another way of backflow prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san...

13
Another Way Of Backflow Prevention The Direct Connection A newsletter dedicated to Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention- www.abpa-sa.org May 2005 Vol. 15 Issue 5 Shutting off water for backflow work? Performing all the work in the field? Think again. As the names suggests, Desert Island, an upscale Ran- cho Mirage, Calif., condominium development, is an oasis in the sun with plentiful water, lush green grass and palms waving in the breeze. The three high-rise condo buildings with a total of 226 individual homes have all the high-end trimmings one would expect when investing $300,000 to $1.5 million in a condominium. Yet, some residents couldnʼt get more than a trickle of water in their homes. To make problems worse, cooling towers were also water-starved - not something you can easily ignore where temperatures are known to reach 125 degrees! As it turned out, the backflow preventers installed in all three high-rises were out-of-date and no longer passed certification tests. The water supply was not sufficient for each of the buildingsʼ upper floors, cooling system demands, and fire water systems - the tangled snarl of mismatched and aging backflows, pressure-reducing and irrigation valves, strainers, shutoffs and accessories combined to siphon away water pressure at each build- ing. This was especially bad news for the condo managers, knowing that it was likely to lead to more “no-water” downtime, calls and visits from frustrated condo own- ers, expensive repairs and another round of incomplete problem-solving. In some cases, a few irate occupants had already sold their interests and moved. Fortunately, David Sullins, chief engineer for Desert Island, had heard about my firm; we are a backflow and inspection firm based in Newhall, Calif., that specializes in just such highly technical, challenging work. Though I started as a plumber in 1964, backflow solutions have been my sole focus for 30 years. For me, figuring out how to solve the problems at Des- ert Island was a personal victory - but for more than just this one installation. I also knew that thousands of other buildings were plagued by similar problems. Stuck In Time Our industry seems stuck in time. Itʼs widely accepted that shutting off water for backflow work is a necessity. I recall a recent legal case in Southern California where this idea reached its illogical extreme. While working in a medical facility, a plumbing contractor had turned off the water main for a short period. He was unaware that nurses had partially closed the supply valve to a vacuum breaker, starving flow to the device. The unit leaked, undetected, for days. It flooded three floors of the building, effectively closing six doctorsʼ offices for six months. The multimillion-dollar lawsuit put the plumber out of business. Itʼs simply assumed that downtime, with expense that can be measured in dollars and frustration, is necessary. And part of this stems from an acceptance that profes- sionals in the field must build valve stations on site, or replace parts while water service to the building is shut off. But shutting down water service is not necessary, and performing the entire job in the field isnʼt either. Our solution for Desert Island was to provide the first com- Contʼd on Page 7 by Bernard “Bernie” Clarke

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Page 1: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

Another Way Of Backflow Prevention

The Direct Connection

A newsletter dedicated to Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention- www.abpa-sa.orgMay 2005 Vol. 15 Issue 5

Shutting off water for backflow work? Performing all the work in the field? Think again. As the names suggests, Desert Island, an upscale Ran-cho Mirage, Calif., condominium development, is an oasis in the sun with plentiful water, lush green grass and palms waving in the breeze.

The three high-rise condo buildings with a total of 226 individual homes have all the high-end trimmings one would expect when investing $300,000 to $1.5 million in a condominium.

Yet, some residents couldnʼt get more than a trickle of water in their homes. To make problems worse, cooling towers were also water-starved - not something you can easily ignore where temperatures are known to reach 125 degrees!

As it turned out, the backflow preventers installed in all three high-rises were out-of-date and no longer passed certification tests. The water supply was not sufficient for each of the buildings ̓upper floors, cooling system demands, and fire water systems - the tangled snarl of mismatched and aging backflows, pressure-reducing and irrigation valves, strainers, shutoffs and accessories combined to siphon away water pressure at each build-ing.

This was especially bad news for the condo managers, knowing that it was likely to lead to more “no-water” downtime, calls and visits from frustrated condo own-ers, expensive repairs and another round of incomplete problem-solving.

In some cases, a few irate occupants had already sold their interests and moved. Fortunately, David Sullins, chief engineer for Desert Island, had heard about my firm; we are a backflow and inspection firm based in

Newhall, Calif., that specializes in just such highly technical, challenging work. Though I started as a plumber in 1964, backflow solutions have been my sole focus for 30 years.

For me, figuring out how to solve the problems at Des-ert Island was a personal victory - but for more than just this one installation. I also knew that thousands of other buildings were plagued by similar problems.

Stuck In Time Our industry seems stuck in time. Itʼs widely accepted that shutting off water for backflow work is a necessity.

I recall a recent legal case in Southern California where this idea reached its illogical extreme. While working in a medical facility, a plumbing contractor had turned off the water main for a short period. He was unaware that nurses had partially closed the supply valve to a vacuum breaker, starving flow to the device. The unit leaked, undetected, for days. It flooded three floors of the building, effectively closing six doctors ̓offices for six months. The multimillion-dollar lawsuit put the plumber out of business.

Itʼs simply assumed that downtime, with expense that can be measured in dollars and frustration, is necessary. And part of this stems from an acceptance that profes-sionals in the field must build valve stations on site, or replace parts while water service to the building is shut off.

But shutting down water service is not necessary, and performing the entire job in the field isnʼt either. Our solution for Desert Island was to provide the first com-

Contʼd on Page 7

by Bernard “Bernie” Clarke

Page 2: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

2

May 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, May 12, 2005Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Location: Bexar Met Water District 2047 W. MaloneProgram: BAVCOMeal: Provided by BAVCO No alcoholic beverages allowed by

Bexar Met Water District policyFutureMeetings: TBA No alcoholic beverages allowed by

Bexar Met Water District policy

May 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 Bruce Pearson Presiding

Training Schedule6:30-8:30pm- Presentation

Call our valve specialists with any questions!

Shop online at ouraward-winning Web site:

www.AIWnet.comOr call toll-free: 1-800-292-7817

Backflow Trivia:

Who was the first President of the ABPA?

Directorʼs Meeting May Agenda

5:00-5:20 pm General discussions, quorum5:20 pm Call Meeting to Order5:21 pm Reading and acceptance of the Minutes of

the April 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 ThanksTo Tom Littleton and BAVCO for a

Great Presentation!!!!!

Tester WantedCurrent BPAT and Plumbing License Required.

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

Page 3: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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303 NORTH PARK DRIVE (78216-2726) P.O. BOX 460169 • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78246-0169

Stocking Distributors of Industrial, Commercial, and Residential Plumbing Supplies

Phone: (210) 344-3013 • FAX: (210) 344-8120

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Backflow Prevention Assemblies

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ADSIZE

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Page 4: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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Call or visit our Website for Spring 2004 Schedule.

BAC-FLO UNLIMITED, INC: “Don’t Settle for Less!”

(210) 698-0411 www.bacflo.com 1-800-638-6232

●Free gauge test●TCEQ training credits●ABPA nationally recognized●Two instructors

●More hands-on training●All courses TCEQ approved●Separated practice stations●Learn from experience

BAC-FLO UNLIMITED

Page 5: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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The Latest…

May Happenings May began a very busy time for our Chapter and the Board. Four members represented us at the Inter-national Conference and Trade Show from our local chapter. We also had a display set up in the vendor area to pro-mote the 2006 Conference, which will be held here in San Antonio at the Crown plaza next April. Response was tremendous from those who attended the Conference in Orlando. We ran out of almost all of the promotional items that we had available.

In addition to some very educational sessions that were held over the three-day period, we also attended the Tuesday Night Awards Banquet in which the San Antonio Chapter received the Pace Award from the National President in recognition of our Chapterʼs excellence. Once again we were the only local chapter to receive this prestigious award. We all need to look no further than ourselves for the congratulations and the kudos ̓that every-one deserves for this award coming home to San Antonio once again. We consistently get asked by others from across Texas and the nation as to just how we get such a strong local response within our organization. We have one simple answer and that is we all care about protecting the potable water supply for our customers because when it comes to the health of the public there is no differentiation between design consultants, enforcement agen-cies, and private contractors.

We had a sudden cancellation of our May Meeting at the eleventh hour last week and there was some discussion as to just how to get the word out to the membership. The board will be devising a contingency plan in case this happens again as well as preparing ourselves to get the word out in a timely but efficient manner. Have a good month a remember spread the word and educate people about the world of backflow as each opportunity presents itself.

Bruce E. Pearson ABPA-SA Chapter President

Safety Tip

Summer has arrived, drink plenty of fluids and protect your skin!!!!!!

Chris, with American Automatic Sprinklers, recently had his van broken into and his testing device stolen. Backflow Testing Brand: Midwest, Se-rial number 225219. His telephone number is 789-1225, please contact him if you have any further questions.

Page 6: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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ABPA-SA CHAPTER2005 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive CommitteePRESIDENT – BRUCE PEARSON ............................................................704-1750 WK1st VICE PRESIDENT – JOE JONES ................................................................................2nd VICE PRESIDENT – JOHNNIE IVY ...................................................923-4575 WKTREASURER – JEFF HOFFMAN (parliamentarian) .................................633-3296 HMSECRETARY – SCOTT OKLAND .............................. 235-7466 PGR 354-6573 WK.................................................................................................... [email protected]. – AT-ARMS – .....GILBERT PALOMINO & DAN FERNANDEZ 704-1750 WKTROY 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 ** ............................................................ [email protected] MYERS* .........................................................................................599-1304 HMRON RENOUF* ...........................................................................................696-1411 HMMIKE ALDRUP ................................................................................................... 481-2030JIM MABRY .................................................................................................681-3502 HMBILL SAHM (Honorary)* Term expires Nov. 2005 ** Term expires Nov. 2006

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

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEECHAIRMAN TED MORALES 207-8279

STEVE BAILYJEFF HOFFMAN

ROBERT STRICKER

TRAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERSTIM HOPKINS (gauge test)JORGE LOPEZ (gauge test)

BILL HAMRICK (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

ABPA-SA DISTRICT

TRAINING COMMITTEE

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

Training Committee Members

STEVE BAILY BILL HAMRICK (gauge test)JEFF HOFFMAN ROBERT STRICKERJORGE LOPEZ (gauge test) TIM HOPKINS (gauge test)

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

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

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN TED MORALES 207-8279

Page 7: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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mercial installation of pre-engineered, preassembled and pre-certified valve stations. The stations allow un-interrupted full flow rate of both domestic and irrigation systems when any one piece of equipment is off-line.

Key Problem Performance was the key problem at Desert Island. Upper floor and cooling tower supply frequently fell below minimum pressure and flow requirements, even when the irrigation systems were not running. After an investigation, the primary “loss component” was found to be a 4-inch direct-acting (DA) pressure regulator that produced significant fall off during normal flow use.

Previously, property managers tried to compensate for the huge draw off of water for irrigation, a problem made worse because the irrigation connections were initially set on the “downstream” side. Sullins recalled that there was enough pressure at the water meter to do what was needed, but because of the huge demand for irrigation, upper floor condos were starved for water.

There was no way to increase both volume and pres-sure. Pressure coming in at 110 psi, by code, had to be regulated down to 80 psi when coming in to the build-ings ̓first floors. Older, DA regulators simply made problems worse because, by nature, they create more fall off. We knew then that we had to increase volume by using ACVs and eliminating all of the DAs.

Another challenge was that system components were placed in various locations throughout the development. Testing and maintenance were unnecessarily difficult because of the distance between components.

Finally there was one more difficulty - the sheer num-ber of pieces and parts. The systems at Desert Island in-cluded many shut-off valves, swing checks, pipe loops, and fittings that were not required for proper operation; in fact, they impeded water flow and complicated the job for many professionals, including plumbers; fire protection, building inspector, irrigation and backflow specialists.

Nothing made sense; there was no unity to the systems and, God forbid, if two or more people would have to work at the same valve station at the same time, or dur-ing the day when water was in high demand.

Solutions Our ideas for the new valve stations began to mature as we partnered with Watts Regulator. Iʼve been working with them for the past 20 years. My companyʼs field ex-perience coupled with their engineering and manufac-turing expertise, shared in both directions, has helped strengthen everyoneʼs businesses.

Together, we began to visualize many ways to simplify valve stations, provide redundancy to eliminate down-time and to greatly shorten installation time.

After a thorough inspection of all existing valve sta-tions, and careful consideration of all needs within the condominium development, we worked closely with Sullins, who knew the requirements at Desert Island best of all. With Sullins ̓help, the specifications were set.

Each system was built by Watts exactly to specification and achieves uninterrupted flow for testing and main-tenance by use of primary and secondary valve lines. The stations may include backflow preventers, pressure regulators, actuated automatic control valves (ACVs), meters, headers, single checks and shutoff valves. They permit high flow rates with low-pressure drop.

Valve stations were ordered for each building and a two-week advance notice was posted by management for residents that foretold of a daylong, no-water situa-tion.

As the equipment was manufactured, each valve station was certified to meet the performance requirements in a fully assembled state and included all maintenance shut-offs, valves and piping.

Swat Team Finally, on a day last June with temperatures climbing to 110 degrees, three capable installers and I arrived at Desert Island to see how our ideas would work.

At 8 a.m., with all three valve stations awaiting re-moval from the back of a truck, water service for each building was shutoff and drained. Additional water sources were set up for the cooling systems. Removal of old piping, additional rework of other systems, installation of the valve stations - complete with ACVs, backflow preventers, piping and shutoffs - system refill, pressure set, tuning and final testing were all accom-plished by 4 p.m.

Contʼd from Page 1

Contʼd on Page 9

Page 8: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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WATTS, THE BROADEST LINE IN BACKFLOW PREVENTION...

offers as standard a double check valve assembly that can be mounted in a meter box with test cocks & access covers pointing up for ease of maintenance. Fully approved.

■ Top access - testing/maintenance■ One cover for all maintenance■ USC approved orientation■ Replaceable seats■ Captured springs

For Improved Performance, True Line Size Valves! Watts true line size valves give you exactly what you've wanted in backflow pre-venter valves: better performance, smaller size, lighter weight and signifi-cantly increased depend-ability. Unlike typical "Y" pattern valves, true line size valves provide an even distribution of flow, reduce wear on

BACKFLOW PREVENTION DIVISION

WATTSREGULATOR Houston office 1-800-460-1940

Dallas office 1-800-568-5686

internal parts and allow more dirt and debris to pass without causing failures. Available in three of our most popular performance models, 007,

008 and 009, true line sizing will forever change the way you

look at backflow preventers.

Page 9: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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Immediately, top floor pressures improved dramatically with no pressure draw-down during high flow periods. Prior to our work there, each building had 35 gpm at 20 psi. Immediately after the new valve stations were activated, the systems saw 55 gpm at 50 psi.

Each of the three Desert Island condo buildings were fitted with easily accessible valve stations that serve all domestic, cooling and irrigation needs. The existing installation was measured and the new valve stations were made to fit the existing piping exactly. Two-inch valves were provided to handle flow during 90 percent of the duty cycle from 0-150 gpm. A larger valve was installed to handle high demand for cooling and irriga-tion when flow rates would call for volumes of up to 300 gpm.

Redundancy Of all the advantages, the built-in redundancy is what weʼre proudest of. At Desert Island, the old systems were flawed from the day they were first installed. Why install a 3-inch assembly when two, 2-inch backflow preventers will allow adequate flow?

If a customer has one 4-inch assembly, and the required flow is 300 gpm at a continuous pressure of 80 psi, itʼs likely that, if a direct-acting regulator is used, thereʼll be a drop off in line pressure. With ACVs and regula-tors, the pre-engineered station will not see pressure fall off. And, due to the nature of the diaphragm-actuated pressure control valve, the stations donʼt need a low-flow bypass.

When a DA valve does produce too much fall off -- and we had plenty of these to contend with -- a smaller-dia-phragm ACV can be used to significantly increase the system performance. By sizing the ACVs so that one provides good low-flow characteristics, and the other provides good high-flow, a steady supply of water for all needs can be provided even during testing and main-tenance. And, by combining backflow prevention and pressure-reducing functions for domestic and irrigation lines, we minimize overall footprint, the number of components and installation time.

The valve stations come with the capability for built-in

expansion. If, for instance, a buildingʼs small line does not provide an acceptable flow rate, a larger-diameter assembly is simply installed.

Downstream of the backflow preventer, near the risers, overlay caps permit easy use of an additional source of water if the water supply line is out. This is especially useful should the water main break.

Spacers are provided at butterfly valves. If the measure-ment for connections is off by 1/4-inch or so, spacers will compensate for correct sizing because there are no threaded connections - corrections happen at the but-terfly valves.

Victaulic couplings are used as a flex alignment. Be-cause most pre-installation sites are rigid, these cou-plings allow installers to adjust the stationʼs flange connections for a perfect fit.

All components are designed to match or complement one another. For instance, a strainer will likely have a higher flow capacity than a backflow preventer, which may have different flow characteristics than the control valve if all are sized the same. Stations are engineered to permit all components to work together optimally.

If fire or irrigation taps or other devices are needed, the station is designed so that the water customer is never out of service. If a buyer challenges the cost of two backflow preventers, consider the cost of shutting down the building. Ask: Whatʼs the cost of downtime? What could leak? How high have you set your liability pro-tection? Will the building owner sign a waiver, releas-ing you from any responsibility should a leak develop?

In our case, technology and applied thinking came to the rescue.

Bernie Clarke is owner of Backflow Prevention Device Tester, a testing and installation firm and Clarke Sales, an equipment research, design and training firm, both based in Valencia, Calif. For 40 years, he has been a licensed plumber for the city of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles County. He began concentrating on backflow prevention work in 1976. He can be reached at 661/294-0901; e-mail: [email protected]

Contʼd from Page 7

Page 10: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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Backflow Preventer & Water Meter Assembliesfor Fireline, Domestic, & Irrigation Water Service

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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 contact

704-7136

Backflow Trivia Answer: ?????????????

Page 11: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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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

Page 12: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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Page 13: Another Way Of Backflow Prevention3 303 north park drive (78216-2726) p.o. box 460169 • san antonio, tx 78246-0169

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Here’s the best way

to keep foreign

substances

out of a

water supply system.

U.S. made backflow preventers from Conbraco Industries make your job easier.

You get a complete selection for commercial, residential, and industrial applica-tions. Choose from sizes as small as 1/4 inch to as large as 8 inch. Select con-tinuous pressure, RPZ, dual check, double check, and vacuum breaker devices.

Each Conbraco backflow prevention device is engineered and manufactured with precision for worry-free performance.

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MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVE

KNOX& ASSOCIATES

Houston (713) 462-7766GENE LAKE Wats 800-231-7191830-583-2448 Fax (713) 690-6228

707 Loma Vista Office/WarehouseKenedy, Texas 78119 10002 Grover Houston, Texas 77041

Conbraco Industries, Inc.P.O. Box 247Matthews, NC 28106

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

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