The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced that water fountains everywhere have the green light to get back up and running. In this piece I will highlight the MDH’s main reasoning and research behind this recent decision, and how this may impact municipalities.
Heat-related illness risk 
We are about halfway through the summertime and temperatures
don’t look to be dropping anytime soon. It’s no secret that water fountains all
over Minnesota are placed where people need to be hydrated the most including
outdoor parks, athletic fields, places of employment, etc. MDH officials say
citizens are at a much greater risk of a heat-related illness and dehydration
than catching COVID-19 from the fountain surface.
These resources can help you prepare for extreme heat:
- Review tips for preventing heat related illness and identifying early warning signs:
- LMCIT blog: Protecting workers from heat-related illness
- LMCIT blog: Workers feeling the heat?
- You can use this heat forecast map and tool to plan your weekly workplan:
Videos and graphics: Surface cleaning still recommended
The Department of Health reported citizens are at extremely
low risk of contracting COVID-19 from touching the same water fountain as
someone else. They also reiterate that COVID-19 is not found in the drinking
water dispensed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still is
suggesting frequent cleaning of surfaces especially in shared and public
places, as before.
Refer to the following information for cleaning/disinfection
information:
- LMCIT blog: Make a plan for cleaning and disinfecting workplace surfaces
- LMCIT blog: Cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19 virus
Address water quality risks first
When finally reactivating your city’s water fountains there
are some things to consider before making sure the water is clean and
trustworthy. When water fountains or other fixtures are shut off for an
extended period, there is much more of a chance of water quality problems. A
common example would be the build-up of bacteria such as Legionella.
Here is some guidance
for safely reopening water fountains after shutdown:
- LMCIT Blog: Reopening building facilities with caution
- MDH: Resuming Use of Water Fountains: COVID-19
Submitted by: Michael Neff, Loss Control Consultant
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