GBW Associates LLC

09/25/2026

This morning’s office work.

09/24/2026

Coming soon to a bridge near you.

09/22/2026

A dump tank is only as good as how it was last put away. Drain not secured...first load of water dumped...not an easy recovery. Be good about re-securing dump tank drains before stowing the tanks on the rig.

09/22/2026

Some more excellent work from the Catawba County region in North Carolina. We delivered a few seminars in that area since 2019 and it is great to see the folks there take the concepts that were discussed and "run with it". Common practices, equipment, and training...plus quality leadership...almost always leads to success! Nice work!

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

Day 1 - Florette Alabama. Up and running.

09/19/2026

Fire Hydrant Flow Testing: Where is the Water Going

Fire hydrant flow testing plays a vital role in the design of fire protection systems. One challenge during this process is the release of chlorinated water into nearby waterways. In many regions, there is no set reportable quantity for chlorinated water; instead, the concentration of chlorine in the water determines whether a report must be made. Typically, water from fire hydrants contains chlorine levels between 0.2 mg/l and 0.4 mg/l. However, a concentration of 0.1 mg/l is often used as the threshold for reporting.

To address this, it is important to plan ahead for where water will be discharged during fire hydrant flow testing. This might include locations such as retention ponds, stormwater drains, or open fields, along with specific dechlorination procedures. At GBW Associates, LLC, all of our dechlorination procedures use dechlorination tablets. If there is any uncertainty about where the discharged water will end up, it is best to proceed with dechlorination.

https://www.gotbigwater.com/news/743/Fire-Hydrant-Flow-Testing-Where-is-the-Water-Going

09/18/2026

One of the pioneers in the better understanding of pump operations and rural water supply. Many folks and fire departments improved their water supply operations because of Bill Eckman's work. RIP.

It is with deep regret that the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of Past President/Past Deputy Fire Chief William “Bill” F. Eckman, a life member, leader, instructor, and devoted supporter of the fire service and the La Plata community.

Bill’s service to the La Plata VFD spanned decades and included serving as President in 1973, 1974, 1976, and 1977, as well as Deputy Fire Chief in 1974. He served on numerous department committees and played an instrumental role in the design of several department apparatus, including the current Tanker 1.

Bill was a dedicated advocate for training and water supply operations. During the 1990s, he taught the department’s regional water supply drills, which were conducted several times each year. His knowledge and willingness to share that knowledge helped strengthen the capabilities of firefighters throughout the region.

For more than 30 years, Bill served as an instructor with the University of Maryland, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI). Throughout his career, he taught Basic Fire and Fire Behavior courses and was instrumental in writing the University Pumps Training Program manual. He was particularly well known for teaching pump operations classes throughout Southern Maryland during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

Bill’s expertise in water supply extended far beyond La Plata. As a water supply consultant, he assisted fire departments throughout the East Coast, including his work on the 1995 Charles County Water Supply Study.

Bill also devoted nearly five decades to serving the Town of La Plata as a councilman and mayor. Throughout those years, he remained a steadfast supporter of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department and its leadership, particularly regarding the town’s water system, building codes, and development.

His contributions reached far beyond the positions he held. Bill shared his knowledge, experience, and passion for the fire service with generations of firefighters and helped shape the department and the community he served for so many years.

We extend our deepest condolences to Bill’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him.

09/16/2026

A good example of public/private partnerships getting it done.