For homes or businesses that have been unoccupied for a length of time where water has not been used, it is good practice to flush your water lines before use to remove any stagnant water. It is also a good idea to drain your hot water heater tank using the spigot at the bottom of the tank to remove any sediment that may have accumulated during the period of nonuse.

To flush your water lines, turn on each fixture in your home or business (including showerheads) and flush until clear. This typically occurs in 5 to 10 minutes but can take longer depending on the length of pipe in your home or business. 

Performing these few simple steps are great ways to improve water quality throughout your home or business. For more information please visit the Center For Disease Control's Toolkit.