When they aren’t working to provide safe and reliable water service to our community, some EPWater employees are preparing for another important mission.
The EPWater pipe tapping team has been eagerly waiting to return to the annual Texas Water conference to compete against the best in the state. Four years ago, the pipe tapping team placed third at the conference organized by the Texas section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). This year the team has its sights set on the number one spot.
During the pipe tapping competition, teams are simulating what field crews perform when installing a water service line that provides water from the water main on the street to the meter. It is designed to showcase the skills and speed needed to maintain a water line, skills these employees use on a daily basis.
The muscle behind this year’s team is comprised of Water Lead Service Workers German Enriquez and Julio Soto, as well as Utility Pipe Layer Sergio Cruz. Taking over as coach for the first time is Construction Superintendent Juan Lares.
In addition to the pipe tapping contest, Utility Pipe Layer Mark Herrera and Water Service Worker Supervisor Marco Munoz are also taking part in the conference’s “Hydrant Hysteria” competition where the two-man team assembles a fire hydrant as quickly as possible.
Although this will be the first time that most of the team members will be competing in these events, they feel confident in their ability to communicate and work collaboratively to get the best times.
“I’m super excited and it’s been a great learning experience,” Herrera said. “I think we’re going to bring something home.”
Practice makes perfect
The pipe tapping competition is fast-paced and intense, pitting utility teams in a race that simulates connecting a copper pipe from a water meter to a water main. It’s a contest that requires precision, strength and speed, all while maintaining the highest level of safety and quality. Winning times clock in under the 2-minute mark. The pipe tapping team gets 15 minutes to set up and prep their tools and materials for their run, meticulously placing each item to ensure the most efficient movements once the clock starts.
“You may get the fastest time but if you make mistakes, that knocks off seconds that could cost you the win,” Lares said. “It’s a lot of pressure but these guys have been working hard to improve their times.”
Both teams practice after hours, sometimes until sunset and on weekends, finessing their skills and improving their times.
“It’s going to be a big challenge going up against teams that practice all year long, but our guys have been putting in a good amount of practice time these past few months,” Lares said. “We’re getting better and better.”
Veteran presence
Julio Soto, who is the “copper” on the pipe tapping team, is the sole veteran of the group headed to Texas Water. Soto competed with the 2019 pipe tapping team that took third place.
As they each perform their designated jobs, Soto displays a notable level of skill through his quick yet calm movements during the practice runs. The other team members often look to him for guidance and advice.
“I’ve been able to pass on some of the tips that I learned from the guys who had competed before,” Soto said. “It feels good that I can help the others get better not just in the competition but also in their jobs.”
The winner of both the competitions advance to compete in June at AWWA’s Annual Conference in Toronto.