FLUSHING UPON BUSINESS REOPENING
Dear Valued Customer,
With the potential reopening of businesses coming soon, Elk Grove Water District wants to advise you to flush your building water system of stagnant water. Stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria. Flushing both your hot and cold water clears out the low-quality water that accumulated during the business closure and replaces it with high-quality water. If you have questions, please contact Travis Franklin using the form below or by phone at (916) 685-3556 Option 3.
Here are a few flushing tips following CDC and industry guidelines:
- Flush the entire water system to replace all water. Flush hot and cold water through all points of use (e.g. sink faucets and hose bibs) for a sufficient amount of time, including all water-using appliances like ice machines and dishwashers. Flush until the hot water reaches its maximum temperature.
- Depending on the facility’s size, flushing may need to occur in segments (e.g. per floor or individual rooms). The goal is for all water to be replaced inside building piping with fresh water.
- Remove all aerator screens before flushing.
- During flushing, operate all valves in the fully open position so that any particulate matter can be flushed through.
- Adjust valves back to normal operating positions to ensure that the system is rebalanced.
- Return hot water systems to normal operating temperatures.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html
https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/wmp/toolkit/index.html
https://esprinstitute.org/coronavirus-building-flushing-guidance/