The Environmental Quality and Climate Change Committee has been publishing an environmental tip in each issue of our former newsletter, the In League Reporter. We continue that tradition with this article about how extreme weather and water main breaks can impact your health, safety, and drinking water.
Recent weather events like tornadoes, floods, and water main breaks can affect the safety of your drinking water. When water becomes stagnant in pipes due to these events, it can lead to the growth of harmful organisms such as Legionella, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Naegleria fowleri, and to diseases such as leptospirosis. These organisms thrive in biofilms and calcium deposits that form in pipes and faucets, especially when the water isn't moving and disinfectant levels decrease.
To keep your water safe, run the tap until the water is clear, with no discoloration, odor, or unusual taste. This usually takes at least 2-5 minutes at each fixture. If the water has been stagnant for weeks or months, a more thorough flushing is necessary. This involves running each fixture for 5-10 minutes or longer, especially for hot water systems, to ensure all harmful organisms are removed.
For more information, we link to two articles from the Centers for Disease Control below:
https://www.cdc.gov/control-legionella/php/guidance/building-water-system.html
https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html#:~:text=Overview,been%20found%20in%20tap%20water.
People can take simple steps to protect their homes, property, and health from weather-related damage like floods, tornadoes, and fires. Being prepared can help reduce damage and keep families safe. We also provide links with more information about tornadoes, floods, and fires.
Below are some important references you can consult:
For flood damage mitigation:
https://www.cdc.gov/flo dods/safety/index.html
For tornado preparedness and safety:
https://www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/index.html
https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/protect-home-tornado.html
https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/how-to-prepare-for-weather-emergencies/article_e47d81f9-81eb-4e22-8979-1be34dbaef26.html
For fire and wildfire mitigation:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/home-hardening
https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire
