North American water associations assure on safe drinking water supplies

The National Association of Water Companies, the American Water Works Association and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies in a joint statement assured that North Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual as COVID-19 is not present in drinking water supplies.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, drinking water supplies remain a safe  way for drinking, cooking and maintaining personal hygiene during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Disinfection processes such as those practiced by water systems across North America provide protection. These processes include filtration and disinfection of surface water supplies and disinfection of ground water sources. These treatments are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses.

NAWC president and CEO Robert F. Powleson said: “America’s water companies share a deep understanding of the importance of the reliability of quality water and wastewater services in our daily lives and during a public health crisis and are committed to taking steps  to help ensure our water systems are functioning both reliably and safely.”

The municipalities and private companies that form the 51,000 community water systems across the US are taking measures to help protect their workforce. They are restricting home repair visits and directing customers to pay bills online, the associations stated.

AWWA CEO David LaFrance said: “Water utilities throughout the United States and Canada are prepared to protect public health in normal conditions and in emergencies, and they are committed to keeping safe water flowing, 24/7.

“During times like these, safe and reliable water service is essential for drinking and food preparation, hand-washing and carrying away waste.”