As a Compliance Inspector, I am responsible for coordination of the Town of Leesburg Cross Connection Control Program. Backflow devices are a necessary component to maintaining safe potable drinking water, a critical component for protecting public health. Competent testing and maintenance is essential for proper operation of these devices.

The word backflow is mentioned over 75 times in the proposed Virginia Waterworks Regulations. Including the following text; 12VAC5-590-630 (D) Starting January 1, 2022, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and devices shall be certified by a Commonwealth of Virginia tradesman certification program (identified by DPOR as backflow prevention device workers). Until January 1, 2022, persons testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies and devices shall be qualified to perform such work as demonstrated by possessing a certification or license from a local or state agency having legal authority or shall possess a certificate of completion of applicable vocational training acceptable to the owner.

In closing, the BPDW certification is necessary to maintain compliance with proposed Virginia Waterworks Regulations, vital to the protection of our drinking water and public health. Therefore, I stand in STRONG SUPPORT of keeping the DPOR Backflow Prevention Device Worker certification!