Pre-and post-flushing of three schools in arizona due to covid-19 shutdown

Rain Richard, Treavor H. Boyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

A one-day water sampling and flushing study was conducted for three schools in Maricopa County that experienced prolonged building inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic: an elementary school, middle school, and high school. Grab samples were taken at hand washing sinks, water fountains, and hose bibbs before and after flushing. Samples were analyzed for free chlorine, UVA254, copper, lead, total trihalomethanes, pH, conductivity, temperature, and Legionella species. All three schools experienced an increase in free chlorine post-flush. Copper concentrations were higher for first draw samples than post-flush samples for all schools. Conductivity, temperature, and pH did not see a major change after flushing. UVA254 values decreased after flushing. Bromoform species saw a 20% increase after flushing at the elementary school. Legionella spp. did not decrease post-flush at the elementary school. Overall, flushing changed the water quality at the schools. However, equipment flushing may be necessary to fully remediate Legionella spp.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere1239
JournalAWWA Water Science
Volume3
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2021

Keywords

  • Building
  • COVID-19 shutdown
  • Chlorine residual
  • Copper
  • Flushing
  • Legionella
  • Mixing valves
  • Schools
  • Tempered water
  • Trihalomethanes
  • UVA254

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Water Science and Technology
  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Filtration and Separation

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