Charlotte Water Advises Clearing Water Lines in Unoccupied Buildings
Buildings and businesses that have been closed (or open at reduced capacity) for a prolonged period have reduced water usage, potentially leading to stagnant water inside building plumbing that could become unsafe to drink. Businesses should take steps to flush the building’s plumbing before reopening.
Clearing the water lines, known as flushing, can be done by running the tap water for an extended period in the building. The goal is to turn over the water left in the pipes with fresh, clean water from the public water main. This process will clear the stagnant water when reactivating dormant plumbing systems and ensure the water in the building is safe as well as taste and odor-free before the resumption of regular water use.
Depending on the scale and type of facility, the process of flushing the lines could vary drastically. Charlotte Water recommends that individual entities research guidelines that pertain to their respective industries and buildings. You can learn more by reviewing Charlotte Water’s website. Resources will be updated continuously.