Closures that continue for weeks or months generally result in reduced water usage, which can potentially lead to stagnant water inside building plumbing
VANCOUVER — Many businesses have closed to the public or have reduced staffing levels due to efforts to mitigate potential community spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) under Washington’s “Stay Home, Stay Health’’ order.
Building and business closures that continue for weeks or months generally result in reduced water usage, which can potentially lead to stagnant water inside building plumbing.
The city of Vancouver Water Utility recommends building owners, managers and businesses take proactive steps now to protect public and employee health by following state and federal guidelines for addressing water quality in their plumbing systems.
Washington State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Resource Guidance provides online, detailed procedures for maintaining building water systems under low use, as well as starting up building water systems after closures and sustained low use. These procedures include, among a variety of other actions depending upon the facility, flushing the entire water system to replace all water. A helpful information guide and checklist are also available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Private property owners are responsible for the private systems and plumbing serving their facilities. Information about the city of Vancouver’s Water Utility is available at www.cityofvancouver.us/water.
For additional Public Works updates and overall city of Vancouver response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
