​​Many of you have or are returning to the workplace and might have questions regarding the quality of the drinking water in NIH buildings.

Since our last bulletin, the Office of Research Facilities (ORF) continued taking actions to ensure that plumbing fixtures (i.e., sink faucets) were flushed and serviced to prevent stagnation that could cause the water to have discoloration, an odor, or an off taste.​

As a reminder, there might be appliances in your immediate workplace which may require cleaning or other actions to maintain safe drinking water or water related beverages (i.e., coffee, tea, etc.).

In the event you have one or more of the items below in your area, we recommend employees do the following:

• Flushing water in refrigerators equipped with water taps and/or ice makers
• Flushing water through coffee machines and dishwashers
• Removing stagnant water/ice and replace filters in water-using appliances (BRITA pitchers, Keurig, coffee makers, ice machines, legacy refrigerators with filtered water, etc.)
• Flushing water in eyewashes for 15 minutes when returning to the lab, and weekly thereafter

To remove residual water standing in pipes, allow all water faucets to run 15-30 minutes when initially returning to your office. Care should be taken to minimize splashing and aerosol generation during water flushing.  Thereafter, a 5-minute flush should be conducted weekly to prevent water stagnation and discoloration.

Your water-dependent appliances should be cleaned in addition to flushing (e.g., discarding ice). Consult the appliance maintenance instructions for service/repair requirements.

When filters are used in appliances, they must be replaced after a shutdown and/or not being used over a 7-day period. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions in replacing the filters.

Please note: NIH Policy Manual 1340-3 –Drinking Water Program provides guidelines when consideration is being given to replacing water fountains in NIH facilities.  The key points regarding this Policy Manual includes the following:

• Water dispensers and water bottle fillers are not substitutes for drinking water fountains.
• Use of water dispensers and water bottle fillers in place of drinking water fountains in hallways must be approved by ORF.
• When use of a combination drinking water fountain/water bottle filling station is approved by ORF:
• Only combination drinking water fountains with filter condition and replacement indicators will be considered
• An Institute Center and Office (ICO) funded preventative maintenance contract for filter replacement must be provided.

The following resources provide more information on restoring water quality after reduced operations:

EPA Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use

Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operation

For drinking water concerns/complaints, please contact the Office of Research Facilities at 301-435-8000 or submit a maintenance service request

For illness concerns suspected to be caused from the consumption of potable water at NIH, please contact Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) Drinking Water Program Manager at 301-537-5970 or 301-496-2346.​