| A new AWWA Water Science article focuses on avoiding harmful effects of water stagnation before reopening large buildings
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A new AWWA Water Science article focuses on avoiding harmful effects of water stagnation before reopening large buildings

In a recent AWWA Water Science article, Caitlin Proctor and colleagues synthesized available, peer-reviewed literature on the implications of water stagnation in plumbing systems and practices to resolve issues created by stagnant water.

The coronavirus pandemic necessitated the closure of many buildings, which in turn led to water stagnation in building across the United States and in other nations. Water quality degrades under stagnant water conditions and can pose a health concern for building occupants.

The open access article, entitled “Considerations for Large Building Water Quality after Extended Stagnation,” aims to inform ongoing efforts to create building recommissioning guidance. The authors are Caitlin R. Proctor, William J. Rhoads, Tim Keane, Maryam Salehi, Kerry Hamilton, Kelsey J. Pieper, David M. Cwiertny, Michele Prévost and Andrew J. Whelton.

“We don’t design buildings to be shut down for months. This study focuses on the consequences and could help building owners make sure that their buildings are safe and operational when occupants return,” said Andrew Whelton, a Purdue associate professor of civil engineering and environmental and ecological engineering, in a university press release.

Understanding the science behind when and how stagnation impacts water quality reaching building occupants and knowing the steps that can be taken to remediate building water quality are essential to developing sound protocols for building owners, plumbers, and building occupants. See AWWA’s COVID-19 and Waterborne Pathogen Water Resource Pages for additional information.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 51,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.

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