Article provided by Washington State Department of Health

The Washington State Department of Health needs your help to spread the word about a potential health risk related to limited water use inside larger buildings with complex plumbing. We’ve created a social media toolkit to help you share important safe building reopening guidelines, information and resources with members, partners, colleagues, and others who are, or who work with building owners, managers, and operators.

Background
COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures led to closures and limited use of some buildings, such as schools, office facilities, and commercial sites. Low- or no-water use in vacant or underused buildings increases risk to plumbing systems, including increased potential for Legionella.

Legionella bacteria occur naturally in the environment, usually in water. Legionella can cause a type of pneumonia, called Legionnaires’ disease, and a flu-like illness without pneumonia called Pontiac Fever. People are exposed by breathing tiny water droplets contaminated with Legionella from water fixtures such as showers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. Building users may have a higher risk of exposure because of stagnant water conditions during the COVID-19 related shutdown and when full use resumes.

To prevent illnesses, it is important that building owners and maintenance staff follow safety guidance as they reopen buildings.

Social Media Content
We’ve created pre-made social media content for you to share on your social media channels. Use as-is or modify for your social media posts! Feel free to tag @WADeptHealth in your posts!

Sample messages

• Flushing water lines in low or unused buildings or facilities can help reduce exposure to dangerous waterborne illness, like Legionnaires’ disease. Want more tips for safely reopening buildings you own or manage? Visit www.doh.wa.gov/COVID19/Legionella
• Concerned about stagnant water in the pipes when you reopen low or unused buildings? There are a few steps you can take to ensure the water is safe from bacteria like Legionella. Find out more www.doh.wa.gov/COVID19/Legionella
  
• As WA state safely opens up, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of illness from stagnant water in your building’s pipes. Visit  www.doh.wa.gov/COVID19/Legionella for safe building opening guidance.
• Stagnant water in pipes and plumbing can be a public health risk. Visit  www.doh.wa.gov/COVID19/Legionella for tips on reducing exposure to waterborne health risks as WA reopens.
• What’s your plan to prevent Legionella and other waterborne diseases in your low or unused building as WA state opens up? Visit www.doh.wa.gov/COVID19/Legionella for tips on how to reduce exposure to waterborne bacteria and other health risks found in stagnant water.

Hashtags
#COVID   
#buildingwatersystems   
#legionella   
#safewater   
#WADeptHealth

Photos
Use one of the optional photos below along with sample social media messages or use one of your own photos.

• Social media photo 1
• Social media photo 2
• Social media photo 3

For more information:
Contact Steve Deem – Steve.Deem@doh.wa.gov
Visit Prevent Legionella: Safely reopening large buildings with complex plumbing for guidance.