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As businesses start to welcome employees back to buildings, it is important that facility operators understand the importance of flushing building plumbing systems that have not been used for a while. Reduced occupancy has led to a decrease in water use and could mean longer periods of water stagnation within the internal plumbing systems of buildings. Without proper use and flushing within buildings, there is the potential risk of reduced water quality which could lead to the growth of microbes that are potentially harmful to human health, like Legionella.
We recommend that facility managers follow protocols appropriate to their buildings' systems which may include shutting down, draining and cleaning mechanical equipment where possible by flushing plumbing piping. Recently Public Health Authorities shared some guidelines around practices facility managers should review.
This document is intended for both building owners and maintenance staff to provide support on flushing activities prior to building re-entry.
Flushing guidance
If you would like the water in your business or home tested, we recommend contacting an accredited CALA lab.
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For additional support and resources regarding building flushing and best practices visit our list of resources.
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The Water Foundation invites building owners, operators, utilities and maintenance staff to a webinar on the "Impact of Prolonged Shutdown on Buildings from a Water Quality Perspective" on May 28. This webinar is an additional resource that speaks to the latest guidance for flushing and preparing building water systems. It's important to begin flushing protocols before re-entry and we recommend beginning your flushing procedures immediately to ensure the ongoing maintenance of your water system.
The Government of Alberta has released a guidance document to support businesses and buildings during COVID-19 re-entry. This document is intended for both building and business operators who operate within buildings that have been affected by low or zero occupancy and have had reduced water flow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flushing Guidance
When buildings are vacant for a period of time, reduced water usage can result in increased water stagnation within the internal plumbing system. The best way to make sure drinking water is safe after a period of prolonged vacancy or very low occupancy is to carry out proper maintenance and flushing procedures before re-occupancy.
Reduced quality may include: leaching of metals from internal plumbing, loss of disinfection residual and the growth of microbes potentially harmful to human health, such as Legionella.
We can't provide specific flushing activities for a place of business, but we have a series of recommendations and guidelines to help make sure the water within your internal plumbing is safe.
We recommend following industry practices for recommissioning low occupancy buildings. Including:
Legionella is a bacterium that can grow in building water systems during periods of water stagnation or low flow. Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and lung inflammation.
For buildings that have been vacant or have seen a reduced occupancy and a decrease in water use there is an increased risk of Legionella growth within the internal plumbing system. Stagnant water can cause a loss of chorine which can produce an environment in which Legionella thrives. Legionella tends to grow in warm (25 – 42 C) stagnant environments where there is no disinfectant. It can also grow and proliferate in biofilms on the inside surfaces of plumbing piping and components.
Ensure that your water system is safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires' disease and other diseases associated with water.
If you suspect Legionella in your building's water system we recommend consulting the Centre for Disease Control detailing the process and procedures for removing Legionella. EPCOR also recommends contacting a certified testing lab to test your facilities water system.
We work closely with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services to provide important information related to flushing protocols and practices. It's important to note that we cannot provide specific flushing activities at your place of business, but can recommend general flushing practices and important information regarding stagnant water in your home or business.
Government of Canada Building System RequirementsIn response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada has released an important flushing guideline for businesses.
Environmental Science, Policy and Research InstituteCoronovirus Building Flushing Guidance
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning EngineersGuidance to Minimize Legionellosis
U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Legionella Toolkit
Cross Connection Control ResourcesAmerican Water Works AssociationWestern Canada section on Cross Connection Control
American Water Works AssociationResponding to Water Stagnation in Buildings with Reduced or No Water Use
Blackflow prevention is an important way businesses can minimize contamination risk. Our Cross Connection Control Program helps Edmonton's commercial and property owners ensure their backflow prevention is up to code and the water supply to your building is connected. Learn more
