City Of Bedford Utilities Encouraging Building Owners To Implement Water Management Program

(BEDFORD) – The City of Bedford Utilities is encouraging building owners and property managers to consider implementing a water management program in currently unoccupied properties to prevent water stagnation in the service line and plumbing system. 

While Bedford continues to maintain essential water services, the disinfectants with which water is treated can lose efficiency over time when internal plumbing is not being used, which can result in bacterial contamination in the water inside the building. 

The City of Bedford continues systematic valve-turning and line-flushing activities across the service area to keep water flowing and will start that flushing again on May 17 for water mains. 

The City of Bedford 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 has information about creating a water management program during a prolonged shutdown, including information for particular businesses and vulnerable populations here.

Customers with questions or concerns about their water during the COVID-19 emergency or any other time may contact the City of Bedford Utilities at 812-275-7173 or bedfordutilities@comcast.net