Guidance For Building Reopenings

Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation

Ensure the Safety of Your Occupants and Building Water System and Devices

 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and Executive Orders, many businesses and public facilities have been vacant with very little water usage for an extended period of time.  The temporary shutdown or reduced operation of a building and reductions in normal water use can create hazards for returning occupants.

The EMUA is sharing this guidance to help ensure the safety of the water supply and public health as businesses and facilities begin to reopen once the Stay-at Home orders are lifted.

EMUA water contains a residual disinfectant.  As water use in a building slows or stops, the water tends to stagnate, causing a loss of this residual disinfectant which can lead to taste and odor issues, discolored water, and potential leaching of premise plumbing materials such as Lead and Copper.  Keeping the water moving, flushed and refreshed is crucial in these situations to ensure clean, clear water free of these contaminants.

The EMUA has been proactive in ensuring the best quality water through the distribution system, and as these orders are lifted, we are here to assist even further.  We have maintained a Free Chlorine residual throughout our distribution system and continue to monitor the disinfectant residual to ensure that all water maintains compliance with National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Standards.

PLEASE NOTE: If your facility currently has a Water Management Program in place, please follow your individual plan.

This helpful video produced by the Louisville Water Company provides basic, simple guidance:

For further information and guidance on water management programs issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html

For NJDEP guidance on flushing to restore water quality, please visit: https://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/pdf/flushing-guidance.pdf

We are here to help.  If you have any questions, please contact the EMUA at 856-983-1878 with any questions or concerns and we will be glad to help.