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We help support the safety of federal employees, contractors, and visitors by implementing water quality management guidance in federally owned facilities and leased space under our jurisdiction, custody or control.
We are conducting extensive baseline water tests throughout fiscal year 2024 and implementing various water quality management best practices to identify and address potential issues. These steps are aim at minimizing bacteria growth and metal releases in building water systems.
It’s crucial to emphasize that the testing is a proactive best practice and does not imply the existence of a known risk.
Baseline testing
As part of our Water Quality Management strategy, we will conduct baseline testing in the building. This testing will assess the presence of lead, copper, and bacteria, including total coliforms (E. coli) and Legionella.
You will receive a notification for the scheduled testing date.
Contractors will be onsite for routine water testing.
You may continue to drink tap water and use restrooms.
You may see signage posted at designated water fixtures. Do not use these fixtures until signage is removed.
Our water quality management plan: Testing and strategy
Our water quality management strategy is designed to align with key guidelines and standards1. These include:
Leveraging Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resources for Legionella.
Using Environmental Protection Agency regulations for Public Water Systems as thresholds.
Integrating best practices from industry standards such as ASHRAE Standards 188 & 514, in addition to Guideline 12.
Our water quality management practices address the following:
Legionella.
Total coliform.
Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Lead.
Copper.
We are specifically testing for these because results can provide crucial insights into a building’s plumbing infrastructure or incoming water source.
In general, Legionella, total coliform, E. coli, lead and copper can be managed to ensure safe, continued facility use. Effective management relies on taking immediate corrective actions and follow-up testing to verify the effectiveness of those actions.
Corrective actions may include flushing, adjusting water temperatures, or building modifications such as replacing pipes or fixtures. While corrective actions are taking place, temporary measures such as providing bottled water may be necessary where there is the potential for risk to health.
Discover how we are managing water quality initiatives in:
1 Standards being used are not federal regulations but industry best practices.
Proactive approach and guidance
Our new Order for Drinking Water Quality Management (PBS 1000.7A) seamlessly integrates CDC resources for Legionella and adheres to thresholds set by EPA regulations for Public Water Systems. In its development, we collaborated with federal, state, and local agencies, alongside industry experts, fostering an exchange of information crucial for effective water quality management.
The Order
Outlines our requirements nationwide for effective drinking water standards with a primary emphasis on ensuring the health and safety of federal employees, contractors, and visitors.
Establishes a proactive approach to managing drinking water quality in GSA-controlled space.
Includes references and guidance for water system risk management.
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Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories and possessions are set by the Department of Defense.
Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations,
unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where
lodging is obtained.
Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely
surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within
those boundaries."
Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely
surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties,
including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties
(unless otherwise listed separately)."
When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is
located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the
entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties,
even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.
U.S. General Services Administration
