Empty Buildings & Water Quality

As buildings have been shut down or used less frequently, water quality in the buildings may become degraded due to stagnation. It is always a good practice to flush all water supply lines in a facility after a prolonged closure to ensure that fresh water is in the system.

The First District has continued to monitor water quality in accordance with our water sampling plans including bacteria and all regulated water parameters. However, water may remain stagnant in the piping of closed facilities which can cause conditions that can increase the risk for growth of bacteria including Legionella, and create unsafe levels of lead or copper. 

To ensure that water is safe to drink when the facility is returned to normal service, it is recommended that all hot and cold taps be flushed through all points (faucets, showers, ice-machines, dishwashers) to reintroduce fresh water throughout the building. Hot water taps should be flushed until it reaches its maximum temperature, and cold water taps should be flushed until water runs cold, indicating fresh water from the main.