Middlesex Water Recommends Building Owners and Managers Begin Preparing Building Plumbing Systems for Eventual Reoccupation

Rhea-AI Summary

Middlesex Water (NASDAQ:MSEX) has issued a warning regarding potential water quality issues in unoccupied buildings due to stagnant water during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company emphasizes the importance of building owners conducting plumbing assessments as businesses resume operations. Stagnant water can harbor harmful bacteria, which poses health risks upon reoccupation. Middlesex Water offers resources from the CDC and other organizations to assist building managers in ensuring water safety and quality.

Positive

• Proactive communication regarding water quality risks can enhance the company's reputation among building owners and local authorities.
• Middlesex Water positions itself as a reliable partner in public health, potentially increasing customer trust and loyalty.

Negative

• The pandemic has highlighted potential weaknesses in water management that could lead to health risks, possibly affecting customer confidence.
• If building owners do not address the plumbing issue, the company may face increased liability or reputation risks.

ISELIN, N.J., May 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As many non-residential customer buildings and facilities, including schools, hotels and gyms may have been unoccupied for weeks and perhaps months during the COVID-19 pandemic, Middlesex Water, (NASDAQ:MSEX) a provider of quality water service since 1897, wants to make building owners aware of an important potential water quality issue.  Here’s why: water that has been sitting idle within plumbing systems of unoccupied or partially occupied buildings and facilities could harbor microbial and other inorganic matter which, over time of non-use, can become a health issue.

The Company recommends that as businesses start preparing their re-opening and return to office plans, those responsible for maintaining building water systems start to conduct a review of their internal building plumbing.  While water in the mains that service customers is continually refreshed and contains a chlorine residual, stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of bacteria.  Failing to proactively address this internal plumbing concern now could result in unforeseen and unintended water quality concerns for occupants once buildings begin to be reoccupied.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Middlesex Water Company has been providing essential water service to support public health protection.  As New Jersey businesses slowly begin their return to work plans, we want to support ongoing public health by alerting building managers of the need to assess the safety of their building plumbing and devices after the prolonged shutdown,” said Middlesex Water Vice President of Operations Robert K. Fullagar.  “This recommendation also applies to schools as well as hotels/motels, spas and beauty salons, fitness centers and gyms.  When water use inside buildings is significantly reduced, water degradation can become a serious issue and should never be taken lightly,” added Fullagar.

Middlesex Water recommends that building owners and managers seek guidance on how to prepare their facility plumbing by reviewing the following resources:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Guidance for Building Water Systems,” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html
  
  
• The Environmental Science Policy & Research Institute, “Building Water Quality and Coronavirus: Flushing Guidance for Periods of Low or No Use”. https://www.rwater.com/media/4664/final_coronavirus-building-flushing-guidance-20200403.pdf

About Middlesex Water Company

Organized in 1897, Middlesex Water provides regulated and unregulated water and wastewater utility services primarily in New Jersey and Delaware through various subsidiary companies. 

Media Contact:

Bernadette Sohler, Vice President – Corporate Affairs
Middlesex Water Company
485C Route 1 South
Iselin, NJ  08830
(732) 638-7549
bsohler@middlesexwater.com

FAQ

What action is Middlesex Water recommending for unoccupied buildings?

Middlesex Water recommends building owners conduct plumbing assessments to ensure water quality as businesses prepare to reopen.

How can stagnant water pose health risks according to Middlesex Water?

Stagnant water in plumbing systems can harbor harmful bacteria and other microbial matter, posing health risks for occupants.

What resources does Middlesex Water suggest for building managers?

The company advises referring to CDC guidelines and other resources for managing building water systems after prolonged inactivity.

How is Middlesex Water addressing water quality during COVID-19?

Middlesex Water is alerting building managers about water quality issues and providing guidance to ensure safe water for reoccupying buildings.