When students leave campus for summer or winter break, classrooms fall quiet and cafeterias shut down and so does water system. In fact, it becomes more vulnerable. Without routine water system maintenance during academic downtime, stagnant water can accumulate in pipes, reducing water quality and endangering student health.

In higher education environments, this isn’t a simple concern. It’s also about public health, infrastructure, and regulatory issue. When water sits for extended periods, disinfectants degrade, microorganisms multiply, and corrosion quietly damages pipes and fixtures.

As part of EAI’s “The Water Industry is All Industry” campaign, this article outlines how university facilities teams can properly maintain their water systems during low-occupancy periods. From understanding stagnation risks to implementing best practices for flushing and filtration system maintenance, we’re here to support safer, more reliable water systems year-round.

Why Seasonal Stagnation Is a Real Problem for Campuses

University water systems such as cooling towers, sinks, drinking water lines, water heaters, and toilets are engineered to support the high, continuous flow demanded by active student and faculty populations. But once buildings sit idle during summer, winter recess, or extended breaks, these same systems become vulnerable to stagnation.

When water remains still for a long period, circulation halts, and the following risks emerge:

• Loss of disinfectant protection: Chlorine and other sanitizers degrade over time, leaving the water more vulnerable to bacteria and other microorganisms.
• Biofilm and bacterial growth: Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for biofilm, bacteria, and pathogens like Legionella, especially in warm, dark areas of the system.
• Corrosion and scaling: Without flow, chemical imbalances accelerate corrosion and cause mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium to form scale on metal surfaces and fixtures.
• Odors and discoloration: Still water can accumulate debris, sediment, and contaminants, leading to unpleasant odors, colored tap water, and clogged fixtures.
• Insects in stagnant water: In some cases, standing water in unused lines or exposed fixtures can even attract insects or harbor other pests.

University buildings often include complex water systems that serve science labs, locker rooms, dining halls, and dormitories. If not addressed through routine system maintenance, just a few weeks of stagnation can result in low water flow, clogged pipes, or damaged infrastructure. When this snowballs, it can pose serious health risks for students and staff.

Signs of Stagnation in University Water Systems

Seasonal shutdowns and reduced building usage can quietly disrupt water quality in even the most well-maintained campuses. Unlike single-building residential systems, university water infrastructure spans across different offices with unique flow patterns. Without coordinated water system maintenance, signs of stagnation often surface too late.

Here are common red flags that may indicate stagnant or contaminated water within a campus water system:

• Discolored or cloudy tap water: Often caused by sediment buildup or pipe corrosion, this can signal that water has been sitting too long and carrying contaminants or debris through the lines.
• Foul odors from faucets or drains: A sulfur-like or musty smell typically points to bacteria activity in stagnant water, especially where disinfection has broken down.
• Inconsistent or low water pressure: This may result from clogged fixtures, mineral deposits, or trapped air within unused pipe sections.
• Banging or “water hammer” effects: Irregular sounds in pipes can occur when water flow is suddenly restored after a long idle period, especially in pipes with trapped air or buildup.
• Visible particles in faucet screens or filters: A telltale sign that sediment or biofilm may be present, especially in buildings that haven’t undergone flushing or visual inspection.

Each of these symptoms suggests deeper problems like bacterial growth, pipe corrosion, or filter failure. Without proactive system monitoring and routine maintenance, small indicators like these can lead to major facility disruptions and pose risks to student safety.

How Stagnation Develops During Academic Downtime

During the academic year, water is constantly flowing through buildings, supporting everything from showers in dormitories to eye wash stations in labs. But with long breaks, reduced occupancy means that much of a university’s water system sits unused, and the conditions for stagnation take hold rapidly.

Stagnation occurs when water remains still for an extended period in pipes, tanks, or fixtures. Without regular flow, chlorine residuals drop, biofilms form, and the risk of dangerous microorganisms increases. This process disrupts water quality and creates structural challenges across the campus.

Several factors unique to universities make them more susceptible:

• Unoccupied dorms and classrooms: When these areas remain unused, standing water accumulates in pipes, leading to potential bacteria and sediment buildup.
• Outdoor irrigation systems: Often shut off seasonally, these lines may hold still water that goes unnoticed until systems are reactivated.
• Special-use buildings: Gyms, theaters, and labs tend to have irregular usage schedules. Their water lines may become clogged or harbor contaminated water if not actively maintained.
• Hot water recirculation loops: Without routine circulation, temperatures drop, encouraging Legionella growth. Proper system maintenance is essential for keeping hot water safe and flowing.
• Filters and pre-filters in RO systems or filtration systems can become colonized by bacteria if not properly maintained or replaced.

Left unchecked, these issues not only impact water quality but can also result in pipe degradation, premature filter failure, and even systemwide disruptions when the campus reopens.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Stagnation

Preventing water stagnation during academic breaks doesn’t always require system overhauls but disciplined, strategic water system maintenance. By adopting regular flushing schedules, inspections, and monitoring protocols, facilities teams can protect both infrastructure and public health.

Here are key measures universities can take to stay ahead of seasonal stagnation:

• Establish routine flushing schedules: Flush unused fixtures like sinks, showers, and drinking fountains weekly. Prioritize pipes in unoccupied dorms or wings that experience reduced water flow.
• Test drinking water quality consistently: Regular testing for residual disinfectants, temperature fluctuations, and bacterial indicators helps track water safety and catch stagnation before it becomes a larger issue.
• Maintain hot water loops and heaters: Keep systems between 120°F and 140°F, and routinely circulate water to avoid temperature drop-offs that encourage microbial growth. If needed, boil advisories may be considered for buildings with known issues.
• Inspect and clean fixture aerators and filters: Debris, bacteria, and scale tend to collect at the point of use. Replacing or cleaning these components helps ensure clean delivery at faucets and showers.
• Monitor pressure zones across campus: Low pressure in specific areas may indicate clogged pipes, stagnant zones, or failing equipment. These should be flagged for visual inspection and remediation.
• Document all maintenance activities: A record of routine maintenance, flush events, and test results provides traceability for compliance audits and supports safer building reoccupancy.

Don’t overlook your filtration system maintenance either. Campuses using RO systems, water softeners, or point-of-entry filtration equipment should ensure all filters, pre-filters, and cartridges are inspected and replaced as needed (especially after long periods of inactivity).

Common Maintenance Blind Spots in Campus Water Systems

Even with detailed maintenance plans in place, it’s common for universities to miss key problem areas especially during extended closures. These blind spots in water system maintenance can harbor standing water, foster microorganisms, and degrade water quality over time.

Here are the most frequently overlooked areas on campus:

• Vacant buildings and unused wings: Dorms, classrooms, or administrative offices left idle over summer can hold stagnant water in their plumbing. If not part of the routine maintenance schedule, these spaces can become hotspots for microbial growth and corrosion.
• Dead legs and abandoned fixtures: Old lab sinks, utility basins, or outdoor spigots may still be connected to the active system but are no longer in use. These “dead ends” can trap debris, bacteria, and dangerous levels of contaminants.
• HVAC-associated water lines: Chilled water loops and air-handling units are often connected to the plumbing infrastructure. If left unflushed, they can collect sediment and harbor still water that fosters bacteria.
• Irrigation systems with cross-connections: Irrigation setups lacking proper backflow prevention may allow contaminated water to seep into the potable water supply, especially after long idle periods.
• Inconsistent documentation and oversight: When responsibilities shift between departments or staff changes occur, critical maintenance information is often lost. Without a centralized process to inspect, record, and identify weak points, problems go unresolved until visible damage appears.

To truly protect a campus, maintenance teams need to look beyond the obvious. Proactive inspection of low-use areas, legacy plumbing lines, and auxiliary systems is key to closing the gaps in your university’s water system strategy.

What the Research Says: Stagnation and Its Hidden Consequences

Water stagnation is a well-documented risk to both infrastructure and public health. Research across university settings consistently shows how long-term stagnation can result in dangerous contaminants, weakened pipes, and compromised water quality.

One study published by Elsevier during the COVID-19 pandemic found that stagnant tap water in university buildings had extreme microbial contamination. In 91% of samples where turbidity exceeded 1 NTU, Legionella pneumophila was detected. Residual disinfectants had dissipated, while bacterial plate counts soared beyond safe thresholds. This requires nearly two months of flushing and monitoring to restore safe conditions.

Similarly, a large-scale data review by the Cleveland Water Division, based on over 29,000 pipe failures, showed that temperature fluctuations and long-term inactivity significantly increased the likelihood of pipe breaks and leaks. Lead contamination and scale accumulation were more likely in older systems that hadn’t been part of a consistent system maintenance schedule.

These findings echo what many university facilities already know: aging infrastructure, seasonal dormancy, and inconsistent water system maintenance create the perfect storm for microbial risks, water discoloration, and hidden damage. When pipes sit idle in older buildings (especially those with lead-bearing components) returning them to safe function isn’t as simple as turning the tap back on.

EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions: Implications for Universities

In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) took effect, raising national standards for drinking water safety and pipe infrastructure oversight. While the mandate requires annual sampling in elementary schools and childcare facilities, the implications go much further, especially for universities with aging infrastructure and seasonal building use.

Although higher education campuses aren’t explicitly mandated in the LCRR, the rule has heightened scrutiny across all educational facilities, encouraging stronger water system maintenance practices to protect public health. The LCRR emphasizes identifying lead-bearing pipes, implementing flushing protocols, and enhancing transparency around water quality monitoring.

University buildings constructed or repiped before 2014 are especially vulnerable. Older pipes, solder, and fixtures are more likely to leach lead, particularly after long periods of inactivity. Classrooms, dorms, and labs that sit unused over summer or winter breaks are also at higher risk of bacterial growth and contaminated water.

The rule’s broader impact reinforces the need for campuses to:

• Inspect and document all plumbing system components, especially in older or less frequently used buildings.
• Flush fixtures after breaks to restore disinfectant levels and remove standing water that may carry sediment or contaminants.
• Maintain updated records of system changes, test results, and maintenance schedules to support proactive planning and risk communication.

Additional information about LCRR compliance for large institutions can help shape internal protocols and guide year-round system maintenance strategies.

How EAI Helps Universities Strengthen Water System Maintenance

At EAI, we help higher education campuses take control of their water system maintenance through sustainable, site-specific strategies. From seasonal shutdowns to daily campus operations, our services are designed to protect system performance, ensure regulatory readiness, and support long-term health outcomes for students and faculty.

EAI is the market leader in campus water treatment across Southern California, providing a one-stop solution for:

• Potable water treatment and safety programs
• Cooling tower and boiler chemical treatment
• On-site wastewater reuse and reclamation
• Custom-designed filtration equipment
• Microbial risk monitoring
• Maintenance documentation and program development

Whether you’re managing high-pressure boilers in winter or mitigating stagnation in dormitory wings over summer break, our team helps you identify vulnerable areas, flush and test strategically, and maintain disinfectant levels across your distribution system.

We combine decades of field expertise with advanced chemical and mechanical treatment options. This empowers colleges and universities to improve system performance, reduce downtime, and stay compliant. With EAI, your campus doesn’t just maintain water systems; it leads the way in efficient, resilient, and science-backed water management.

Learn more about our water treatment for higher education.

Protect Your Campus with Water System Maintenance

Seasonal stagnation is a persistent threat to your infrastructure, operations, and community health. Without a proactive water system maintenance plan, universities risk corrosion, leaks, poor water quality, and unexpected disruptions when buildings reopen.

Maintaining your campus’s water systems means more than reacting to issues. It means preventing them. With expert guidance, informed flushing protocols, and smart monitoring, your team can keep water flowing cleanly and safely, even during periods of low use.

At EAI, we help you build a water strategy that supports the entire campus. Ready to reduce stagnation risks and improve your system’s year-round performance?

Let’s protect your campus together. Contact EAI today to get started.