Safely Re-Opening Businesses

Agassiz, BC (May 25, 2020) - Property owners and businesses returning to buildings that have been vacant or had low occupancy in the last several months, are encouraged to flush stagnant water from pipes as you work through your start up procedures.

The District of Kent works hard to provide potable drinking water to all local water customers, but it is important for property or business owners to ensure water within their buildings is fresh and clean for themselves, employees, customers and tenants.

Here are ways to reduce bacteria that may have grown in idle water systems:

• Flush both your hot and cold-water systems, including all piping, faucets, shower heads, and ice machines
• Clean and disinfect outlets such as faucets and shower heads
• Clean all decorative water features, such as ponds and fountains, to make sure they are free of slime or biofilm
• Flush safety equipment, including fire sprinkler systems, eye wash stations, and safety showers

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Engineering at 604-796-2235

We have also compiled a series of resources with great reference material and best practices you can access:

• BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC): Legionella guidelines (PDF)
• Fraser Health: Restart Plan – Phase Two
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Guidance for reopening buildings after prolonged shutdown or reduced operation
• Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA): Safely Re-opening Buildings — A Fact Sheet for Building Owners/Operators (PDF