As lockdowns lift, new hazards lurk in the water

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01286-9?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=8952c41133-briefing-dy-20200428_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-8952c41133-44992633

After lockdowns, hazards lurk in the water

Dormant plumbing in offices, gyms, restaurants and schools could harbour infectious bacteria and heavy metals, say researchers studying locked-down water systems to understand how people can safely reoccupy buildings. The longer a building sits unused, the more potential there is for harm. The most important things that building owners and managers can do are flushing taps regularly, carrying out low-cost testing and building up a water-management plan, says environmental engineer Andrew Whelton.

Nature | 4 min read