Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Water Tapping Team Finishes Third

The Irvine Ranch Water District’s water tapping team, “Turbo Tappers,” once again demonstrated their expertise during the Orange County Water Association’s annual water tapping contest last week at Irvine Lake. Water tapping teams go head-to-head with their peers in the industry, representing other water districts and city water departments.

“Our team demonstrates highly trained professionalism that our customers have come to expect,” said David Pedersen, IRWD Executive Director of Operations.

This was the fourth consecutive year IRWD has participated in the contest. The timed competition involves three team members who tap into a pressurized water pipe using specialized tools. Copper pipe is then connected to a faucet. When all connections are made, the faucet is turned on, replicating connection from a water main to a domestic meter. The fourth team member serves as coach, who not only advises, but cheers the team on.

Teams are judged not only on the time it took to tap the pipe, but adherence to contest rules, use of safety equipment and if there are any leaks present.

Please enjoy the photo gallery below and visit www.irwd.com for more water information.