Test Driving Heavy Equipment


			Test driving heavy equipment July 21, 2005 More than 75 water system and wastewater system operators from around the state converged at Satsop Development Park to try out heavy equipment in the shadow of the cooling towers. The second annual equipment rodeo, held July 14, was sponsored by Evergreen Rural Water, a non-profit organization that provides training to operators and response to water system problems free of charge. “It's the best kept secret,” Gary Rhoades, Evergreen’s executive director, said. He said the rodeo was offered so water operators could try out equipment before going to their bosses or councils at budget time for a purchase. Because anyone who provides water to more than 15 homes has to be certified through the state, Evergreen provides on-going training classes to help those operators maintain their certification. The program, based in Shelton, is federally funded. For more information, visit www.erwow.org. Reprinted with permission from The Vidette, Montesano, Washington