Not many buildings are fully occupied right now in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have developed a guide to help building managers address water system stagnation.

Stagnation within building water systems becomes a concern in periods of low or no occupancy. When water doesn’t move through a system, water quality becomes a concern and issues may arise at an outlet or group of outlets, causing potential health risks.

The Responding to Stagnation in Buildings with Reduced or No Water Use gives plumbing professionals a decision-making framework for building managers to design responses to building water system stagnation.

IAMPO Group executive vice president of advocacy and research Peter DeMarco says the new document is essential at this time: “As buildings reopen across the country, it will be critically important for building owners and facility managers to actively address water quality concerns in plumbing systems due to stagnation.

“We appreciated the opportunity to work with Dr. Rhoads and the other authors on the development of this important guidance document.”

Because of the many differences in building water system operation and design, one set of instructions is not appropriate for all buildings. The guide provides a framework for building managers and a resource that water systems can make use of in supporting the business community in their service areas.

The paper can be found here.