The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have added some helpful resources for utilities receiving questions about the relationship between COVID-19 and drinking water.

In a statement released by EPA yesterday, the agency said:

• “There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans. EPA is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.
• “EPA has established regulations with treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water and wastewater. COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection and standard treatment and disinfectant processes are expected to be effective.”.

USEPA Coronavirus and Drinking Water