The Suffolk County Water Authority this week launched a first-of-its-kind online backflow test portal, which, in addition to being eco-friendly, is easy to use, free and will save approximately 500 minutes of staff time per week.
The new portal allows backflow testers and master plumbers to submit test forms electronically, instead of mailing or faxing them to SCWA’s Cross Connection Control Department where clerical staff had to enter all the forms into a computer one at a time. That process will now be automated. SCWA is the only water supplier in New York operating its own portal, and at no charge to the tester; at least one other water supplier on Long Island has a contractor providing the service for a fee.
"This is just another example of how at the Suffolk County Water Authority we are constantly analyzing our procedures to operate as efficiently as possible while continuing to supply drinking water that is constantly tested and guaranteed to be safe," said SCWA Chairman James F. Gaughran.
The SCWA Cross Connection Control office is available to answer any questions about the new portal from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (631) 563-0266. The portal can be accessed HERE.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.