Action | Amend Backflow Vocational Training Requirement |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 9/30/2020 |
I strongly support continued licensing for Backflow Prevention Device Testers. Our potable water supply is at greater risk of contamination and pollution than ever . Cross connections between potable and non potable water sources are happening with increasing frequency, eg the ongoing situation in Texas right now involving brain eating ameoba in the water supply. These types of incidences are more common than most people realize. Installation of backflow prevention devices on water supply lines are crucial to avoiding these life threatening health risks to all water consumers in Virginia. We need licensed backflow prevention device testers trained and educated in the installation ,repair and testing of these devices. I have come across situations where devices were either not installed at all or incorrectly installed by persons/companies that had a Master Plumbing license but did not have a Backflow Device Testers license. This important issue warrants the continued licensing of Backflow Device Testers by VPOR. We have made progress in our efforts to protect the health ,safety and general welfare of water consumers. We cannot afford to stop now.