(BLOOMINGTON) – The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) is encouraging building owners and property managers to consider implementing a water management program (as described below) is currently unoccupied properties to prevent water stagnation in the service line and plumbing system.
While CBU continues to maintain essential water services, the disinfectants with which water is treated can lose efficacy over time when internal plumbing is not being used, which can result in bacterial contamination in the water inside the building.
CBU continues systematic valve-turning and line-flushing activities across the service area to keep water flowing throughout its 420 miles of water mains. Standing water in pipes and fixtures on private property, however, must be addressed by the property manager.
CBU recommends running cold water for 20 minutes once per week in vacant buildings, and conducting another thorough flushing before occupants return to the building.
The purpose of flushing is to replace all water inside building piping with fresh water. Setting the water heater to at least 120°F can also help to prevent bacterial growth.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have information about creating a water management program during a prolonged shutdown, including information for particular businesses and vulnerable populations at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html.
Customers with questions or concerns about their water during the COVID-19 emergency or any other time may contact the City of Bloomington Utilities at 812-339-1444 or utilities.cs@bloomington.in.gov.
