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Considerations for large building water quality after extended stagnation
Caitlin R Proctor1, William J Rhoads2, Tim Keane3
1Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Engineering Purdue University West Lafayette Indiana.
AWWA Water Science
|August 25, 2020
Summary
Building closures during the COVID-19 pandemic risk stagnant water, posing health hazards. This work synthesizes strategies for preventing and remediating water stagnation in large buildings to ensure occupant safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Building Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Building closures due to COVID-19 increase the risk of water stagnation in plumbing systems.
- Stagnant water can harbor chemical and microbiological contaminants, leading to potential health risks for building occupants.
- Existing guidance for managing stagnant water varies in scope and detail.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize preventative and remedial strategies for large building water systems experiencing stagnation.
- To provide a comprehensive resource for organizations developing water management guidance.
- To identify challenges and limitations associated with recommissioning water systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of peer-reviewed, government, industry, and nonprofit sources.
- Focus on preventative practices, routine flushing, and decontamination methods for plumbing.
- Characterization of recommissioning actions, challenges, and safety considerations.
Main Results:
- Identified preventative practices to mitigate the need for extensive recommissioning.
- Detailed specific actions, challenges, and limitations for water system recommissioning.
- Highlighted essential considerations for worker and occupant safety during water system management.
Conclusions:
- Proactive water management plans are crucial for buildings experiencing closures.
- Synthesized strategies offer a foundation for developing consistent and effective guidance.
- Addressing stagnant water is vital for protecting public health in occupied buildings.
Keywords:
COVID‐19SARSSARS‐CoV‐2advisorybuildingcoronaviruscustomerdisasterdisinfectionflushinghealth riskplumbingrecommissioningstagnationwater qualityMore Related Videos
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