News Talk 104.1 & 1600 WEJS has undertaken an in-depth look at how the coronavirus COVID-19 impacts infrastructure systems in the area and specifically, water and wastewater treatment facilities.
From the EPA guidance issued today,
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.
On March 27, 2020, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler sent a letter to Governors in all 50 states, territories, and Washington, DC, requesting that water and wastewater workers, as well as the manufacturers and suppliers who provide vital services and materials to the water sector, are considered essential workers and businesses by state authorities when enacting restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. Our critical water infrastructure and its operators ensure the safe supply of water to our homes and hospitals, and depend on treatment chemicals, laboratory supplies and related goods and materials.
News Talk 104.1 & 1600 WEJS reached out to Michael Miller, Executive Director of the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority and Williamsport Sanitary Authority for comment on the local systems.
“The health and safety of our customers, employees, and community is our priority. The Authorities have initiated continuity plans to ensure the critical water and wastewater services will continue to be provided to our customers”, Miller said.
In regard to COVID-19 entering local systems, Miller added, “Our normal treatment processes, which are compliant with EPA and DEP regulations, are designed to eliminate viruses. There is no evidence of the coronavirus surviving the disinfection process for drinking water and wastewater. Citizens should remain confident in the use of the water and sewer services.”
Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, received questions asked by News Talk 104.1 and 1600 WEJS this afternoon and received the following from Department of Health, Press Secretary Nate Wardle:
“According to the CDC, the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”
According to the CDC, EPA, DEP, Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority and Williamsport Sanitary Authority existing measures are in place to neutralize COVID-19 in the drinking water supply and the wastewater treatment process.
