Re-Opening Your Building? Consider Flushing Your Water System Using Ohio EPA’s Guidance!

Yesterday, the Ohio EPA recirculated guidance previously published in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health on the importance of flushing water systems in facilities that were previously left vacant.  The flushing will help to mitigate risks of bacterial and other contaminant buildups that can occur when water is left stagnant for prolonged periods.  The guidance is especially relevant now as businesses begin returning to operation after an extended vacancy due to Governor DeWine’s recent modification of the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order.  Several factors impact what steps are recommended, for instance, the use of the building (including the sensitive nature of expected tenants) and the age, and types, of materials comprising the water system.  Some proactive steps include flushing, sampling, disinfecting and/or filtering.  Building owners, managers, or, for public water systems, the Professional Operator of Record, should consult the guidance and any applicable Water Management Plans for the facility to take the necessary steps to ensure the water being consumed is the same quality as that which is delivered into the facility.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to a Vorys attorney with questions regarding this guidance or with any other COVID-19 related questions.

The guidance can be found here.

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Vorys COVID-19 Task Force

Vorys attorneys and professionals are counseling our clients in the myriad issues related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have also established a comprehensive COVID-19 Task Force, which includes attorneys with deep experience in the niche disciplines that we have been and expect to continue receiving questions regarding coronavirus. Learn more and see the latest updates from the task force at vorys.com/coronavirus.