Residential Irrigation Systems
Bruce Rathburn reported at the April ABPA-SA meeting that the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) meter readers have identified all the irrigation systems in SAWS service area. About 2,000 letters per month have been going out with a possible increase to 6,000 in June to ensure all system owners are notified of their status, either to have their backflow tested or a backflow installed, by June 2013. SAWS is working towards establishing one, consolidated backflow database later this year. Eventually, the test and maintenance reports can be filled out and submitted on-line. The one year testing requirement in-lieu of the two year testing is required by the plumbing code and San Antonio ordinance approved by City of San Antonio (COSA) council. When asked by his SAWS boss what was needed, Bruce replied, “A call center”. Bruce said he gets calls on about half of the letters he sends out.
