President’s Message January 2007
Well, another year is behind us. At times, it may have seemed like it was never going to end, and now that it’s over, we wonder where it went. Sitting back now and reminiscing, we can see it was a great year! We were able to get out to quite a few shows to get the message out about cross connections, to both the public and water suppliers. We also had some requests for the use of our demo board, by some of our friends, for their public demonstrations.
I would like to take advantage of this newsletter to personally thank all of you for your dedication to our organization, and for getting the word out about how important it is to protect our water.
Without you, we, as an association, could not exist. I would also like you to know that our chapter is one of the strongest in the country. After attending the national and regional conferences, it is good to see that we are far ahead of other areas of the country, when it comes to backflow prevention.
Now with the New Year starting, let’s keep working. Even though we’re doing well, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. We need to talk to everyone about this very important message. We also need your help in recruiting new members. I feel that there are a lot of untapped resources that we could use, if we could get them on board. We have a need for help on our committees both locally and nationally. These committees usually communicate online, so you can work right out the comfort of your own home or office. If you can help, please contact any one of us on the board of directors and we will get you on board.
In closing, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year, and may your water always be clear, clean and trouble free!
-Jeff Tingey
Chapter President
Download Letter
“THE DANGERS OF
CROSS-CONNECTIONS”
The newly released video “THE DANGERS of CROSS-CONNECTIONS” talks
about the importance of protecting our water supplies within our
communities. Many things we do in our communities can cause harm
to a water system.
The video reviews many of the connections and work done to water
systems. It discusses the apparent hazards related to those connections
and
ways to protect the connection. The discussion covers the need
for an effective Cross Connection Control program and recommended
elements.
Also discussed are the tools of hazard assessments, testable assemblies
and certified testers. The video is informative and instructive.
It is recommended to be used for employees, the public water system
management
and regulators interested in providing this type of information.
This was produced as a member benefit.
| Run Time: |
11 Minutes and 25 Seconds |
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| Cost: |
ABPA Members |
$15.00 |
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Non Members |
$30.00 |
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Shipping and Handling |
$ 5.00 |
| Contact: |
Jennifer Yee @ (801) 949-5512 |
The American Backflow Prevention Association is
an organization whose members have a common interest in protecting
drinking water from contamination through cross-connections. ABPA is
an organization dedicated to education and technical assistance. Through
its network of regions and chapters, local needs and interests are
supported with the resources of the national organization. ABPA is
committed to advancing all aspects of backflow prevention for the continued
protection of all water users.
Who belongs to the American Backflow Prevention Association?
Membership is open to anyone with an interest in cross-connection
control and maintaining water quality standards. ABPA is for the
professional who seeks continuing knowledge and up-to-date information
in this constantly changing field. The ABPA is composed of experts
in cross-connection control and those just entering this dynamic
field. All levels of professionals can belong to and benefit from
the ABPA: From legislators who write the laws, to the federal, state
and local authorities who enforce the laws; from educators who provide
training, to the plumbing and water works personnel who carry this
training into the field; from engineers and architects who design
the systems, to the manufacturers who produce the equipment used
in the systems.
What is a Cross-Connection?
A cross-connection is an unprotected actual or potential connection
between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking
purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or
a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome,
and potable. By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable
sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through
which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.
What is Backflow?
Water distribution systems are designed with the
intention of the water flowing in a certain direction-- from the
distribution system to the consumer. However, hydraulic conditions
within the system may deviate from the "normal" conditions, causing
water to flow in the opposite direction. Therefore, it is possible
(and common) for the water to flow in the opposite direction in unprotected
systems. This is called backflow.
What is Back Siphonage?
Back-siphonage is caused by mainline piping failures or drafting
due to high demands. For example, it is a condition that can occur
when the drinking water system pressure drops below that of the
fire protection system, drawing the fire protection system water
back into the drinking water system.
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