Water quality: Leased spaces

Leased spaces

• Baseline drinking water quality tests: We are establishing baseline drinking water quality tests for approximately 6,000 leased spaces beginning in FY2024. Leases excluded from this requirement include:
  • Leases with 0 square footage (e.g., parking, antennas, kiosks, etc.) as these are assumed to not have drinking water systems
  • Leases that expire during FY 2024. 
• We will establish baseline drinking-water quality tests for:
  • Legionella
  • Total coliform 
  • E. coli
  • Lead
  • Copper
• Testing schedules will be communicated to agencies at the local level by GSA’s designated Lease Administration Manager.

What to expect during testing at leased spaces

Testing results timeline: Initial results are expected within 30 days. However, due to the high volume of testing, laboratories are experiencing delays, which may affect the timeline. Final reports will be available once the contractor receives all the results and can compile the deliverables.

Response actions: When we receive results that indicate that applicable EPA, state or local thresholds have been exceeded for lead, copper, total coliform bacteria, or E. coli, or when growth is not well controlled for Legionella, the lessor will be required to: 

• Notify tenants and post relevant signage
• Begin corrective actions, such as system flushing and adjusting operational parameters
• Retest the impacted fixtures once corrective actions are complete 
• Notify tenants of follow-up testing results
• Continue with additional corrective actions and testing if deemed necessary