Water &
COVID-19

The Situation

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a serious and – as we now realize – far-reaching threat to human health. Covering your face, washing your hands and social distancing can all be effective at minimizing your risk. But, what about our water?

Is your tap water safe and reliable? Do you need to buy bottled water? Can flushable wipes be discarded in the toilet? What about those whose water has been shut off? How do they wash their hands and slow the spread of the virus?

Our video answers some of these questions.

What should I know?

  • Our tap water is safe. It is disinfected every day by your local water agency to ensure you are provided with water that contains no risk to you or your family’s health from bacteria, viruses or other pathogens.
  • Our tap water is secure. Water agency staff work around the clock to provide us a safe and secure water supply. There is no need to stock up on bottled water for COVID-19. Actually, tap water is as clean or cleaner than bottled water. It is regulated by the U.S. EPA, and water agencies must monitor and remove contaminants in your tap water daily.
  • Our tap water is dependable. In California, by executive order by the Governor, action by California’s Public Utilities Commission, and voluntary efforts by our local water agencies, your water supply will not be cut-off during this pandemic, even if you have failed to pay your water bill. While you are still obligated to pay your bills, no shut offs during this emergency will ever occur.  If you are living outside of California, please check with your local water authority for recent updates to water provision rules.
  • Flushable wipes may be convenient, but they are a disaster for our sewer-lines. Improper disposal (for instance, flushing them down the toilet) can clog up sewer pipes, making the likelihood of sewage spills higher. They can also reduce the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants – in short, these wipes do not readily degrade: so, dispose of them properly.
  • Proper sanitation is important for all of us. Being able to wash our hands and clean regularly used surfaces is important. During this critical time, it is essential that all of us have access to safe water in our homes. Many people living in other countries – or even in parts of our own – are currently without safe and secure water.

What should I do?

  • Drink your tap water. Unless you are under specific orders by your community not to. Drinking your tap water is cost-effective and safer than bottled water.
  • Don’t hoard bottled water. Plastic pollution one of the largest issues facing our planet.  Plastic does not biodegrade and chemicals in plastic bottles can make it into your bottled water and also our lakes, rivers, streams and oceans.
  • Put your flushable wipes in the trash. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down your drain.
  • Remember that, in California, water service will be provided to every member of your community during the pandemic- and afterward. If you do not live in California, encourage your local lawmakers to ensure water is provided to every member of your community. It keeps us all safer. 

Where can I learn more?