To Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department business customers,
The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) has continued to deliver its services uninterrupted throughout the Coronavirus State of Emergency. This includes sampling and testing our drinking water more than 150,000 times a year.
However, because many businesses have been closed during the State of Emergency, water has not been used at those facilities and has remained sitting in their pipes for multiple weeks.
As Miami-Dade County prepares to reopen in stages, WASD is reminding businesses to flush their internal plumbing systems prior to allowing access to the public.
“Stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria,” said WASD Director Kevin Lynskey. “WASD continues to operate and provide high-quality drinking water to our 2.3 million customers, but our system doesn’t interact with private plumbing systems once the water has been delivered. We want to ensure the
safety of your building water system and devices after a prolonged shutdown.”
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced a set of guidelines for businesses to follow so that they prepare their plumbing systems and devices before reopening their businesses.” said Samir Elmir, Environmental Administrator for the Department of Health (DOH) in Miami-Dade County.
This includes but is not limited to buildings’ plumbing hot and cold-water systems, cooling towers, hot tubs/pool spas, water heaters, and decorative fountains. Following the CDC guidelines can greatly reduce chances for Legionella and other opportunistic waterborne microbes from developing within plumbing systems and devices.
Business owners with questions regarding the CDC recommendations or water quality of their plumbing system can call the DOH at 305-324-2400.
For more information, please click on this link: Reminder to businesses: flush plumbing systems prior to re-opening.
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