When buildings and business are closed for weeks or months, this may result in reduced water usage and potentially stagnant water in building plumbing. This stagnant water can become unsafe to drink or otherwise use for domestic or commercial purposes. WI DNR recommends that building owners and managers take proactive steps to protect public health by minimizing water stagnation during closures and taking action to address building water quality prior to reopening. In an effort to aid businesses and municipalities protect drinking water quality as buildings start to re-open following COVID-19 related shutdowns the DNR Drinking Water and Groundwater program has added links and various guidance to its COVID-19 Response Webpage under the tab “Re-Opening/Flushing”.
