CT Water To Phase 2 Businesses: Flush Those Pipes

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Connecticut Water Co. has been "strongly encouraging" building owners and property managers opening for Phase 2 to flush the water pipes before opening any building that may have been vacant or infrequently used over the last several weeks.

Phase 2 openings began Wednesday.

Utility company officials said water coming from its system into buildings through water mains is "safe to drink and continues to meet all state and federal drinking water requirements." Water that has sat inside a building's pipes for long periods of time can become "stagnant" and may become discolored or allow bacteria to grow or cause unwanted contaminants to leach from pipe materials, water company officials said.

"To avoid these concerns, it is highly recommended to flush the water through the system inside the property prior to resuming regular water use. This ensures that the water consumed is safe to use after the prolonged shutdown," water company officials said.

According to an advisory, most property owners can flush their buildings by running the taps from all points of use for roughly 10 minutes. (For example: showers, all sink faucets, ice machines, drinking water fountains and coolers.) Flushing may need to occur in segments depending on facility size and water pressure. The purpose of the flushing is to replace all water inside the building's piping with fresh water from the water main.

Businesses should replace any filters if water filtration systems are used in the building. Larger facilities may need to take additional measures, utility officials said.

Owners of residential properties that have been vacant should also flush their cold water lines before using or consuming the tap water.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has also provided Return to Service guidance for buildings that have closed or partially closed.