The Water Tower hosted its fourth annual National Backflow Prevention Day Celebration on August 13 bringing together more than 140 water professionals and vendors to advance knowledge and practices in backflow prevention and cross-connection control. The day-long event featured classroom-style training sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and an exhibit hall—all focused on the shared goal of protecting public health.

When water flows in reverse through distribution pipes, this backflow can draw pollutants or harmful substances into drinking water supplies. Proper devices, regular testing, and thorough training for water professionals are critical to keeping water safe. The Water Tower hosts this yearly event to provide resources and training for water industry professionals as well as access to the latest tools and technologies to support backflow prevention.

“We are proud to continue growing this event and expanding opportunities for education, collaboration, and innovation in the backflow space,” said Melissa Meeker, CEO of The Water Tower. “It’s rewarding to see professionals come together on our campus to build their skills and make meaningful connections.”

Participants had the option to register for continuing education (CE) training sessions — earning up to five water/wastewater CE credits and six Georgia Backflow CE credits toward their water operator or backflow license renewal. Technical sessions included retrofitting solutions, digging safety, backflow and fire hydrants, site specific solutions for backflow, and isolation vs. containment, taught by experts and real-world practitioners. Approximately 100 attendees completed the full training track, while others joined for networking, lunch, and exhibit hall access, and 13 exhibitors demonstrated the latest tools and technologies.

The event was made possible by a variety of industry sponsors and partners, including:

• Platinum Sponsor: Harry Warren of Georgia

• Hydration Sponsor: Lawrenceville Coca-Cola Bottling Company

• Gold Sponsors: American Backflow Products Company, Aqualine Infrastructure Group, Wilkins by Zurn Elkay

• Silver Sponsor: Bartow Precast

• Bronze Sponsor: Safe-T-Cover

• Sustaining and Transformative Partners: Garver, Gwinnett County, iTrust, Kamstrup, Siemens, STV, Wade Trim   

For more information on The Water Tower and its programs, visit www.theh2otower.org.