Norwich — Norwich Public Utilities this week is cautioning business owners preparing to reopen after weeks of COVID-19 shutdown that water in building pipes might have become stagnant and unsafe and should be flushed prior to use.

“This water can become unsafe to drink or otherwise use for domestic or commercial purposes,” NPU officials said in a news release. “It is critically important that the stagnant water and any associated buildup in the plumbing and storage tanks for businesses be thoroughly flushed and replaced with fresh water and the plumbing exposed to the fully disinfected water for a suitable period of time.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends building owners and managers take steps to protect public health by minimizing water stagnation during closures and to address building water quality prior to reopening, NPU said.

For more information about the health risks of stagnant water and guidance on restoring water service to ensure it is safe, see the Return to Service Guidance published by the state Department of Public Health.