City of Zanesville recommends buildings of all types flush hot and cold water before re-opening

ZANESVILLE – This is part of a statewide COVID-19 transition plan. Low water usage can cause bacteria to grow and can also present other health risks due to the buildup of lead and copper in stagnant water that’s been collecting in older pipes or fixtures.

“As buildings sit stagnant, the water picks up sediment and, so, then, if you would just go right in and turn on your water, the water is not going to be of the high quality that you’re used to,” Zanesville Mayor Don Mason said.

For all types of buildings including office buildings, manufacturing facilities, and restaurants, flushing out your pipes is one of those things that you can do to help assure that both staff and customers are healthy.

“A lot of restaurants have been closed now for more than two months. Hair salons, things of that nature, and especially anything where your serving the public food or a beverage product, you just need to bear in mind that it is important that the health of the customer comes first so flushing out your systems is a good way of starting that new businesses opening off,” Mason said.

A guide for proper plumbing water service restoration can be fond on the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s website and Mason says similar information may soon be found on the City of Zanesville’s site as well.