NOVEMBER IS OUR BIG MONTH FOR RAFFLE PRIZES, NIGHTMARE AWARD CONTEST, AND ATTENDANCE CONTESTS

As our long time regular members know, the November meeting is the time we have our training and then we have some fun to close out the year. This year we have American Backflow Products Company sponsoring our meeting and providing the training with a Jeopardy Game format using backflow questions for the teams that are made up of the members present.

November 2023 Newsletter

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

At the time when the July Newsletter was published we did not have a sponsor for the July meeting meals so it was assumed that the ABPA-SA Chapter would have to sponsor its own meeting. At the last moment, WWIP Corporation stepped up to the plate and did sponsor our July meeting. We would like to thank those responsible at WWIP Corporation with a big THANK YOU.

August 2023 Newsletter

ARE WE GOING FORWARD OR BACKWARD?

In Texas there is a requirement that USC Field Test Procedures be utilized. This involves training courses, exam processes, etc. This is strictly enforced by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Assembly approvals in Texas will be different from city to city. Some will require strictly USC Full Approval, while others will allow ASSE approved assemblies.

October 2023 Newsletter

UNIFORM TEST PROCEDURES ACROSS TEXAS

As most of us know there are approximately 50 different test procedures for BFPA's. They all vary somewhat and all basically evaluate, to some degree, if a backflow prevention assembly is operating as designed.

However, when enforcing a backflow prevention program, it is critical that the test procedure beingused is uniform across the area/state. The reason for this is multiple.

July 2023 Newsletter

The Basics of Heat Stress
(Everyone should read this again during this time of year)

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to release heat and cool itself. Even though the body is constantly exposed to varying temperatures, it is designed to maintain an internal temperature of 98.6 degrees. By circulating blood to the capillaries in the upper layers of the skin, the body releases heat, increasing perspiration and skin temperature. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, when air temperature is equal to or warmer than the skin, blood brought to the skin’s surface can’t efficiently release heat. When this occurs, the body’s main cooling mechanism becomes the evaporation of perspiration. If evaporation can’t occur, the body can not rid itself of excess heat, and the cooling process is impaired.

September 2023 Newsletter

ABPA Conference in Las Vegas May 8-10, 2023

This year’s ABPA Conference turned out to be more successful than last year. The National Board decided that another conference in Las Vegas was a ‘safe bet’ since the Association still was catching its breath after not having an in-person conference in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID. The decision was based mainly on lower overall Conference expenses. With an overall attendance of around 250, many have summarized an overall great experience. More will be known in the coming month or so on final numbers and input, thus getting ready for next year’s conference in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 22-24, 2024. So, save that date.

June 2023 Newsletter