FLC | NSF funds study on impact of COVID-19 closures on water quality

NSF funds study on impact of COVID-19 closures on water quality

April 27, 2020

Researchers funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are studying the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of water left sitting in pipes while restaurants, gyms, schools and other buildings are closed indefinitely to prevent the spread of the virus.

In buildings nationwide, water left sitting for long periods of time could contain excessive amounts of heavy metals and pathogens that are concentrated in pipes, researchers say. And the problem of stagnant water may not be confined to buildings that have recently closed. Water could have been bad for months or years in old hospital buildings, for example, that cities are reopening to accommodate a potential influx of COVID-19 patients.

"We don't design buildings to be shut down for months," said Andrew Whelton, a civil and environmental engineer at Purdue University. "This study focuses on the consequences and will help building owners make sure their buildings are safe and operational when occupants return."

The researchers began their study with a Rapid Response Research grant from the NSF. The work involves monitoring water quality in buildings during a period of extended vacancy and upon the return of occupants. It's part of a national effort to advise public health officials, building owners and water utilities on how to safely recommission buildings with low or no occupancy because of the pandemic.

The recommendations are based on implications from other studies of water stagnation in large buildings. Since no study has been conducted on widespread, long-term building closures, knowledge gaps remain on how best to maintain stable water quality during a shutdown. The research led by Whelton's team could start to fill these gaps.

"Part of what we're trying to do is put energy toward helping others develop guidelines so they can go in and start recovering their buildings," Whelton said.

The findings could also have implications for the long process of community recovery after the pandemic has abated.

Bruce Hamilton, a program director in NSF's Directorate for Engineering, said, "This study will help to avoid potentially serious consequences when buildings that are shut down are brought back into use."