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before restart WSD news
8 May 2020
John Herbert
Director
On 6 May 2020 WSD issued advice in connection with the risk of stagnant drinking water in idle buildings. Here is the WSD
link
What measures should be taken to safeguard the drinking water quality of a premises if the operation of the premises is suspended during a pandemic?
When the operation of a premises is suspended for a period of time during a pandemic, water stagnation in the internal plumbing system will occur and this could lead to the deterioration of water quality.
It is advised that before the resumption of operation, all drinking water taps in the premises should be flushed for at least 2 minutes to remove all the stagnant water from the pipework. For conservation of water, the flushed water can be used for purposes other than drinking and cooking, e.g. cleaning and watering plants.
WSD's advice is somewhat misleading, ALL stagnant water
including water heaters, cooling towers, jacuzzi, hot tubs,
spas, fountains, etc. may contain Legionella bacteria or
other contamination.
Employers have the obligation for Health and Safety,
don't create breathable aerosol during disposal of that
stagnant water!
About the Author
John Herbert is a
veteran chief engineer with more than 30 years international engineering experience, educated in
the United Kingdom, he has worked in the United Kingdom and then across Asia for more than two
decades engaged by international and local companies. He is a Hong Kong Registered Energy
Assessor (REA), a BEAM Professional, and stationed in Hong Kong.