Their team name may be the “Mud Dogs,” but there’s no dirt on Boothbay Region Water District (BRWD)’s record. This is the third year in a row the district has taken home the trophy from Maine Water Utilities Association’s annual pipe tapping competition, walking away with the fastest installation time at three minutes and 25 seconds. 

The challenge is similar to how a water service line is set up for a residence. Teams must tap a pressurized ductile iron water pipe, install a copper pipe compression joint corporation (CPPJ), and then cut and install six feet of three-quarter inch copper tubing into the CPPJ. This is done the old-fashioned way: manually, and without power tools. BRWD’s team consisted of General Manager Weston Alley, Shawn Simmons, Cody Brown and Gage Seavey. 

“We've always given other teams a run for their money. We've just been on top the last three years,” said Alley. The opponents this year included water districts from Augusta, Kennebec and Bath. 

According to Alley, another important part of the contest is that every team member is outfitted in full safety gear as penalties are handed out for missing equipment. BRWD has previously gotten points deducted for forgotten gloves or helmets falling off, but everything has gone without a hitch these past few years.

The teams prepare by practicing, which is also good training for new hires, Alley said. 

“It's a friendly competition that helps the employees take pride in their knowledge of their work.” 

A video of the contest is on Maine Water Utilities Association's Facebook page.