What’s New
March is known by many as the time for Spring Break. But for Civil Engineers it is the time when ASCE releases its 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure on March 19th. This is when the American taxpayers get the news about the state of their infrastructure.
Recent Projects
- Certification of Code compliance to the Building Department for alterations to a structure in Airmont, NY
- Forensic Engineering services regarding sidewalk and drainage issues adjacent to a property in Orange County, NY
- Consultation regarding retaining wall failures and their affect on an adjacent structure in Suffern, NY
Water Industry Plans for Transition to Lead-Free Rules
On January 1st WaterWorld reported that “Starting Jan. 4, 2014 a national law will go into effect amending the Safe Drinking Water Act requiring all products that come into contact with drinking water to have a maximum of 0.25 percent lead content. The “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act” was signed by President Obama in 2011 and was a revision of the “Safe Drinking Water Act. The law will effect meters, pumps, valves, pipes, fittings, or fixtures that contact drinking water…Language in the law has also raised concerns that it could cause a number of lawsuits and confusion. The federal law states products “not anticipated” for drinking are exempt. Andre Noel, senior product marketing manager at Neptune Technology Group, says this broad wording could include water hoses and fire hydrants. Manufacturers may also have to explain their reasons for using a part containing lead. Other officials say utilities and distributors would be wise to begin their transition now”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to test potable water sources for lead, and to consult regarding lead in plumbing fixtures and systems. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.
Hidden camera investigation — plumbers
On February 21st Jeff Rossen of The Today Show reported “If you’re calling a plumber, chances are you have an emergency; you’re desperate, in need of quick help. You trust them to find the problem and fix it, at a fair price. With our hidden cameras, we tested plumbers to see who gets it right — and who lands in hot water…Things started off great. Within a minute, the first plumber found and fixed the problem…And the next few plumbers also fixed the problem in just minutes. But then our luck went down the drain”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to inspect and consult regarding plumbing systems. Please contact our office if you would like to seek input from an independent design professional before retaining a contractor who may not be objective in their analysis of a plumbing issue.