According to rigorous testing through the EPA, the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Current evidence concludes that the risk to water supplies is low since RNA from SARS-CoV-2 has been proven to be particularly susceptible to disinfection and standard treatment processes.

However, the events surrounding the pandemic have tested water management systems and have increased the need for preparedness planning across drinking water and wastewater sectors. Most water systems already have effective continuity plans in place, however the EPA recommends that states work with their utilities to review and reinforce these plans in light of the current pandemic.

Understanding the resources available is the first step toward protecting water resources. The following organizations work with water agencies to provide support:

Water & Wastewater Agency Response Networks (WARN) provide the personnel, equipment and more to restore operations during any type of emergency.

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) is the only congressionally-ratified aid and assistance compact that allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist other states during an emergency. The compact covers all 50 states plus Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Water Sector Technical Assistance Programs including the National Rural Water Program (NRWA) and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) provide technical assistance to troubleshoot issues during natural disasters and emergencies.

The EPA also provides a thorough list of State Water & Wastewater websites to provide additional resources for water system operations, including certified operators within a state.

t4 Vault is one such resource that works nationally to quickly provide data management and file sharing with critical team members when and where it’s needed – especially in the midst of an emergency. The t4 Vault virtual workstation allows users to simply drag and drop data into the t4 Vault desktop app to work in collaboration with partners in the sample collection and testing process. t4 Spatial is offering a free 30-day trial period to help wastewater agencies during this world health crisis.

For the latest information from the EPA about COVID-19 and water, please visit this link.

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