WEST MILFORD The American Society of Sanitary Engineering has certified West Milford’s Michael J. Heller as a “Backflow Protection Assembly Tester and Inspector.” Heller, owner of The Plumbing Shop Inc., is a N.J. Master Plumber with multiple licenses and certifications issued by the state of New Jersey. This newest certification is one he has wanted to obtain since 1996. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, cross-connections and backflow represents a significant public health risk. Cross-connections can be prevented by installing backflow prevention equipment. The only way one knows if the equipment is working is by doing a cross connection inspection program. In New Jersey, the DEP monitors these programs. Heller’s certification is recognized by the NJDEP as well as other states. In order to obtain this certification he had to demonstrate competence in the field of plumbing, attend a 32 hour training course and under a proctor’s observation properly test three different types of backflow assemblies including the completion of inspection reports and complete a 100 question written examination that covered general backflow prevention techniques and the laws of the state of NJ. Backflow prevention is an essential part of keeping drinking water safe. It doesn’t matter if the source is a private well or a municipal, is vulnerable to the effects of backflow incidents. Backflow incidents can occur in toilets, hose spigots, laundry sinks, irrigation systems and boilers. In the state of New Jersey the only person who can install backflow prevention devices are New Jersey Licensed Master Plumbers. However only an individual who has obtained a tester’s certification can test and inspect such devices.