUSDALE * .................................... 733-8001 WK • 830-228-5844 HM................................................................................. 603-5424 PGR • 846-3101 MBLMATTHEW WILGEN ** .................................................... webmaster@abpa-sa.orgMIKE ALDRUP ........................................................................................... 481-2030BRUCE E. PEARSON .........................................................................704-7134 WKJIM MABRY .........................................................................................681-3502 HMJEFF HOFFMAN (parliamentarian)BILL SAHM (Honorary)* Term expires Nov. 2004 ** Term expires Nov. 2005

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEEEDITOR BRUCE RATHBURNASST. EDITOR ALL BOARD MEMBERS (assigned monthly duty)

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEECHAIRMAN BRUCE PEARSON 704-1750

JEFF HOFFMANROBERT STRICKER

BILL HAMRICKTIM HOPKINS

TRAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERSJORGE LOPEZ

(gauge test)STEVE BAILY

(gauge test)

ABPA-SA DISTRICTTRAINING COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN CARL MICHAUD 699-36141ST ASSISTANT FRED BAIRD 698-04112ND ASSISTANT RON RENOUF 696-14113RD ASSISTANT BILL HAMRICK 736-1892

7

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8

WATER SERVICE SIZING GUIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL

• For houses up to 1 ½ bath a ¾ inch water service is acceptable.• For houses 2 bath up to and including 3 ½ bathrooms, a one-inch water service shall be required.• Houses 4 bathrooms and larger shall be sized according to the following:

Take the value of 9 wfsu (for the first 3 bathrooms) and add the other items (kitchen sink, washer, dishwasher, hose bibs, sinks and any other fixture out side of the bathroom groups). Use table 6-4 and 6-5 to obtain this wsfu value. Regarding the kitchen sink and dishwasher, give them a combined value of 2. If there were a laundry tub, then the washer & laundry tub would have a combined wsfu of 5. Then add up the wsfu of the additional bathrooms (over the first 3).

Example:4 ½ baths; k.s.w/ dw; washer w/ laundry tub; bar sink; 4 hbʼs.

First 3 baths = 9(plus additional shower in master bath) = 2Kitchen group = 2Laundry group = 5Bar sink = 1Additional bathroom = 7.5Additional ½ bath = 3.54 HBʼs = 5.5Total = 35.5 wsfu

Note: ¾ meter with 11/2” service = 48 wsfu ¾ meter with 2” service = 55 wsfu

• For typical houses with typical front yard setbacks, use the 100ft column of the over 60 psi section of Table 6-5.• For houses on larger or oversized lots with greater setbacks, get the length from meter to furtherest fixture in house, and use that col-

umn.• The initial line size shall be carried to the first manifold where the fixture units are split and/or reduced.

Reference: Appendix L4.1 – L4.3 and Table L-1. See note 1.

FROM THE DESK OF ROBERT STRICKER COSA CHIEF PLUMBING INSPECTOR

The Amendments to the 2003 UPC finally got adopted on July 22, 2004 and go into effect 10 days later. August 2, 2004 is next working day closest to 10 days later. All of you should pay close attention to the following Amendment sections: 103.11; 313.6; 712.2.1; 715.1; 718.4; 910.1; Appendix E; and Table H-1. If you have any questions please contact me at 207-8279

Backflow Happens:Elections will be the main event during the September 9th meeting. The Board of Directors Nominating Committee has recommended a slate of very capable officers to serve during the next term. Those in attendance may make nominations of other candidates as each office comes up for action.

The year ahead can be expected to have very long-reaching impacts: Bexar Met may enable the repositioning and recommissioning of the training building; preparations for hosting the 2006 National Convention will soon get rolling at full speed; our web site will continue to develop into a highly serviceable and powerful support for a variety of backflow prevention programs and activities; and the quality of the dinner is slated for improvement!

Your input and involvement in these issues and activities may be crucial, and is sure to be appreciated. As noted previously, this Chap-ter has functioned well because of the input of many, and the irreplaceability of none. This is your Chapter, your Association, and your point of traction for improving our ability to protect fundamental elements of life!This is your opportunity! Please make it significant!

Fallon FosterABPA-SA President

9

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“The Direct Connection” is published monthly and may be obtained by becoming a member of the ABPA-SA. Due to the expenses associated with printing and mailing, future editions will be mailed to members only. Opinions or facts within “The Direct Connection” are not necessarily representative of the opinions of the American Backflow Prevention Association and may or may not represent an official policy. Additionally, the opinions or facts of con-tributors or advertisers may or may not represent an official policy.

Published by the ABPA-Region IV,Editor: Bruce Rathburn,Assistant Editor: Robert Stricker.Layout, Publishing & Circulation:Alamo Advertising - Fernando Galdeano

For further information about ABPA, contact:Bruce Rathburn3930 E. Houston(210) 704-1751

Gauge StolenSerial #240375

If you have information relating to the location of this gauge please contact704-7136

Backflow Trivia Answer: No, it is designed for protecting homes from a sewer system backing up into your home.

10

AMERICAN BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 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. Annual dues for individual membership is $30.00. 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 this web site or call the National Office at 979.846.7606. Membership in theAssociation constitutes paying National dues.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________Employer:______________________________________________________________________________Address:_______________________________________________________________________________City:_______________________________________State:_____________________Zip:_______________Work phone:(____)____________________________Fax:(_____)_________________________________E-mail address:__________________________________________________________________________Local Chapter:__________________________________ Local Dues:_____________________Total Amount Paid:______________________

Please make checks payable to: American Backflow Prevention Association, PO Box 3051, Bryan, TX77805-3051. If paying by credit card include the following:

Credit Card No.:_______________________________________________Expiration Date:_____________

Name as it appears on the card:_______________________________________________

LOCAL CHAPTER DUES LISTED BY REGION:REGION 1 MaineNew EnglandWestern New YorkRhode IslandREGION 2 DelawarePennsylvaniaREGION 3 CarolinasGeorgiaGold Coast MississippiTennesseeREGION 4 ArkansasCorpus Christi Gulf CoastLone Star

$18.008.00

13.0018.00

$ 5.00 10.00

$10.0028.0010.0025.0020.00

$10.0023.0023.0010.00

Lower Rio Grande ValleyNorth TexasN.E. LouisianaRio Grande Int. San AntonioREGION 5ColoradoUtahREGION 6ArizonaCentral Coast Central Valley CaliforniaHawaiiSilver State Southern ArizonaSouthern CaliforniaREGION 7 OregonSpokane

$15.0023.0020.0015.0020.00

$25.0012.00

$10.0010.0010.0023.0023.0023.0015.00

$20.0020.00

REGION 8 No LocalREGION 9 New BrunswickOntarioREGION 10 WisconsinREGION 11 IndianaIllinoisMichiganOhioREGION 12 Central MissouriEastern NebraskaHeart of AmericaPanhandleWestern Nebraska

$16.0050.00

$25.00

$5.0023.0037.0010.00

$20.0010.0012.005.008.00

POST OFFICE BOX 3051 . BRYAN, TX 77805-3051 . 979-846-7606 . 979-846-7607 FAX 3829 OLD COLLEGE ROAD . BRYAN, TX 77801-4112 . www.abpa.org

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ABPA - S.A. ChapterP.O. Box 17381San Antonio, TX 78217

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