Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water: What You Need to Know
Alamo Water Softeners San Antonio – Drinking Water – Water Filtration
Given the current state of health concerns across the country and in the San Antonio area specifically, we thought it would be helpful to go to an amazing resource as the public tries to identify information that can help them make the best decisions for themselves and their families. So, we went straight to the source. The below are the Center For Disease Control’s frequently asked questions on COVID-19 and how it can affect your drinking water. Luckily, we have a fairly reliable system in the San Antonio area that can disinfect COVID-19 if it is found in water.
Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water?
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.
Can the COVID-19 virus spread through pools and hot tubs?
There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
Can the COVID-19 virus spread through sewerage systems?
CDC is reviewing all data on COVID-19 transmission as information becomes available. At this time, the risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 through sewerage systems is thought to be low. Although transmission of COVID-19 through sewage may be possible, there is no evidence to date that this has occurred. This guidance will be updated as necessary as new evidence is assessed.
SARS, a similar coronavirus, has been detected in untreated sewage for up to 2 to 14 days. In the 2003 SARS outbreak, there was documented transmission associated with sewage aerosols. Data suggest that standard municipal wastewater system chlorination practices may be sufficient to inactivate coronaviruses, as long as utilities monitor free available chlorine during treatment to ensure it has not been depleted.
Wastewater and sewage workers should use standard practices, practice basic hygiene precautions, and wear personal protective equipment as prescribed for current work tasks.
Should wastewater workers take extra precautions to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus?
Wastewater treatment plant operations should ensure workers follow routine practices to prevent exposure to wastewater. These include using engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment normally required for work tasks when handling untreated wastewater. No additional COVID-19–specific protections are recommended for employees involved in wastewater management operations, including those at wastewater treatment facilities.
Overall, the risk for Coronavirus in your drinking water is very low given the area of the country that we live in and the national regulations for municipal water service to residents.
Hopefully this helps to answer any questions that you may have about the virus in your water. As always, you can contact Alamo Water Softeners in San Antonio today at (210) 274-6122 to ask any questions that you have and we would be happy to come out and test your water for you and provide a recommendation on how best to protect you and your family. Be safe and wash your hands.
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