COVID-19: Drinking Water & Wastewater Related Information & Resources

Many of us have concerns and questions about the safety of drinking water during this time.   The Horseshoe Bay Utility Department understands these concerns and is committed to being responsive to our citizens and the community needs.  We continuously monitor and test the drinking water throughout the treatment process and in the distribution system to ensure its quality and safety.

Below are links to information about Drinking Water and Wastewater Collection as they are related to the current COVID – 19 Disaster Declaration.  We will update this Website as more information is made available related to Water and Wastewater Collection Systems. All information will come from official sites and will be based on factual information only.

RELATED RESOURCES

UNITED NATIONS

Drinking Water:  The World Health Organization adds that the “presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies and based on current evidence the risk to water supplies is low.”

Wastewater Collection Systems:  There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus has been transmitted via sewerage systems with or without wastewater treatment. Further, there is no evidence that sewage or wastewater treatment workers contracted the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which is caused by another type of coronavirus that caused a large outbreak of acute respiratory illness in 2003.

FEDERAL RESOURCES

Drinking Water:  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “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.”

Wastewater Collection 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 below. Although transmission of the virus that causes 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.

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans. The EPA is providing important information about COVID-19 as it relates to drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public.

Drinking Water:  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. 

Wastewater Collection Systems:  The EPA also encourages the public to help keep household plumbing and our nation’s water infrastructure operating properly by only flushing toilet paper. Disinfecting wipes and other items should be disposed of in the trash, not the toilet.

STATE RESOURCES

Water and Wastewater Professionals:  “With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacting communities throughout the world, water professionals are working around the clock to ensure that safe, reliable water service continues to flow."

CITY RESOURCES

  • City of Horseshoe Bay

Water and Wastewater Professionals: As our employees continue to provide water and wastewater services to the community, the Utility Department will follow the guidance of the American Water Works Association and the CDC to protect our employees from potential exposure and safeguard their ability to operate and maintain the water and wastewater systems.

Guidance for working with Utility Employees