32 HEALTH AND SANITATION
“ Behaviours and techniques learned through the ASSE 12000 certification process deliver a repeatable and reliable method of risk assessment of all piped systems ,” Ceja said . “ This project illustrates a labor / management commitment of time and treasure to defend a community from unwelcome waterborne pathogens . We will also be coordinating tradeswomen and other diverse stakeholders and trades workers in the area , providing the expertise necessary to address any water-quality issues that arise .”
Pavlich , Benkowski and Ceja were joined — virtually and in person — by IWSH and IAPMO Field Services representatives for the training at HAPJAC . All activities and individual participations adhered to applicable health and safety protocols .
So far , two rounds of assessments — also known as ‘ Days of Action ’ — have taken place . The first round , on April 17 , consisted of seven homes and were for residents who signed up at the town hall meeting . On May 1 , nine additional assessments were performed ; these were requested after the initial round .
Ashley Behn also had an assessment done on the water coming into her family ’ s home .
“ I ’ m hoping to find out just how safe or unsafe it is ,” she said . “ We cook a lot ; oftentimes we use water from the sink , and I want to know if that ’ s OK or not .”
She said she would “ absolutely ” recommend that fellow Nome residents follow suit .
“ I talked to Jeremy ( Pavlich ), and he got back to me really quickly , and we set up a time for an assessment ,” she said . “ They came in , did what they had to do and walked out . It was easy .”
“ It was great to see elected officials and community come together to hear about the Risk Assessment Programme and how we intend to implement it ,” said IAPMO Field Services Manager John Mata , who participated in the certification process and the April 9 town hall meeting . “ The collaborative work between the city of Nome , UA Plumbers Local 68 and IWSH depicted the commitment to making Nome ’ s water safe for its citizens .”
IWSH North American Programme Director Jed Scheuermann has overseen the project ’ s development .
“ Risk assessments and sample testing reveal that Nome ’ s water situation is complex ,” he said . “ Based on community action day one results , additional testing was done at five sites . All partners continue to cooperatively work toward the goal of making Nome ’ s water safer .”
Nome resident LaDonna Pounders said her home was being tested for chemicals including nitrite , nitrates , lead , and arsenic .
“ I think it ’ s amazing ,” she said . “ I think it ’ s really wonderful to know that somebody ’ s looking out for communities with their water .” PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2021 Volume 27 I Number 6