Ambler Borough Water Department Recommends That Building Operators of All Restaurants, Schools, Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings That Have Been Dormant To Flush Their Plumbing Systems Before Reopening – To Help Maintain Water Quality.
In light of the Commonwealth’s announced plans for phased reopening of the state, Ambler Water Dept. encourages building owners and operators to adopt a proactive approach that includes flushing stagnant water from facility plumbing systems. As buildings reopen, businesses, school districts, houses of worship and property management teams will begin the process of restarting building systems that have been dormant for a significant amount of time. Extended periods of inactivity can cause lead leaching or bacterial growth in a building’s water system and taking proper steps can help minimize potential exposure to both of these contaminants. Proper reopening procedures will help in making sure water systems and equipment are in working order and in achieving and maintaining water quality. Ambler Water Dept. encourages building owners and operators whose facilities have been closed to adopt a proactive approach that includes proper flushing procedures, assuring the presence of disinfectant residuals and proper maintenance of building plumbing systems. Proper flushing of plumbing before reoccupying these buildings is essential to maintain water quality and should be performed while the building is closed, if possible, and again before opening. Consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency and industry guidance, the Ambler Water Dept. recommends the flushing of pipes to maintain water quality, including: — Toilets: Flush at least twice (this will help to move fresh water through the plumbing) — Faucets: Run at full flow for at least 2 minutes — Showers: Run at full flow for at least 2 minutes — Other Appliances/Apparatus: We recommend flushing other appliances and devices thoroughly, at full flow, bringing fresh water into the system. If you have an appliance, such as a refrigerator or ice machine that has a filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing water filters upon completion of flushing. If the building is equipped with a water treatment device contact your service provider. For additional information on flushing, see the Environmental Protection Agency’s Flushing Best Practices at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-09/documents/flushing_best_practices_factsheet_508.pdf ; the Center for Disease Control webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html ; or the American Water Works Association at https://www.awwa.org/Resources-Tools/Resource-Topics/Coronavirus .
