The Backflow Hero Award Recipients
The following honorees have made a significant impact in the field of backflow prevention and embody certain qualities such as having a passion for protecting drinking water, understanding the importance of continuing education, and more. Get to know our previous recipients of this important award in the field of backflow prevention.
Meet Your 2025 Recipients!
Bob Buddo – Lewis Marketing Inc.
With over 30 years of experience promoting backflow prevention needs and solutions, Bob is widely regarded as a trusted authority in the field. His deep understanding of cross-connection issues and familiarity with municipal systems have made him a valued resource. Many municipalities actively seek his guidance. He is a sought after speaker both regionally and nationally, and he regularly presents at backflow training sessions for the North Carolina Rural Water Association and other organizations.
Most recently, Bob has raised awareness around North Carolina House and Senate bills that weakened backflow prevention standards. These changes relaxed installation requirements for irrigation systems, reduced testing frequency, and introduced ambiguity around responsibility. Before the Senate bill passed, Bob proactively engaged local media and legislators to voice concerns. Since its enactment, he has continued his advocacy, meeting with state senators and working to influence the drafting of new legislation.
Bob’s commitment to protecting our drinking water is unwavering. His efforts highlight the importance of maintaining strong backflow prevention standards to safeguard public health.
Bernie Clarke – Clarke Sales
Bernie Clarke, affectionately known by some as “The Governor”, has been a towering figure in the backflow prevention industry. A true pioneer, Bernie launched his own backflow testing company in 1976 and has since become a nationally recognized expert. His contributions span field testing, product development, and thought leadership through countless articles and presentations. Bernie’s deep knowledge, real-world experience, and unwavering commitment to water conservation have made him a trusted advisor to professionals across the country. His passion for the craft is matched only by his quick wit and direct, engaging style.
Now 86 years old and still going strong, Bernie continues to serve the Southern California region with the same energy and dedication that have defined his career. To know Bernie is to witness excellence in action and to be inspired by a legacy built on service, expertise, and heart.
2024 Recipients
Dave Watson – Dave Watson Associates
Dave began working in the cross-connection control field in the 1970s, traveling from town to town to explain the need for CCC programs as the codes were being developed. Dave is dedicated to finding the best products to protect systems while managing the impact on customers. Over the years, he has recommended vacuum breaker designs, offered constructive improvement ideas, and produced backflow preventer repair videos.
Dave teaches at all Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor’s Association (MPMCA) cross connection testing classes. He also presents to inspector groups such as PIAM, Tri-County, and SEMPIA. In his early years, he trained pipe fitters at GM, Ford, and Chrysler. He constantly interacts with local code authorities, addressing product listings and installation issues, and speaks directly with customers to gather feedback.
Jim Purzycki - Backflow Apparatus and Valve Company (BAVCO)
Jim is a highly experienced expert in backflow prevention and crossconnection control, with over 40 years of dedication to the field. Water agency personnel frequently seek his advice, and many of his innovative ideas have influenced backflow products available today. Jim is deeply committed to education, having served as an instructor and moderator at numerous backflow and water conferences nationwide. He remains an active mentor, teaching others about backflow prevention.
Jim is heavily involved with the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) at both national and local levels. He collaborates closely with manufacturers and approval bodies like the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USCFCCCHR). He has developed a comprehensive catalog of spec sheets, models, and parts for various assemblies and maintains a website with training videos on backflow assembly repair, installation, and maintenance. His three warehouse locations cover the entire U.S., reflecting his lifelong commitment to backflow prevention across all brands.