What Mooresville Says Businesses Should Do Before Reopening

MOORESVILLE, NC — Following weeks of a statewide stay-at-home order, businesses across the state will begin opening up as of 5 p.m. Friday when the new Phase 1 reopening plan goes into effect. While the news may be welcome to many, health concerns could emerge if plumbing systems aren't flushed prior to reopening, according to town guidance released Friday.

The health concerns that can emerge during inactivity in a building include mold and Legionella, which causes Legionnaires' disease, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"As the state prepares to enter Phase I of the governor’s three-step plan to reopen, the Town of Mooresville would like to recommend facilities consider flushing their plumbing system prior to customers or employees occupying the building again," the Town of Mooresville said Friday.

Earlier this week, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a modified stay-at-home order that will do away with some of the more stringent mandates under the previous order, such as eliminating the distinction of essential and non-essential businesses and encourages parks to reopen. The new order, which is considered the "Phase 1" of the state's reopening plan, goes into effect as of 5 p.m. Friday, May 8 until May 22, but could be extended. It continues to require social distancing in retail and social settings, and encourages residents to wear masks when they must leave home.

In Mooresville, the state's Phase 1 reopening plan will impact some of the town's services, such as the Mooresville Golf Club and the public library.

“As businesses begin to reopen, the Town wants your customers and employees to come back to fresh, clean water at your facility,” Allison Kraft, Public Utilities Director, said in a statement. “There are some easy steps you can take to ensure that happens.”

Says the Town of Mooresville:
"When water sits in a building where there is little or no activity for a long period of time, it becomes stagnant without people using faucets, toilets, or other items. This can lead to bacteria growth in plumbing, and unpleasant taste or odors. By running faucets (both hot and cold water) for a period of time, businesses can ensure that the water in their facility is the freshly treated water coming from the Town’s distribution system."

More information about reactivating plumbing systems may be found on CDC website here.

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