In the News
Posted July 28, 2010
Bethlehem CSD hosts backflow training
The
Bethlehem Central School District Operations & Maintenance
Department recently hosted a Backflow
Prevention Device Inspector/Tester Training course at the O&M
facility in Bethlehem. The course, given by New England Water Works
Association (NEWWA), is a rigorous training program that allows an
individual to become a NYS Certified Backflow Preventer
Inspector/Tester.
The training was a cooperative effort of the Bethlehem O&M Department, Capital Region BOCES Risk Management and NEWWA. Twenty five attendees, representing a cross section of local governments, private employers, colleges and school districts, learned the theory of backflow prevention, conducted a practical exercise of the testing/inspections and took a hands-on & written test to certify what they learned.
“The ability of our employees to perform Backflow Testing/Inspection internally will save the Bethlehem CSD approximately $5,000 per year in outside contractor costs, allow us the flexibility to inspect, test, and repair as part of our scheduled preventative maintenance program,” said Bethlehem Central School District’s Director of Facilities, Gregg Nolte. “If we have a failure, we can repair and retest immediately to keep our schools and community drinking water supply safe.”
Photo caption: Eric Merchant (Cobelskill-Richmondville CSD), Joe Ryan (Bethlehem CSD), Joe Steffens (Bethlehem CSD) and Dan Ashdown (Questar III) during the practical exercise portion of the training.
