In the world of potable water protection and backflow prevention, a certified specialist tester or inspector will find cross connections that are controlled, and in too many cases, a bad cross connection with no control.
In a bid to address problem installations and improve education, the Western Canada Section American Water Works Association Cross (WCSAWWA) Connection Control Committee (CCC)launched its Bad and Ugly contest in 2014.
The 2014-2015 Bad and Ugly backflow contest received an enthusiastic response with 20 entries and the winners were recently announced. The WCSAWWA Cross Connection Control Committee judged the photo submissions. Three winners from across Canada were each presented with tools, compliments of Conbraco Industries, Watts Canada and Zurn Industries.
And the Winners Are:
• Eric Gagnier, chief plumbing inspector for la Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) who presented his prize (an Apollo backflow prevention test kit) to Nathalie Quevillon, training director at the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ).
• Simon Jolly of Edmonton, AB, received a Zurn pressure differential gauge for his winning entry.
• Clint Patrick, who is a plumber with DMT Mechanical Ltd. in Lethbridge, AB won the Watts pressure differential gauge.
Check out the photo submissions on p78 of HPAC’s October 2015 digital edition.
Organizers are now calling for entries for the 2015-2016 contest. The WCSAWWA offers the following considerations for photo entries:
> Device selection
> Hazard application
> Device installation and orientation
> Device height and access for testing
> Device drain or lack of drain
> Tag or no tag, test cock plugs or
no plugs
> Using test cocks for other purposes
> Device or assembly broken up
> Poor plumbing practices, supports, connections and others
Entries must be received by April 1, 2016. Submission categories are active tester in the field and cross connection control inspector/regulator. Prizes will be awarded in May 2016. www.wcsawwa.net
