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

May Vol. 24 Issue 5

Are You Ready For Electronic T&Ms?

There are a number of habits that you will need to develop and some that you will need to forget, to be able to successfully enter your T&Ms using the new SAWS BPAT Dashboard, which is their gateway to electronic entry of your T&Ms on line. If you plan to create paper T&Ms and then take them to the office to enter them at a later time, it is imperative to record the complete Make and Model number of the assembly you are testing. For instance, it is generally not a Watts 009, it is a Watts 009QT or 009M1QT, or 009M2QT, etc. You should be getting the point by now. The system can only be a success if we all are very careful to enter everything.

One of the important things that you are going to have to know when a customer calls you to perform a backflow test will be the BKFL number off of their notice. Without that number you will not be able to even begin to enter anything into the system, so get into the habit starting right now of getting the BKFL number from the customer. It is always a five-digit number with BKFL- preceding it, however, you will not need to enter the BKFL-, only the five-digit number. You are also going to need to know your BPAT number, which is BPXXXXXXX. Yes the leading zeros are necessary and there are no spaces or dashes in the number. The total number is nine digits including the BP. The other information you will need is the serial number of your gauge as it was registered with SAWS. You will also need to be sure your gauge test date has not expired, because if your gauge test expired yesterday, you will NOT be able to enter any T&Ms today, plain and simple. Any test you do today will have to be retested after your gauge is re-certified.

Are Your Ready - Cont. on page 9

The next Hands-On training will be September 17, 2014 Each member is responsible for themselves – Know where you stand

FAQ ABOUT THE SEPTEMBER 17th TRAINING SESSION

Who needs to attend: If your BPAT license expires before September 1, 2015, you need to attend the September 17th 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-SA members in good standing and who have 16 CE hours may attend.

“The Solution to Cross Connection Control is NOT dilution”

May 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, May 8, 2014 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: 6425 Evers Rd. Leon Valley Conference Center Program: Nelson Haney – with Longhorn

Irrigation All about Pumps Meal: Longhorn Irrigation

No alcoholic beverages allowed by

TCEQ Next Meeting: June 12, 2014

Director’s Meeting May Agenda 5:00 p.m. General discussion and quorum

confirmation 5:15 p.m. Call Meeting to order. 5:16 p.m. Secretary’s Report. Read and approve the

minutes of the previous meeting. 5:20 p.m. Treasurer’s Report. Discussion and

approval of the treasurer’s report. 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. Irrigator’s Report. Ron Renouf 3. Anything from the Directors Meeting. Jeff

Hoffman 4. Election of Officers & Directors 5. City, regional and national reports. Bruce

Rathburn and any City personnel present 6. First time attendees or visitors (get w/Troy for

member-ship) 7. Supply Officer Report. Troy Baird 8. Raffle prize announcement. 9. Training program for the evening.

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 Lueck from Mid-West Instrument for sponsoring our April meal and providing an in-depth training session on the inner workings and proper care of backflow test gauges.

Mid-West Instrument for donating a full 90 degree swivel quick connect kit, ¼”, ½”, and ¾” for theraffle drawing.

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Chapter Chatter by Greg Shean, Secretary The PHCC will sponsor another Shotgun Shoot at the San Antonio Gun Club on June 5th. There will be a meal but no meeting or training. A circular going into more detail about the cost - $50 per shooter, which will include the meal, will be e-mailed. You don’t have to be a shooter to socialize and eat. The meal will be $10 for the non-shooters. Over 40 chapter members attended the September 2013 joint PHCC and ABPA-SA meeting and shotgun shoot. The smoked fajitas and sausage will be the same, but yours truly, will be doing the side dishes. No offense against rice and beans, but, I’ll be doing pork and beans – slow baked 2# dry navy beans, 4# pork butt, onions, etc. in an 8 quart stock pot. Also, my “Tailgate Meat and Beans”. Been doing them since 1979. Sautéed ground beef, bacon, and onions. Plus BBQ sauce, molasses, ketchup, and “what’s not to like” seasonings. Canned butter, kidney, and pork and beans are added. It will be bread pudding and whiskey sauce for dessert. Ask anyone who was at the October 2012 fishing trip. It will be BYOB after you shoot or don’t shoot. Can’t beat it for $10.

Go to www.abpa.org and let’s continue exploring. Log in. Go back to the March Chapter Chatter to get instructions on that.

Did you do your homework to log in, do the Bio, and rummage around Manage Profile?

Going to My Profile. We did the top 5 last month. I’ll compare notes with our chapter Webmaster on Files and Link because I don’t know who else has downloaded files that I can review. So, it’s unfair of my asking you to do the same without instructions on how to do it. Let’s continue with Favorites. Couldn’t figure out how this one works. Said I didn’t have any but didn’t know how to designate one. On to Messages. Kind of self-explanatory, but why send messages to someone who doesn’t know it’s coming. Will work this with our Webmaster and let you know. Connections. According to the drop down menu, five types. You need to select the Help target. FAQ are used instead of an instruction approach. Will also work this with our chapter Webmaster. Membership. By selecting “Upgrade your membership” you can join or renew your ABPA and chapter membership via credit card. Easy to do if you don’t already do it through your chapter. Refer a Friend. Sent an e-mail to our Webmaster to see how it works. Had him read this when he gets the chapter newsletter to publish. Member Rewards. Enough for one month.

Gosh, am I feeling ignorant. I’m going to ask Shane and company at the conference if there’s a users manual I can download. I feel like Alice in Wonderland. Lots of good things but don’t know where I’m going. Talking to the Chesser Cat is not helping.

Greg Shean gregshean@clear.net

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Jim Hohlt passed away in the morning of April 11, 2014 Jim loved to fly his airplane and fish when he was not at our ABPA meetings, which he rarely missed. He alwayshad a smile and kind words for everyone. Jim always bought more than his share of raffle tickets and seemed to enjoy life while supporting our organization to the fullest. He will be truly missed.

MINUTES

SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER-ABPA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Thursday, April 10, 2014 President Jeff Hoffman presided over and opened the San Antonio Chapter-ABPA General Membership meeting starting at 6:35 p.m., for the regular monthly meeting at the City of Leon Valley Community Center.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS - PRESENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS - ABSENT Jeff Hoffman – President Matt Wilgen -Vice President Greg Shean – Secretary Troy Baird – Treasurer Dan Fernandez – 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

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

Program Topics

DIRECTORS AT LARGE - PRESENT DIRECTORS AT LARGE - ABSENT Robert Stricker David Trousdale Frank Snyder James Hohlt Ron Renouf Carl Michaud James Franco Fred Baird Brad Harrell Johnnie Ivy GUEST PRESENT: Michael Lueck, Mid-West

Instrument, Sterling Heights, MI

Agenda Item #1. Secretary’s Report. The March General Meeting minutes were posted in the April newsletter. Fallon Foster made a motion to accept the minutes. Seconded and passed. INFO.

Agenda Item #2. Supply Officer Report: Troy will proceed with the T-shirt and a small special order of previous shirts for those who requested them. Troy suggested royal blue and forest green. He will select a 3rd color. All will be 100% cotton with a pocket. OPEN.

Agenda Item #3. National Conference: Jeff asked and counted four members going to National. He would like a summary of our PACE awards on the website. OPEN.

Agenda Item #4. Training Report: Michael Lueck, Mid-West Instrument, Sterling Heights, MI will give a presentation on test kit construction, operation, and care. INFO.

Agenda Item #5. Meal Sponsor: Mid-West Instrument will sponsor the meeting’s meal chicken fajitas, beans, rice, and tortillas. INFO.

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Agenda Item #6. Raffle Sponsor: Mid-West Instrument has provided a set of 90 degree test kit adapters. INFO.

Agenda Item#7. Guest: Jeff introduced James Garvin, the new New Braunfels backflow manager. He is currently a chapter member. INFO.

Agenda Item #8. Website: Matt said that 16 e-mails were returned after e-mailing the general meeting minutes and newsletter. He asked the members to go into their spam master to accept ABPA-SA e-mails. He said the website has a different look. It is very generic and basic as it needs more content. He can create more areas in the website but needs the members to document and feed him the information. Matt would like to have some kind of interaction on the website that we can use at the home and garden shows. OPEN.

Agenda Item #9. Irrigator Report: Ron reported the Irrigation Association meeting training was on the two wire system. An entire irrigation system is run with only two wires. It is complex and an irrigator needs to know what he are doing. Cost of copper going up. Garden Ridge will now accept PVC for RPs. INFO.

Agenda Item #10. Fishing Trip: An overnight fishing trip in October was proposed. Fred will get more information. A firm date will be set. It will probably be at the same place as the October 2012 trip. OPEN.

Agenda Item #11. PHCC Report: The PHCC meeting was held at the Warren HS Construction Careers Academy. Jeff reported this is a four-year program. The 9th grade program consists of architecture, engineering, construction management, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. They can pick their specialization later. They want to establish an intern program, but still need to take core curriculum. The students will be earning hours towards a license. They are building 5 small homes of about 384 square feet for about $32,000 each, which will be in the May 31st Parade of Homes. The homes will sleep two, modern kitchen, energy efficient, and have HVAC.

Agenda Item #12. St Philips PHCC Curriculum: John Haden said that St Philips has an approved apprenticeship plumbing program and gave a summary of the curriculum. It is for two nights a week for 54 nights total. It will start in September and end in April. This meets the PHCC standards. The Dallas PHCC sponsors the same curriculum at 40 hours per quarter with an estimated cost of $25,000 for the course.

Agenda Item #13. PHCC Shotgun Shoot and Meal. The PHCC will sponsor another Shotgun Shoot at the San Antonio Gun Club on June 5th. There will be a meal but no meeting or training. More information will follow. OPEN.

Agenda Item #14. SAWS Backflow Report: Bruce reported that the web test and maintenance submission solution is coming. Training, hopefully will start about June 1st. Meter readers are looking for irrigation system without backflows. The homeowners will get a letter. TCEQ is giving us latitude for irrigation double checks. If a double check needs to be replaced, it will have to be replaced with an RP. BPAT can only test and repair, so any installation, new or replacement must be by a licensed irrigator or plumber.

Agenda Item #15. Backflow License Renewal: Troy said the hands on familiarization will be on Wednesday, September 17th. You must have 16 hours of CEUs in order to attend. See page (1) for details. He said that TCEQ is doing a criminal background check on all renewals. The worst thing you can do is to lie. The TCEQ will hold up your license for two or three months if you bypass the on-line check. Keep paid receipt. Robert said the same for the plumbing license. DWIs are only important if there was a large property damage or injury involved. INFO.

Agenda Item #15. Backflow Training: Mike Lueck went into details on the gauge components, how the diaphragm assembly is protected from high pressure, and how the gauge changes linear to rotary motion for the indicator. All was summarized in animation. He described the different movements, types of sensors, and the differences between the digital and mechanical gauges. One

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gauge is not better than the other and choice is left to tester preference. All styles create the same end results.

He described how to take care of your gauge: flush test cocks, open test cocks slowly with test kit bleed valves open, protect gauges with filters, buy an adapter with a filter in it if your hosed do not have filters, close

valves finger tight – do not over tighten – drip tight only until drip stops, open bleed valves slowly, and bring pressure in slowly.

After use, open all valves and drain the test kit, leave valves open, protect from freezing and transport with care. For long term storage: open all valves and pump out water with compressed air. Store with valves open.

Michael described the process why calibration standards are four times more accurate than test kit being checks at the pressure being tested. Your gauge is compared with a gauge of known calibration to N.I.S.T. Test kit calibration certification is necessary to protect our drinking water!!

Agenda Item #16. ABPA Public Awareness. Jeff presented two backflow public awareness DVDs that can be shown but not copied. They were developed for a national presentation. Matt said he can convert the VHS tapes that Robert said he can obtain to a DVD. The DVDs will be shown at a future meeting. OPEN.

It was moved the meeting be adjourned. Seconded and pass. Meeting adjourned at 8:10.

Secretary ABPA San Antonio Chapter

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ABPA-SA Board of Directors

Executive Officers

2013 - 2014

1) President –Jeff Hoffman 2) Vice President – Matthew Wilgen 3) Immediate Past President – Daniel Fernandez 4) Treasurer – Troy Baird 5) Secretary – Greg Shean

Special Officers to the Association

6) SGT-AT-ARMS – Hector Flores and 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

1) Fred Baird 2) Brad Harrell 3) James Franco 4) Robert Stricker 5) Johnnie Ivy, Jr.

One year term remaining

6) Frank Snyder 7) Jim Hohlt 8) Ron Renouf 9) David Trousdale .

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“The Direct Connection” is published monthly and may be obtained from the website. Due to theexpenses associated with printing a mailing, future editions will be available only on the website, www.abpa-sa.org. 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 contributors or advertisers mayor 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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Are You Ready – Cont. from page 1 The “Time of Test” must be entered using 24-hour time. For those not familiar with 24-hour time, 8:25 in the morning is 08:25 and 8:25 in the evening is 20.25. There are two digits for the hour and two digits for the minutes. Just add 12 to all of the hours from 1:00 pm through 11:00 pm. It will also be necessary to enter gauge pressure readings for the 1st. Check and 2nd. Check of the Double Check, DC backflow assemblies. Remember, there is NO gauge reading for the 2nd. Check on the Reduced Pressure, RP backflow assemblies. One of the nice features of the system is that by the next morning you will receive confirmation e-mails of all the T&Ms you entered the day before. This lets you know if someone else has made any entries using your license. Start practicing now for less frustration later. Summertime is upon us and tempers and frustration can soar – Calm down

When driving, keep your eyes & attention focused on the road o Use a spotter when backing o Be a defensive driver, not an aggressive driver. Aggressive driving behaviors

include speeding, frequent/unnecessary lane changes, tailgating, & running yellow or red lights. Aggressive behaviors create unsafe situations that lead to road rage.

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Defensive drivers: o Plan ahead & allow time for delays o Do not tailgate or flash their lights at another driver o Focus on their own driving since that is only what they can control o Use a designated driver to avoid driving impaired by alcohol & drugs o Keep emotions in check & do not take their frustrations out on other drivers o Do not use cell phones while operating a vehicle because visual & cognitive

distraction occurs increasing the reaction time to objects entering the vehicle path Maintain good housekeeping techniques to prevent a slip, trip, or & fall o Remove common trip/slip hazards o Keep floors & stairs clean & clear of clutter o Remove fallen leaves from outdoor walkways o Arrange furniture to provide open pathways to walk through o Maintain good lighting both indoors & on outdoor walkways o Secure electrical & phone cords in traffic areas by covering, rerouting, or taping o Use non-skid throw rugs in potentially slippery places like bathrooms o Periodically check condition of walkways & steps for necessary repairs o For spills - Warn others of wet surfaces o Immediately clean up the hazard Be alert for electrical hazards to avoid a shocking experience o Never use water on an electrical fire o Get rid of frayed/cracked electric cords o Avoid down power lines during or after a storm

SIX MAIN REASONS WE TEST BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES 1. To ensure the BFPA has not been by-passed without appropriate backflow protection.

2. To ensure the BFPA has not been removed.

3. To ensure the checks have not been removed to increase water pressure.

4. To ensure modifications have not been made to the hazard, thereby affecting the

approval of the backflow preventer installed, e.g. chemical injection, terrain adjustments, equipment modification, etc.

5. To ensure other unprotected cross connection hazards have not been created between

test periods.

6. To ensure the checks are closing tight (not fouled) and the backflow preventer will prevent contamination of the potable water system as designed.

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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 $ 20.00 Local Chapter (if joining a local chapter) Local Dues Amount

Method of Payment

Charge $ 85.00 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 23.00 20.00

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 PO Box 3051 . Bryan, TX 77805-3051 979.846.7606 . Fax: 979.846.7607 Email: membership@abpa.org

01.2014

ABPA-S.A. Chapter P.O. Box 1113 Boerne, TX 78006