As businesses work to reopen in the wake of yesterday’s announcement from the Government of Ontario, it is important that they take the time to flush all areas of their building’s plumbing before using the water supply. This is particularly important for buildings that may have been unoccupied for the last several weeks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city strongly recommends that businesses take time to evaluate the plumbing in their buildings and thoroughly flush areas that may be used for drinking water or material production. Prolonged stagnation of water can present serious water quality challenges.
The disinfectant in the city’s water supply depletes over time as it sits in pipes without being used. This allows potentially harmful organisms to grow inside those pipes creating a health risk. Discoloured water is also possible as a result of chemistry changes from prolonged stagnation.
For further guidance, businesses should read the brochure on the Quinte West COVID-19 business resources page to develop a plan to flush their tap. For more information, including links to documents that will help ensure water safety, visit our business resources page.
Release from the City of Quinte West
