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COVID-19 and Drinking Water

Americans can use and drink water from their tap as usual.

The health and safety of our members and the people they serve are ASDWA’s highest priorities.  We understand that individuals in our communities are seeking timely and accurate information, and many have questions about potential impacts on drinking water. We hope the following resources from states and our Federal partners will be of value to our membership, the public, and the broader drinking water community.

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Resources for Building Water Systems

The extensive COVID-19 “stay-at-home” orders across the country have resulted in many commercial buildings (offices, hotels, stadiums, medical facilities, etc.) with reduced or no water use. Stagnant water in these buildings can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria, lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectant (such as chlorine or chloramine), and create unsafe levels of lead and copper. Because of these conditions there are special considerations for building water systems that continue to operate in low water flow environments as well as actions that will need to be considered when buildings reopen to ensure safe water. In addition to the CDC’s updated building water system guidance, several resources exist to help address these issues. 

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Wash Your Hands with Soap for 20 Seconds

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Don’t Flush That! Wipes Clog Pipes!

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Got a Question about Disinfection?

Learn More Download Guidance

COVID-19 and Tap Water

COVID-19 Transmission and Water

 


 

Trusted Sources of Information

Learn more about COVID-19 from our federal partners.
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ASDWA’s COVID-19 Feed

ASDWA publishes content covering various areas of the drinking water program. 

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EPA Begins Administering Voluntary COVID-19 Water Sector Survey

October 8th, 2020 Kevin Letterly To support continued water sector resiliency, EPA is conducting a voluntary survey to better understand how drinking water and wastewater utilities across the country have been affected—operationally and financially—by COVID-19.The survey has been released to a pre-identified, statistically representative sample of drinking water and wastewater systems. The 2020 COVID-19 Water Sector Survey will help identify…

EPA Approves Two Disinfectant Sprays to Kill COVID-19 on Surfaces

July 8th, 2020 Anthony DeRosa Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved two disinfectant sprays that can kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The agency reports that both Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist are effective in preventing the spread of the virus on surfaces, based on laboratory testing. Before any manufacturer can legally claim their…

Fifth COVID Relief Bill Passes House and Includes Moratorium on Utility Service Shutoffs

May 18th, 2020 Wendi Wilkes Last Friday, the House passed a $3 trillion coronavirus aid bill that includes a moratorium on disconnecting or terminating service from a utility, including water and sewer, for nonpayment. The latest coronavirus relief package, H.R. 6800, or the HEROES Act, includes funding for individual stimulus, assistance to state and local governments, hazard pay for some…

States File Challenge Against EPA COVID-19 Enforcement Discretion Policy

May 15th, 2020 Wendi Wilkes Earlier this week, New York and eight other states filed a challenge against EPA’s policy on enforcement discretion during the coronavirus pandemic. The policy central to the lawsuit, COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program, was released on March 26, 2020, and announces EPA will consider impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, when determining…

Bringing Water Treatment Systems Back Online – WQA Webinar 5/27

May 13th, 2020 Anthony DeRosa On Wednesday, May 27, the Water Quality Association (WQA) is hosting a free webinar on bringing building water systems back online after a prolonged shutdown. Life After Lockdown: Bringing Water Treatment Systems Back Online Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 11 AM CT Register Now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ADH7yHjnT0G_lGvnrezZFg During the Shelter-in-Place orders, many buildings have sat vacant with…