Lockdown Impact on Water

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, buildings throughout India and around the world have been closed for weeks, if not months. As we know, “shelter in place” orders have been implemented worldwide, allowing only essential businesses and facilities—grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities—to remain open during the crisis.

But many nonessential buildings are now reopening, and this would include schools and office buildings. As buildings reopen, one of the things administrators, building owners and managers must be aware of is that the water in those buildings—stagnant in pipes throughout the facility due to the shutdown—may have become contaminated with metals, germs, and bacteria that can impact human health.

A lot depends on how long the facility was closed, the age of the buildings, the quality of the plumbing, climate, if some water was moving through the pipes during the shutdown, and other factors.

While these factors can influence the amount of contamination in the stagnant water, the core issue is that water in buildings is designed to keep flowing. In so doing, “it is cleaning itself of chemicals and impurities,” according to Caitlin Proctor, a postdoctoral fellow at Purdue University in the U.S.

When it is not flowing, contamination can develop, degrading water, which can begin corroding pipes, plumbing materials, and connections. Further, sediment can accumulate that decreases the effectiveness of the chemicals and disinfectants used for treating the water, to ensure its potability for human consumption.

Another consideration is that if consumed, stagnant water invariably has a very unpleasant taste, may have a brown color when dispensed from a faucet, and even an odor.

According to Andrew Whelton, also a professor at Purdue University, we should not underestimate the impact stagnant water can have on human health. “It increases the probability of high levels of chemicals and pollutants [developing in the water], which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea due to contaminated water.”

But that is not all— stagnant water can also cause Legionnaire’s disease. Many of us think this disease is the result of pathogens released from HVAC systems inhaled by people in a hotel. But what often causes the pathogens to develop in the first place is stagnant water in the plumbing flowing to and in these systems. With stagnation, Legionella bacteria can develop. This is what causes Legionnaire’s disease.

Interestingly, and unfortunately, Legionnaire’s disease produces many of the same symptoms as COVID-19. This can confuse doctors, delaying possible treatments. For instance, one man had severe symptoms similar to those of coronavirus. His temperature even reached 104.7°F/40°C. But each time he was tested for the virus—a total of four times—he came out negative.

Doctors later realized that he had Legionnaire’s. Further, the doctors determined that he likely had contracted the disease by drinking what was called “compromised water” in a building that had recently reopened.

So, what can building owners and managers do about this situation? Among the steps to take are the following:

Check filters at water entry to the building.

Most facilities are connected to a water grid that delivers water to all the homes and facilities in an area. Typically, there is a filter between the grid and the pipes in the building. This connection point, along with the filters, should be inspected to make sure it is clean and sediment-free.

Remove aerators on all faucets

Remove them, and then clean them with a toothbrush using a disinfectant. Rinse the aerators and allow them to air dry.

Water testing

At this point, we can measure water quality if it is believed this is necessary or should be performed. However, depending on the testing procedure, we should not allow the testing to delay flushing the stagnant water from the building. Our goal now is to get the building open and operating.

General flushing

Run cold water from all faucets for 20 minutes. Repeat with hot water. If this is a smaller facility, it only may be necessary to run the water for about 10 minutes; however, the longer, the better.

Flush toilets and water-using urinals

Flush all toilets at least once. If the water is discolored, flush again until the water is clear. Do the same for water-using urinals. Further, inspect flush handles. Sometimes corrosion or leaks develop if they have not been used for long periods of time.

Waterless urinals

Many facilities in India and around the world now have waterless urinals installed. With these urinals, there is no water so there is nothing to flush. They do not need any special attention.

Water fountains

Each drinking water fountain should be run for at least five minutes.

Ice in refrigerators

Dispose of ice in refrigerators, clean the containers, and then discard two batches of ice. The third batch should be safe to use.

Water Features

If water features such as fountains were turned off during the hiatus, rinse fountains thoroughly before operating; check filtering systems to ensure they are clean and free of debris.

Other Considerations

In-house maintenance professionals can handle most of these steps. However, HVAC systems also must be checked if not cleaned. Stagnant water may have accumulated, and we already know this can result in Legionnaire’s disease if that water becomes contaminated.

Further, we are in a regrettable situation that new waves of COVID may resurface in India and around the world. It is already happening in the U.S.

Because of this, building owners/managers are advised to develop a formalized water shutdown/water reopening program. “Formalized” means that the plan is written down and clearly states what steps must be taken should the facility need to be shut down once again and then reopened.

Further, we must realize that because of COVID, we are not living in one new normal. There likely will be several new normals before we come out of this cloud. These new normals apply to water. A water closing and opening plan will help ensure that everything is done to protect building users and ensure the water in their facilities is clean, healthy and potable.

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Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, Vista, Calif.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues. He can be reached at [email protected].