Search

Tennessee American Water Recommends Large Building Operators and Schools to Flush Pipes to Maintain Water Quality


Chattanooga, TN, Apr. 30, 2020 – Tennessee American Water remains committed to keeping our customers informed as we continue to deliver, clean, safe and reliable water services to you during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Extended periods of inactivity can cause lead leaching or legionella growth and that taking proper steps can help minimize potential exposure to both these contaminants. As buildings reopen, businesses, school districts and property management teams will begin the process of restarting building systems that have been dormant for a significant amount of time. These reopening procedures will help in making sure water systems and equipment are in working order.

Tennessee American Water encourages large building owners and operators to adopt a proactive approach that includes proper flushing procedures, assuring the presence of disinfectant residuals, adjustment of hot water temperature, and proper maintenance of building plumbing and heating/cooling systems. Proper flushing of plumbing before reoccupying these buildings is essential to maintain water quality and should be performed biweekly while the building is closed and, if possible, again the weekend before opening.

Consistent with EPA and industry guidance, Tennessee American Water recommends the flushing of pipes to maintain water quality, including:

  • Toilets: At least twice (this will help to move fresh water through the plumbing)
  • Faucets: Run at full flow for at least 2 minutes
  • Showers: Run at full flow for at least 2 minutes
  • Other Appliances/Apparatus: We recommend flushing other appliances and apparatus thoroughly, at full flow, bringing fresh water into the system. Preferably run the water until you are able to smell the chlorine in the water. If you have an appliance such as a refrigerator or ice maker that has a filter, upon completion of flushing, follow manufacturer’s instructions for replacing water filters.

For additional information on flushing you can go to American Water’s fact sheet; the Environmental Protection Agency’s Flushing Best Practices; the Center for Disease Control web page; or the American Water Works Association.

Other Topics

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Holiday Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Thanks to the support of our presenting partner EPB, First Horizon, Food City, and all our great sponsors, the event brought together those from the…

On Wednesday morning, the Chattanooga Chamber gathered a group of Tennessee state legislators for the Legislative Kickoff event, where they shared their thoughts on the upcoming legislative session and their priorities for the new year.  Senator Bo Watson emphasized that…

With the holidays just around the corner, it's becoming the most wonderful time of the year.   Thankfully, it's possible to make this season even more wonderful. When we shop from locally owned, small businesses, we give two gifts rolled into…

Avail Enclosure Systems, a subsidiary of Avail Infrastructure Solutions, has announced a significant expansion of its Chattanooga facility, a project expected to create 82 new jobs and drive more than $10 million in investment in Hamilton County. The expansion reflects…

Over fall break, Tamyus Malone woke up early on a day he could have otherwise slept late. The Howard School senior joined 15 other classmates for a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of a Chattanooga company known around the world.   Opella.  "This…

In an act praised by many across the state, Gov. Bill Lee enacted a recent bill that supports the Tennessee business community in two significant ways: The bill eliminates the alternative minimum property tax. The bill authorizes the state to…

Sign up for weekly updates.