Health & SafetyHomeownersUtilities Posted on: June 27, 2024 Did you know that leaving your home, cottage, or business for prolonged periods of time can be harmful to your water system? It’s true! As fewer people use the building water systems, there is increased potential for water stagnation that can increase the risk for bacterial growth (such as Legionella). The water systems requirements, developed in consultation with Health Canada, include the following measures to help mitigate these risks: Regular flushing of the buildings cold water systems to ensure continued water use while a building is partially occupied or unoccupied. Additional flushing of all fixtures before re-occupancy Flushing your system Flush all cold water taps. Turn on all cold water fixtures (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, refrigerator drinking water, toilets, etc.):. Residential for a minimum of 5 minutes Commercial for a minimum of 30 minutes Flush all remaining appliances and faucets. Open any remaining fixtures such as hoses, external faucets, fixtures, etc. to finish the flushing of your system. Take extra care to remove stagnant water from other appliances including but not limited to: Humidifiers Oral, medical or health care devices Water filters Dishwashers Ice makers Extra considerations include: Ice makers: If you have an ice maker in your refrigerator, please throw away all ice and replace the filter in your ice maker (if equipped). Water supplies for pets: Our furry family members need clean water too. Be sure to empty all water bowls, bottles, etc. and replenish with safe water after flushing your system Be sure to wash your pet’s bowl as well before refilling with tap water. Water filters: Clean or change your water filter as required. If you need more information please contact your manufacture/filter company directly. Resources 1. Alberta Guidance for Flushing Water Systems2. EPCOR Water Quality Resources3. Flushing Your Water Heater4. Orthophosphate in Treated Water FAQs 1. Should my business flush our water lines? All businesses that have been closed for more than three days (with limited water usage) should flush water from ALL fixtures; such as kitchen faucets, drinking fountains, washroom faucets, showers, etc. 2. Where/How do I flush my water lines? Turn on your cold water taps for ALL kitchen faucets, drinking fountains, washroom faucets, showers, etc. 3. How long do I have to flush my water lines for? As per government recommendations, flush all lines for a minimum of 5 minutes. Please see resource #1 to view the information from the province of Alberta’s re-occupancy standard. 4. Who will be paying for the extra water consumption for my business due to flushing the system/lines? A typical faucet that runs constantly for 30 minutes will use a maximum of 0.24M3. For each faucet that equals $0. 49. Each individual business will be covering the cost of flushing their own water lines. There will be a minimal increase on your next utility bill. 5. Is this water line flushing a waste of water? No, this is a normal and necessary part of maintaining a safe and reliable drinking water supply. 6. Do other cities have similar water line flushing requirements? ALL businesses, buildings, and homes that are closed/unoccupied for more than 3 days, with limited water usage, are recommended to complete water line flushing no matter the location. 7. Can I use the water while flushing the water lines? It is not recommended to use the water while you are flushing your lines. Your residents, family members, customers and employees health needs to be the number one priority.